Theo Hewson Betts, aged 12, who lives in Todmorden but who attends Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, has been selected from 100 applicants to be a National Anti-Bullying Ambassador Youth Board Member.
Theo, who attended his first meeting last week, is one of 15 inspirational young people aged from 9 to 17 from different regions across England, who have been selected to sit on the Youth Board.
The Youth Board will represent the views of thousands of schools and young people from across the UK, offering advice on anti-bullying policies and practices. Members will also be given the opportunity to help with the planning of this year’s Anti-Bullying week which takes place in November.
The Diana Award runs the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme, a nationwide peer led initiative with 7,250 trained ambassadors in over 635 schools across the UK. The Diana Award helps the Ambassadors by holding training events, giving them inspiration, practical ideas and top tips.
Theo said: “I am delighted to be part of the National Anti-Bullying Youth Board and I am looking forward to representing young peoples’ views about bullying and sharing best practice. By being a member, I feel I will definitely make a difference to the lives of other young people who have experienced bullying or have been a bully themselves.”
Alex Holmes, Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme Manager said: “I was really impressed with the applications we received for the National Anti-Bullying Youth Board. I am looking forward to meeting up with the board members throughout the year and hearing their views, ideas and recommendations.
“The National Anti-Bullying Youth Board members will provide a true insight into bullying issues throughout the UK and listening to them will shape our approach to bullying for future generations.””
Set up in 2010, the Anti-Bullying Ambassador programme is part of the charity the Diana Award. The programme offers training to schools and youth organisations in Great Britain. The training equips young people and staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively tackle bullying in their schools and communities.
The Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, as a legacy to her belief in the power of young people to change the world.