Over 14,000 students join Somerset Active Bystander events

The assemblies, part of a campaign to help young people safely challenge inappropriate behaviour or stand up for others, were commissioned by Somerset Council through its Violence Reduction Partnership and delivered by Collaborate Digital.

The assemblies teach students how to recognise when something is wrong and what safe, positive actions they can take to support others without endangering themselves.

Cllr Heather Shearer, lead member for children, families and education, and chair of the Safer Somerset Board, said: "It is wonderful to see young people leading this campaign and helping to create messages that will speak directly to their peers.

"We are also incredibly proud that more than 14,000 students across Somerset are taking part in Active Bystander assemblies.

"This means young people across the county are learning how they can safely look out for one another, whether that is at school or in their wider community.

"We want young people to feel confident that they can make a difference, while being clear that they should never put themselves at risk."

Alongside the assemblies, the Somerset Youth Parliament has launched its own Active Bystander campaign, including videos, an article, audio content, and a PowerPoint presentation - all created by young people, for young people.

Three members of the Youth Parliament from Haygrove School - Kieran, Layla-Jo, and Ruby - helped develop the materials and launched the campaign during assemblies for years eight and nine.

Kieran said: "When Youth Parliament was approached by Mark (Collaborate Digital) and the VRP with the idea of working together on the campaign, we were so excited to collaborate on such an important project.

"Research shows that 55 per cent of young people would stay a passive bystander if they were faced with a situation.

"With the resources that my fellow members and I created, we hope we can reduce this percentage."

Mrs Waller, assistant head at Haygrove School, said: "We are incredibly proud of Kieran, Layla-Jo and Ruby for the time, effort and thought they have dedicated to this project.

"It has been fantastic to see our students working alongside partners from across Somerset to create resources that will have a positive impact on young people."

The project is funded by a grant from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and supported by the Safer Somerset Partnership.