A South Maitland mother has spearheaded an anti-bullying movement, after finding out her own son was being targeted by his peers.
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Cherie Bryson started the Facebook group, #igotu, and within eight weeks has gained nearly 2000 supporters across the country.
The name came from a phrase Ms Bryson used when reassuring her son after he came home upset from the bullying. “We were hearing from the community that they wanted somewhere to go. The kids wanted somewhere to go and feel included, so we thought we could hold a sport day in the park,” she said.
Now, she has rallied volunteers and supporters together for the group’s inaugural community gathering at Maitland Park on Sunday.
“We are hoping through community connection it will help the kids make friends who are dealing with the same trauma, and the families can help each other share ideas on how they are coping and strategies that have helped their own children,” Ms Bryson said.
“We have a group of volunteers all social workers from different not for non-governmental organisations in Maitland who wanted to do something to help the community, namely kids who are being bullied that do not have a support system and their parents who don’t know where to go for help and support themselves.”
The volunteers will be discussing support strategies and child rights with the families.
There will be art, temporary tattoos, basketball, soccer, live music, a free sausage sizzle and cake available for the young people and their families.
“It’s really hard to hear that your child is suffering that way, and I think that’s why we’ve tried to include parents on the day because it’s a good support network for them as well,” Ms Bryson said.
“The goal is to be able to hold these support days every two weeks or monthly so kids who are being bullied have a safe place to go when they are feeling excluded or just in need of a friend and someone to talk to.”
The day will be held at Maitland Park on Sunday from 11am to 2pm.