EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE INSPIRING CHANGE # **ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023** **2** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **A MESSAGE FROM** ## **Our Founder & CEO** Welcome to BulliesOut’s 2022-2023 Annual Report. As we look back on the last year, we are reminded what a privilege it is to be a charity that creates an enormous impact to the lives of those affected by bullying behaviour. These are not easy times for children and young people. Digital devices and the online world are now an integral part of our young people’s everyday lives. Their online and offline communications simply become extensions of one another, and so for parents, the challenge of keeping them safe and managing those interactions can prove a real struggle. In addition to a challenging job market and increasing economy, the day-to-day pressures of living life online and the pressure to project the ‘perfect life’, adds to the increasing pressure on family life. Not surprisingly, we have seen the impact of this on levels of bullying behaviour, children’s friendships with each other, their mental health and wellbeing. Schools are working hard to support them as much as they can, but with decreasing budgets, they are also under significant pressure, and this is why our work so important. We know our work can, and does, make a difference. Delivering workshops that not only raise awareness of bullying behaviour – both online and offline, but challenge behaviours and attitudes, encourage debate and participation, can motivate young people to create a safe, inclusive, and accepting environment. Our training programmes develop confidence and engage and empower children and young people to develop a positive ethos across a whole school community, inspiring them to create an environment that meets the emotional, academic, and social needs of pupils. Despite having a very small team, we respond quickly to those in need of the support our mentoring and counselling services provide, ensuring no-one has to wait longer than 2 weeks for a counselling session. My thanks must go to everyone who is and has been involved in this year’s achievements. I am very fortunate to be supported by a committed team of Trainers, Volunteers and Trustees. It has been a busy year for us, and we have successfully delivered our projects and reached new heights, but as anyone who operates within the Third Sector will understand and appreciate - it has not been without its challenges, but such is our belief and passion for the essential work our organisation provides to those in need, we face each challenge with strength and determination. We have worked hard to keep our charity going and maintain our profile and with your help we can continue. We can give hope and help to thousands of children and young people each year, embedding our support. We are proud of our achievements, but we can only continue to reach those who need our help because of the kindness and generosity of people like you. Thank You. ## **Linda James MBE Founder/CEO** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **3** ## **ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES** The Trustees present their annual report as required by Charity Law together with the Independently Examined Accounts of BulliesOut (the Charity) for the year ended 31st March 2023. ## **Our Values** ## **Our Activities in Delivering our Mission and Impact** We understand that anyone affected by bullying behaviour face a devastating and often long-lasting impact on so many different aspects of their lives. Everyone involved in the bullying cycle can experience trauma and therefore needs support to move beyond their experiences. ## **Ambitious:** We are ambitious, hardworking and dedicated to supporting those we work with. ## **Community:** We will continue to collaborate with organisations and partners in the community to complement the existing resources available. ## **Our Mission** ## **Empowerment:** To support individuals, schools, youth and community settings and the workplace through positive and innovative antibullying programmes and to empower individuals to achieve their full potential. We will strive to deal with the systemic issue of bullying and empower our beneficiaries to speak out and inspire change. ## **Excellence:** Leading the field in best practice and high standards. To continue to grow and deliver our services with experience, passion and skill. ## **Our Vision** Our vision is for all young people to recognise their self-worth and potential and to flourish in a positive, caring environment free from bullying and abuse. ## **Integrity:** We are honest and fair and consistently act in-line with a moral code in all that we do. **4** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **Strategy and Activities** The focus of our strategy is to make a difference to the lives of those affected by bullying behaviour and to deal with this societal issue which prevents people from flourishing and achieving their full potential. Through this strategic framework, we challenge ourselves to bring about significant change and work with and inspire others to do the same. To put it simply, our focus is to deal with bullying behaviour in all forms and we will not stop until it stops. ## **Charitable Aims** Our strategy is underpinned by four strategic aims: - k Awareness Raising – continue to promote BulliesOut as a leading organisation in the field of anti-bullying - k Information & Support – to ensure that information and support is available for all those affected by bullying behaviour - k Partnership Working – to lead, support and work collaboratively with public, private and third sector organisations - k Capacity Building & Sustainability – to develop the capacity of BulliesOut and to achieve sustainable growth BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **5** ## **WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO** ## **10 million** young people are starting a new school term in September and over half are worried about going back to school because of bullying (The Anti-Bullying Pro) According to the National Bullying Statistics by Ditch the Label, a staggering **1.5 million** people in the UK were bullied in the last year alone A further survey by Bullying UK, found that **40%** of young people who reported being bullied experienced thoughts of suicide, and **39%** have self-harmed **Our Impact – How we made a difference in 2022** During 2022 we worked with a total of **19,058** children, young people, and adults. ## **Better Outcomes For All** **78%** of young people who have been bullied at school have been made to feel anxious (The Anti-Bullying Pro) At any one time **over 16,000** young people aged 11-15 are missing education due to bullying behaviour (Natcen Research) ## **over 16,000** It also found that **42%** of young people had to take time off school after they had experienced bullying **Increased kindness and respect** **Empowered, Engaged and Inspired Young People** ## **1 in 3** adults are bullied in the workplace (Slater & Gordon) **Increased resilience and positivity** **6** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS** During 2022 we were able to engage with 19,058 people overall across all our services which is a 47% increase on the previous year. **DOWNLOADS 3847 123 Posters Information Flyers** **119 Journals** **2740 Anti-bullying Activities and Resources** **863 Sample Letters** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **7** ## **ACHIEVING OUR OBJECTIVES** **1** ## **We will help more people and their families affected by bullying** We will help people as soon as they contact us to ensure they recieve the support they need. We will continue to have mentoring at the heart of what we do. Objective 1 – what we have achieved - k We continue to provide a first-class mentoring support to those affected by bullying behaviour - k Our Talk2Us service offers up to 6 funded, 50-minute counselling sessions to those who need support. This has already proved a successful resource and continues to grow - k Our resources are available for download from our website as well as being available in community spaces, schools, and other venues throughout the country Objective 2 – what we have achieved - k We have developed workshops that promote kindness, positive friendships and how to make a difference - k All our workshops challenge attitudes and behaviours and raise awareness of the effects of bullying behaviour - k Using empowering, engaging, interactive sessions, our training programmes develop skills, confidence, self-esteem, knowledge and essential mentoring skills **2** **We will deliver services to proactively change attitudes, promote positive behaviour and improve skills** We are passionate about providing high quality workshops and training programmes and will use our knowledge and expertise to continue to develop our work to ensure it achieves its aims. **3** ## **We will manage our charity as efficiently and effectively as possible** To deliver our strategiv plan, we will invest in four key areas of the charity - our people, our fundraising, our brand and our communications. Objective 3 – what we have achieved - k Investing in our social media content and branding has enabled us to communicate our message more effectively - k We recognise the need to further invest in our people and are seeking funds to support us in this area - k Our fundraising is an area that continues to grow and we are planning to develop a new campaign for 2023 **8** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **WHAT WE DO** We would like to thank the following funders for providing support for this project this year: ## **Growing Skills, Making A Difference** ## **Principality Fund Trial & Learn** A Peer Mentoring programme is bespoke and offers schools and organisations a best practice approach to addressing low level mental health and wellbeing issues, such as bullying behaviour, anxiety and friendship conflict, that can impact on children and young people in their care. Through our programme, we work to engage and empower children and young people to develop a positive ethos across a whole school or organisation community, inspiring them to create an environment that meets the emotional, academic and social needs of pupils and staff. ## **National Lottery – Awards For All Wales** ## **Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust** Peer Support has many benefits, including: - k Creates a positive ethos through the whole school community - k Helps break down barriers between different year groups - k Promotes and encourages friendships - k Increased confidence and self-esteem - k Increased Mental Well-being - k The Peer Mentors gain a sense of accomplishment - k Low level behaviour is identified and dealt with before developing further - k The Peer Mentors gain valuable, transferrable skills for life - k Mentees receive a valuable support network BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **9** ## **Stand Up, Speak Out, Make A Difference** As pupils progress through their school career they will have undoubtedly witnessed, experienced, or even participated in acts of bullying behaviour. Consisting of 12 Interactive and Creative Workshops, this programme engages young people of all ages in developing their understanding of bullying behaviour, where they feel they sit in the cycle of bullying (and where they should sit) and learn positive interventions which will enable them to become well adjusted and empathic adults of the future. Although each of our workshops for young people have their own individual outcomes, each one will also: - k Give participants a clear understanding of bullying behaviour - k Identify types of bullying behaviour - k Reinforce the importance of reporting bullying behaviour and identify methods to do so We would like to thank the following funders for providing support for this project this year: ## **St James’ Place Partnership** ## **Tesco: Groundwork** ## **ASDA Foundation** Our mission is to empower young people through positive opportunities and experiences. Through training, skills based activities and discussions, we will help develop their confidence and skills, improve their well-being, unlock their potential and inspire them to #StandUpSpeakOut against bullying behaviour. We would like to thank the following funders for providing support for this project this year: **10** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **FUNDING** We are very grateful to the following Funders, Corporate Partners and Organisations who have provided BulliesOut with funding and support over the past 12 months to enable our charity and our work to continue. Asda Founation Bad Wolf Studios Cardiff West Rotary Club Comic Relief Community Fund Ginger & Tall HWRK Nigel Owens MBE Principality Fund – Trial & Learn RM Bariatrics St David’s Hotel Tesco – Groundwork Fund The Archbishop of Wales Fund for Children Introbiz Cardiff The Mary Homfray Charitable Trust JP Jacobs Charitable Trust The People’s Postcode Lottery Karolo The Ratcliffe Foundation Lisa Johnson:Vassallo Ventures The 29th May 1962 Charitable Trust Louise Hamlin Martyn Prowel Gartsides Solicitors UKSE Vetro Recruitment National Lottery Awards for All Wales Fund BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **11** ## **IMPACT** Feedback is vital for all our projects to ensure that they remain relevant, appropriate and impactful for all those involved. Below are some of the comments we have received this year: **Playground Pals** Excellent day of training; enjoyed by all. ## **Peer2Peer** I really enjoyed the session and feel more confident on how to successfully mentor children whilst respecting boundaries I enjoyed the course, and it was interesting to see how different factors affect bullying. Diolch yn fawr. A fantastic day for pupils. This will have such a positive impact on the whole school as well as those individual pupils. **Jar of Confidence Workshop** I loved it :) (Girl, Age 10) Thank you so much for coming to our school and our class (Girl, Age 8) ## **Making the Leap Workshop** Lovely resources, great relationship/ discussions with children. Class really enjoyed! Thank you! You were amazing and really helpful (Boy, Age 10) ## **Online Safety Workshop** The trainer was very informative and delivered a great online safety workshop Pupils reluctant to talk about feelings to start, however, the session developed discussion and by the end they were full of conversation to express thoughts and feelings. Excellent resources used so not just discussions. Excellent - thank you! **Changing Attitudes Workshop** A stimulating workshop provided. Good opportunities for discussion provided. A good balance of individual/ group tasks **12** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **SCHOOL STAFF AWARD WALES** BulliesOut once again partnered with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to bring the annual School Staff Award to Wales. This has been very successful over the past two years, and we have seen some fantastic nominations and winners. Our 2022 winners are, Mr Heade from St Peter’s Primary School, Cardiff and Mr Evans, from Blackwood Comprehensive School. As you can see from the nominations received, both teachers were very worthy winners. The Award was sponsored by St David’s Hotel & Spa, Cardiff Bay and the winners were given an overnight stay at the hotel, with breakfast and full use of the spa, plus a hamper of treats. We would like to nominate Mr Jason Evans as he is always there to help and support us. He makes us laugh when we’re sad, he picks us up when we’re down. We always feel that we can talk to him about anything, at any time. He knows our individual needs and will help each of us with things that suit us. We like him, we trust him, and we respect him. Being in school without him would be weirder. We feel safer with him around. He’s a friendly face at any time of the day. We’re really thankful for him. Mr Heade always speaks calmly if ever anyone is nasty to someone or about somebody. He tells people to take a minute and then talks to them about how what they did has upset or hurt somebody. The person who isn’t kind will then apologise and sometimes write a card to apologise. He always talks to the class about what is good and bad behaviour and to be like Jesus. Also, Mr Heade will always gather us all on the carpet when someone has done something wrong to explain why that is horrible behaviour that none of us should do. BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **13** ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** The Charity seeks to have on its Board of Trustees, members with the skills and experience to enable it to be managed in an effective manner. Any new appointment is made at a properly constituted Trustee’s meeting after a thorough interview and recruitment procedure. New Trustees receive a full and in-depth induction highlighting their responsibilities. ## **Membership** Whilst membership is a constitutional requirement, there are many other benefits we to achieve through the programme. All members receive a certificate of membership along with a quarterly members magazine. One lucky member wins a prize in our quarterly ‘member’s draw’ and is featured in the magazine. ## **Legal Status & Objects** A registered Charity, BulliesOut is an unincorporated association with membership, governed according to the Constitution adopted August 2006. Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting or co-opted, up to a maximum of six in any one-year period between Annual General Meetings. The members are individuals or representatives of Organisations and Statutory Authorities interested in furthering the work of the Charity. The Trustee Board fulfils its legal duty by ensuring that funds are spent in accordance with the objectives of the charity. The objects of the Charity, as set out in our Constitution are: - k To provide help, support and information to individuals, schools, youth and community settings affected by bullying. - k To further the advancement of education among children and young people on the physical and emotional effects of bullying. ## **Public Benefit** The Board of Trustees is fully aware of the requirement placed on registered charities to ensure they demonstrate the public benefit of their work and takes due regard of the Charity Commission’s guidance relating to public benefit. ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES** The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the receipts and payments accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare receipts and payments accounts for each financial year In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to: ## **Independent Examiners** The Independent examiners MHA, will be proposed for reappointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. On behalf of the Board of Trustees ## Emma Thomas Trustee Secretary 16th August 2023 - k select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - k observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - k make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **15** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023** 21 August 2023 **16** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 16 August 2023 BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **17** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Summary of Receipts & Payments: Year Ended 31st March 2023** ## **Income: £163,092** ## **Expenditure: £170,060** ## **Net Balance Carried Forward: £105,585** The Trustees are fully aware of their requirement to accumulate sufficient reserves to carry the organisation through periods of decreased funding. Our reserves as at 31st March 2023 are again positive although the Board are fully aware of the need to continue efforts to ensure that these remain positive and increase and develop over the coming 12 months and beyond. ## **Financial Summary** The Board are fully aware of the need to continue to diversify income streams for the Charity, particularly as much focus is now being placed by funders on responding to the cost-of-living crisis. The Board also recognise that there is much work still required by everyone involved to ensure that our income levels continue to rise to match the demands of the Charity in terms of growth and provision of its work. The Board are aware that they need to identify both short and longer term priorities for the Charity for the coming year in order that they can be acted upon with the Board continuing to work as a dedicated team to support the work of the Charity. The Board have noted significant changes to income streams over the past 12 months and the need to address this going forward. **18** BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 ## **LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** ## **Address of Main Office:** Unit T109, Titan House Cardiff Bay Business Centre Lewis Road Cardiff CF24 5BS ## **Website Management:** Karolo Design Portland House 113-116 Bute Street Cardiff CF10 5EQ ## **Independent Examiner:** ## **Trustees:** Emma Thomas (Secretary) Mollie Borg (Chair) – until March 2023 Deborah Holdaway – until August 2022 Sarah Cutting – until December 2022 David Jones – until December 2022 Charlotte Murphy – from December 2022 Kate McIntyre – from March 2023 MHA Oak Tree Court Mulberry Drive Pontprennau Cardiff CF23 8RS ## **Bankers:** ## **Management Team:** Linda James MBE, Founder/CEO Nat West 96 Queen Street Cardiff CF10 2GR BULLIESOUT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 **19** mail@bulliesout.com © Copyright Bullies Out 2023. Registered Charity no. 1123070.