Highlands & Islands MSP gives advise on bullying and recognises the work of respectme

Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant has lodged a motion with the Scottish Parliament acknowledging the work of the nations anti bullying service which is managed by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. The service is called Respectme.

Speaking this morning Rhoda Grant said “ Bullying in whatever form has to be tackled by firm action. I accept that is easier said than done, because the person suffering at the hands of bullies feels anxious, oppressed and intimidated. However, I would urge anyone, whether they be a child, young person, or adult, to confide in someone, try hard to seek support and assistance and keep a diary of incidents detailing date, time, place and the actions of the bully”.

Respectme was launched in 2007 with the vision of creating a respecting, just, equal and inclusive Scotland in which all children and Young people can live free from bullying and harassment.

Rhoda Grant continued “ This week is anti bullying week (17 – 21 November 2014) and sadly we have to admit that here in all parts of Scotland, bullying and oppressive behaviour  is rife, whether that be in our schools, colleges, universities or indeed the workplace. Every school, college, university, or respected business should have an anti bullying policy which all pupils, students and employees  should be aware of. Next month I hope to be in a position to launch a site in the Highlands and Moray called Tobie (www.tobie.org.uk) which  I have set up and has been designed as a signpost offering support for the sufferers of bullying”.

“Decent people should not have to put up with this form of behaviour and no one should stand by and watch as individuals are bullied. My message is clear, let’s wake up to this unacceptable form of behaviour and expose the bullies for what they are, cowards”.

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