Big Dave muscles in on school bullies

On Tuesday 14th November 2006, Connexions Nottinghamshire called on some real muscle to educate young people at the Meden School, Warsop about the perils of bullying.

Former World Strongest Man, Dave Gauder “Big Dave” (pictured) showed his strength by pulling their school bus and afterwards gave a fantastic motivational talk to Year 8 and Year 9 students at the school.

Big Dave who himself suffered severe bullying whilst at school was a fantastic role model to the students and is a perfect example of how his experiences made him the person he is today.

His performance and talk at Meden School marks a timely beginning to kick-start the annual anti-bullying campaign in Nottinghamshire. Anti bullying week, which is being held from the 20th to the 24th November, aims to raise the profile of bullying and help make it an issue that communities address as a whole.

Connexions Personal Advisers based at the Meden School were on hand to offer support for young people suffering from bullying and delivered a session for year 7 students – they are planning more sessions for year 10 and 11 students.

Connexions Equalities and Diversity Manager, Rob Green, says “This is a brilliant and innovative way to get a message across to these young people. It’s a great way to inspire young people who may be being bullied and also to encourage them not to suffer in silence. It might also hit a nerve with others who think it’s OK to bully and make them re-evaluate the effects of their actions”.

The message is clear from Big Dave…. It’s all about respect and if a young person is suffering from bullying they must Talk Talk Talk!

More information about bullying can be found on SortitOnline http://www.sortitonline.com/relationships/bullying-and-abuse, the Connexions Nottinghamshire website for young people.