Young Bessbrook anti-bullying campaigner awarded by Prime Minister | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Young Bessbrook anti-bullying campaigner awarded by Prime Minister

The founder of an innovative online anti-bullying campaign has been named a Point of Light by Prime Minister Theresa May for supporting victims of bullying across Northern Ireland.

anita2Anita Dennison, 20, from Bessbrook in Northern Ireland, is the founder of an innovative online anti-bullying campaign, supporting other young people and their parents.

After being targeted by cyber bullies, Anita created ‘Don’t Bully!’ working with local police and her school. She has spoken at TEDx and Zeminar, made numerous TV and radio appearances and reaches tens of thousands with the campaign on social media.

Anita delivers anti-bullying workshops in schools with the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum and is involved in a UK-wide mentoring project supporting young people, teachers and parents to tackle bullying.

Anita was presented with her award by the Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson MP, at the launch of this year’s #iWill Ambassadors programme, held at the Houses of Parliament.

Anita is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

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30th-nov-2016-small-boxIn a personal letter to Anita, Prime Minister Theresa May said, “Your innovative anti-bullying campaign is supporting others when they need it most. You should be very proud that the work you are doing is helping so many young people, teachers and parents to tackle bullying.”

Speaking to Newry Times, a delighted Anita said, “It’s an absolute honour to win this award and be part of such an incredible community of inspirational individuals. Being able to help others as a result of my own experiences with bullying is something I never thought I would have the strength to do.

“Having the opportunity to be there for young people and their families from across the world really means a lot to me, as it means that it’s one more person speaking out than what there was yesterday. These last 4 years of helping others realise their true purpose in this world have been the most amazing years.

“I just hope that my achievement shows others that no matter what they may go through in life, they can overcome the tough times, it’s not easy but it’s by all means worth it, ” she added.

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nov-22-2016-big-boxAnita is the 615th winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush.

Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=58559

Posted by on Dec 1 2016. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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