Friends Bookmarks 2019
Whilst the ‘Love Me/love me not’ bookmarks were aimed at educating teenagers and women about healthy relationships and behaviours we received feedback from schools other agencies that younger children were also at risk of misunderstanding healthy friendships. In partnership with ‘Our Place’ a voluntary organisation based in Sutton Coldfield we looked at how we could educate primary school children the true meaning of a good friend. Our Place provides antibullying and friendship programmes in Primary Schools across Sutton Coldfield and our bookmarks form part of that programme.
We have also partnered with ‘Cherished’ a local charity supporting girls with low self esteem with regard to further using the bookmarks as part of their training.
Love Me / Love Me Not bookmarks
Love me/ Love me not 2016
Members have been fully committed to eliminate violence against women especially domestic violence. We have supported in many ways a local women’s refuge for over 2 decades. This project was initiated to educate young women and teenagers about healthy relationships and to clarify some of the mixed messages they receive with regard to abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour.
20,000 bookmarks were printed and they were distributed widely across Sutton Coldfield. The bookmarks were distributed from our stand at Sutton Coldfield EXPO 2016 as well as:
– all secondary schools (both public and private) received supplies of the bookmarks to be used as part of their curriculum re health
– Freshers event at Sutton Coldfield College
– Police
– domestic violence refuge and Black Country Women’s Aid which includes a refuge
– GP and dental surgeries and hospitals
– libraries, Waterstones and other book stores
Feedback was extremely positive with many mothers and teenagers identifying individuals who would benefit from receiving the bookmarks. One teacher informed us that she had witnessed controlling behaviours of boys in her school who were in relationships with fellow students. This comment led us to consider at what age our children receive mixed messages about relationships and friendships which gave rise to our next bookmarks in 2019
You are invited to “Orange the World” to support women and girl survivors of domestic violence to stay safe and free of violence. Take action during this years 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day.
It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations like Soroptomist International of Sutton Coldfield around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. So say NO to violence against women and help turn Sutton Coldfield Orange!
If you need help contact: Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Abuse Helpline on: 0808 800 0028.
