Limerick County Comhairle na nÓg, in conjunction with Limerick Youth Service and Limerick County Development Board, will host an anti-bullying awareness concert at Dolan’s Warehouse on Thursday, June 28th at 7:45pm.
‘Stand Up Stamp Out’ is aimed at raising awareness of the growing problem of bullying and its effects on young people. Recent research shows 74% of school children have reported being bullied in the playground or classroom. Incidents of bullying are reported to have increased by 12% in 2011.
Next week’s concert will feature live music, dance acts and guest speakers. Richard Lynch of iloveLimerick.com will speak about the bullying he endured growing up, while Comharile members will talk about their work and how they are trying to address the issue of bullying in schools. There will also be live music on the evening from local acts No Void, Sum Young Wans, The Chicken Goujon Lunch and dance troupe Limrockers. The evening will conclude with lanterns being released into the night sky over Limerick City.
“Bullying in Ireland, like elsewhere throughout the world, is a problem that affects the lives of thousands of school children and their families,” explained Joe Walsh, Youth Worker, Limerick Youth Service.
Commenting on the upcoming concert, Mr. Walsh said: “The evening is a follow on from Comharile na nÓg’s inaugural Anti-Bullying Week last month in which our members visited schools to raise awareness of bullying. The week saw awareness wristbands distributed throughout primary and secondary schools and these will be available on the evening, while one hundred lanterns will be released as an expression of solidarity with victims of bullying. Guests can write their private messages on the lanterns, which will be available on the evening.”
Limerick County Comhairle Na nÓg or “Limerick Youth Council”, which comprises 33 young people from all over County Limerick, was set up to provide a platform for young people to raise issues of importance to them. Every year, Comhairle delegates choose a social issue that they feel needs to be addressed. This year they chose bullying as it is a major problem in schools throughout Ireland.
Admission to ‘Stand Up Stamp Out’ is €5 (includes wristband and lantern) or €3 (excludes wristband and lantern).
