Exhibition gives voice to bullying victims
An exhibition will be held at Peninsula Theatre in March to give a voice to the victims of bullying.
The initiative of Umina Beach student Bradley Death, the Regional Youth Support Services has launched an awareness program entitled Throwing Stones to provide support for victims of bullying.
With the help of a Gosford Council grant, the 16-year-old Brisbane Water Secondary College student devised the three-stage awareness program which will involve the establishment of a steering committee, the exhibition and theatre production.
Bradley said he was a victim of bullying at school and following his experiences was determined to make a difference to the growing problem.
"I was bullied through my primary school years and, leading into high school, I moved from a private school, where most of my bullying occurred, into a public school where one tragic event happened," he said.
"I was attacked out of the blue by a student from the same school whom I didn't even know and turning back after these events at school I still feel threatened.
"I was inspired to start this project because of my previous experiences with bullying, and also seeing other people my own age dealing with the effects of depression and other mental illness.
"I wanted to help get their voices out and that is what I am here to do."
Bradley said he greatly appreciates the opportunity Gosford council and Regional Youth Support Services has given him.
"I applied for this grant at the age of 15, and after many meetings with council's cultural development coordinator Elio Gatti he said council was going to accept the grant on the terms that my idea was unique and was giving young people the voice," Mr Death said.
"We are encouraging people from in and around the Peninsula to get involved in the program in whatever way they feel comfortable.
"This can be in the form of artwork, music, stories, poetry or any other medium used to convey the effect of bullying."
Peninsula Theatre will host the Throwing Stones exhibition and open forum from March 12 to 14.
Regional Youth Support Services community liaison coordinator Ms Virginia Walshaw said Bradley's vision to create a voice for bullying victims was inspiring and innovative.
"We are very excited to be involved in the Throwing Stones program which Bradley helped create," Ms Walshaw said.
"Bullying is such an important community issue that needs to be looked at as not just a school-yard phase.
"It can result into problems later in life such as depression and anxiety.
"For me, one of the most shocking things to come from the project is the overwhelming number of adults phoning us for support.
"Through the program we hope to give a voice to victims of bullying and emphasise the growing problem."
For more information or to make a contribution to the upcoming exhibition contact Virginia Walshaw on 4323 2374 or via email at artstart@ryss.com.au
Press release, 31 Jan 2009
Bradley Death, Throwing Stones
Clare Graham, 28 Jan 2009
Interviewee: Virginia Walshaw, Regional Youth Support Services