Justin Tomlinson MP with the group at STEP
Justin Tomlinson MP joined his Covingham colleagues on a visit to the Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project.
The Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project (STEP) is a local charity that provides support and skills to Swindon’s young people who experience social exclusion and isolation. Many of the young people STEP work with have suffered considerably in the past, whether it be abuse at home or bullying at school.
Justin joined a group for an evening session focused on building the self-confidence and skills to deal with bullying from peers. The group discussed what counts as bullying as well as how to deal with it, before working in pairs on an activity designed to tackle cyber bullying.
In pairs, Justin and the young people had to list as many social media sites they could, before sharing some of the nasty messages they had received over them. By sharing these, and discussing the importance of reporting it and not replying, the group were able to build their confidence to know what to do when bullied online.
The visit was also an opportunity to see STEP at work in their new home at Nythe Community Centre. Before, the charity worked in shared facilities, but now they have their own home, they have been able to very much make it their own. Wall displays, disabled facilities and the space to create areas for children of all ages, the centre has made a significant difference to the charity and the people it supports.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “I am so pleased I have been to see STEP in their new facilities. The charity does fantastic work for Swindon’s vulnerable young people, giving them the skills and confidence to take part in society and not live a life of isolation.
“I will be championing STEP’s work to the local community so everyone knows they are here and know of the work they do. The group I met today were confident, witty and fun, I couldn’t believe it when the volunteers explained how shy, silent and withdrawn they were when they first came to STEP. This remarkable transformation is a testament to the real difference STEP is making to the lives of our local young people.”
You can find out more about STEP at http://www.swindonstep.org.uk/index.html