Gongs for girls who fight bullies

INSPIRATIONAL... Charlotte Goode (left) and Emma Washington

Pair’s Diana honour

TWO inspirational Hulme Grammar School for Girls pupils have received prestigious Diana Anti-Bullying Awards.

Emma Washington (18) has scooped an individual award for her work with the North-West Anti-Bullying Alliance.

And 17-year-old Charlotte Goode is also a member of the alliance, made up of pupils from across the region, which has received a group award.

The accolades were set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, to recognise outstanding work by young people to help eradicate bullying.

As trained peer mentors, both Emma and Charlotte help younger pupils to solve any problems they have, mediating between staff and pupils, as well as organising events such as peer mentor fairs and a successful fashion show.

And as members of the North-West Anti-Bullying Alliance, the pals have taken part in a number of schemes including planning and running a conference in Blackpool.

Emma, from Rochdale, is studying for A-levels in maths, chemistry, physics and geography and hopes to read geography at Durham University.

She said: “I have never experienced bullying myself but I have always loved the environment at Hulme.

“It is nice to know I have been part of a group that is keeping it a happy place for everyone.

“It is good to know that we have done something that has been recognised and we have made a difference.”

Charlotte, from Marsden, is taking A-levels in chemistry, physics, music and general studies, and is looking forward to studying chemistry at Edinburgh University.

She has suffered bullying and explained: “I just felt if I joined the group I could prevent other people from going through the same thing.

“We are just the beginning. I am sure when we leave here the work will still be going strong.”

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) was founded by the NSPCC and National Children’s Bureau and brings together more than 50 organisations with the aim of reducing bullying.

Alison O’Brien, North-West regional adviser for the ABA, said: “Emma and Charlotte have both done a lot of work in their schools and across the region.

“My whole group — I have got about 30 young people — is just inspirational and Emma and Charlotte are very active.

“They are also both peer mentors in their school, listening to the younger children and supporting them through whatever problems they have.

“I provided the training for that so I know how good they are.”