#CHEERUPCHARLIE

For some time now, bullying has been a hot topic, particularly as we now know the psychological effect that it can have. Sadly, bullying still goes on in schools, but there are campaigns and organisations working tirelessly to educate and support children around these issues. We have two very special anti-bullying heroes among us who definitely deserve our recognition for the difference they are making.

Shinfield resident, Manu Dhaumya, started United Against Bullies, an organisation that has grown leaps and bounds in the six years it has been running and is ’the destination for any kid who is getting bullied.’ Manu has won many awards for the work that United Against Bullies has done for the community, including the Mayor’s Award for his services in support of our town. Manu wants children to be able to recognise when they are getting bullied and give them the tools they need to stand up to the bullies. Manu also sponsors several local sports teams including the Shinfield Cricket Club and the under 8s Shinfield Rangers girls football team. He has organised many sports charity events including badminton, cricket and football tournaments which really do bring the whole community together.

Social media is playing a vital role in his campaign against the bullies. With a following of around 10,000 people. To find out more, visit: www.facebook.com/manudhaumya777

Over in Padworth, singing teacher and West End performer, Jacqueline Hughes, has started something special too. One of her young singing students, Charlie, had been bullied at school for his love of musical theatre, so Jacqueline reached out to her friends ‘in the business’ asking them to send Charlie a message of support. Her tweet went viral and resulted in a huge outpouring of love and support, with most of the West End casts and a few Broadway shows all sending Charlie a video message and the start of # cheerupcharlie. From then on, it has been a whirlwind of TV appearances, interviews, a YouTube channel and a charity single, ‘You Will Be Found’ from the hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, recorded by a whole host of West End stars, and Charlie, of course!

Charlie has since been trained as an ambassador by The Diana Award which runs the UK’s leading anti-bullying programme and Charlie now campaigns to raise awareness across schools. We love you Charlie.

Show your support by downloading the single here:

https://ditto.fm/you-will-be-foundIt’s great!