Maidenhead & Windsor

An innovative helpline for parents and carers with concerns about bullying has been launched in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead borough this week to coincide with national anti-bullying week (November 17 – 21), with the theme of "Being Different – Belonging Together".

The new confidential helpline – run by the borough's Family Information Service – provides callers concerned about bullying with advice, tips and guidance as well as a listening ear.

Posters and leaflets advertising the new helpline are being distributed this week to schools, leisure centres and libraries across the Windsor and Maidenhead borough.

Two specially-trained members of the Family Information Service answer calls from 9.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday on 01628 507581 to provide impartial advice to help prevent and stop bullying and encourage early communication and dialogue.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "One of the main concerns for parents or carers who fear that a child in their care is either being bullied or is bullying others is knowing where to turn for advice and support.

"This new helpline will hopefully provide some of the answers to the question 'What can I do about bullying?' in a confidential and supportive way.

"It is vital that parents are encouraged to talk about their concerns as early as possible to tackle any potential problems before they can escalate.

"By working closely with other specialist family support partners in the borough the trained staff members will be able to point callers in the right direction to get the help they need."

The new helpline is supported by the borough's education welfare officers, parent support advisers, the anti-bullying alliance, the borough's safeguarding board and Healthy Schools.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead