Actor George Rainsford, who stars as Dr Ethan Hardy in BBC One’s medical drama Casualty, has become an ambassador for Kidscape. He wants to raise awareness of support available for families who are affected by bullying and to support their anti-bullying work.

Bullying affects up to 40% of children throughout the course of the school year, with approximately one child per classroom experiencing daily bullying.

Kidscape works directly with children and families across the UK. They provide workshops for children and their families teaching confidence and assertiveness skills to tackle a bullying situation. An independent evaluation of Kidscape’s work found that their anti-bullying workshops led to a significant drop in bullying, as well as improvements to confidence and mental health.

They also provide practical support and telephone advice to parents and carers worried about bullying situations, as well as training professionals in how to challenge and prevent bullying in schools.

George Rainsford said:

I think a lot of families worry about bullying and the possibility that their own children are victims of bullying. Being a parent myself, it is something that concerns you. I think the work that Kidscape does is therefore absolutely invaluable. Their work enables children and families to work through issues of bullying with specific, practical advice, to prevent the suffering of young people. We all want our children to feel safe and empowered. Kidscape does just that.

Kidscape CEO Lauren Seager-Smith said:

We’re delighted to have George join our team of Kidscape Ambassadors. It’s essential that families know what to do when their child is facing a bullying situation, as well as children themselves. Many parents come to Kidscape at their wits’ end, wishing they knew what to do to make the situation stop. George can help us reach out to families in need and help bullying stop.

For more information and to donate to Kidscape click here.

Photo: Kidscape