Throughout the sessions, Stand Up! facilitated open and honest conversations about the various forms of bullying, ranging from physical and verbal abuse to cyberbullying and social exclusion. Pupils actively participated in discussions, sharing their perspectives and learning to identify the subtle and overt ways discrimination can manifest.

A key focus of the workshops was equipping Year 8 pupils with practical strategies to actively stop bullying. This included exploring the importance of being an upstander rather than a bystander, understanding how to report incidents effectively, and recognising the power of empathy and respect. The discussions also highlighted the significance of celebrating diversity and challenging discriminatory attitudes wherever they arise.

Mr Cooper, Head of Personal Development, added "We were incredibly impressed by the engaging and thought-provoking workshops delivered by 'Stand Up!’. Our Year 8 pupils gained invaluable insights into the different forms of bullying and, crucially, learned practical ways they can make a difference in their school and wider community."

The visit from Stand Up! is part of Co-op Academy North Manchester’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment where every pupil feels valued and respected. The academy believes that by empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to challenge discrimination, they can collectively build a stronger, more tolerant society.