Kidscape, West Ham United and Basset & Gold team up to beat bullying

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Anti-bullying charity Kidscape, West Ham United and club partners investment company Basset & Gold have teamed up to beat bullying and help children make the move from primary to secondary school.

On 7th May, West Ham players including Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks and Angelo Ogbonna were joined by pupils from two neighbouring primary schools at the East London team’s Academy training ground Chadwell Heath in Romford.

The players shared personal experiences, team challenges and how they’ve overcome them to inspire the 11-year-olds, teach them about how to manage change and stand strong against bullying. Following the Q&A with the players the children were able to have a kickabout on the brand new indoor facility at Chadwell Heath.

The event kicks off Kidscape’s RISE programme of workshops for children moving up to secondary school. The sessions, delivered in schools in England and Wales in June and July, are designed to build children’s confidence and self-esteem as they transition from primary to secondary school. Kidscape will share strategies for managing change, making friends, dealing with bullying and conflict, as well as learning how to speak up. The workshops will reach over 225 children in the first year.

Lauren Seager Smith, Chief Executive at anti-bullying charity Kidscape, says:

“The move from primary school to secondary school can be tough. Hearing positive stories and experiences from role models makes a huge difference to younger people’s confidence and self-esteem, helping them to reach their full potential once they start secondary school.”

West Ham Midfielder Jack Wilshere, who took part in the event, says:

“As a father myself I know the importance of giving kids confidence. The move from primary to secondary school is never easy and by talking to the kids from the local area we’ve been able to give them the confidence to really succeed and make the most of their time in secondary school.”

Karim Virani, Digital and Commercial Director at West Ham United Football Club, says:

“As a football club we are well aware of the importance of coming together as a team in order to overcome challenges. By replicating this approach in the workshop with Kidscape and Basset & Gold, we’re delighted we’ve been able to assist in teaching valuable teamwork skills which can act as a great springboard for those leaving primary school.”

Daniel Smith, Director at Basset & Gold, added:

“Bullying has no place in schools which is why the Basset & Gold Foundation teaming up with Kidscape to deliver this session was so important to us. The skills taught in the workshop mean that children are now able to speak up and get help if they find themselves, or their friends, being bullied.”

About West Ham United FC and Bassett & Gold

Basset & Gold, a city-based investment company operating in the Alternative Finance market, is the official shirt sleeve sponsor of West Ham United. The organisation is committed to a range of social outreach activities from supporting elderly community programmes to state schools sports and PE engagement. Basset & Gold is proud to be working with West Ham United and Kidscape in this unique collaboration to equip children with the skills needed to move on to their secondary school with confidence.

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