Oxfordshire school pupils gifted buddy bench for Anti-Bullying Week

In recognition of Anti-Bullying Week, Oxfordshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated a friendship bench to Dunmore Primary School in Abingdon.  

Close to the developer’s Abbey Fields and Kings Gate developments, the school has received a bench inscribed with ‘We sit, we chat and ask each other questions.

We leave as friends, with all good intentions’, for its pupils to use when they need to talk to someone.  

Anti-Bullying Week – which takes place from Monday 14th to Friday 18th November – is led by Anti-Bullying Alliance, which is a coalition of organisations and individuals, with the aim to create safe environments for children to learn, play and flourish without dgement or scrutiny.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance recognises that a small conversation can make a big difference. The organisation has reached millions of people across England and has begun to improve attitudes and behaviours towards addressing mental health.

Sam Bartholomew, Head Teacher at Dunmore Primary School, said: “The friendship bench is a wonderful addition to our playground and provides a comfortable place for children to relax and chat together.”

Campbell Gregg, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Having a space to socialise with peers, create friendships and be open about mental health from a young age is extremely important. We hope that by donating a friendship bench, the pupils at Dunmore Primary School will have the chance to talk openly to each other and staff about how they’re feeling.

“Anti-Bullying Week is an important initiative nationwide each year, and we relish the opportunity to reach out to organisations within our community and provide support for such a deserving cause.” Located on Bailey Crescent in Abingdon, Barratt Homes currently has a selection of two, three and four bedroom homes for sale at Abbey Fields.

David Wilson Homes is also building new homes at Abbey Fields, offering a range of three and four bedroom properties. The developer also has four and five bedroom properties available at Kings Gate.