Get Connected and YouthNet join forces in anti-bullying campaign to support young people

Following the closure of the BeatBullying Group, leading UK youth charities Get Connected and YouthNet are joining forces for an anti-bullying campaign to ensure children and young people know they have somewhere to find support.

Get Connected, proudly supported by Dixons Carphone, provides a free and confidential, multi-issue helpline for under 25s across six interactive channels, while YouthNet provide online advice, youth peer forums and signposting for a range of issues including bullying. Both charities are focussed on ensuring that children and young people affected by bullying, discrimination, harassment and anything related to these issues have a safe space to seek support.

Jessica Taplin, CEO at Get Connected, says: "Get Connected and YouthNet are committed to supporting children and young people and we will work together to ensure that all young people know where to go to access help and support.

The closure of Beat Bullying means less education on how to prevent and deal with bullying. At Get Connected, our trained volunteers help hundreds of children and young people every month by phone, text, email and web chat with whatever issue they are facing, from bullying and depression to self-harm. It's crucial that young people have somewhere safe and reliable to turn to. Get Connected provides emotional support, helping young people navigate multiple issues before connecting them with the exact specialist support they need."

Emma Thomas, Chief Executive at YouthNet, says: "When young people need help, very often the first place they go is online. It is vital that they have access to an anonymous, safe space where they can go for the advice and support they need - when they need it. We hope that by working with Get Connected, we can ensure that many more young people who are affected by bullying and other issues have somewhere to turn."

Get Connected and YouthNet services are available every day of the year to provide emotional support, advice and signposting for under 25s. For more information visit www.getconnected.org.uk or www.thesite.org