Lions Ladies donation to Five Links Turning Point

Last year’s President Dave Parker’s daughter Katie nominated Five Links Turning Point, as this was something that was both personal and close to her heart.

Five Links Turning Point offers support and advice to anyone suffering from the effects of bullying in all its forms.

The steady rise in the number of young people, parents and agencies confidently accessing these services can only validate the need for, and the value of this project. The increase in numbers seeking help and advice highlight both the extent of this tragic, and what could have been, unreported anti-social suffering, and the trust that those most in need have placed in its project managers by taking the first, and what may be for some, scary steps towards healing and empowerment.

Overall, a great emphasis is placed on interaction, friendship, tolerance, empathy, integrity and courtesy. These are positive life skills that will not only benefit those children who are victims of bullying, but also encourage those initiating the bullying, for whatever reasons, to heal the past and shape the future.

Sue Bayly and Jackie Joiner, founders of the Charity, met because their daughters were being bullied, they were both very distressed that the school was not responding to the concerns about their daughters safety. They decided to work together contacting various agencies and advice lines but found that no one worked solely with bullying.

A pilot scheme was run for 6 months and the response was overwhelming. It was soon realised that the demand for support and advice was too big to run by volunteers alone. They gained charity status and secured funding and donations to start this unique project

Katie said “it was both a privilege and Honour to be able to present Five Links with the Cheque” and wanted to thank all those who both raised and donated towards this fantastic sum. She hoped that five Links would be able to put it to good use, and also hoped they would carry on with their much needed work within the community.