Young Voices From Five Rivers Child Care Lead The Way For Anti-Bullying Week 2025

In support of Anti-Bullying Week (10-14 November 2025), Five Rivers is proud to launch Stand Up, Rise Up. This powerful short film, created by young people in care, highlights the impact of bullying and the strength found in standing together.

The project, in collaboration with Bullying Intervention Group (BIG), brought together young people who participated in a residential trip where they came up with the ideas and illustrations for the film.

Fourteen children from across the country took part in anti-bullying training, sharing their stories and lived experiences of bullying. They then wove their stories into a script that reflected real challenges and resilience. Fourteen more young people, then created original artwork, followed by a further five who took on the roles of narrators and filmmakers.

From concept to creation, the young people engaged in every stage, writing, illustrating, narrating and filming. Their creativity and lived experiences forming the backbone of the film’s script and visuals, made this a truly youth-led project.

Watch the film

To accompany the film, adults can now use a specially designed workshop to lead meaningful conversations and facilitate thoughtful discussions with children about bullying, empathy and empowerment. This resource was designed to spark dialogue and encourage positive change.

Download the Anti-Bullying workshop PDF

The theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2025 is “Power for Good”. Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the campaign encourages children and adults alike to recognise the positive power they hold to help stop bullying. Developed with input from young people, teachers and parents, this year’s theme is a call to action, to speak out, offer support, and build inclusive communities.