Philip Lawrence Awards Network

City Angels raises awareness of bullying and supports vulnerable young people in and out of school, through peer mentoring, role playing and group exercises.

Who we are

16 young people.

Where we're based

Manor, Sheffield

When we started

2004

How we started

City Angels was set up by 17 year old Bridie Pitsch, who decided to take action after bullying drove a close friend to attempt suicide. The name City Angels came from the Guardian Angels who help people on the New York subway.

Our work

City Angels raises awareness of bullying and supports vulnerable young people in and out of school. Young people, including those who have disabilities or learning difficulties, are trained to be buddies/mentors. They also explore issues around bullying through drama, role play, group exercises, videos and board games. The young people work together to design and deliver community based activities.

Future plans

Since winning a Philip Lawrence Award in 2005 the City Angels project, which tackles bullying and promotes community safety in Sheffield, has gone from strength to strength. The award has raised the profile of the work that the young people do, by generating publicity and interest from other schools and youth projects. As well as local radio and newspaper coverage, the young women were invited to the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and asked questions about their project and achievements. “The Philip Lawrence Award has meant a lot to us,” explains Bridie. “It’s meant that some-body has recognised the work of City Angels, and it’s raised awareness of bullying. All of which helps us to speak up for people who are being bullied and to encourage other people to get involved in community work.”

There were originally eight young women buddying eight young disabled people but now there are double that, with another eight recruited and ready to be trained. It is now a continuous rolling programme. It has been easier for the group to get funding since winning the award, with further funding gained from The Princes’ Trust and the Local Community Network. And in the last year, the young people as individuals have also achieved – two of them have changed career direction as a result of their involvement in the project, and are now training in childcare. In particular, Bridie Pitsch, one of the original volunteers, has gone on to win a Yorkshire Young Achievers Award, High Sheriff’s Award, is a regional finalist for the Nationwide Award, and has been short listed for the Young Philanthropist Award.
(Article appeared in the Philip Lawrence Awards Magazine 2006)

Project website

http://www.philiplawrenceawards.net

I never thought supporting a friend who was being severely bullied would lead me to becoming a trained mentor/buddy and working with other vulnerable young people. I’ve learnt so much.

Bridie Pitsch, City Angels