Gainsborough student wants to use her own experience of bullying to help others

Jessica Nicholas, 15, has been successful in her application to join The National Princess Diana Youth Board which involves people who are passionate about decreasing bullying behaviour across the world, and are interested in supporting those who desperately needs helping.

Jessica said: “When I read more about the youth board I knew straight away it was something for me.

"It was a way of me helping others, supporting them and making them feel better about themselves.

"When I was bullied I believed there was no escape, I believed that I had nobody to talk to and I cried myself to sleep every night worrying what would happen to me the next day.

"But when I became a part of a wonderful group of people in student council I started to understand that I shouldn't feel trapped and lonely, and I began to believe that I was no longer alone In the world.

"So when I took the training to become an Anti-Bullying Ambassador, in September 2019, I knew that I could use what I have been through to help others, so when people came to me I knew just how to support them, and I helped them, which was the best feeling I ever felt.

"When I researched about the youth board I knew that I was the right person to sign up. So now I feel like I can help others who feel alone, who feel there is no escape because I have been through it an I have come out stronger and more confident.”

Jessica is looking forward to using her knowledge and experience to tackle bullying.

She said: “I feel overjoyed with being accepted on the youth board.

"I have been given a huge opportunity that I am so proud of. I now feel like I can help more and more people who are going through and have been through what I have.”

Joanna Phillips, assistant principal and careers lead at The Gainsborough Academy said: “This is a great achievement for Jessica and very well deserved recognition for all the work she has completed on anti bullying. We are all enormously proud of her.”