Healthy Relationship program to combat bullying in Flagstaff

Flagstaff Initiative to Relationship and Spousal Trauma (FIRST) has developed a new proposal for school-based programming that promotes healthy relationships.

FFCS Executive Director and FIRST Director Lynne Jenkinson contacted principals of area schools to determine what relationship issues they might need specific help with, and the results of that survey inspired the proposal for a six-year Healthy Relation-ship Program, something she’s hoping will get off the ground as early as February 2014.

The cost of the program will be covered by a $20,000 grant from Green Shields Canada, a not-for-profit corporation rooted in social responsibility, thereby the schools will bear no cost.

Some of the concerns brought to light from the surveys included bullying, from Grade 4 to 12, including cyber-bullying, as well as family violence issues.

Less prominent but no less concerning were issues of dating violence, self-harm, suicidal statements, underage drinking, drugs, and smoking.
Of specific concern was the practice of self-mutilation called ‘cutting,’ where the person is literally making small cuts on his or her body.

Read the rest of the story in the November 26, 2013 Edition of The Community Press, on newsstands or E-subscription now!