The communities we live in today should be free from Bullying and Harassment, especially for people with Learning Disabilities. However according to statistics from Mencap, 8 out of 10 children with a learning disability have been bullied at some stage in their lives, and sadly many grow up into adulthood with similar experiences.

Stepping Stones NI is taking bullying for adults with learning disabilities very seriously indeed.

Paula Jennings Chief Officer of Stepping Stones comments, “Workplace bullying has become more evident in recent times for people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties, so as an organisation we decided that we had a role to play in tackling this very serious issue – and we are delighted to announce we have received funding from the Leonardo European Programme to do just that.”

“Stepping Stones is coordinating a European project with organisations and universities in Germany, Spain, Portugal and Dublin, the project aims to tackle workplace bullying for adults with learning disabilities and learning difficulties. We aim to produce an online training toolkit which will include background information on the problem, its nature and the current projects, initiatives and approaches to tackling workplace bullying. This will be built on European-wide best practice and will also offer practical guidance and resources for trainers working with people with a learning disability, employers and those working in field of supported employment”

“The Leonardo project is a fantastic opportunity for Stepping Stones to help tackle this issue and to work with other European professionals, share knowledge and experience and transfer our innovation”