Miss Wales 2016 will be an ambassador for BulliesOut
The Miss Wales competition has announced a partnership with BulliesOut in order to support young women in Wales who have been the victims of bullying.
The competition – which is the Welsh entry to Miss World - is committed to building the confidence and self-esteem of women in Wales through personal development initiatives, community challenges and charity fundraising through the glamour and fun of pageantry.
In addition, the competition raises thousands of pounds every year for the Miss World charity, Beauty With A Purpose, which helps disadvantaged children worldwide.
In recent years, the competition director, Paula Abbandonato, has heard an increasing level of contestants talk about struggling with bullying either in school, college or the workplace.
As a result, Miss Wales 2016 – who will be crowned on Saturday 16 April at the competition grand final in the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot - will play an active role for BulliesOut as an ambassador in order to reach even more young people across Wales.
Linda James MBE, chief executive of BulliesOut, said: “For young people to know there is support available in their times of need is extremely valuable and we believe that having Miss Wales as part of our ambassador programme will prove very worthwhile, particularly in reaching young women and girls in Wales.”
Paula Abbandonato said: “Our pageant is followed by thousands of young women every year. We see the winner as a role model for other young women with a unique opportunity to support her piers through difficult times. “I feel very honoured to have the Miss Wales competition support BulliesOut and hope we can add some real value to the amazing work that they do. I am looking forward to seeing the new Miss Wales help show that there is help and support for anyone who needs it via the BulliesOut programmes”
BulliesOut is one of the UK’s most dedicated and ambitious anti-bullying charities. Its award winning work is delivered across the UK and Ireland and each year, through with schools, colleges, youth and community settings. The charity provides education, training and support to thousands of young people helping the bullied, the bully and the bystander.