Schoolkids 'had superb idea' to tackle isolation

Pupils at a Liverpool primary school have been praised for coming up with a novel idea to help classmates who may be feeling isolated or struggling with anxiety.

Students at All Saints Primary School in Anfield are behind Freddie's Friendly Corner - a space in which children can find someone to play with.

The pupils involved had been part of a project run by Andy Robinson, a youth worker and boxing coach who aims to help young people develop into "positive citizens".

He told the BBC: "It's children-run, which is superb. That's what makes me really proud of it, and the support the school have shown throughout really gives them that push."

Pupils are fundraising for the project, which is expected to get up and running after Easter.

It will include blankets, beanbags, pillows and things like fidget toys and colouring books designed to help lower anxiety levels.

The children, who completed one of Robinson's six-week courses at the school, will form their own committee to run the scheme.

The name Freddie's Friendly Corner came from a mascot invented by the children, Freddie the Frog, who they said symbolised "friendship, kindness and looking out for one another".

The young people held a fundraising day, wearing green to symbolise both the Freddie logo and the colour of the space that will be created.

Stacey Prior, a teaching assistant at All Saints, said she "couldn't be prouder".

"The children have come up with this idea just to make a safe space to make all the children feel involved and feel happy and safe in school," she said.

Pupil Olivia explained: "If they're being sad at something that's just happened it'll calm them down."

Classmate Trudie added: "It makes me feel so happy because everyone's in green, everyone's been coming up to me saying they're so excited for this day, so it just makes me feel proud."

Youth worker Robinson said they had driven the idea themselves.

"It's hard, all schools are on budgets and stuff," he explained.

"The idea that the young people don't complain and they actually do something about it, to take the initiative and raise the funds themselves?

"We're looking at possible future councillors."

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