New Corby Lottery-funded anti-bullying youth club ready for action

A martial arts expert mum from Corby is to launch a new Lottery-funded youth club to help children in her community cope with bullying both online and face-to-face.

Emma Morrison, who went to school on the Danesholme estate and then Brooke Weston, moved back to Priors Hall in her home town two years ago.

As a mother she had become aware that her son Blake, six, could be at risk of online trolling and decided to set up a club to help young people help themselves.

She said: "It's becoming a mum. That mother bear factor comes in. The last thing I would want my son to be is bullied or to be a bully. It's a constant worry."

The group called Defence First Youth Society has been awarded £9,990 by the National Lottery Awards for All which has helped Ms Morrison buy martial arts equipment, games and computer equipment.

Meetings will take place at Priors Hall Community Centre on Saturday lunchtimes for children from the age of six to mid-teens and it will be free.

Ms Morrison, 38, who works as an office administrator, said: "This is an opportunity for children to learn about how to defend themselves, not only physically but emotionally.

"I will cover all aspects of self defence and how to remain safe from online trolls, and the old fashioned ones that like to bully physically.

"I think there's a problem. "I think it [bullying] has become more socially acceptable. There's a lot of trolling that didn't happen when I was young.

"There's children over-eating more and that's a problem."

Defence First Youth Society will be organised by Ms Morrison with help from 18-year-old boxer Remy Stewart.

The club will work on a one to ten ratio, has been risk assessed for Covid compliance and both volunteers have been DBS cleared.

She said: "This is a youth club where children can play games, make friends and have a laugh. There will be outdoor games, and self-defence.

"We're lucky because we're getting food provided by Iceland Warehouse, B&M and Asda."

Ms Morrison, who volunteered at a similar project in Great Yarmouth before moving back to Corby, says she has seen at first hand the difference self defence classes can make to children.

She said: "I've seen a lot of young kids go through the course and come out of the other end. It's amazing to see.

"I want them to be prepared. With the recent pandemic, our children's emotional and physical well-being is a priority, especially for those going back to school following an extended break. This will hugely benefit children of all ages.

"It's all about confidence, owning who we are. Everyone is beautiful in their own way.

Defence First Youth Society will start on Saturday, September 12 with the Mayor of Corby officially launching the group at 12.30pm.

Anyone interested in the free group can call Emma on 07958 456 874 to book a place.

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