A DROP -IN centre to help victims of bullying has been launched in Girvan in a bid to save lives. 

Spring Back was set up by Malcolm and Anne Kelly after their family was put through a two and a half year ordeal of bullying - and they found themselves passed from pillar to post through social work, council and police. 

The remedy came during a Crime Prevention Meeting in Ayr Police Station when they were put in touch with an appropriate police officer who helped them obtain a conclusion to their problem within two weeks.

They began helping other bullying sufferers....and so Spring Back was born.

Anne explained: “So far we have had a 100 per cent success rate. We believe this group is the only one of its kind in the UK. Some people just want a cup of tea and a chat. Others want us to help them with their problems.”

Malcolm added: “It takes the pressure of schools, police and helps everyone. We started this because of the length of time it takes to address the issue. 

“We are saving lives. Children kill themselves when bullying gets bad. We hold drop-in sessions in the Town House because there are so many different groups which are held there. No-one knows where they are going.”

In some cases, the victim has to move to another class ot leave school at a different time from everyone else.

Anne said: “They should be treating the bully differently, not the victim.”
Although Malcolm and Anne have been running Spring Back for some time, they officially launched in April this year. They have already had positive feedback from organisations in Edinburgh. 

The launch was attended by many people and organisations with letters of encouragement from MSPs and a Scottish Office message wishing them well. 

They have backing from Girvan Town Team, Police Scotland (Ayrshire) Z1 Youth Bar, South Ayrshire Crime Prevention Panel, Beautiful inside and out (charity) and many others and will work with all age groups between 5 and 95.

Behind the scenes are an excellent committee running this programme who are there to give advice or help anyone with their problems. 

They can be contacted by Facebook, email springbackgain@gmail.com or Telephone: 07501 134 914. They also have a drop in centre at The Town House,Knockcushan Street, Girvan. where they can be found on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am until 4pm.