Menu
24/02/2010
Pratt's Bullying Charity Suspended
An anti-bullying charity at the centre of a row with Downing Street has been suspended.
It is alleged some Whitehall staff had contacted the National Bullying Helpline to vent work-related anguish.
The charity's boss Christine Pratt went public with the allegations prompting several anti-bullying patrons to resign. Ms Pratt has also now offered her resignation.
Gordon Brown has denied bullying staff, with Gus O'Donnell, the head of the UK civil service, defending the Prime Minister.
In a statement today, the charity said rivals with "an axe to grind" had "forced our hand".
"Our patrons have resigned at a time when we needed them most," it said.
"Due to the situation at this time we are temporarily suspending our helpline.
"Competitor anti-bullying charities, individuals with an axe to grind and a few others have forced our hand. We are extremely sorry for any distress this may cause to those who need help right now."
The charity again denied being "politically driven" citing the fact a Labour MP hosted its launch at The House of Commons in April 2007.
"We would be pleased to meet with Gordon Brown, to whom we wish no ill, if it would help to remedy the situation," the statement continued.
"We are currently considering the future of the charity. Christine Pratt is prepared to resign if necessary."
She currently works for the charity unpaid.
"It was never our intention to cause hurt or distress to anyone when we set up a helpline," the statement concluded.
(PR/GK)
It is alleged some Whitehall staff had contacted the National Bullying Helpline to vent work-related anguish.
The charity's boss Christine Pratt went public with the allegations prompting several anti-bullying patrons to resign. Ms Pratt has also now offered her resignation.
Gordon Brown has denied bullying staff, with Gus O'Donnell, the head of the UK civil service, defending the Prime Minister.
In a statement today, the charity said rivals with "an axe to grind" had "forced our hand".
"Our patrons have resigned at a time when we needed them most," it said.
"Due to the situation at this time we are temporarily suspending our helpline.
"Competitor anti-bullying charities, individuals with an axe to grind and a few others have forced our hand. We are extremely sorry for any distress this may cause to those who need help right now."
The charity again denied being "politically driven" citing the fact a Labour MP hosted its launch at The House of Commons in April 2007.
"We would be pleased to meet with Gordon Brown, to whom we wish no ill, if it would help to remedy the situation," the statement continued.
"We are currently considering the future of the charity. Christine Pratt is prepared to resign if necessary."
She currently works for the charity unpaid.
"It was never our intention to cause hurt or distress to anyone when we set up a helpline," the statement concluded.
(PR/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2004
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
23 May 2012
Almost 88,000 Racist Incidents Recorded In Schools
The BBC has reported that almost 88,000 incidents of racism were recorded in Britain's schools between 2007 and 2011. A racist incident is defined as, any situation perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person; these can include name-calling and physical abuse. Data from 90 areas showed 87,915 cases of racist bullying.
Almost 88,000 Racist Incidents Recorded In Schools
The BBC has reported that almost 88,000 incidents of racism were recorded in Britain's schools between 2007 and 2011. A racist incident is defined as, any situation perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person; these can include name-calling and physical abuse. Data from 90 areas showed 87,915 cases of racist bullying.
19 November 2009
Moss Criticised Over Skinny Comments
Model Kate Moss is facing criticism after being accused of making a comment which could be viewed as pro-anorexia. The 35-year-old model, who is famous for her waif-like figure, gave an interview to afashion news web-site in which she apparently said that one of her mottos was: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".
Moss Criticised Over Skinny Comments
Model Kate Moss is facing criticism after being accused of making a comment which could be viewed as pro-anorexia. The 35-year-old model, who is famous for her waif-like figure, gave an interview to afashion news web-site in which she apparently said that one of her mottos was: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".
09 July 2009
New Drivers 'Should Face Tougher Regulations'
Most motorists would welcome stricter rules for newly qualified drivers, including banning them from driving at night, a new survey has found. As many as 87% of all motorists want learner drivers to gain a specified level of experience behind the wheel before taking the test, the Direct Line insurance company poll and safety charity Brake found.
New Drivers 'Should Face Tougher Regulations'
Most motorists would welcome stricter rules for newly qualified drivers, including banning them from driving at night, a new survey has found. As many as 87% of all motorists want learner drivers to gain a specified level of experience behind the wheel before taking the test, the Direct Line insurance company poll and safety charity Brake found.
02 October 2003
Shortlist for Britain' best-loved charity award unveiled
The RSPB is one of just five charities shortlisted for Britain's Most Admired Charity Award 2003 – an award which is voted for by the charities themselves. The other charities to make the shortlist for the Britain's Most Admired Charity Award are: ActionAid; NSPCC; Oxfam; and the Samaritans.
Shortlist for Britain' best-loved charity award unveiled
The RSPB is one of just five charities shortlisted for Britain's Most Admired Charity Award 2003 – an award which is voted for by the charities themselves. The other charities to make the shortlist for the Britain's Most Admired Charity Award are: ActionAid; NSPCC; Oxfam; and the Samaritans.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
