This anti-bullying week Genevieve Brown puts a spotlight on the mental-health pioneer Norah Cooke Hurle.
The third week in November marks anti-bullying week in the UK and this year’s theme is ‘Choose Respect’.
Norah Cooke Hurle (1871-1960) whose blue plaque can be found in Brislington, was a pioneer of mental health reform and greater respect for those with special educational needs.
Norah was a key member of the Somerset Association for Mental Welfare (SAMW) and also donated money to the University of Bristol in order to set up the Department of Mental Health. The Norah Fry Research Centre for learning difficulties at the university was named after her in 1988 with the aim of supporting disabled people in identifying and tackling the barriers they face.
Norah was particularly concerned about the need for better education services for disabled children and argued on the impact exclusion from society would have on people.
Recent research undertaken by the Royal College of General Practitioners showed that 92% of GPs surveyed reported adults with symptoms relating to childhood bullying. This highlights the huge long-term impact social exclusion and emotional distress can have on a person.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) set up Anti-Bullying Week in 2004 with the aim of bringing more awareness to the issue of bullying and the impact it has on the lives of people, particularly regarding children and young people. Their research shows that disabled young people and those with SEN (SEND) are significantly more likely to experience bullying.
The organisation wants to encourage us to ‘celebrate what makes us unique’ and offer free educational packs to schools and parents to help educate children on respecting one another and improved autism awareness for everyone.
With thanks to the efforts of campaigners like Norah, awareness of mental health and greater respect and understanding to those with mental health issues and special educational needs has improved significantly in the last century. This has led to government legislation like the Equality Act 2010 and better resources to support the educational needs of all children.
Norah’s impact can be seen today in South Bristol with Venturer Academy earning global recognition by being named the second best school in the world for children with autism! Opened in 2016 the school was set up after parents came together after deciding they wanted better services for their children.
Nora Cooke Hurle’s blue plaque can be found at 39 Brislington Hill.