Businesses offer safe spaces against bullying

Over 30 businesses in Gateshead are displaying NE Safe Space stickers

Concerned parents have started a community movement aimed at tackling bullying.

Over 30 businesses Gateshead have displayed stickers in their windows to show they will offer a safe haven where youngsters can seek shelter if they are being targeted by bullies.

Sonia Webb, who came up with the campaign known as NE Safe Space, said: "Bullying is on on the rise, my son has autism and I'm terrified to let him go out and play."

The initiative, which began on social media, now has its own Facebook group of almost 300 members.

Ms Webb said: "Really we shouldn't have to do this, but for kids who feel scared we feel like they need to know that there are places they can go if they're being targeted.

"We've been blown away by the number of businesses that wanted to get involved.

"We're just starting to put the stickers in the windows and we hope it helps."

Sonia Webb say parents feel "terrified" letting their kids go out and play

The group has also been speaking with Northumbria Police to get more funding for more stickers after being "inundated" with requests.

Thompson's Opticians in Leam Lane was one of of the first businesses to support the initiative.

Karen Vaughan, who works there, said: "If there's a child or teen who is feeling a bit vulnerable, we're just saying our doors are open of you are worried."