Buddies all over Ireland

MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST NOT FOR PROFIT

Launched in 2022, Chloe Heaslip set up the ‘Be Buddies Not Bullies’ campaign after her brother, Eden Heaslip, died by suicide.

Her brother had experienced bullying during his time in school, and the group are proud to have played a role in Bí Cineálta (Irish for ‘be kind’) - Ireland’s action plan on bullying. The programme is now being taught in all schools across Ireland.

The group of five committee members is now embarking upon a new mission to create a documentary on Eden’s story, which can be shown in schools.

Eden’s sister has been visiting schools across the country sharing Eden’s story and encouraging school children to be kind to one another. She estimates she has been to around fifty schools, but has sent the presentation to “a lot more”.

A school teacher herself in Largy College, Chloe visits other schools on her days off.

“If I have a half day, I’ll go, but it’s just trying to find the availability. That’s why we’re trying to get a documentary so that it’s available in every school.”

Just before speaking with the Celt, she was asked to visit an all-boys school in Mayo to speak to every year group in the school.

“That’s regular. There’s a need for it.”

The core message the campaign wants to share is about kindness.

“Teaching people about empathy and realising that your words have consequences. You might think you are having the craic but you might hurt people and don’t realise it.

“That and words have consequences.

“That’s the main message, Bí Cineálta.”

Chloe has received messages from parents and teachers praising the campaign.

“It’s opening the conversation, that people are not hiding behind the ‘oh it wouldn’t happen in this place.’”

Chloe felt “absolutely shocked” upon receiving the nomination, and “never in one million years” thought their work would be up for the award.

The entire committee are “all really happy that Be Buddies is being brought to another level.

“It’s an honour really,” she said.