Students at Shireland Biomedical UTC have co‑produced a new short film for the #FreeTheShoulders Anti-Bullying campaign led by The Diana Award in partnership with Head & Shoulders.
Filmed at Shireland Biomedical UTC (West Bromwich), the film launched on Monday 23rd March 2026 and highlights the impact of appearance‑based bullying on young people while encouraging more open conversations around the issue. The film was produced by GivingBack Films.
This youth‑led project involved (9 students ranging from years 7 to 10) students in workshop sessions to explore what appearance‑related bullying means to them and how it affects confidence and wellbeing. Working with GivingBack Films and The Diana Award, students developed a fictional scenario to create an authentic, relatable storyline. To give pupils the full experience of a production, they took part in every stage - from drama practice and filmmaking to production planning. As a result of the project and the students’ participation, Shireland Biomedical UTC will receive Anti‑Bullying Ambassador training for up to 50 students.
Alex Holmes, Deputy CEO of The Diana Award, says:
“Young people are at the heart of everything we do at The Diana Award. This film shows just how powerful their voices can be. The students at Shireland Biomedical UTC led this process by shaping a story that will resonate with their peers across the country. We’re proud to support them through our Anti‑Bullying Ambassador Programme and to continue creating spaces where young people can drive meaningful change.”
Gulfam Shahzad, Principal, Shireland Biomedical UTC, says:
“Taking part in this project gave our students a meaningful platform and a real voice on an issue that affects so many young people. We are incredibly proud of what they achieved. By being involved in the film, students had the opportunity to explore the topic of bullying creatively and use their voices to raise awareness in a way that can make a genuine difference. They approached the project with maturity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. We hope the film encourages open conversations, gives young people the confidence to speak up, and helps them feel seen, heard and supported, while promoting kindness and respect across school communities.”
To watch the campaign video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlxibMK6Oc
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About Anti-Bullying From The Diana Award
The Diana Award's Anti-Bullying Campaign involves several projects aimed at reducing bullying in schools. One of its main projects is the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme, which has trained over 50,000 young people across the UK to lead on anti-bullying campaigns in their schools.
In 2021, The Diana Award in partnership with Head & Shoulders launched #FreeTheShoulders, a campaign aiming to educate one million young people, parents and adults on how to fight all forms of bullying, including dandruff related bullying.
For case studies, interviews or attendance, please contact:
Emma Pelling 07958 558172 / [email protected] / [email protected]
www.diana-award.org.uk and antibullyingpro.com
Social media
@DianaAward fb.com/TheDianaAward @DianaAward
@AntiBullyingPro fb.com/antibullyingpro @AntiBullyingPro
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