Today is Odd Socks Day 2020 - here's how to get involved in the anti-bullying campaign

This week marks Anti Bullying Week, an event organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to raise awareness of the damage bullying can do, particularly to young children in schools.

This year’s week has the theme “United Against Bullying”, and runs from Monday 16 November to Friday 20 November.

Aiming to highlight the week and celebrate what makes us all unique is Odd Socks Day, one of the easiest awareness raising charity days to take part in.

“All you need to do is wear odd socks!” explain the organisers.

Here is everything you need to know about it.

What is Odd Socks Day?

“There is no pressure to wear the latest fashion or for parents to buy expensive costumes,” say the organisers. “All you have to do to take part is wear odd socks to your school or workplace, it couldn’t be simpler!”

That means that even the ongoing coronavirus crisis can’t put a damper on proceedings, as it’s easy to take part from home, or wherever you are. Just pick out some odd socks!

Participating schools and workplaces are encouraged to ask participants to make a £1 donation – or any donation you think appropriate – to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, but the organisers say the most important thing is the message of Odd Socks Day.

“Any money raised for us is a bonus!”

When is Odd Socks Day 2020?

Odd Socks day usually takes place on the first day of Anti Bullying Week each year, and this year, it falls on Monday 16 November.

What can I do to mark Anti-Bullying Week?

Teachers and school staff looking to get involved with Anti Bullying Week should head to the event’s website, where they can view and download resources for free, designed so they can be adapted to the ever-changing situations in schools relating to Covid-19.

"They could be delivered online, in smaller groups or as whole assembly groups,” say the organisers. “All the ideas in the pack are designed to help children and adults in a school or early years environment to unite against bullying by celebrating what makes us all unique.”

The website offers a social media pack that includes Facebook banners and Twitter cover images, so members of the public can also get involved.

This year, the Anti-Bullying Alliance are also running a competition, and encourage schools to send them a photo or video that most creatively captures how the school participated in Odd Socks Day.

Winning schools will receive a visit and performance from Andy and the Odd Socks, who have released a cover version of Sham 69’s ‘The Kids Are United’ to raise money for the cause.

All proceeds are being given to the Anti-Bullying Alliance. and you can stream the single on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon.

How can I donate?

You can donate directly to the Anti-Bullying Alliance through their Virgin Money Giving page.

You can also send cheques, made payable to the ‘Anti-Bullying Alliance’ and posted to Anti-Bullying Alliance, National Children’s Bureau, 23 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney, London, E8 3PN.

Make sure you include your name and your address, as the Alliance likes to acknowledge all funds raised wherever possible.

For more information on Anti Bullying Week, head to the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s website

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post

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