Six years ago in Knox County, Bobby Folden, creator of the hot line “A Friend to Talk To,” lost his ten-year-old nephew due to a suicide connected to bullying. The little boy left a note explaining that he felt left behind and that he was being picked on and bullied in school. For years Folden wondered how he could have saved his nephew’s life. About a month ago, the hot line “A Friend to Talk To,” came into play. In the month the hot line has been available, they have received two phone calls. One woman called about how she feels put down at work. Another phone call was received from a student who said that he or she is being bullied online. They also have a Facebook page, where five people have contacted Folden and his volunteers. “They don’t have to give us their name. If they just need someone to talk to, they can call,” Folden said. The goal of the company is to make people understand they are not alone. Bobby Folden wishes to save those who were in the same position as his nephew.
Sources:
1. http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/04/06/few-places-to-turn-for-bullied-children.html