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Rob Higgs is a sought-after ‘Anti-Bullying’ speaker, actor and author who has over 20 years of experience in schools and organisations.
In schools Rob Higgs, delivers The Boy in The Photograph an impactful and unique presentation that combines Rob’s skills as a writer, speaker and performer.
It begins with Rob telling his story through dramatic performance. It is a personal story, one about his experience of being bullied as a teenager at secondary school and it takes the audience full circle through to the present day.
Rob’s work has been featured in mainstream media numerous times, including appearances on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, Sky News and BBC Breakfast. He has also worked in local government as as and Anti-Bullying Co-Ordinator.
His down-to-earth approach and truly engaging performance makes him a very popular speaker and presenter in schools, where he leaves a lasting impression and a powerful message to his young audiences.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book Anti-Bullying speaker Rob Higgs for your next event.
Rob experienced bullying when he was in secondary school. He explains that long after walking out of the school gates, the scars and memories remain, and it takes more than time to shake them off.
Rob was forced to cower at the hands of bullies for most of his secondary school days. It started when he was 12 when he joined a new school after moving house.
He was bullied from all around him in his peer group, with the bullying not just being physical, with the mental and psychological abuse proving the most damaging.
The bullying began to cause serious and long-term psychological damage, leaving Rob spiralling downwards into depression with him having little to no confidence. He proved the bullies wrong and achieved excellent passes in his GCSEs, but when studying for his A Levels in the same school, the damage done to his confidence came back to thwart him.
Rob went on to university but he continued to beat himself up about being bullied and still experienced low confidence until the point where he got physically sick. He then dropped out of university and hit rock bottom. It was then that he realised that he had to do something, had to change and had to stop the self-bullying which was destroying him.
Rob has published two books on bullying. His first book What Have I Ever Done To You?. In writing the book Rob interviewed bullies, victims, counsellors, social workers and other people who could provide an insight into the culture of bullying and how to stop it.
The book helps readers understand what bullying is and how it happens, how to develop greater self awareness and why someone allowed themselves to be bullied. And it teaches readers how to train their minds to avoid the issue of ‘self bullying’ to build confidence.
Rob explains that self-honesty is the first step to outgrowing the bullies in confidence and becoming a happy, strong person.
Rob’s second book The Boy in the Photograph is also the name given to his presentation that he delivers in schools.
Rob has extensive experience of delivering his presentations in UK and International Schools across Europe. His work has become a regular part of the PSHE/Pastoral programme at some of the UK’s best schools with many schools inviting Rob back each year to deliver his impactful message.
He has spoken at Eton seven times and been regularly invited to speak at Harrow, Radley and Winchester Schools.
He has worked with local government on anti-bullying strategy with responsibility for engaging with schools and communities, has written and directed 12 theatre in education projects, been a keynote speaker at education conferences, delivered INSET training for teachers and lectured at UK Universities as part of PGCE Teacher Training programmes.
“Rob Higgs is definitely one of the best speakers we’ve ever had. The way he held the students’
attention was extraordinary, and his opening 15 minute performance was mesmerising
and profoundly moving on so many different levels. The students were transfixed. The
presentation that followed was wonderfully informative and had tremendous pace. The
role play which involved two of our students proved particularly popular and was
managed brilliantly by Rob. He gave us an afternoon to remember, and we can’t wait to
have him back again!”
Kendal Mills, Senior Master, Stamford School.
“Rob Higgs has been delivering his drama presentation on Anti-Bullying to year 9
pupils for the last two years at Oundle School. His delivery is unique and engaging so the
pupils are immediately able to identify with the message he is putting across. His honest
and wide ranging approach appeals to this age group and they quickly involve
themselves in the presentation, volunteering to take part and asking pertinent questions
without embarrassment. The feedback from the pupils is always extremely positive and it
facilitates valuable discussions far beyond the presentation as well as providing a
platform for further work on this very important issue. He will certainly be invited back!”
Marianne Smith, Head of PSHE, Oundle School
“A thought provoking and engaging presentation that hits the mark. The right balance of
humour and gravitas that keeps the discussion rolling long after the event.”
Jon Ricketts, Senior Deputy Head, The King’s School, Worcester.