Press Release

Big Brother champ joins nationwide anti-bullying events

16 November 2005

A big brother winner, a talkshow queen and a boxing champion are taking on the school bullies as councils across the country join in the fight against bullying.

Reality TV star Anthony Hutton and chatshow host Trisha Goddard are both backing council-organised events during Anti Bullying Week, which starts on Monday.

Pupils and teachers will also be taking part in roadshows, drama groups and conferences to tackle bullying behaviour, including text message bullying and 'happy slapping'. (see below for list of events around England).

Councillor Alison King, LGA education spokeswoman, said:

"As the champions of children and young people local authorities are taking the issue of bullying very seriously.

"It is important that we recognise that bullying is not just confined to the playground, but carries on beyond the school gates.

"No child should feel threatened at school and the rising number of bullying horror stories shows that more needs to be done.

"This campaign showcases some of the excellent ideas that councils across the country are using to tackle bullying issues at a local level."

Cllr King, chairwoman of the LGA children and young people board, said:

"Our strategic leadership role allows us to work in partnership with schools, the police, Education Welfare Officers and voluntary organisations to address both the causes and impacts of bullying.

"Many local authorities are already working strategically to support schools and communities in reducing bullying with dedicated anti-bullying strategies and staff."

Contact your local council press office to find out what's happening in your local area, or take a look at the list below.

The LGA has also compiled a map showing where key anti-bullying events are happening at councils across England. Visit http://www.lga.gov.uk

ANTI-BULLYING EVENTS

Durham County Council - Big Brother 2005 winner, Anthony Hutton, will be among the judges of the North East Anti-Bullying Song Competition final. Winning schools get a prize for their music department. Contact Val McFarlane on 01388 424955

Norfolk County Council - John Thaxton, WBF lightweight world champion boxer will be opening an art display produced by local children on bullying and talking to them about anti-bullying initiatives. TV presenter Trisha Goddard will be addressing a conference on bullying for parents. Contact Rita Adair on 01603 455531

Wolverhampton City Council - Anti-bullying conference taking place on Monday 21 November with numerous workshops including primary and secondary school peer support projects and the connection between mobile phones and bullying (text messaging, happy slapping etc.) Speaker from Kidscape and soul singer Beverley Knight presenting certificates to children and young people. Contact Jo Nosko on 01902 556010

Braintree District Council - The `Reality Roadshow' is in its second year and will be visiting local schools during the week. Specifically designed for 13-14 year olds it gives them the opportunity to look at the impact that anti social behaviour has on their own lives and the lives of people around them. Contact Chris Trim on 01376 557752

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council - Running an anti-bullying roadshow on Saturday 19 November in partnership with West Midlands Police, Barnardos and Connexions to raise awareness. Schools are supporting Blue Friday. Contact Cheryl Calvert Lee on 01384 815227

Hampshire County Council - Project running throughout primary schools lessons `Rights, Respect, Responsibilities' which has already resulted in less bullying, less disruption etc. Contact Alison Taylor on 01962 845155

Hertfordshire County Council - Publicising a self-help website designed by 2000 local children in libraries. Contact Nuala Milbourn on 01992 588535

North Lincolnshire Council - Organising a conference with The Children's Fund entitled `Bully Off' which will be attended by both victims (aged 5-16) and parents/carers. Taking part in distribution of wristbands and Blue Friday. Contact Dave Watson on 01724 296345

Northamptonshire County Council - Project aimed at reducing homophobic bullying in schools to be launched. Contact Simon Deacon at SDeacon@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Poole Council - Taking part in Blue Friday and signing up to Anti-Bullying Charter. Contact Sammy Boyle on 01202 262736

Southwark Council - Launching an anti-bullying strategy to help schools recognise and address bullying. Contact Sarah Campion on 0207 525 7308

Stockton Borough Council - Have appointed their first Anti-Bullying Officer to promote anti-bullying policies and practices in schools. Currently working very closely with schools ahead of anti-bullying week using training and workshops on using children's books to support emotional wellbeing, friendships, racism, etc. Also organising a school pantomime , an art competition and a `Pop Idol' style show using songs surrounding the bullying theme. Contact Vince Rutland at vince.rutland@stockton.gov.uk

London Borough of Sutton- Youth club `Club Constellation' is instigating a Senior Mentor Programme which encourages established senior members to act as guides and points of reference for vulnerable people. Members of the youth club will also be designing artwork to discourage bullying and to encourage people to speak up on the subject. These designs will be used on flyers and posters to promote anti-bullying. Contact Leslie Hunt on 0208 770 5131

Westminster City Council - Has set up a separate anti-bullying consultative group which includes students, teachers and behavioural experts to ensure a consistent approach to schools. Has made a short training film entitled `Laters - A Restorative Approach to Schools' that provides case studies and demonstration on tackling bullying. Contact Natalie Davison on 0207 641 1805

West Sussex County Council - A 30-minute theatre production entitled `Turning the Tide' is touring West Sussex between November 14 and December 2. Organised by Action Against Bullying, a multi-agency group set up by WSCC's Community Safety Team, it will be performed by the Youth Theatre Group. AAB will also be consulting with young people throughout the week on its Anti-Bullying Card (a credit card sized information sheet containing advice on bullying together with websites and helplines etc). Contact Simon Eden on 01243 777116

Peterborough City Council - Schools across the area to meet to raise awareness of issues around bullying through drama, music and dance. Contact Jackie Remmant on 01733 746069

Sheffield City Council - Pupils became presenters to put together a DVD of Anti-Bullying TV that features infants, junior and secondary schools across Sheffield that are tackling bullying and bad behaviour. The DVD shows how pupils identified bullying 'danger zones' in a secondary school, and how a puppet show raised awareness among infants.
Contact Katie Harrison on 0114 273 6927.

Leeds City Council - Sports stars from Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos have been distributing blue anti-bullying wrist bands. Some schools will be wrapped in blue ribbon and a human chain will encircle one school.
Contact Gareth Wilce on 0113 395 1578.

North Yorkshire County Council
Children are designing Anti-bullying posters and working with community police. Specific information is available to families.

Peterborough City Council - The campaign kicks off on Monday in the city's Cathedral Square with drama, music and dance. Throughout the week youngsters will make video diaries that feature roving reporters highlighting the impact of anti-bullying work. Contact Jennie Kendall 01733 452 577.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council - Youth offending workers are getting on board a bus to tour the area and offer advice to youngsters on Saturday 19 November. Contact Clare Marshall 01384 814 698.

Isle of Wight Council - Pupils are writing poems exploring their thoughts, feelings or experiences of bullying, and some of the work will be made into a resource booklet. Other activities include creating school pledges and setting up Anti-Bullying Councils, whose members patrol bullying 'hot spots' around schools. Contact Claire Robertson 01983 823747.