Warwickshire News Mine

Louise Hargreaves and Jo Owen, who are based in the Youth and Community Service in North Warwickshire, have been recognised by the ‘Children and Young People Now Awards’ for their work on ‘Ban Da Bully’.

The project, which was developed by the county’s youth service and Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire at Polesworth School, positively promotes a no tolerance approach to bullying and encourages those affected to speak up.

Year 9 students are recruited to act as peer mentors who volunteer themselves for the role – between May and June this year, 96 applied to become anti-bullying mentors for the start of the following year (year 10).

Once successful, the mentors take part in a comprehensive training programme created by Louise and Jo before they start supporting year seven tutor groups once a week. Additional lunchtime drop-in sessions are also held for any student.

Any issues flagged up during these sessions are acted upon with support from staff. Furthermore, mentors can gain Duke of Edinburgh accreditation for their work.

Cheryl Jones, Youth and Community Manager for North Warwickshire, said: ”We are extremely pleased that Louise and Jo have been short-listed for the anti-bullying award as it highlights both their work and that of the county council in tackling bullying in Warwickshire. 

"Ban Da Bully has been so successful because of the willingness of so many young volunteers who are helping other students talk about their concerns in a friendly setting.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This award short-listing is great news for the youth service and the county as a whole and emphasises our efforts to ensure bullying is not tolerated in Warwickshire.

"I congratulate the team for their efforts and wish them all the best on the night.”

The team will find out how they have done at the CYP Now Awards ceremony in London on 26 November 2009.

The news comes ahead of National anti-bullying week (16 to 20 November 2009) organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to ‘send a clear and positive message that bullying is neither acceptable nor inevitable in schools or communities’.

The theme for this year’s campaign is cyber-bullying and Warwickshire County Council will be supporting the initiative by encouraging schools and youth groups to take part in a number of awareness raising activities.

To find out more information about the Warwickshire County Council Youth and Community Service, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/youthandcommunity.

Link to WCC