A DRIVE to beat the bullies has been launched by a Bolton charity, as part of a national campaign.

School pupils will be involved in a number of activities being organised by Bully Free Zone this week.

The charity is urging young people who are being targeted to speak out and put an end to the victimisation.

Manager Nicola Schofield, said an average of 16 school children take their own lives every year across the country because of bullying.

She said: “We want all young people to know that there are organisations which can help them and people who will listen to the issues they are facing.

“This organisation has helped several young people who have attempted to take their own lives because of bullying. We have helped them to go on to become happy and productive.”

Nationally, Anti-Bullying Week is being backed by GMTV presenter Jamie Rickers, who comes from Bolton and who suffered at the hands of bullies.

He has also encouraged the victims of bullying to speak out about their suffering.

All week, representatives from Bully Free Zone will be speaking at school assemblies in Bolton and holding drop-in sessions for youngsters.

Yesterday, martial arts expert Paul Smith, a Bully Free Zone supporter, spoke to children at SS Osmund and Andrew’s RC School, Breightmet, about how to stand up to the bullies, including those who use the internet.

He said: “Schools in Bolton have very good anti-bullying policies. This week is good for highlighting how forms of bullying can change. I spoke about internet bullying and reminded young people that they can do something about bullies.”

Headteacher John Thorpe added: “We have very good anti-bullying policies in place. This week’s activities raises awareness of what this school does everyday.”

For more advice: Visit www.bullying.co.uk or www.bullyfreezone.co.uk Call the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline in confidence on 0808 800 5000 or ChildLine on 0800 1111.

schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk