ORGANISERS of Bolton's home-grown bully-busting project have urged worried youngsters to get in touch with them instead of suffering in silence.

A new report by national charity ChildLine has revealed that bullying is a growing problem and they cannot deal with all the calls coming in.

And concerned members of the Bolton Peer Mediation Project are anxious local children know there is somewhere else they can get help and advice.

One of the partners in the project, Sandy Holt, said: "This service is designed for youngsters in Bolton who need help.

ChildLine is one option of course, but we are here on their doorstep and willing to listen and help."

The project is aiming to make Bolton a bully-free zone and it pledges to be free, private and confidential, independent and impartial.

A team of young volunteers trained in mediation techniques are on hand to help other young people facing bullying or conflict.

Very serious conflicts are referred to an adult mediator.

In addition to resolving problems young people who want to build up self-confidence are offered the chance to learn the discipline of Thai boxing through Bolton Thai boxing club.

Mr Holt was a playground victim of bullying himself and he became one of the country's leading Thai boxers after deciding he wanted to stand up for himself.

The Bolton Peer Mediation Project can be contacted at a drop-in centre at 68, St George's Road or on Bolton 430418.

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