Beat Bullying Conference

During Anti Bullying Week on 19^th November 2009 the YEA Beat Bullying group put on a conference for schools.

The YEA have been planning and organising the conference since February 2009 and all the hard work paid off when the day was a huge success. The YEA worked in partnership with Essex’s Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator and delivered training to teachers and pupils from Primary, Secondary and Special Schools from all around the County. The schools also took part in workshops to explore their feelings around bullying, trying their hand at drama, music and art.

At the conference the YEA launched their “Please Don’t” posters – a resource aimed at professionals working with children and young people. The YEA got all the conference delegates to work on creating another poster called “Please Do” which will be launched in 2010.

The day also included a session from the Police about Cyber Bullying and how to stay safe online. The day ended with everyone releasing a helium balloon with a positive message attached- it was quite a sight to see so many colourful balloon soaring upwards on the cold and grey November day!

All the schools that took part in the conference have been invited to prepare their own performance around bullying that will be showcased in one big event at the Mercury Theatre on March 29^th 2010.