As part of National Anti-Bullying Week (17-21 November), various events are taking place to celebrate the achievements of staff and pupils working to make a difference in schools across Nottingham.

This year's campaign, themed 'Being Different, Belonging Together', promotes awareness of the significant problem of bullying and relationship issues, especially in schools.

Peer support schemes are a key element of the Nottingham City Council’s ‘Anti-Bullying Strategy’. In 2007-2008 over 1300 young people aged 7-16 were trained to support and befriend their peers in Nottingham schools. Peer Support schemes help sort out minor arguments and problems so these issues don’t affect the classroom and learning.  

On Thursday 20th November Nottingham City Council are hosting a celebratory event at The Park Inn with special guests, Nottingham Panthers players and The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

Fifty three schools who have recently been awarded Approved Provider Standard for their peer support schemes will be presented with awards from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, as will the Anti-Bullying Support Team, who were also credited for their selection, training and supervision packages.

A number of special awards will also be presented to Peer Supporters who have made an outstanding contribution to the success of the scheme in their school.

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services said: "The peer support scheme is proving to be an effective way of educating pupils on the issues on bullying and can be a really positive experience for our young people, teaching them some important life skills such as problem solving and helping others.

"To receive national accreditation is a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by pupils and staff towards tackling the problem and they deserve every credit for this."

It is hoped that Nottingham’s peer support scheme could be a blueprint for similar approaches across the country. This is a benchmark achievement which other local authorities can refer to in order to learn how a local authority wide approach to peer mentoring can be developed as part of an anti-bullying strategy.

Pupils from Nottingham City schools recently took part in a poster competition to promote this year’s theme 'Being Different, Belonging Together'. The winning posters, in each age range will be displayed at all Nottingham City schools and in other educational settings to raise awareness of the campaign amongst pupils and staff.

Nottingham pupils are also to be honoured with the Diana Anti-Bullying Award, a national scheme established in 1999 to recognise the work that young people of all ages do to combat the problem of bullying in schools and communities. Schools are holding individual presentation ceremonies for nominated pupils during Anti-Bullying Week.