A NATIONAL conference on homophobic bullying was recently held at UMIST Conference Centre, Manchester, designed to promote a multi-agency approach in support of student victims.

Other objectives of the conference were to disseminate research information; to detail the responsibilities of schools to adopt a "whole-school" approach to tackle bullying, in particular homophobic bullying, the extent of which was recognised officially by the Department of Education in 1999 and also in the National Healthy Schools Standard; to share the results of a two-year pilot project in two secondary schools in Bolton; and to explore the value of theatre in education. Approximately 300 delegates representing the police, Victim Support, health promotion organisations, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender agencies, attended the conference. There were talks on research into homophobic bullying, commissioned by Stonewall; the responsibilities of schools in this matter; and the role of the police in challenging "hate" crimes and homophobic bullying in schools.

CragRats React Theatre in Education, based in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, presented "Just Messing About" a short play for schools which highlights homophobic stereotyping, verbal bullying, threatening behaviour and its impact on victims. There was a verbal report on the Bolton schools project, launched in 1998, followed later by a video-diary and a series of workshops.

One of the workshops was facilitated by representatives from Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Hom.e Project for gay and bisexual men, the Peer Support Project for young gay people, Victim Support, Bolton LEA and FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Also taking part were three young people who were featured on the school bullying video.

Bolton Forum plans to extend its work into more schools in Bolton. Funding from a Police Community Trust is available to encourage and support anti-homophobic bullying initiatives throughout secondary schools in the Greater Manchester area.

CHRISTINE HOLT,

FFLAG.