PUPILS from Radcliffe High School played an important part in a major conference on child emotional abuse and neglect.

They performed a self-written play called "See Me, Hear Me" before a packed audience of professionals in law, social work and medicine.

And their presentation, taking a look from the victim's perspective, went down well at Radcliffe Civic Suite last Friday.

Entitled "Help - I Need Somebody", the meeting was chaired by Mr Jim Wilson, Bury's assistant borough social services officer and also chairman of the Area Child Protection Committee.

Mr Wilson said: "It was an excellent conference, with more than 150 delegates there from Bury and other authorities. Feedback has been extremely good."

Among the speakers were Dr Chris Hobbs, consultant paediatrician at St James's Hospital in Leeds: Dr Elizabeth Kenyon, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at Fairfield Hospital in Bury: and His Honour Judge Martin Allweis, designated family judge for the Manchester Group of Courts.

There was also a presentation on domestic violence from Greater Manchester Police family support unit.

Mr Wilson said: "Radcliffe High was chosen because they have a strong drama group, and the pupils' presentation was very good. It fitted in well with the day's events, bringing home the message of how emotional abuse feels from their view."

He said more conferences like this might be held, and perhaps even made a regular diary date.

"The conference showed that we have got to continue to work together, on long-term strategic planning as well as the frontline services we offer to families," added Mr Wilson.

"It's about making sure we all sing to the same tune, sharing information and having collaborative working arrangements."

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