Liberal Democrat Councillor tackles homophobic bullying in schools

Councillor Richard Giddings, a Liberal Democrat Councillor at County Hall, is using his Councillor Empowerment Funding to tackle homophobic bullying in schools. Cllr Giddings has given £1800 in 2011/12 and 2012/13 to Stonewall to ensure that the Council is part of the "Education Champions" programme. As a result all schools in the county now receive resources and information to tackle homophobic bullying.

Cllr Giddings said "Initially I asked the County Council administration if they would join the scheme, but they did not want to. So I decided to use my Empowering Councillors Fund to make sure that lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in Northamptonshire got the support they need."

"I'm really glad to be able to make a positive difference in this way. Homophobic bullying can destroy the lives of LGB young people so it's really important that we do everything we can to tackle it.

Sarah Rose, Education Champions Co-ordinator for Stonewall, said: "The Education Champions Programme makes a real difference to LGB young people and helps tackle homophobic bullying by supporting schools and young people. We're delighted to be working with Northamptonshire County Council to make sure that every child can study free from bullying."