Sandwell schools have been standing up to bullying with the council’s SHAPE team, who work closely with young people across Sandwell, going into schools and rewarding pupils for their hard work.

Students at St Michael's C of E High School in Rowley Regis have picked up a democracy award for their participation in the SHAPE Programme over the past 12 months, including taking part in the anti-bullying roadshow. Children from St Paul's C E Academy in Tipton received certificates for designing fantastic T-shirts. Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children services Councillor Simon Hackett said:

“There’s some great work going on in our schools to tackle bullying. The young people are really imaginative, they really care about how others feel and they want to do what they can to make sure everyone enjoys and thrives at school – which is why bullying has no place in our classrooms in Sandwell.”

Kerry Whitehouse, School Engagement Development Manager at St Michael’s CofE High School added: "Our students have had the opportunity to take part in several SHAPE events over the past twelve months.

"They loved the SHAPE conference as they had the opportunity to meet other school and take part in workshops with organisations.  We are thrilled to have been awarded the Democracy Award for our contribution to SHAPE.  It is lovely for our students to receive recognition for all of their commitment and dedication."

Children from all over Sandwell are invited to the SHAPE Youth Festival on Saturday 14 July at Sandwell Valley – admission is free. For more details go to the SHAPE website.