Teachers and youth workers are being challenged to stopping homophobic bullying at a conference being organised by the Barnet Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network.

Homophobic bullying is a problem in all schools and the Barnet LGBT Network is taking steps to ensure that all teachers in Barnet are aware of the impact of homophobic bullying.

“Homophobic bullying and abuse destroys the lives of victims,” said Councillor John Marshall.

“I hope this conference is well attended and gives Barnet’s educators and youth workers lots of ideas to deal with homophobic abuse over the coming weeks and months.”

Recent research has highlighted that thousands of young people nationwide have experienced some form of abuse due to other people’s ignorance and prejudice against their sexuality. This leads to higher levels of absenteeism and truancy, a lower likelihood of entering higher education and an increased risk of the youngsters contemplating suicide or self-harm.

Set up last year, the Barnet LGBT Network is made up of a number of partner agencies, including Barnet Council, Metropolitan Police, Barnet Primary Care Trust, Domestic Violence Support Service, Barnet Homes and Victim Support, and Barnet Lesbian and Gay Group (BLAGG).

The conference, entitled Best Practice in Identifying and Challenging Homophobia in Schools, has been organised using a small grant from the Building Safer Communities Fund.

The day-long event is being attended by head teachers, teachers and other people involved in youth work, and speakers will include Alan Wardle from Stonewall and Dave Rodgers from Barnet Healthy Schools.

The conference takes place from 9am to 5pm on Monday 17 October, at North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate. Any teachers or youth workers can apply for a free place at the conference by calling Sara Sutherland, Barnet Council’s Hate Crime Community Officer, on 020 8733 5856, or by e-mail to sara.sutherland@barnet.gov.uk