Friendly Faces
Friendly Faces started in 2001 as a school based scheme to provide support for students in need, with a particular focus on victims of bullying. Initially set up as an anti-bullying scheme, Friendly Faces now provides a broad student support centre where students can access crucial advice and support during break / lunch times. Friendly Faces also commits time and effort into running a road show to help students to cope with the stressful transition from primary school to high school. The group now has ambitions to escalate and increase the availability of its support via a dedicated website, running more fundraising activities and training new members.

Tommy MacKeown, Year 11, Head of Friendly Faces, said: “I wanted to put something back into the school that has given so much to me ...and develop a greater understanding of the importance of schemes like this in making school a better and safer place to be.”

Just Smile
In February this year, four young people aged between 13 and 16 set up Just Smile through Watton Air Cadets. They had all been victims of bullying and felt that not enough was being done to combat the problem. With a mission to spread the principle of ‘zero tolerance on bullying’, they set up a communications network in both English and Portuguese which involves running their own radio show and appearing on others, creating an anti-bullying DVD and a regularly updated website. They have also created and sent up a Smile information pack to every school in Norfolk. In the future Just Smile will be developing personal safety information to help bullying victims to protect themselves from both verbal and physical abuse.

Ria Bush, 12, The Just Smile! Group, said: We all enjoy doing this project because you realise that you are actually helping victims of bullying and even if you make one victim speak out and tell someone, it means so much that you have helped someone."

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The Philip Lawrence Awards
The Philip Lawrence Awards were established in 1996 in memory of head teacher, Philip Lawrence, who was tragically murdered whilst protecting a pupil outside his school. The Philip Lawrence Awards, now in its 11th year, has supported the positive work of over 1,000 young people across the UK since its launch.

Pop Star Lemar said: "The Philip Lawrence Awards help encourage young people from across the country who contribute to their local communities and lives of others. This award show gives out a positive message on how young people can mentor other young people - showing how youth can all work together. Peace."

Previous winners have brought together people from a diverse range of backgrounds tackling hard hitting issues such as bullying, racism, domestic violence and mental illness.

Judging
Projects are judged with the involvement of young people on five key themes for activities that help to:

— Combat lawlessness or violence
— Promote community safety
— Advance racial harmony
— Demonstrate good citizenship
— Support citizenship projects through school

New for 2007
The 2007 Philip Lawrence Awards will this year recognise projects with an international focus and those that promote understanding of difference faiths, cultures and communities.

Winners Announcement
Winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony to be hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald in central London on 4 December 2007. The annual event attracts a number of high profile celebrities from pop stars to politicians – all keen to support and encourage the worthy efforts of young people. Winning youth groups each receive £1,000 pounds to help support their project.

Notes to the Editor

• For further information, to arrange interviews or to attend the event, contact Julie Watkins on 020 7522 6928 / 0791 787 0641 or email julie.watkins@4Children.org.uk

• Over the last ten years, the Philip Lawrence Awards have supported over 1,000 young people who are actively initiating, developing and delivering programmes of work to enhance their lives and the lives of others, in particular to help combat violence, vandalism, bullying and racism.

• The Philip Lawrence Awards is the largest scheme of its kind and recognise outstanding achievement among young people aged 11–20.

• The Philip Lawrence Awards were established by the then Home Secretary, The Rt Hon Michael Howard MP, in 1996. The Awards recognise and reward the efforts and hard work of young people who have together overcome social problems and made valuable contributions to their communities.

• The scheme is largely funded by a grant from the Civil Renewal Unit of the Home Office. Sponsor organisations include the Youth Justice Board, Young People Now, News International and teachers’ union NASUWT, with support from University College London and the University of Arts, London.

• The Awards are open to young people aged 11–20 from across the UK. The scheme is managed by 4Children, the national charity that represents the needs of all children and young people and their families. See www.4Children.org.uk

• 4Children
4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children. It aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities. 4Children provides an information line for parents and children’s professionals with advice and support on all aspects of children, young people and families. See www.4Children.org.uk

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