Grant given to help tackle bullying and discrimination of the disabled (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon disabled learners benefit from grant

3:32pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

An adult education service has been given £50,000 to fight bullying and discrimination of the disabled.

Croydon Adult Learning and Training centre has been given the grant by the Skills Funding Agency to create a citizenship programme for learners with disabilities.

Disabled learners are also being asked to run events and roadshows at schools in the borough, in an effort to improve social awareness.

At the same time, the programme is designed to enhance the learners' resilience, build their independence and give them the ability to combat harassment and discrimination.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “We hope to reduce the fear of bullying that is often felt by many adults with disabilities.

“This project will help this by increasing their positive interactions with children and young people and will develop the learners' confidence and independence and their physical and mental health.

“It will also boost their employability, thus reducing pressure on local social and health services.”