A CHILDREN’S charity is extending the deadline for schools in the Yorkshire region to apply for a free two and a half-year programme to combat homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

The programme, by Barnardo’s is available to 200 primary and secondary schools in the region.

Funded by the Government Equalities Office, the programme will be delivered by the charity to schools that have ineffective measures to challenge HBT bullying.

Barnardo’s want schools to fill in a survey to understand what work needs to be done and in order to make sure all schools have the opportunity to be included have now extended the deadline for completed surveys to Wednesday January 25.

The service delivering the programme is Barnardo’s Positive Identities. Manager, Yasmeen Sharif said: “We have had a fantastic response to our primary and secondary school recruitment surveys so far, but we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to apply so we are extending the deadline.

Women and Equalities Minister Caroline Dinenage said: “No child should ever be bullied – schools should be places where they can learn, grow and discover who they are.”

The survey takes 30 minutes to complete and is available on the front page of Barnardo’s website barnardos.org.uk or by emailing tackleHBTBullying@barnardos.org.uk