PLAYGROUND bullies were made to play with bullied children at an unusual holiday activity day.

Five Links Turning Point anti-bullying project, based in Ward Close, Basildon, invited known bullies to mix with youngsters who have suffered physical or mental abuse at the hands of other children.

They played snooker and Jenga as well as working together on craft activities, including painting designs on cups and wooden trays.

Jackie Joiner from Turning Point said: "All the activities involved them having to work together, which can really build up the confidence of bullied children. It encourages them all to get on.

"We also demonstrated basic life skills, such as saying please and thank you, and teaching them to share. We don't put bullies with the actual children they have picked on, as that would be too much.

"But putting bullies with other children who have been victims really helps."

She explained the children could have been referred to them by their schools, or often by concerned parents. She said: "We provide a wide variety of support to children and their parents all year around, but holiday events like this are great for the children.

"It's a different experience for both the bully and bullied children, to have to mix and co-operate with each other.

"Both the bullied children and the bullies themselves are usually quite vulnerable, and we aim to give them all the help we can." Turning Point has just received £480 funding from Essex FM.

It was also given £9,208 by the Essex Community Foundation a month ago and £250,000 lottery funding last July.

The group would welcome newcomers for future holiday activities days, and can be contacted on 01268 540111.