DISCRIMINATION among young people is being tackled in Dorset with the launch of a new consortium.

Diverse Dorset is hosting a conference entitled Explore Diversity at the Life Centre in Moordown today, when teenagers from 13 schools across the county will meet to celebrate diversity and take part in workshops delivered by other young people from a range of local groups.

The conference will address racism, disability, sexual orientation, HIV/Aids, children’s rights, hate crime, gender reassignment and mental health.

Paralympian medallist, Ben Rushgrove, who won a bronze medal in the T36 Men’s 200m in London this summer, will be speaking at the event, alongside Jeffrey Newman, founder director of Earth Charter UK, Dorset Safe Schools & Communities Team and Joely, a 19-year-old with Asperger Syndrome.

For more information about Diverse Dorset visit diversedorset.org