A Suffolk ministry is holding a session Thursday evening for children on how to combat bullying.

As school gets ready to start again, the Rev. Ernest Simmons Jr. said, the ministry wanted to reach out to children and give them skills they need.

“We’re trying to give skills to our children,” said Simmons. “We’re partnering with the Suffolk Police Department, and we’ll be talking about bullying and giving them some life skills training.”

Simmons said the event is conducted by Zoe Life Ministry, which involves his church, Gethsemane Baptist Church. Churches like Mt. Ararat Christian and St. Timothy Baptist also are involved.

“We are trying to develop an outreach program for our kids in the Whaleyville area,” Simmons said. “We’re trying to help the kids.”

Also participating in the event will be Alana Simmons, the granddaughter of the Rev. Daniel Simmons, one of nine who were slain at a racially motivated shooting in June at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

“She’s going to be there Thursday night to talk to the children about the importance of education,” Ernest Simmons said.

He expects 50 to 60 people at the event but would love for more, especially children, to show up.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. at 1656 Copeland Road.