Volunteers wanted at Cumbria Youth Offending, Barrow

Healthwatch Cumbria

Christmas campaign saw 73 people caught drink or drug driving

Christmas campaign saw 73 people caught drink or drug driving

The Association of Chief Police Officers recently released the national figures for the Christmas Drink & Drug Drive Campaign, which incorporates the results for Cumbria’s campaign.

The annual force wide crackdown on drink driving ran from 1st December 2013 to 1st January 2014.

In Cumbria, 2,275 people were breath tested during this period. Of those, 1,945 were tested as a result of proactive road side checks and 330 were administered following a collision.

The total number of people who either tested positive, failed or refused to provide a test was 73, which equates to 3.2%. Of those who failed, 12 were following a collision.

In the same period in 2012, 2,865 breath tests were conducted, of which 82 either positive, failed or refused, equating to 2.9%.  Of the tests which were positive, 24 followed a collision.

Sergeant Graeme Hodgson, who led the campaign, said: “The number of people who were stopped and tested was slightly lower this year which was expected as this year we focussed on intelligence-led checks rather than a check of a more random nature.

“Although the figures show that there were fewer people caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the percentage of those who were checked and found to be under the influence has gone up and this is highly disappointing. We cannot over emphasise the risk that people take with their lives and the lives of other road uses when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The Christmas Drink & Drug Drive Campaign has regularly focused on drivers under the age of 25. This year in Cumbria just under 22% of those who gave a positive, failed or refused test were under the age of 25.

Sergeant Hodgson continued: “To see any amount of people risking their lives and that of others is shocking. In 2014 we will continue to target drink and drug drivers in an effort to make our roads as safe as possible. Our message is very clear don’t drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Chris Broadbent, from the Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, said: “This is a vital campaign which we support every year that aims to stop people from driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“The figures show that this remains a problem and one that as a partnership we have to work together in order to make our roads safer. The problem of motorists driving under the influence is certainly not just for Christmas but one that runs throughout the year and we stress that motorists have to act with more responsibility.”

Richard Rhodes, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It is disappointing that people are still willing to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. I welcome the Constabulary operational policing campaign and it is only by us all continuing to work together that our roads will become safer.”

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs call police on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.

'Animate' at Signal Films this half term

Thought for the Week

“Love is the strongest force the world possesses, and yet it is the humblest imaginable.” Mahatma Gandhi

Understanding and Challenging Homophobia in Schools

Understanding & Challenging Homophobia in Schools, Free Training

‘The behaviour and safety of pupils at the school’ is a limiting judgement in the Ofsted Framework for Inspection. On p.41-42 of the School Inspection Handbook (September 2013, No. 120101), it is stated clearly that inspectors should consider ‘type, rates and patterns of bullying and the effectiveness of the school’s action to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment’. It also states that inspectors should consider the effectiveness of the school’s actions to prevent and tackle discriminatory and derogatory language – this includes homophobic and racist language, and language that is derogatory about disabled people’. This message is further strengthened by the DfE guidance on the prevention of bullying which  clearly gives focus to issues of ‘difference’, and in particular, specific areas of difference that highlight the new Equality Act provision relating to the protected characteristics, sexual orientation being one. To support schools in developing a proactive and robust response to homophobic bullying, we have worked in partnership with OUTReach Cumbria and designed a half-day course, which balances input with reflection and interactivity. This course will help schools to:

·         Gain understanding of school’s duties under the Equality Act 2010 and how it fits within Ofsted’s requirements specifically in relation to sexual orientation

·         Gain and/or consolidate  working knowledge of what homophobia is  and ways it can be challenged by ultimately promoting respect for diversity

·         Access and sample resources and activities that support the teaching of difference in a way that promotes equality and challenge discrimination

 This course is suitable for staff working with KS2-KS4 children and young people. Each school will receive a resource pack to support schools to embed some of the ideas and concepts covered during the day. 

Training date for Barrow, Spring Term 2013:

Tuesday 4 February, 13.45- 17.00, Nan Tait Centre, Barrow

How to book:

To book a place, or to request further information, please email the Equality Learning Officer/BME at sara.nobili-park@cumbria.gov.uk

[1] Please note that there will be a charge of £30 p/delegate from Academies and Independent Schools.

Thought for the Week



“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.” Albert Einstein

Through the Lens 2 at the Dock Museum

Disability Information Day - Friday 31 January 2014

Thought for the Week

“There are thousands and thousands of people out there leading lives of quiet, screaming desperation, where they work long, hard hours at jobs they hate to enable them to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.” Nigel Marsh http://www.ted.com/talks/nigel_marsh_how_to_make_work_life_balance_work.html?quote=896

Interested in being a Special Constable? Visit one of the open days

Cumbria Police are holding open days in Barrow and Kendal to incite people to become a Special Constable.

On 18^th January in Kendal and the 25^th January in Barrow between 2pm and 4 pm, Cumbria Police will be holding open afternoons for people to come and speak to current Special Constable’s and Police Officers to get a feel for the role and see if it is something for them. Representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department, Roads Policing Unit and officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be available to have a chat with anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable.

Anyone can come along and see what being a Special Constable entails, what the role could do for them and how fulfilling it can be.

Caroline Powney, a Special Constable and who has been helping organise the day’s, said: “We’d be very pleased to see anyone that is considering becoming a Special Constable at either Kendal or Barrow.  It’s a great opportunity to chat to our existing team and find out what the role involves, as well as why they enjoy it and what they’ve got out of it so far.

“We welcome anyone, from any walk of life, who is interested in the Special Constabulary to come along. People who are already working but are looking for another interest, to those who had retired and looking to do something to occupy themselves, the Specials could be for you.”

Inspector Paul Latham, from Kendal Police Station said: “Special constables come from all walk of life bringing  different skills and experience to policing, they make an essential contribution to policing  and their  community within Cumbria. Special Constables support police officers  in delivering a full range of police services, there is no better way to gain a clear insight into the role of a police officer. Having  to cope with the unexpected, think quickly and work as a team is just some aspects of the role. Working as a Special Constable is a varied, challenging and rewarding.”  

Inspector Mike O’Hagan, from Barrow Police Station, added: “The role of Special Constable is a vast , varied but rewarding role. It allows members of the public  to put something back into their respective communities, whilst allowing them to gain life experience. I too would urge people with an interest in a policing career to take this  opportunity to fully understand the role whilst  gaining  a unique insight into the communities we serve.”

If you are interested in becoming a Special Constable, and want an insight into what they do on a daily basis, you can follow them on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/CumbriaSpecials

If you would like more information on becoming a Special Constable or a Police Support Volunteer please visit our website www.cumbria.police.uk

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to take up a new challenge, but don’t know where to start?

New Year can bring new beginnings, and it may be you want to get fit, change your lifestyle, or learn something new but don’t know where to start, or how to find information, or need someone to go along with you to offer encouragement.

The Inspiring Barrow project can provide just the sort help, advice and support you need to get you started. We have recruited Community Learning Champions who are local volunteers and can help you find the right learning opportunities for you.

They have all been in the same situation and know how difficult it can be to take that first step. They can research suitable courses for you, find out about the times and venues and even come along to the first session with you to provide some initial support if required.

There are many exciting learning opportunities available in Barrow but as Sandra Brown, Community Action Learning Forum (CLAF) says “Sometimes we just need some-one to direct us to what is available and help us through the initial process to get us going. If you are keen to take up something new but don’t know where to start, why not come along for a coffee and chat to find out how we can help.”

The next drop-in session is at Barrow Island Community Development Centre, Island Road on Wednesday 26th February 2014 9am-11am, children welcome.

“We would also like to meet people that have already taken that first step and benefited from learning new skills, activities and lifestyles and feel they can use their experience and knowledge to help others by becoming a Learning Champion” said Sandra.

Community Learning Champions receive full support from the CLAF co-ordinator; undertake accredited training and receive travel expenses. The next training course starts in March we would love to hear from anyone interested in joining us.

For more information about the Inspiring Barrow Programme and Community Learning Champions contact info@inspiringbarrow.co.uk , telephone 01768 800350 or go to the Inspiring Barrow website www.inspiringbarrow.co.uk

Police and Crime Commissioner Supports Government's Cyberstreet Campaign

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria, Richard Rhodes, fully supports today’s launch of the Government’s ‘Cyberstreet’ campaign.

The main thrust of the campaign is to make people more ‘e-savvy’, through the launch of the website Cyberstreetwise.com.  The website provides some essential tips to improve people’s online behaviour and help keep important information safe for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Police and Crime  Commissioner, Richard Rhodes said: “I welcome the launch of the new website at a time when the internet is playing a central role in peoples day-to-day lives.  It is essential that we all take the necessary precautions to help keep ourselves safe from this type of crime.

“As a result of listening to feedback from the public, I have included tackling cybercrime within my revised Police and Crime Plan”. 

“I will be working with the Chief Constable to address this growing area effecting  both individuals and the business community, and which currently costs the UK approximately £52m a year through fraudulent online activity.”

The campaign urges people to take some simple steps to change their online behaviours, so that they and their family remain safe.  These are:

1.    Using strong, memorable passwords

2.    Installing anti-virus software on new devices

3.    Checking privacy settings on social media

4.    Shopping safely online – always ensuring to check online retail sites are secure

5.    Downloading software and the application of patches when prompted

Cumbria Constabulary’s Cyber Crime lead Detective Superintendent Slattery fully supports the Government’s Cyber Street campaign aimed at individuals and small to medium sized businesses.

“Whilst the threats posed by Cyber Crime continue to develop, multi-national companies and large public bodies have become very effective at preventing large scale Cyber-attacks. Increasingly , we see individuals and small businesses are becoming vulnerable with their greater use of the internet for everyday business and they don’t have the access to the same preventative resources.

“The impact is really felt in our communities when a vulnerable victim is groomed via internet chat-rooms, a family is defrauded or a small business put out of action for a period of time. The Constabulary is working to develop a comprehensive Cyber Crime Strategy which will ensure that the staff with appropriate skills and equipment are able to tackle local issues affecting the people of Cumbria, whilst maintaining strong links to Regional and National agencies including the National Crime Agency and Action Fraud.

“The Constabulary is already seeing considerable success in dealing with Cyber Crime and the community can be confident that we can and will meet the challenges of this ever-changing area of business.”

Apprenticeship opportunity in creative industries, Barrow

Apprenticeship Opportunity at Signal Film & Media and Art Gene.

Creative Apprentice in Digital Marketing and Social Media

1 year apprenticeship, 35 hours/week. Pay: National minimum wage (£3.72-£6.31/hour depending on age)

Hone your creative skills working in an artist-led environment in Barrow-in-Furness.

Signal Film & Media and Art Gene are both artist-led companies, seeking one creative apprentice to work between our two studios. You will have the opportunity to effectively double your experience and learning through one apprenticeship, accredited by Kendal College.

If you are keen to develop your skills in marketing and social media, whilst gaining real insight into creative working practices, then we’d like to hear from you. We’re looking for a reliable, self-motivated individual with experience of using social media and good communication skills. You’ll have a GCSE in English and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent) and related training such as Arts Award would be a plus, but not essential. Funding may only be available for those aged 16-24 years but the vacancy is open to all ages.

Visit http://www.signalfilmandmedia.co.uk/paid-creative-apprenticeship-in-digital-marketing-and-social-media/ to download a full job description and more detail on what skills are required for this apprenticeship.

Apply by sending your CV and a letter of application to melissa@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk

In your letter, please state why your knowledge, skills and experience make you a good candidate for this apprenticeship. You should refer to the job description as you write this section. Please also state what skills you hope to develop during this apprenticeship, and describe how those skills will help Signal Film & Media and Art Gene achieve their aims. You can learn more about our organizations on the web: www.signalfilmandmedia.co.uk and www.artgene.co.uk

Closing date for applications:  Monday 3 February 2014

Interviews: W/C Monday 17 February 2014

Disability Advice and Benefits Exhibition

Barrow & District Disability Association are holding a Disability Advice and Benefits Exhibition at The Forum on Friday 31^st January from 10.30am to 3.00pm.

They have invited a whole host of organisations who will be on hand to offer expert advice and information to anyone affected by a disability or illness, their families and carers.

There will be a selection of organisations offering advice to those currently receiving disability benefits and are concerned about how ‘Welfare Reform’ will affect them, as well as those who offer actual support for people to remain independent and safe and improve the lives of disabled/ill people and their carers/families.

There will also be a wide range of other service providers and organisations, including care agencies, independent living advisers, disability specific support groups, Trading Standards, Victim Support, The Fire Service and providers of mobility & personal care aids. Wiltshire Farm Foods will be attending and offering taste samples of latest menu and many other charitable and statutory organisations offering help to disabled people, their families and carers.

There will also be displays from craft classes, opportunities for blood pressure checks, short demonstrations of armchair exercises and demonstrations of CPR techniques and how to use a defibrillator, given by Heartstart.

If anyone would like any further information regarding the event or if you are an organisation that would like to exhibit, please contact June Pryor or Julia Everett at  Barrow and District Disability Association on 01229 432599 or drop in to 71-77 School St, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1EJ (The Willow Tree Café).

Thought for the Week

“Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity." Goran Persson

People are advised to be prepared for potential weather disruption

Cumbria Police, along with partner agencies, are warning communities of the potential for disruption tomorrow and into the weekend due to high winds and tidal surges across the West Coast.

The Environment Agency are warning coastal communities along the south and west coasts of England to remain vigilant and alert for possible tidal flooding between Friday and Sunday, as strong winds combine with high tides and large waves.

This could lead to localised spray and wave-over tipping at exposed coastal locations and promenades, and the risk of flooding to properties and low lying land.

Given this warning, Cumbria Police along with partner agencies are taking this advanced opportunity to advise people to be prepared and to take care. People are advised to avoid going near to harbours or promenades during this period for their own safety.

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “The county and district councils are working in partnership and have contingency plans in place and staff on standby to provide immediate support to affected communities if required.

“Our highways teams are also geared up to support the emergency response and will be on hand to assist the police with road closures and diversions should they be needed.

“We’d encourage motorists to be aware of the conditions, give themselves extra time if they have to travel in coastal areas and check their route before setting off.

“People living in areas at risk of flooding are advised to keep a flood kit ready including a torch, batteries, fully charged mobile phone, warm clothing, water, food and any prescription medicines you may need and to make sure elderly and vulnerable friends, neighbours and family are aware of the situation.”

Travel:

If you need to travel on the roads, please slow down, drive with care and drive in accordance with the conditions – not the speed limit.

Before starting your journey, please check your route, you can keep up to date with the latest situation on the roads by visiting our Traffic Link Map: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/traffic-link-map

If you are planning to travel by train, please contact National Rail to check that there are no issues with the trains on your journey. www.nationalrail.co.uk

Flooding:

Police are urging people, especially those living in an area prone to flooding to keep up to date with flood warning/alerts that are issued, you can find out more by visiting: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx or call their Floodline for advice and information on: 0845 988 1188

If you see the roads in your area starting to flood with a build up of surface water, please contact Cumbria County Council’s Highways Hotline on 0845 609 6609 or email highways@cumbria.gov.uk

Keep up-to-date with the weather at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map

Practical tips and health advice is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flooding-advice-to-the-public

Council details:

Copeland Borough Council: 0845 054 8600 - (This number has out of hours support for flooding – after a message about what out of hours support is available it automatically diverts to an out of hours call centre). http://www.copeland.gov.uk/

Eden District Council: http://www.eden.gov.uk/

South Lakeland District Council: 0845 050 4434, http://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/

Carlisle City Council (http://www.carlisle.gov.uk/contact_us.aspx

Allerdale Borough Council (http://www.allerdale.gov.uk/ )

Barrow Borough Council (www.barrowbc.gov.uk )

For information about sandbags, please visit: www.cumbria.police.uk/Admin/uploads/attachment/files/Advice_and_Info/Floods/Sand_Bags_Local_Authorities.docx

LGBT Telephone Helpline for Cumbria

Be prepared - receive Cumbria Police Twitter alerts

In recent weeks, Cumbria has experienced some adverse weather conditions, which called for the public to be informed of road closures, flooded areas and areas which the public were advised not to go.

Social media is now one of the main ways in which people receive updates about the news and local incidents which affect them. Many are already signed up to Cumbria Police Twitter and Facebook accounts.

In a serious incident, it is important that people get the alerts that matter the most, those which could protect them and their loved ones. Cumbria Police are encouraging all users of Twitter to sign up to receive Twitter Alerts, a new feature to receive important information from the police.

The main features are:

-          It’s a free service

-          During a critical incident or crisis, it will enable us to highlight vital and time-critical content.

Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “We provide the public with all kinds of information, from road closures to the sentencing of criminals at court. This alert system will allow us to ensure that those messages that are vital to public safety are seen first.

“When we are dealing with a serious or major incident, such as severe flooding, we will be able to send a Twitter alert and it will immediately be delivered to all subscribers as a text message or a special notification from their Twitter application. This will help to ensure that the most important information is brought to their attention and enable people to take any necessary action and inform friends and family members who could be affected but are not on Twitter.

“It is a free service that will support us in delivering key messages to the public during critical incidents.”

To sign up to Twitter alerts, visit: https://twitter.com/Cumbriapolice/alerts

Twitter alerts can help the public be better prepared and informed, but they do not replace official emergency notification systems or services.

If you are on Twitter or thinking of joining, you can follow Cumbria Police: @CumbriaPolice.

People can also stay up to date will all the latest information from the police at www.cumbria.polcie.uk/latestnews or on Facebook by following the Cumbria Police page at www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice

Thought for the Week

"Let our New Year's resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity" ~ Goran Persson

Happy New Year!