Community Safety Partnership

e-newsletter July 2019

Welcome

We are pleased to present the latest edition of the Hinckley and

Bosworth and Blaby Community Safety Partnership (CSP)

e-newsletter, which will keep you up to date with the work of the

partnership and how it is helping to keep individuals and

neighbourhoods safer. In this edition we will be reporting on summer

safety messages, positive activities taking place with young people and

campaigns and events. The CSP brings together a collection of people

and organisations that have a real commitment to do everything in their

power to have a positive impact on reducing crime, the fear of crime

and to work closely alongside local communities in bringing about a

sense of safety for all. The CSP has published a three year Community

Safety Strategy which is available for download at www.hinckley-

bosworth.gov.uk and www.blaby.gov.uk

If you have your own community networks or magazines please feel free

to pass on this newsletter or print articles from it.

Contents

Community House groups benefit from funding……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2-3

Blaby District Community Grants Scheme………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Blaby Community Allotment ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Reporting a hate incident………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...6-7

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service Stations and Summer Safety Messages…………………………………………………………………………..8-12

Desert rat challenge builds relationships between young people and officers… .............................................................................................................. 13

Positive activities for young people ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Community Volunteer Week……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Community Safety Roadshow and Great Together…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...16

Dementia Action Week............................................................................................................................................................................................17-18

Young people take part in a mock knife crime youth trial……………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Beat the Street ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................20

Domestic Abuse Campaign……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….21

Modern Slavery Action Group …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...22

Joint Chairs of the Community Safety Partnership

Cllr Les Phillimore

Cllr Michael Mullaney

COMMUNITY HOUSE GROUPS BENEFIT FROM FUNDING Each year the community houses apply for funding from various sources to enable the development of new groups and to help expand current activities. This year funding has been made available from the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council/Voluntary Community Sector Partnership, (HBBC/VCS) which, as well as encouraging smaller groups to apply directly for up to £250 for their own groups, aims to promote and encourage statutory and voluntary sector partnerships, along with collaborative working on direct delivery. Across the three community houses the various groups have applied and been successful in securing funding. Three of the projects are a learn to sew group, young people’s cooking sessions and a life skills club and mindfulness sessions, organised and run by community volunteers and local residents.

‘Learn to Sew’

This group started when a young person at the craft group asked the leader, Angie, if she would teach her to use a sewing machine. It wasn’t long before parents asked if they could join and currently there are 7 adults and 4 young people. When the group started most of them couldn’t sew at all so Angie went right back to basics, they have since covered different stitches, hemming, sewing on buttons and zips and mending. The community house has received donations of some sewing machines, buttons and zips which have been greatly received by the group. Angie also applied for some funding to purchase materials for specific projects which has enabled them to progress.

Quotes from members include: “I have learnt a lot. I used to hate sewing now I do it all the time I even take it to coffee mornings at Wykin club. My daughter also enjoys it, her sewing is very good. Angie is a very good teacher and has taught us lots of different stitches and methods. The group is very friendly. I really enjoy it.” “I have learnt how to use a sewing machine and how to get better at doing different stitches. My art teacher is proud of me, she has also taken photos of work I have done. . Angie is a brilliant tutor and she is a really good sewer. The people in our group are really nice. I like all of the things we make.”

‘Learn to Sew’ meets on a Friday at Gwendoline Community House from 4pm- 6pm.

Cooking and Life Skills Group This group is led by Lynn who is employed by the Hinckley Methodist Circuit to work with young people aged between 12 and 25 within Earl Shilton and Barwell. With funding from the HBBC/VCS Partnership, Lynn started a cooking and life skills group at the community house where a group of young people have been looking at living on a budget, nutrition and healthy eating as well as basic life skills, such as the different types of tenancy accommodation and banking. The aim of this group is to help young people feel empowered and confident to live independently, many feel they are not equipped for independent living so this has been, and is, really useful for them. Lynn is someone approachable for young people so that they have an adult to go to when things are too much, and so far this is working well!

Mindfulness Sessions

Joanne is a community house volunteer who among many other roles leads a weekly mindfulness session. Joanne became interested in mindfulness and meditation as a way of maintaining her mental health alongside medication after suffering with anxiety. Having found a way to relax, she started a small wellness group with the support of the development worker at Barwell Community House. It is attended mainly by members of a carers group and other users of the house. Once a week the group meet and use guided meditations, mindful breathing techniques and colouring and craft activities to try and provide a small calming break from their busy lifestyles. The funding received has enabled the group to buy resources which include colouring supplies, printouts to take home and relaxation CDs which can enable members to try and practice techniques at home themselves. They have been found to be welcome and useful. Joanne said: “This group has been rewarding to run as it has had positive feedback from those attending, and on a personal level it helps with my confidence and social skills.” For more information on any of these groups, or anything else that runs at the community houses you can contact Rachel on 01455 255941, Shirley on 01455 255942 or Militza on 01455 844884. Alternatively email earlshiltoncommunityhouse@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

BLABY DISTRICT COMMUNITY GRANTS SCHEME

Thousands of pounds of funding available for Community Groups within

Blaby District

Blaby District Community Grants scheme supports the voluntary and community

sector to develop and strengthen community facilities and activities.

Community groups and sports clubs across the District of Blaby are being encouraged to apply to the Council’s Community Grants scheme to help with their projects. £90,000 is available during 2019/2020. Even more funding has been made available thanks to the money raised through the Love Blaby Lottery and a £2,000 contribution from Everyone Active. A wide range of grants are available from £500 to £4,000 for both revenue costs, such as equipment hire and marketing, and capital projects, including building refurbishments. Local mental health support group Blaby Mind Matters received a grant last year to help pay for room hire costs. Jen Fielding, Local Area Co-ordinator for Blaby, who helped set up the group, said: “Community Grants funding has made all the difference for this group being able to continue to support people with mental health needs.” Ann Dixon, Chair of the Blaby and Glen Parva Community Service, said: “The Drop-In centre is a lifeline for many elderly people who live alone and can feel isolated. Community Grant funding to upgrade our kitchen has helped us to achieve a five-star food hygiene rating and benefit many of the groups using our centre.” Community Grant applications can now be completed online. For more information, including terms and conditions, application deadlines and how to apply, visit www.blaby.gov.uk and search community grants.

The Council has awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds through the Community Grants scheme since the initiative launched over a decade ago. Bosom Babies (left) are a breastfeeding support group offering peer support to new mums.

Blaby Community Allotment

This summer, we are starting a new garden project in Blaby. Would you like to help create

and plant a community allotment?

The Local Area Co-ordinator, Jen Fielding, is working with Leicestershire Master Gardeners, Blaby Parish Council and Blaby Allotment society, would like to bring this unused allotment plot back into use, as sustainable community garden. This project started at Blaby Allotments, Enderby Road, Blaby, LE8 4GW in June 2019, when Blaby District Council staff are volunteering their time to begin work on the allotment plot. As you can see from the photo above – there is plenty to do! We would like to hear from any Blaby resident who is interested in taking part, either to help get the allotment ready for use, or to come and grow your own herbs, veggies or flowers once the plot is ready. Jen said “This idea has come from discussions with local residents themselves. We have so many talented gardeners in Blaby, who have said they would happily share their knowledge with others. I have also spoken with many people like the idea of getting in the garden more often, but feel they don’t have the confidence or knowledge. A community allotment, with ideas and mentoring from Master gardeners, is a good way to support residents to learn new gardening skills and connect with others, as well as being great for their health and wellbeing.”

Once the allotment plot is complete, it will include raised beds and seating so that it is accessible to all residents, whatever your ability, completely free of charge. It will also include the offer of support from Master Gardeners and Connect Blaby Together, Blaby’s local community support scheme.

For more information, or to register your interest contact Jen, Local Area Co-ordinator: 07739 035296

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC

REPORTING A HATE INCIDENT

A hate incident is any incident targeted at a person where they are seen or believed to be different, this may be motivated by:

• disability

• gender identity

• race

• religion or belief

• sexual orientation

You have the right to live your life free from abuse and violence. If you’ve been the victim of a hate crime, remember it is not your fault and help is available. By reporting hate crime, you may be able to prevent this from happening again to you or someone else. Remember, you don’t have to be the victim of hate crime to report it. You can report anything you’ve seen happening to someone else, or report it on their behalf if they don’t want to. Incidents may be reported to Leicestershire Police on the non-emergency number 101 or the Hate Incident Monitoring Project on 0116 305 8263 during working hours or visit one of the following reporting centres near you. The reporting centres in Hinckley and Bosworth Borough can be found at: Barwell Community House 43 Bradgate Road Barwell LE9 8FB Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9.15am to 2.30pm Wednesday: 9am to 5pm Earl Shilton Community House Peggs Close Earl Shilton LE9 7BP Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.15am to 2.15pm Wednesday: 1.15pm to 5.30pm Earl Shilton Library Wood Street Earl Shilton LE9 7NE Staffed: Monday 10am-1pm, Tuesday & Thursday 2-5pm, Friday 10am-1pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

Hinckley Library Lancaster Road Hinckley LE10 0AT Staffed: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-1pm, Saturday 10am-2pm Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Hinckley Hub Rugby Road Hinckley LE10 0FR Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am-4.30pm Next Generation 108 Castle Street Hinckley LE10 1DD Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4pm The reporting centres in Blaby District can be found at: Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough LE19 2EP Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:45am-5:15pm, Wednesday 9:30am-5:15pm, Friday 8:45am-4:45pm Blaby Library Lutterworth Road Blaby LE8 4DW Staffed: Monday & Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday 10am-1pm, Saturday 10am-2pm Glenfield Library Sandown Road Glenfield LE3 8BT Staffed: Monday & Thursday 2pm-5pm, Wednesday & Friday 10am-1pm, Saturday 10am-2pm

LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE You know that we do this?

But did you know that we do this? Southern Fire station which covers the Blaby District area has some of the most highly trained crews in the country covering a wide range of skills and disciplines. We do all the things you would expect us to do like put out fires and go to road traffic collisions but we also do this…….. Rope Rescue - Carrying out rescues from quarries, cranes, wind turbines or anywhere else high up Water Rescue - Carrying out rescues from lakes, rivers, and canals including fast flowing water Large Animal Rescue – We rescue horses, cows, bulls etc from water, mud, pits anywhere really Rescue Boat – been used as national asset and hoping to be put on the national register

We are also one of a limited number of Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) who are strategically placed around the country. We can be mobilised to anywhere in the country if required to attend major incidents such as collapsed buildings. Why don’t you come and see us all at our open day, have a look at all our kit, meet the crews, watch some demonstrations. It’s a great family fun day.

Open Day 15th September 2019 – 10am to 4pm

Also if you would like to see what we get up to day to day, what training we do, the types of incidents we attend and community safety information follow us on Facebook.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Southern Station

Hinckley Fire Station At Hinckley Fire Station we do all the things you would expect us to do but we also do this…….. Hinckley Rudolph Fund – Last year we raised over £5000 for the Firefighters charity and local Children charities in Hinckley and Bosworth area. Schools Programme – Visit schools throughout the Hinckley and Bosworth area giving advice on fire safety and a career in the Fire Service.

Princess Trust – Fire Service skills day for the Hinckley based Princess Trust group Community fire safety talks – Visit groups such as Food banks, Parent and toddler, Pensioner meetings and many more giving fire safety advice and fitting smoke alarms for those in our community who aren’t able to do this themselves.

Do you know someone who is vulnerable that we could offer Fire safety advice to? Contact us on 01455 445410.

These are just some of the examples of the wide ranging community work undertaken by Hinckley Fire Station.

Also if you would like to see what we get up to day to day, what training we do, the types of incidents we attend and community safety information follow us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/LFRSHinckley/

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Hinckley Station

SUMMER SAFETY

Summer is here with its lighter evenings and warmer weather and people spend

more time outside enjoying the sunshine. Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service is

urging people to keep safe when using barbecues, camping and caravanning and

swimming in open water.

DESERT RAT CHALLENGE BUILDS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUNGSTERS AND OFFICERS

A group of 15 youngsters have been put through their paces on an Army assault course as part of a scheme to build positive relationships with the Police.

The group, aged 14-17 years from Hinckley and its surrounding area, completed the course at Chetwynd Barracks in Chilwell on Saturday (11 May) as part of the Desert Rat Challenge.

The challenge saw them take part in teamwork exercises, laser shooting, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities and first aid training and was aimed at testing their brain as well as their fitness and educating them about the role of the Army.

They were accompanied by officers from Hinckley Neighbourhood Police Team who have built up a relationship with them over the past seven months thanks to the help of Leicester City Football Club’s Community Trust, Kicks Project which has provided regular coaching sessions in Hinckley and Heath Lane Academy. The sessions were set up in response to anti-social behaviour in the area as a way of building positive relationships with the police. PC Darren Measures has been a regular on the football pitch and joined youngsters for the Desert Rat Challenge. He said: “We have built up a fantastic relationship with some of these youngsters and it was amazing to see them get so excited about this challenge. They threw themselves into it. Experiences like this help show young people just what they can achieve when they really put their mind to it. We hope they see that positive actions can have really positive

results. It’s all about channelling their energy in the right direction.”

James 15, from Hinckley, who took part said: “I have met some new people on the trip and learnt about my own teambuilding skills, and how important working together can be. I would recommend to other young people to take part in the Desert Rats Challenge.”

Matt Bray manager of LCFC’s Community Trust programme added: “The Kicks project is all about using football as the vehicle to provide young people with positive messages they can take away and use at a later date. Without support from the local police and Army this opportunity would not have taken place.”

The Desert Rat challenge is open to youth groups across the area and takes place on 6 July, 28 September, 26 October, and 23 November. For more information contact Brett.Thompson995@mod.gov.uk

POSITIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Hinckley and Blaby Community Safety Partnership have been working with Streetvibe Young People’s Services to provide positive activities for young people in Hinckley Town Centre.

The Streetvibe Youth Bus has been out in Hinckley Town Centre on Friday Evenings and has been situated near the Leisure Centre, Argent’s Mead. The Streetvibe Youth Bus is a fully equipped mobile youth centre. The Bus has internet, games consoles and much more on board. Young people have been enjoying the activities available and have been interacting positively with youth workers. Streetvibe workers have vast experience at working with young people and the issues that affect them.

Rachel Burgess, Community Safety Manager for the Borough Council said “we are really pleased to be working with Streetvibe Young People’s Services providing positive activities for young people in Hinckley Town Centre; we know that providing things for young people to do can have a positive effect on neighbourhoods and the wider community and can reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour”

The local police have been interacting with the sessions helping to form positive relationships between the police and young people.

Comments from some of the young people included: “It’s been one of the best things in Hinckley for young people!" and "It makes our night and we look forward to it every week”.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER WEEK 1st – 7th June was Community Volunteer Week and Blaby District Council staff fully embraced this by doing a full two weeks of volunteering from 1st -14th!

122 volunteers worked with 22 Community Groups in the District doing a variety of jobs including gardening at a community allotment and a community library, painting at two primary schools and a local bowls club, conducting mock interviews in secondary schools and creating a new forest school area at a primary school. Below are just two of the groups that benefitted from the generosity of the volunteers.

St Crispin’s Lunch Club is a free, weekly lunch club for lonely or isolated residents on low incomes in Braunstone Town. It was set up by the local community with the help of the Local Area Co-ordinator Roo Peake. The aim of the club is to bring residents together to share a healthy, hot meal and enjoy the friendship and support of others. This might be the only cooked meal that some residents have during the week.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rescue and rehoming centre for cats and dogs, based just outside the village of Huncote. Every year they care for more than 400 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer care for them. They do not receive government or lottery funding but rely entirely on the generosity of their supporters to help keep their doors open to the hundreds of animals needing their help each year.

Volunteers from Blaby

District Council and

Sainsburys painted three

drab looking kennels with

vibrant colours to make

them more interesting for

both the dogs and visitors.

For more information about volunteering at these worthy causes visit www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk To enquire about volunteering opportunities at St. Crispin’s lunch club contact roo.peake@leics.gov.uk

COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP ROADSHOW

The work of the Community Safety Partnership, CSP, was presented to Hinckley &

Bosworth Parish Forum in June. The event which took place at Newbold Verdon

library provided the opportunity for more than 40 delegates from across the Parishes

of the Borough to hear about the work that the CSP delivers through joint working

practises, how priority issues are tackled across the Borough and the current

services available.

A range of stakeholders who support the CSP such as the police, fire service,

Neighbourhood Watch, community safety officers from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough

Council’s community safety team and Leicestershire County Council were on hand to

answer questions and showcase the work that they do. Cllr Martin Cartwright, Chair

of the Parish Forum said: “It enabled Parish representatives to gain a better

appreciation of the expansive range of important work being delivered and reinforced

the very strong partnership arrangements we have locally, clearly setting out our joint

efforts focusing on the priority issues”.

GREAT TOGETHER

Since its launch in 2017, the three community houses within Hinckley & Bosworth have organised events to celebrate the life of Jo Cox and play a part in the Great Get Together. Throughout the week in June, all of the groups that meet either at one of the community houses or join in with the rural projects, have taken time out to talk about what it means to them to come along to the activity. The overall response has been that it’s the social side of meeting and talking to people that they look forward to most, especially if they live alone. When Jo was killed on 16 June 2016, she was an MP standing up for people who were isolated and lonely. The community house projects continue to address the work she cannot; loneliness isn’t being alone, it’s being disconnected. The Great Get Together is helping people to build new and stronger connections in their communities. So next time you walk past someone in the street say ‘hello’ and smile, it may cheer up someone’s day!

Dementia Action Week Hinckley and Bosworth Dementia Action Alliance and Blaby District Action Alliance were involved with numerous activities during Dementia Action Week, which ran from 20th to 26th May 2019.

Hinckley and Bosworth Dementia Action Alliance

A new Dementia Friendly Community initiative was organised at the Pathways Centre in Hinckley where there were information stalls from the Alzheimer’s Society, Local Area Co-ordinators, Sharing Precious Memories, the local library and Leicestershire Fire & Rescue. Everyone was welcome to come along for a cuppa and a chat, plus pick up a free goody bag with lots of information about local support groups and services. Many people signed up for a Dementia Friends Awareness session which is being arranged for a later date.

For more information or to attend the meetings contact Lindsay Orton, Wellbeing Development Manager on 01455 255805 or email Lindsay.orton@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Blaby District Action Alliance

A football festival with football legends event was organised and hosted at Holmes Park in Whetstone along with dementia friends’ sessions.

East Midlands Housing Conference saw Message in a Bottle with the Herbert Protocol handed out to their residents along with the new Dementia Guide for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Blaby District Council staff tried on the

GERonTologic (GERT) age simulation suit to

understand the challenges some people with

dementia can face.

An information stall was run in Partnership with Alzheimer’s Society at ASDA Fosse Park (right). Information stands were also held at GP surgeries across Blaby District. Blogs were put on staff intranets and social

media posts throughout the whole week

#AskUsAnything

#DementiaActionWeek2019

The newest members, Your Life Services Management, hosted an afternoon tea

event at Glenhills Court, Glen Parva. The cheese and wine with quiz fundraised a

fantastic £150.00.

To find out more information about local

services or to join the local alliance

please contact Sam Clarke on 0116

272 7544 or email

samantha.clarke@blaby.gov.uk

YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE PART IN A MOCK KNIFE CRIME TRIAL During National Neighbourhood Watch Week in June, eight young people took part in a mock court together with 4 magistrates at Earl Shilton Methodist Church. This was the first time that the topic 'Possession of a bladed article’ was used as a youth court script and the young people didn’t actually see it until twenty minutes before the actual Mock Court began. The young people took the parts of all the officials in the Court Room except the Magistrate, who was actually a Magistrate from Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the Magistrates Association, and then the trial began. When the Magistrate and her two “Winger” young people Magistrates left the Court Room to consider their verdict, the members of the public, watching the proceedings, were also asked to do the same in small groups which was much harder than anyone anticipated. Using only the information given in Court every one found deciding on a verdict extremely difficult. Helen Cobley, Neighbourhood Watch Development Worker, who organised the event said: “Although Earl Shilton does not have a Knife Crime problem, our young people are very aware of the issues. We organised two Anti- Knife Crime sessions at both our Youth Cafes before Christmas. They were supported by our PCSO Nik Malbasa who also attended this event with Sergeant Victoria Lucas, our Hinckley and Blaby Neighbourhood Policing Area Knife Crime Champion. I wanted to follow this up in some way. Lynn Adderley, our Early Intervention Worker, suggested a Mock Court and I thought it was a really good idea. It was certainly well received not only by our young people but by everyone who attended.” Lynn Adderley, Early Intervention Worker, added: “Personally I found it insightful and I also feel more motivated, as a result, in making sure, as best I can, that I prevent any of my young people going to Court in the first place”. The young people all felt that it was interesting from a personal as well as academic point of view, as some of them are studying Citizenship. They felt more aware of the procedures of what happens when a young person breaks the law and feel that the Mock Court should be something that is delivered to all teenagers, as this could stop some from taking their behaviour too far and breaking the law, especially with the current knife crime issues.

BEAT THE STREET

A new game came to Blaby District as part of a campaign to encourage more active communities and to reduce air pollution. Beat the Street is a fun, free initiative that saw

Blaby District transformed into a giant game!

Delivered by Intelligent Health and funded by The

National Lottery through Sport England, Blaby

District Council and DEFRA, the game encouraged individuals and teams to walk,

cycle or run across the District to collect points.

More than 70 special sensors called ‘Beat

Boxes’ appeared on lamp posts across the

District. Players tap the Beat Boxes with cards

and fobs to track their journey and earn points

for themselves and their team – the more Beat

Boxes people swipe during a journey, the more

points they earn.

Schools and community groups compete against

each other to see who can travel the furthest, climb

the leader boards and win hundreds of pounds worth

of sport and fitness equipment. Families were

encouraged to play for their local school while the wider community could create their own

teams.

Anyone living, working or going to school in Blaby District was eligible to take part in the

game, which ran from 27th February until 10th April. Children aged under 11 played with a

Beat the Street fob, which they received from their school and anyone aged 12 and above

could pick up a free card and map from Blaby District Council and selected libraries,

supermarkets and leisure centres.

Over 40 schools and groups registered and over the 6 week period clocked up a staggering

93631 miles. The winning team was The Hall School in Glenfield who walked, cycled, ran

and scootered 12948 of those miles, followed very closely by Sharnford Church of England

School with 12284. A fantastic achievement! Both Schools won vouchers for books, crafts or

sports and fitness equipment. The winning workplace team was the Marriott Hotel, clocking

up 383 miles and winning £100 for their chosen charity.

For more information on Beat the Street Blaby visit www.beatthestreet.me/blaby or find Beat

the Street Blaby on Facebook.

DID YOU KNOW THAT DOMESTIC ABUSE AFFECTS OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND AND WALES EVERY YEAR?

Or that over 750,000 children are involved?

Or, that Domestic Abuse costs the health service £1.73 billion per year? With an extra cost of £176 million to mental health services? Domestic Abuse can affect anybody regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or beliefs, it is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men will experience some form of Domestic Abuse in their lifetime. Domestic Abuse is not just broken bones or bruising . . . . . but is a pattern of incidents over a period of time. Which could include Physical, Emotional, Psychological, Economic or Sexual abuse, “So Called” Honour Based Violence, Female Mutilation, Forced Marriage or Controlling and Coercive behaviours. Do you know someone who may be experiencing Domestic Abuse? Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Blaby District Council have provided a dedicated Domestic Abuse Outreach Service for a number of years which offer free confidential advice, support and advocacy, and signposting to appropriate partner agencies such as local solicitor services for legal advice regarding protection orders etc. They offer free therapeutic women’s groups and a dedicated children’s Service which support children who have experienced Domestic Abuse in the home. They can provide help, advice and support for concerned family or friends. You do not need to give your details if this makes you feel uncomfortable. Although Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council's service is for female victims of Domestic Abuse we are aware that Domestic Abuse can affect male victims too, male victims can access the county service United Against Violence and Abuse on their helpline 0808 802 0028 for advice and support. For any additional assistance Men’s Advice Line can be accessed via their helpline (0808 801 0327) or email (info@mensadviceline.org.uk). In any emergency where you are concerned about your safety or the safety of anyone else, please contact the police on 999. For further information please visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/domesticabuse or contact the Outreach Service on 01455 255746 or 07966202181. Blaby District Council’s Outreach Co-ordinator works with male and female victims and can be contacted on 0116 272 7637 or visit Blaby District Council’s website.

MODERN ACTION SLAVERY GROUP

The Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Modern Slavery Action Group launched a social media campaign.

The main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and increase education around modern slavery, resulting in more intelligence being reported. Consequently, the key message is #knowthesigns The campaign was launched on 26th June and ran for five days. Each day focused on the 5 different signs of modern slavery shown below. Details of how and where to report concerns regarding modern slavery will be posted in a bid to increase the number of potential cases reported.

For more information on modern slavery visit www.unseenuk.org

You can report modern slavery online at www.leics.police.uk

Or ring the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700