Equality and Diversity in the News
Nike have announced they are launching a programme to support and encourage young individuals from BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds to become “sports leaders” in London. Targeting those aged 16-30, the Future Leaders in Sport scheme aims to encourage 12 BAME Londoners to embark on a 12-month programme to support their leadership skills development.
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Pharrell Williams has expressed his embarrassment at some of the lyrics to hit single “Blurred Lines” as he has come to realise that it could be interpreted as sexist. Though he did not initially consider why some would be offended by the song, he has now recognised how its language could be used inappropriately towards women.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-50052155
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A Northern Irish politician has sparked a debate as to whether you should be allowed to take young children to work, in a bid to break down barriers faced by working parents.
Radicalisation and Extremism
Activists Extinction Rebellion have been continuing protests in London despite a ban by police. Several protestors have been arrested for breaching Section 14 of the revised Public Order Act which requires activists to stop their protests by 9pm in Central London. The group have taken steps to initiate a judicial review of the police’s “disproportionate” actions with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan stating he is seeking “further information” about the ban.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50053945
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The Home Office have released figures that show hate crimes rose 10% in 2018-19, and over three-quarters were race hate crimes. Transgender hate crime rose 37% whilst sexual orientation rose 25%, disability 14%, and religion 3%. The Home Office have stated that “better recording” of crimes by the police and growing awareness has contributed to the rise in the figures, though “short-term” rises had been seen following events such as the 2016 EU Referendum. Interestingly, the number of religious and race hate crimes spiked in May, June and July of 2018, which coincided with President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK and the sentencing of EDL leader Tommy Robinson.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50054915
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The Met Police have been working with Facebook to help “improve the detection of live-stream” extremist attacks so that police can be notified sooner, and videos taken down. Footage gathered by bodycams worn by firearms officers whilst in training will be shared to develop the site’s artificial intelligence in a bid to be better at detecting extremist and radical content.
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Safer Portsmouth Tweeted a link to information for parents and guardians on the potential dangers of online gaming with advice on how to protect children from the risk of radicalisation, extremism and grooming. Communicating with other gamers is popular whilst playing as the platform acts as a type of social media; however, some gamers do not easily spot where they may be playing against “bots” as their messages can seem realistic, and often open inappropriate content from unknown users which can include extreme or radical messages. The article also warns parents of the risk of offenders using “gifts” in gaming as part of a grooming process, persuading young people to do inappropriate things in return for cheat codes, additional weapons, unlocking additional levels etc.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/gaming/
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Remember those all-important contact numbers:
Anti-Terrorism Hotline: 0800 789 321
Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111
See it. Say it. Sorted.: Text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40
And above all, be vigilant! If in doubt report anything suspicious to 101 or 999.
Safeguarding
Facebook have reportedly removed over 11.6 million posts containing content related to child abuse, including nudity and child sexual exploitation, between July and September 2019. Following the “public outcry” after the death of Molly Russell (who took her own life after reading a large amount of information on self-harm and suicide on Instagram), Facebook have also released figures similar to this for Instagram to reduce the exposure of young people to self-harm, suicide, and harmful and often graphic imagery. Instagram is also trialling the removal of “likes” from posts to help the well-being and mental health of its users.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50404812
https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-removing-likes-worldwide-test-2019-11?r=US&IR=T
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A week-long campaign by Hampshire Constabulary took place in October to intensify the crackdown on county lines drug dealing, including the seizing of prohibited items such as weapons and drugs, mobile phones, and large amounts of cash. 48 individuals were arrested across the week, including 6 on the Isle of Wight, with a further 20 vulnerable or young individuals identified as at risk, and appropriate safeguarding measures put in place.
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Anti-Slavery day on the 18th October was marked by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership with a number of performances in Guildhall Square by actors of real-life slavery stories originating from Albania, Nigeria, Romania and the UK. The aim of the event was to highlight Modern Slavery amongst the public to encourage individuals to speak out and report crimes. In 2018, 144 potential victims of slavery were identified across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, though the true scale of the issue is unknown.
https://onthewight.com/true-life-modern-slavery-stories-highlighted-in-portsmouth-performances/
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A Fareham nursery has closed this week due to concerns found by Ofsted regarding their Safeguarding practices. Ofsted had allowed the setting to continue despite it being issued with a Welfare Requirements Notice in March; however, a reinspection in August still found statutory requirements were not being met and subsequently “problems caused by Ofsted and Hampshire County Council have” proven to be “insurmountable” for the setting.
Health and Well-Being
The film “Blue Story” has been banned by all Vue and Showcase cinemas in Southampton and Eastleigh due to concerns over the actions of individuals mirroring some violence within the film. The “safety and welfare” of staff and customers is of paramount importance to the two companies, and whilst local police have not recommended the film to be banned, they have both taken preventative action just in case, following the example of many cinemas across the UK. Whilst this story is concerned about Health and Safety, it also links to extremist behaviour and the risks of radicalisation and grooming by gangs.
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International Men’s Day took place on the 19th November, and a particular focus this year was the general well-being and mental health of males. Suicide is reported to be the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and the increase in social pressure from social media and cultural barriers has created an issue of “toxic masculinity” that prevents men from seeking help and support. The theme for International Men’s Day 2019 was “making a difference for men and boys”, encouraging men to be positive role models for each other. Celebrities including Prince Harry, Stormzy, Robert Pattinson, and Jim Carrey joined in the discussions around mental health awareness, sharing stories of their own experiences.
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If you are concerned at all for your health and well-being, physical and mental, please speak to someone urgently. This could be your tutor, Showcase’s Safeguarding Officer or Deputy (contact details below), GP, Manager, or a trusted friend or family member.
Ellen Mould, Director of Apprenticeships and Safeguarding Officer
- 01329 848714
- 07715 658036
- mould@showcasetraining.co.uk
Louise Bloomfield, Apprenticeships Manager and Deputy Safeguarding Officer
- 07597 366506
- Louise.bloomfield@showcasetraining.co.uk
Upcoming Cultural and Religious Events
- 30th November: St Andrew’s Day
- 1st December: Beginning of Advent (Christianity)
- 8th December: Bodhi Day (Buddhism)
- 10th December: Human Rights Day
- 22nd December: Winter Solstice (Pagan)
- 23rd December: Hanukkah (Judaism)
- 25th December: Christmas (Christianity)
- 26th December: Zaratosht No Diso (Zoroastrian)
- 31st December: Omisoka (Buddhist/ Japanese)
Featured Topic – Giving Something Back at Christmas
The upcoming festive period is a time for reflection and showing others you care, and this extends to our wider community. Many organisations across the UK are helping by co-ordinating aid and relief for those in need, such as collecting donations for a local food bank. Basepoint Business Centre in Gosport, home to Showcase HQ, is currently collecting donations of non-perishable foods, warm clothing, and toiletries for the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank. They are also collecting presents for underprivileged children as part of the Wave 105 Mission Christmas campaign. Drop in any kind donations to reception and they will deliver on your behalf.
There are other ways you can help your community too: volunteering; buying Charity Christmas cards; helping out family, friends, or a neighbour; and participating in Christmas Jumper Day (Friday 13th December) are all great ways to give a little something back during the season and throughout the year. Go on. Give it a go.