Newsletter Introduction
Welcome to the revamped Showcase Newsletter! Aiming to give all our readers an insight into key updates within our sectors, the monthly editions will guide you through key legislation updates, Government policies, news stories that have caught our eye, and things to be aware of coming up over the next few weeks.
If you have any suggestions on features to highlight please do email them to hello@showcasetraining.co.uk and we’ll be happy to work with you.
We hope you enjoy the newsletter and find the content useful and interesting to read.
Message from the Author
The past few months have been exceedingly busy for Showcase Training. Despite the challenges faced by COVID-19 restrictions our team successfully completed all learners due by the end of our academic year (31st July) on time. This has led to many learners gaining promotions and pay rises within their employment and we are so proud of each and every achievement gained.
The Government incentive for Apprenticeships has continued, leading to record numbers of new enrolments throughout August and September for Showcase, and more planned for October and November. Alongside a revised curriculum and enrolment procedure, all new enrolments from the 1st August are on Apprenticeship Standards which aim to raise the quality of learning and education within our industry – something we are incredibly passionate about supporting.
In November, we will be welcoming a new member to our team to help with our expansion: Laura Sykes. Laura has worked in childcare for many years and has a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the sector to bring to our provision. We very much look forward to welcoming her to the team and introducing her to you!
Equality and Diversity in the News
The Black Lives Matter campaign continues to make headlines this month, with the strong message never far from social media newsfeeds. Dance group Diversity sparked controversy when performing on a live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent by highlighting the movement, using emotive music and direct references to the death of George Floyd. Over 24,000 complaints were received by Ofcom relating to the performance, with many asking why “a politicised message” was allowed on a “light-hearted family show”. Troupe leader Ashley Banjo explained their performance aimed to “open up important topics of conversation” and “express how the events of this year have made us [and so many others] feel”. What’s your opinion on the performance? Were you moved to tears, or not impressed?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54124816
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The BBC have reported the amount of paid and unpaid work undertaken by men and women is becoming more evenly split, with men taking on fewer paid hours and women more. Unpaid work typically includes tasks such as household chores and childcare duties, and since the 1970’s it appears women are spending 3 hours less a week completing these activities in favour of paid work. The Resolution Foundation have found on average both groups work a total of between 50-51 hours a week, though men are paid for 10 more of their hours than women.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53558250
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October is Black History Month here in the UK, and British Premier League clubs in football are taking the opportunity to show how they are promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and how they are tackling the ongoing issue of discrimination and abuse. The campaign features a series of videos on YouTube, and artwork and illustrations on Instagram “celebrating players who changed the game, paved the way and made Premier League history”.
The No Room for Racism campaign aims to make football a welcoming sport to all and works in partnership with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to identify, investigate and sanction offenders. Measures taken so far include additional training of stewards, increased CCTV presence at matches, bodycams for referees and stewards on the pitch, and a central rapid response reporting system aimed to tackle abuse on social media. Clubs are also pulling together to help promote career pathways in football such as coaching, refereeing, and administration, to members of the BAME community.
Extremism and Radicalisation in the News
Far-Right Wing group Britain First is reportedly setting up a training camp in London to give recruits training on self-defence. Whilst not immediately requiring police action, there is of course concern surrounding such a facility and the negative impact this could have for wider communities.
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Hope Not Hate have released a blog criticising the social media platform BitChute. BitChute is a video-sharing site that allows users to post videos that may otherwise contravene online rules such as YouTube restrictions on content. There has been widespread controversy regarding extremist content being freely uploaded and shared including videos hosting misinformation related to the current Coronavirus pandemic and related conspiracy theories (such as Plandemic). The Independent reports “BitChute describes itself as a “free speech” website, but researchers say it is has become a major platform for neo-Nazi videos, racism, violence, conspiracy theories and even terrorist propaganda”.
In the HNH blog they list details of the report issued on the investigation into the site, stating there is an “absence of moderation” and that hateful content is a “unique selling point” for the platform. They report that 114 videos currently available to view are actively in support of proscribed terrorist groups, including 23 videos in support of National Action and 86 videos promoting Islamic State (IS).
The report asks for changes to be made including restrictions on other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter in the sharing of BitChute content, reducing the reach of the site as it cannot be shared easily. They also call on the Government to introduce an “Online Harms Bill” to hold sites like BitChute to account for allowing harmful and hateful material to be published.
https://www.hopenothate.org.uk/2020/07/20/bitchute-platforming-hate-and-terror-in-the-uk/
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Hope Not Hate also reported this month on the rise of teenage neo-Nazi groups in the UK, with groups such as The British Hand being set up by and recruiting children. This alarming report details the rise of trends online and how easy it is for young people to be groomed into perpetuating extremist ideologies.
https://www.hopenothate.org.uk/2020/09/13/hitler-youths-the-rise-of-teenage-far-right-terrorists/
Anti-Terrorism Hotline:
0800 789 321
Crime Stoppers:
0800 555 111
See It. Say It. Sorted.
0800 40 50 40 or
Text 61016
If in doubt, dial 101 or 999
Safeguarding Update
LEGISLATION UPDATE:
Keeping Children Safe in Education has been updated for 2020 with a greater focus on sexual violence and harassment between children, mental health, domestic abuse, Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), serious youth violence, and early help procedures. Upskirting is now listed separately to highlight its now illegal nature following changes in wider legislation last year.
Terrorism in KCSIE has been defined as: causing serious violence, damage to property, or severely interfering with or disrupting an electronic system. It is designed to influence government or to intimidate public, for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
Download the full document here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
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There has been growing concerns in the news regarding the recruitment of young people by drug gangs throughout lockdown, and as such a large County Lines investigation has taken place in our region. Reports across the country indicate social media platforms like Instagram are being used to groom young individuals to participate in County Lines, targeting normally safe spaces like parks to deal in.
https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/incident-play-park-involving-child-4353530
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/drug-dealers-instagram-park-a4513386.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-53654312
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Buttle UK have released their 2020 report on “The State of Child Poverty” across Great Britain, particularly focusing on the impact COVID-19 has had on some of the most vulnerable households. Access to education, food poverty, and the impact on mental health are just some of the areas the report investigates, making recommendations such as a new, national child poverty strategy led by the Government.
https://www.buttleuk.org/news/the-state-of-child-poverty-2020
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The National Youth Advocacy Service have launched a report on “Tackling Youth Homelessness in England and Wales”, with the aim of “encouraging collaboration between UK and Welsh government in tackling issues and identifying best practice”.
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Following our previous feature on the risk of Modern Slavery in the UK, the Local Government Association have reported a 1400% increase over the past 5 years in the number of referrals from councils regarding children suspected of being victims of modern slavery. This shocking statistic is compounded by the concern that lifting lockdown restrictions could lead to further exploitation as businesses try to recover financially.
https://www.local.gov.uk/1400-cent-increase-child-modern-slavery-referrals-made-councils
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The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse have published a paper on the “Key Messages from Research on Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrated by Adults”, written by Sarah Brown, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Arts, Business and Law, Law School, USC, Queensland, Australia, and Visiting Fellow, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS), University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol.
The paper explores topics such as “who sexually abuses children?”, “what are the pathways to CSA offending?”, and “what interventions are effective?”.
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A report has been issued regarding the rise of ‘virtual kidnapping’ scams online, particularly targeting Chinese students in Australia. Typically involving criminals pretending to be from the Chinese embassy or another authority, students receive a phone call informing them that they have been implicated in a crime in China or are facing some other threat. Blackmailed students are then forced to stage their own kidnapping and send video proof to relatives in China to obtain funds to avoid arrest or deportation.
Whilst not directly linked to the UK as yet, there have been reported cases in the US and New Zealand.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-53549933
Local Safeguarding Teams:
Portsmouth
Children: 0845 671 0271
Adults: 02392 688 613
Southampton
Children: 02380 833 336
Adults: 02380 833 003
Isle of Wight
Children: 01983 814 545
Adults: 01983 814 980
Hampshire
Children: 0300 555 1384
Adults: 0300 555 1386
Showcase Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
Ellen Mould
07715 658036
Deputy DSO:
Louise Bloomfield
07597 366506
Office Number:
01329 848714
Online Safety
YoungMinds have issued advice and guidance for parents to support their children whilst gaming online. This includes advice regarding mental health and well-being, online safety, and finding professional help if needed. Gaming is a very popular activity but there are many hidden potential dangers to be aware of for both oneself and the young people around you.
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130 young people in the UK have been creating short films regarding online safety with the aim to “inspire their peers to stay safe online”. Made during lockdown, the series of videos are aimed at a range of ages and interests, addressing the question of what they want the internet to be like so there is no threat to their or others’ safety.
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/watch-online-safety-films-created-young-people
Health and Well-Being
World Mental Health Day was celebrated on Saturday 10th October 2020 and was supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Particularly important this year in light of the many challenges faced due to COVID-19 and lockdown, charities and organisations championing mental health and well-being promoted ways to support yourself and others with concerns and where to find external help.
Tips for everyday well-being include how to reduce stress and find ways to relax, getting enough sleep, eating well, and spending time in nature.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/wellbeing/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/world-mental-health-day/
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The BBC released a report on our habits during lockdown and how they have been changing according to sales data. Unilever information has suggested more of us are buying ice cream whilst demand for deodorant and shampoo decreased!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53511028
Showcase Mental Health Lead:
Nicola Bailey
07597 366606
Featured Topic: Redundancy During COVID-19
Whether expected or sudden, redundancy can cause huge uncertainty, stress and anxiety and can make existing mental health problems worse. It is really important that you look after your mental health during such a stressful time. Below are some simple ideas that may help you to stay in control.
Think about how you are feeling
Losing a job is a huge adjustment and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. We may feel shock, anger, resentment, relief and much more all in a short period of time. Take time to process these emotions and talk through how you are feeling as well as what you are going through with people. This will help you to put things into perspective and should also provide comfort. Being out of work can have a big impact on your self-esteem and sense of identity. If your job has always been a big part of your life you may wonder who you are without it or how you are going to cope. Why not take this time to reflect on the things that you enjoy and the areas of strength that you have?
Manage your Money
If you are made redundant, one of the first things you may think about is your finances. Money and Metal Health are closely linked, and when we are struggling it can be hard to manage our finances. – Creating a budget is usually a good place to start.
The Money Advice Service offer a free budget planner tool:
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner.
Keep Motivated
Adjusting to a change of routine following redundancy can be difficult but coping with this change during the coronavirus outbreak can be even more challenging. keeping yourself focused and setting yourself challenges can help to improve your self-esteem for when the right role comes up. Things like yoga, colouring and DIY can be a great way to switch off, as can tidying – why not have a spring clean? Within our ‘Healthy mindset’ _Publication, you will some ideas of hobbies that you could try. Make sure that you’re not keeping frantically busy as a way of avoiding your feelings.
We are here for you
You are not alone. We would love to help you in any way we can so please feel free to call anytime. We may be able to help with finding you a new job or pointing you in the right direction. Sometimes a chat can make all the difference.
Useful Links:
ACAS (free impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice) https://www.acas.org.uk/
Gov website https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support
Need a chat? https://www.thecalmzone.net/2016/12/you-can-talk-to-calm/
Your rights during redundancy https://www.acas.org.uk/redundancy
Upcoming Events
1st October: Pavarana Day (Buddhist)
1st October: Moon Festival (China)
3rd October: Sukkot (Jewish)
4th October: World Animal Day
11th October: Simchat Torah (Jewish)
11-18th October: Interfaith Week of Prayer for World Peace
17-25th October: Navarati (Hindu)
28-29th October: Mawlid (Islam)
31st October: Halloween / Samhain
1st November: Loy Kratong (Buddhist)
1st November: All Saints’ Day (Christian)
1st November: All Souls’ Day/ Day of the Dead (Mexican)
5th November: Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire Night
8th November: Remembrance Sunday
8-15th November: Interfaith Week
11th November: Remembrance Day
14-18th November: Diwali (Hindu/ Sikh)
26th November: Thanksgiving (USA)
29th November: Advent Sunday (Christian)
30th November: St Andrew’s Day (Patron Saint of Scotland)
6th December: St Nicholas Day
8th December: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
8th December: Immaculate Conception of Mary (Christian)
10th December: Human Rights’ Day
11-18th December: Hanukkah (Jewish)
21st December: Yule (Pagan/ Wiccan)
21st December: Winter Solstice (Druid)
24th December: Christmas Eve
25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: Boxing Day
26th December: Kwanzaa (USA)
31st December: New Years’ Eve/ Hogmanay
31st December: Omisoka (Japanese)