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Community Safety News october 2020 EDITION

The Community Safety Newsletter aims to keep residents and partner agencies informed about what the Community Safety Team has recently been involved in across Buckinghamshire.

Domestic Abuse

Despite the new national restrictions on movement, anyone suffering domestic abuse can leave their home and seek help. With the ongoing coronavirus crisis putting a strain on many families and individuals, we are continuing to work closely with partners to ensure those at risk of domestic abuse are able to access the help they need to be safe.

The following local and national domestic abuse services are continuing to offer support, including online and telephone services:

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Silent Solution

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World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day occurs yearly on 10th October and this year's theme was ‘Mental Health for All.'

We've all had to make a lot of changes due to the coronavirus, which may have caused you to feel anxious, stressed about your finances, worried about your friends and family or angry. Some of us will have worked through our feelings but others may still be struggling with day to day living.

If you are in need of support please contact one of the national or local services listed below, or you can contact your GP.

  • Bucks Adult Mental Health Services - 01865 901 600
  • Bucks Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - 01865 901 951
  • CALM - 0800 585 858
  • Childline - 0800 1111
  • MIND - 0300 123 3393
  • PAPYRUS - 08000 684 141
  • Samaritans - 116 123
  • Shout - Text Shout to 85258
  • Youth Concern - 01296 431 183
  • Healthy Minds Bucks
  • Kooth
  • NHW One You - Every Mind Matters
  • Time to Change Bucks
  • Young Minds
  • The local NHS launched support telephone lines for adults, and children and young people earlier this year. This service is available 24/7, and aims to take the pressure off the 111 service. There are 2 dedicated lines: Adults - 01865 904 997 and Children and young people - 01865 904 998

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National Hate Crime Awareness Week

National Hate Crime Awareness Week took place from 10th – 17th October. During the week we supported the campaign by sharing messages via our social media channels.

A hate crime is any type of abuse committed against a person perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. No one should be targeted because of who they are, how they look or what they believe in. Abuse can take many forms and can have serious long term impacts on victims - emotionally, physically and financially.

If you have been a victim of a hate crime you must remember that it is not your fault. You do not have to live with this form of abuse and it is important to report such incidents as soon as possible. Help and support is available:

  • Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111
  • GALOP - 0800 999 5428
  • Thames Valley Police - 101 - Online Reporting Form - In an emergency call 999
  • Victims First - 0300 1234 148

Speaking up can be difficult, but by reporting a hate crime you may be able to prevent it from happening again to you or someone else. Keeping people safe from harm is everyone's responsibility.

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Anti-Slavery Day

Sunday 18th October marked Anti-Slavery Day, an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery. Unfortunately slavery is still widely prevalent in our society, and could be happening right under your nose, in your street or neighbourhood. It’s a hidden crime happening in plain sight across the UK. The Global Slavery Index estimates that Britain is home to around 136,000 victims of modern slavery, far surpassing the government’s own statistics.

Modern Slavery has many forms, from being forced to carry out manual tasks such as domestic work or labouring for little or no money to criminal and sexual exploitation. Many victims are often trafficked and are forced to live in fear in squalid conditions under the constant threat of violence and intimidation.

You could be closer to Modern Slavery than you think! Download the Unseen UK App today to play your part in ending modern slavery. The app provides a simple guide to recognising the signs and you can easily pin point the suspected locations and connect to the Modern Slavery Helpline.

If you suspect something please contact one of the teams below:

  • Bucks Safeguarding Adults Team - 0800 137 915
  • Bucks Emergency Duty Team (out of hours) - 0800 999 7677
  • First Response Team - 01296 383 962
  • Modern Slavery Helpline - 08000 121 700 - Online reporting form
  • In an emergency always call 999

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FASathon

Friends Against Scams held a FASathon on Wednesday 21st October. The aim of the FASathon - Friends Against Scam Marathon, was to encourage as many people as possible in one day to complete the online awareness session to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

Don't worry if you missed out, the online training is available all year round and can be completed at any time. You now have the option to choose from two versions of the session. You can either watch the new video, which is a short and condensed version (approx 8 minutes) or you can complete the original interactive session (approx 20 minutes).

Become a Friend Against Scams today to help protect and prevent your community; family members, friends and neighbours from becoming a victim of crime FAS online training

Businesses can also sign up to become a Friends Against Scams Organisation. You will need to make a pledge to support the initiative by raising awareness; this could be through staff training, customer interaction and/ or social media. Further details can be found here: FAS Organisation

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Thames Valley Police Visual Impairment Protocol

It is very important that police officers and other police employees who come to the door for whatever reason are able to identify themselves. Usually, when officers go to someone's property, they have an identification card to identify themselves and prove who they are. However, it isn't as easy for visually impaired people who may not be able to see a photograph or name on an identification card clearly.

The visual Impairment Protocol (VIP) works by setting up a password system at the address of a visually-impaired member of the community. When an individual calls either 101 or 999 and informs the call handler that they have a sight impairment, a password of their choice will be agreed.

When an officer then visits that address, they will be expected to state the password to the person answering the door. If they cannot give the password, then they should not be allowed into the address.

If you care for someone who has a visual impairment, or have any friends, family members or neighbours with a visual impairment, we would encourage you to highlight the VIP to them. Further guidance can be found here: VIP Public Information Sheet

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Winter Home Security

During the winter months we are reminding residents how important it is to check their home security. To get started, please take a look at Thames Valley Police's Home Security Guide to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary.

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Fireworks

At this time of year we see an increase in people having firework displays. Please 'remember remember' the new national restrictions which came into effect on Thursday 5th November, you cannot socialise in your home or outdoors with people outside of your household or 'bubble'.

If you are planning to have fireworks in your garden, for your household please follow the below advice and visit Bucks Fire & Rescue for further guidance. Please also be considerate and let your neighbour know. Not everyone enjoys fireworks and unexpected loud bangs can cause great distress to both animals and humans, especially with autism or PTSD.

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Youth Offending Service Volunteers

Are you passionate about helping young people turn their lives around? Do you have a couple of hours to spare a week? If the answer is yes, then we want to encourage you to consider volunteering for the Buckinghamshire’s Youth Offending Service who are currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles:

  • Referral Order Panel members – working with a young offender (and possibly their family) who has pleaded guilty to develop an action plan based on restorative justice principles and oversee the delivery of the action plan
  • Reparation volunteer – providing practical and coaching support to a child to help them complete their ‘referral order’ action plan
  • Appropriate Adult – supporting a young person being interviewed by the police (in the absence of a family member or a professional such as a social worker).
  • Disproportionality project – BAME community life coaches to work with BAME young people (age 6 upwards) who are at risk of being drawn into criminal activity and the criminal justice system

Volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Each brings their own skill and experience and will play a crucial role in preventing re-offending, and safeguarding young people. Free training is provided. Volunteers must be over 18 and will receive an enhanced DBS check. Although these positions are unpaid; out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

The geographical areas where support is most often required are Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Chesham, Burnham, Buckingham and Denham – but we welcome volunteers who live anywhere in Buckinghamshire if they are prepared to travel.

If you want to play a key role in helping young people in Buckinghamshire and would like to know more about the positions above please contact Claire Nugent, Restorative Justice and Early Intervention Coordinator - claire.nugent@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

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Social Media

Don't forget to follow our new social media accounts to keep up to date with key community safety messages and crime reduction tips:

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Coronavirus Information

For further information on the coronavirus, service changes and details on how to access support across Buckinghamshire please visit Buckinghamshire Council's website: Bucks Coronavirus information

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Contact Details

If you would like further information or advice from the Community Safety Team, please contact us:

Created By
Hayley Casey
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