Here Are Your Hot Topics for April 2015

Here Are Your Hot Topics for April 2015

Here are your Hot Topics for April 2015

Safeguarding April 2015 – This is Abuse Campaign

Attached is a briefing note on the free This Is Abuse resources which are available to order and download. The note includes information on:

  • updated ‘This is Abuse’ discussion guide including new sections on ‘sexting’ and ‘girls and gangs’
  • how to access free hard copy resources
  • summary report on the development and evaluation of the ‘This is Abuse’ campaign

For further information and sources of help in relation to Domestic Violence and Abuse please visit

(Safeguarding Champions – Gail Lovatt 0191 4246496, June Williams 0191 4246343)

Equality and Diversity – April 15

As part of the government’s drive to challenge extremist ideas, a ‘duty’ has been placed on specified authorities and schools to:

  • Promote community cohesion
  • Prevent and safeguard people from being drawn into terrorism, including far right extremism
  • Promote fundamental British values

A Prevent Self-Assessment (attached) has also been issued for schools and education providers to give guidance on what actions need to be taken.

**Reminder** The BES are holding an awareness session on Prevent on Tuesday 26th May 2015, 10:00 – 12:00 at One Trinity Green

Please contact Gail Lovatt if you would like a place on this event.

Health and Safety – April 2015 – Health Events

Depending upon the particular groups of learners you are working with you may wish to promote the following events:

  • World Health Day 7 April

This year’s theme is food safety – have you thought about how your food travels “from farm to plate”? Find out more, including posters and factsheets, from:

  • Allergy Awareness Week 20 – 26 April 2015

Research shows that up to 35% of people will suffer from an allergy at some time in their life. They are the body’s response (such as sneezing or coughing) to substances such as dust which cause no harm to the majority of people. Call the helpline (01322 619898) or visit the website for further information:

  • MS Awareness Week 27 April – 3 May

MS is a disease which affects the central nervous system and research shows that in the UK over 100,000 people have been diagnosed with it. Symptoms include muscle weakness and speech problems and while there is no cure they can be treated through medication. Find out more at:

Don’t forget to use the Health and Safety Reporting form to report any accidents, incidents and ‘near-misses’ to Stephen Allen (0191) 424 6684 as soon as possible after it has occurred.