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NSPCC Underwear
Rule Campaign to Help Parents
THE NSPCC is launching an
'Underwear
Rule' campaign to help parents protect their children from
sexual abuse. The 'Underwear Rule' is
aimed at helping support parents and carers to explain how to make
it easier to have conversations with primary school age children
about sexual abuse. There is supportive guidance for parents
explaining the Underwear Rule, with the NSPCC's easy-to-remember
guide – Talk PANTS – that helps children understand the key points
of the Rule. (information and downloads available
online)
► Privates are private.
► Always remember your body belongs to you.
► No means no.
► Talk about secrets that upset you.
► Speak up, someone can help.
It comes as a new online YouGov
poll shows half the parents of 5 to 17 year olds who took part in the
survey have never spoken to their sons or daughters about the issue.
And of those who have 43% said it was a difficult conversation.
11% of UK adults surveyed said primary school children faced the
biggest risk of sexual abuse from someone they don't know with 51%
listing 'stranger danger' an area of concern for children of
this age. However, previous NSPCC research has shown that in at
least 90% of cases the offender was known to the child.
Awareness of sexual abuse has
risen dramatically since the vast catalogue of assaults committed by
Jimmy Savile were revealed last year, with the NSPCC's helpline
experiencing a huge rise in calls. But while parents want to help
their children stay safe from sexual abuse many don't always have
the confidence to explain how.
The importance of this is underlined by one of the YouGov findings
which shows more than 83% of those taking part said they thought
parents of 5 to 11 year olds were responsible for talking to them about
the risk.
The 6 week advertising campaign, which will be aired on nearly 60
local radio stations throughout the North West and the UK is being
supported by Netmums and will help these parents teach the 'Underwear
Rule' to their children during simple conversations. The
campaign complements the organisation's ChildLine Schools Service
which is visiting every primary school in the UK advising children
on how to stay safe from all forms of abuse.
Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC,
said:- "The shocking case of Savile has horrified many parents
and understandably it has heightened concerns around sexual abuse.
But most abuse is closer to home and if we are to tackle this issue
we must prevent it before it even starts. To do this we must educate
our children about staying safe and speaking out. Parents have told
us they lack confidence in approaching this difficult but important
issue. We've worked with parent groups to devise a simple, age
appropriate way of making sure children speak up if something
happens. It's a quick conversation but could make a big difference.
It's really easier than you may think and you don't have to mention
abuse or sex at all. Just ask them to remember the 'Underwear
Rule'. Of course telling kids about crossing the road,
stranger danger and bullying are really important but this should be
discussed as well. Most parents still think that stranger danger is
a threat facing children from the adult world but most abuse is
committed by someone known to the child with stranger abuse being
very rare. This means traditional messages like 'don't take sweets from strangers'
are important but don't work for much of the abuse that is
occurring."
Siobhan Freegard of Netmums, which
is supporting the campaign said:- "It's every parents' worst
nightmare to find their child has been touched inappropriately - and
no family wants to think it will ever happen to them. But as
the statistics show it does happen to one in 20 kids, and nine times
out of ten by someone known to the child. So by talking about it,
you are taking the first steps to keeping your children safe.
No one can deny it's a tough conversation to have. As a mum I can
talk openly to my children about stranger-danger. I can talk easily
about bullying and how to always tell an adult. But talking about
them being touched intimately feels much more difficult.
As parents we need to find a way to make our kids aware of the
danger without scaring them, and that's exactly why the NSPCC is
promoting the Underwear Rule. It's clear, simple and easy for even
young kids to understand. Think of it as a green cross code
against sexual abuse. That is why I am encouraging parents to learn
the underwear rule and talk PANTS with their children."
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DANCE TO THE
SAMBA BEAT FROM DUSK TIL DAWN AT BRAZILICA'S AFTER PARTY!
BRAZILICA is the hotly
anticipated event of Liverpool's summer, and as the sun sets on 9
days of samba shenanigans, organisers can now reveal plans for
exclusive after show party to keep the post carnival blues at bay
for a little while longer. With a dazzling array of live
performances and DJ acts, guests will be invited to continue
enjoying the lively atmosphere of the carnival spectacular, bringing
an electric climax to Liverpool's largest free festival.
Brazilica – now in its 3rd year, is THE extravagant celebration of
Brazilian culture. Attracting crowds of more than 80,000 in 2012,
this year's festivities are expected to be busier than ever with
attractions spread over a full week leading up to the main carnival
event on Saturday, 20 July 2013.
After all the action of the Rio-style carnival main event finishes,
the party continues at its new location: HAUS Warehouse on Greenland
Street – off Jamaica Street, for what promises to be an
unforgettable evening of great food, drink and of course music.
All the beautiful Carnival Queens, Samba bands and drum troops will
be there cutting loose and enjoying the party, joining them will be
a collection of live performances from a vibrant array of artists
featured in the carnival. The night will then carry on with some
amazing DJ acts playing out Samba and Latin-House vibes keeping the
crowds on their feet and entertained until 4am.
If that wasn't enough, guests will also be able to enjoy a true
flavour of Brazil with food vendors selling traditional tasty
treats. There will also be a fabulous Caipirinha cocktail-shack at
the event, so be sure to get your mouth in shape for some amazing
exotic and fruity taste sensations.
With its incredible line up and lively atmosphere, be sure not to
miss this Brazilian sound sensation. Prices for this awesome night's
entertainment start from just £6 with an on the night door price of
£10. To purchase tickets please visit:-
skdl.it/12kZUnq.
For further information on the event visit the Brazilica
website or their Facebook or
Twitter pages.
Brazilica promises to wow the crowds bringing Samba to the streets
of Liverpool and this is the perfect way to bring a week of
celebrating Brazilian life and culture to an explosive close for
another year.
MAJOR MILESTONE
FOR MERSEYSIDE SCHEME
A local warmth scheme is
celebrating after reaching a major milestone. In total, more than
£7.5million has been spent in Merseyside to support vulnerable
people with heating and insulation measures.
npower Health Through Warmth has leveraged £6.5million in the
region, raising money from many sources, including charities, grants
and local authorities to help fund work. In addition, a further
£1million has been contributed from the unique npower Health Through
Warmth Crisis Fund.
npower Health Through Warmth is managed locally by Energy Project
Plus, in partnership with local authorities in Halton, Sefton,
Wirral, Knowsley and Liverpool, to offer insulation and to install
or repair heating systems for vulnerable people whose health is made
worse by cold living conditions.
The scheme is available to homeowners who have a long-term illness,
a low income with little or no savings and who are unable to fully
fund measures, such as a new boiler or heating system. You do not
have to be, or become, an npower customer to benefit from the
scheme.
Local co-ordinator Robbie McAndrew comments:- "We're delighted
to have reached such a major milestone and would like to thank
everyone involved for helping make the scheme such a success.
We hope to continue to build our relationships with community
organisations to help identify people in need, so even more local
residents can benefit from the scheme."
Elaine Midwinter, npower Health Through Warmth scheme manager,
continues:- "Although summer is here and we are all enjoying
the warmer weather, we're keen to make people aware that help is
still available from Health Through Warmth. It is great to have
reached this fantastic milestone, but we hope to help even more
people in Merseyside in the coming months so they are ready for the
winter."
Since the scheme was founded in 2000, more than 80,000 vulnerable
residents in England and Wales have been referred to npower Health
Through Warmth for aid with heating and insulation. More than
£68.3million has been levered to help fund the work required, which
includes £1.8million from charitable organisations. In addition,
£9million has been contributed from the npower Health Through Warmth
Crisis Fund.
Tell us which
bike you like!
THE LAUNCH of Liverpool's
Cycle Hire scheme is drawing ever closer – now people are being
invited to hop on a range of bikes from all over Europe and help
pick the best for the City.
Liverpool's Cycle Hire
Demonstration Week takes place from Tuesday, 9 July to Wednesday, 17
July 2013, bringing 5 leading suppliers to the City to showcase their
systems. Each will set up their unique cycle hire stations and bikes
in the City centre, giving everyone the chance to take the bikes for
a spin and see which they like best.
Ever wondered how they do it in Italy? You can try out the 'Bicincitta'.
Think the German approach might be the best fit for Liverpool? Hop
onto the 'Nextbike'. Arriva Deutsche Bahn's cycle hire
system will bring a pan-European flavour to proceedings, while there
will be UK suppliers on-hand in the shape of Hourbike and Grand
Scheme.
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor
Tim Moore, said:- "We think our cycle hire scheme has the
potential to massively boost sustainable transport in Liverpool and
we want everyone to benefit from it; from commuters and tourists to
shoppers and students.
We are already talking to people through our survey, but these
demonstration events will give people the chance to actually try out
the bikes and give their opinions on which they like best. The
feedback will help shape how we deliver this important scheme. So
come along, have a go, and let us know what you think."
People who want to try out the bikes can pop along to one of the
stations, between 9.30am and 4.30pm on Mount Pleasant or in St
Paul's Square, register, pick up a route map and get cycling. When
they return the bike to the station, they will be asked to fill out
a form, giving their feedback.
The suppliers offer a range of different bike styles and systems,
from 'Cleverboxes' built into the bikes themselves, which
allow people to make hire payment using their mobile phone; to
dedicated consoles within the stations, enabling people to pay by
credit card.
Everyone who completes forms from at least three different suppliers
will be entered into a prize draw on 30 July, led by Olympic cycling
Chris Boardman, when one lucky person will win £100 of shopping
vouchers.
The Cycle Hire Demonstrations will also play a key role in the City's Environmental Awareness and Green Travel Day on Friday, 12
July 2013. The event, which is delivered by CBRE's Liverpool
Environmental Team, will see all five suppliers based, together, in
St Pauls Square, to offer bike trials and answer questions.
Liverpool's Cycle Hire Scheme is due to launch later this year,
offering people a cheaper, healthier and more environmentally
friendly way of getting around the City.
The Cycle Hire Demonstration Day forms part of the wider
consultation over the plans. A survey has also been launched by City
Central BID and Liverpool Commercial District BID on behalf of the
City Council. It aims to gauge the views of businesses and members
of the public on the scheme and is available to view
online.
The survey; which runs until 31 July 2013, and which has already received
hundreds of responses; will help to inform and shape the proposals
for the scheme.
People can express their views on where the stations
should be, what types of trips they would use the bikes for and how
much they think scheme membership should cost.
Ged Gibbons, Chief Operating Officer for
City Central BID, which
represents more than 630 businesses in Liverpool City centre, said:-
''More than 500 people have so far taken part in the cycle
survey, which is a great response and shows the interest there in
this scheme. We've also had a huge response from businesses and I'm
sure once the bikes hit the road the appetite to get on board will
continue to grow.'' |
