News reports located on this page = 4.

Government faces mounting pressure to Close the Loophole allowing adults to have sex with teenagers they supervise

A woman who was manipulated into having sex with her swimming coach when she turned 16 has urged the Ministry of Justice to extend the law to protect teenagers from predatory behaviour by those in a position of trust. Hannah* is part of a growing campaign that now includes national sporting bodies, MP's, the network of Council safeguarding leads and a 4,420 strong petition in backing the NSPCC's Close the Loophole campaign.

Currently, it is a crime for Teachers, Social Workers and other professionals legally in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with 16 and 17 year olds in their care. The charity is calling for this law to be extended to also cover adults who could abuse their role, such as sports coaches, faith leaders and driving instructors, to protect teenagers from being preyed upon as soon as they turn 16.

In the letter, Hannah*, a determined swimmer, explained how her coach, Jeff*, who's close to her parents' age, abused his position of power over her. They spent a lot of time together as she trained 8 times a week and he began talking to her more when he knew when she was going through a difficult time at 15. He became a constant in her life and waited until she was 16, then began to compliment on her appearance and pushed the limits of their relationship, before legally having sex with her.

When things ended with Jeff*, she told someone she trusted who made a referral and she was questioned by Police, but he couldn't be charged because of the loophole.

"Jeff was always pushing the boundaries, but staying on the right side of the line. Initially he would just give me a hug. Then 1 day he gave me a hug and put his hand on my bottom. Jeff spent a long time making me feel comfortable. This was my 1st sexual experience, but when this relationship came tumbling down, I changed with it. I was left feeling really angry, I was a difficult person to be around. It took me a long time to trust friends and family, to let them hug me."

The letter comes as a review into the Positions of Trust Law is due to be released by the Ministry of Justice in the coming weeks. It was launched following pressure from the NSPCC after the Government backtracked on plans to close this legal loophole in 2018.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said:- "It's unacceptable that gaps in our law mean that teenagers are protected from predatory behaviour in the classroom, but not on the sports pitch. Young people should never be expected to fend off the sexual advances of adults, and yet the loophole means that 16 and 17 year olds have to do just that, whilst their abusers are let off the hook. This is a significant moment for the Ministry of Justice to listen to those who were affected and safeguarding experts to Close the Loophole and make it clear that sexual abuse is never tolerable."

MPs, including Sarah Champion and Christina Rees, have added their voices to the campaign, while MP Tracey Crouch has been a long standing supporter for a change in the law. An NSPCC petition was signed by 4,420 people in just 2 weeks. It is also backed by Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) who oversee the response to concerns that an adult who works with children may have or could cause them harm.

Steve Hall, Head of the National LADO Network, said:- "The National LADO Network shares the NSPCC's concerns regarding this loophole. As professionals who manage allegations against adults working with children, we consider that, because of the vulnerability of young people and the power in balance that exists between adults and children they work with, the current definition of 'Position of Trust' within the Sexual Offences Act, 2003, should be extended to include any adult that has regular and direct contact with children and are in a position of authority over them."

British Gymnastics, Swim England and British Atheltics also support the charity's calls to action. Mike Harrison, British Gymnastics SafeguardingManager, said:- "We fully support the NSPCC Close the Loophole campaign and we believe that the change is needed now. It is hugely important that the legislation includes sports coaches so that no coach is able to inappropriately influence any athletes. Closing the loophole would greatly enhance the protection afforded to all young people who enjoy sport"

Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said:- "We're pleased that there will be a review to help #CloseTheLoophole. We have been supportive of this campaign for a number of years. As the recognised national governing body, safeguarding is a key priority for us. With our Stronger Affiliation process running alongside SwimMark, we're introducing even tighter controls to reassure members that our clubs are well run and provide a safe environment. We back the NSPCC's plea to the Ministry of Justice that this loophole in the law is closed to help protect young people from abuse in the future."

David Brown, UK Athletics Welfare Officer, said:- "We are proud to support the #CloseTheLoop campaign which we have been engaged with since it began. The Welfare team at UKA has been working closely with the NSPCC and other sports NGBs to contribute to this milestone, and we look forward to continuing that work moving ahead."

* NAMES CHANGED FOR LEGAL REASONS.

RMT slams threat to axe nearly ½ of the staff at Britannia's famous Liverpool ‎Adelphi Hotel

THE Liverpool City Centre Adelphi Hotel Union RMT today slammed plans by owners Britannia to axe nearly half of the staff under the cover of the Covid-19 pandemic. Out of a total of 178 employees at the historic hotel 83 have been placed at risk with the Union awaiting firm details. RMT Assistant General Secretary Mick Lynch said:- "This news is a hammer blow to the hard working staff at the historic Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool and RMT will do everything in our power to support our members and their livelihoods. This is yet more bad news for the Hospitality and hotel sector and the Government cannot simply sit back and allow this jobs carnage to rip. RMT will be calling on the people of Liverpool to stand with the Adelphi staff in resisting ‎these savage cuts."

Brits ramp-up screen time at the expense of exercise during lockdown, finds charity

EXERCISE and the great outdoors have taken a backseat as Brits have increased their gaming, phone time and TV during lockdown, according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Figures show that more than ½ of UK adults have spent more time surfing the internet and 55% social media and 50% watching TV since the lockdown, while 25% gamers have ramped up their hours spent at the computer. The data also shows that for many, a commitment to staying active and sticking to a balanced lifestyle has gone by the wayside, as the findings showed:-

►  25% of those surveyed say they have done less exercise.

►  23% have eaten more junk food.

►  27% say they've spent less time walking.

►  18% say they've drunk more alcohol.

►  On average, those surveyed have been leaving their home just 3 times a week to exercise.

The BHF warn that the sudden and sustained change in habits could take its toll on our health, with almost a third of those surveyed saying they feel less healthy (30%), over a 3rd more stressed (37%), more than 4 in 10 feeling more anxious (42%), and over a 3rd of us feeling sadder (36%). The BHF, supported by Olympic legend Roger Black, is encouraging people to get active now lockdown is beginning to lift and take part in their new Step Challenge. The charity has launched the new fundraiser to help people to get active in a safe, convenient and enjoyable way while helping to raising funds for the BHF's lifesaving research. My Step Challenge has 3 different levels, from 50,000 steps for those who are new to exercising or looking to get active again to 500,000 steps for those who are already active and are looking for a goal to work towards. Each challenge can be completed in your own time and was designed with the help of BHF Cardiac Nurses so are suitable for all fitness levels, including those with heart and circulatory conditions.

Olympic and World Champion runner and BHF Ambassador Roger Black MBE, who is supporting the campaign, said:- "I've never let my heart condition hold me back from achieving my goals. I'm proud to be a British Heart Foundation Ambassador as the research they fund helps people like myself lead a fit and healthy life. In these unprecedented times, looking after our physical and mental health has never been more important. Walking is an essential part of my life and a great form of exercise that anyone can do. My Step Challenge is a brilliant way to connect with others, get active and feel good; as well as helping raise money to support the BHF's vital work." 

The data also revealed that on average those surveyed are spending just 124 minutes a week exercising during the lockdown, falling short of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. Barbara Kobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said:- "We've all felt the strain of lockdown but it's important to try and limit the impact it has on our health. Brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day is can be a simple way to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week and can also improve sleep patterns, reduce stress levels, boost your energy levels and help you get fit and active. Whether you're new to exercise or an experienced walker, taking part in the garden or at the park, or even if you're walking in your own front room, My Step Challenge has a target to suit you. Each step you take will help support the BHF's life saving research into heart and circulatory conditions, which affects around 7.4 million people in the UK."

During this Coronavirus crisis, the BHF has been working tirelessly to support people with heart and circulatory diseases, by providing vital information via its dedicated Heart Helpline and an online Coronavirus hub. But with the pandemic costing the charity around ₤10 million a month, it is now urging the public to #BackTheBHF and help the millions of people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia. Research suggests that people with these conditions are also at higher risk of complications from Covid-19. More people than ever now need the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to continue to provide vital support and fund life saving research. Without support from you, the BHF can't be there in their time of need. Sign up now to set your goal, count your steps and help save lives with My Step Challenge and the BHF website.

Deliveroo riders to receive NSPCC training to help spot signs of child abuse

DELIVEROO and NSPCC have announced a new partnership to help children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. This is especially important during the pandemic as children may be more out of sight than usual. The NSPCC, in a report released last week, revealed how lockdown has increased the risk of child abuse. The partnership will:-

►  Provide hundreds of Deliveroo riders with free, vital training; It's Your Call; delivered by the NSPCC to help them recognise children at risk of abuse and neglect.

►  Raise awareness of the NSPCC Helpline with Deliveroo riders promoting the Helpline number on their delivery bags, so that any adult concerned about a child can call to speak to a trained professional.

►  Deliver hundreds of free meals to NSPCC Helpline staff to say thank you for their hard work to keep children safe during COVID-19.

During the crisis people who work within their Community can play an important role in helping keep children safe and spotting possible signs of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence. Deliveroo riders, with their role delivering to homes, are well placed to spot any emerging safeguarding concerns. The idea of a partnership between Deliveroo and NSPCC was developed when, earlier this year, a rider contacted the NSPCC after becoming worried for a child's welfare. As a result, action was taken to ensure the child's safety. Although the lockdown is easing and some children have returned to School, many children are still spending a lot of time at home and have limited contact with wider support networks.

A new NSPCC report:- 'Isolated and Struggling.' brings together evidence from academics, charities and frontline professionals, and identifies 3 ways in which lockdown has increased the risk of child abuse, such as a reduction in normal protective services. In May 2020, the NSPCC surveyed over 2,000 adults in Britain and found that 26% were not confident they would know where to seek help if they thought a child or young person was being abused or neglected. To combat the issue the NSPCC have temporarily made their 'It's Your Call' course free during the pandemic, as well as expanded and promoted the Helpline in response to the situation, which has now received more than 10,000 welfare contacts. After receiving their training, Deliveroo Riders will be able to play their part in helping to keep children safe from abuse. The riders will also promote the NSPCC Helpline number with a sticker on their delivery bags, so that any adult concerned about a child can call this number to speak to a trained professional for advice and support.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said:- "It is essential that we all play our role in helping to keep children and young people safe. Riders and other workers visiting people's home during the pandemic have the unique opportunity to see or hear things that others may not. Therefore, it is important that they feel confident in knowing what to do if they are concerned about a child. It’s fantastic of Deliveroo to take this positive step with us; together we believe everyone can play a part in keeping children safe."

Will Shu, CEO Deliveroo, said:- "We are so proud of the vital role Deliveroo riders are carrying out during the COVID-19 crisis. As key workers, riders are at the heart of local communities and will be able to play an important role to help keep children safe."

To show their appreciation Deliveroo will be delivering hundreds of free meals to NSPCC Helpline frontline workers in Belfast and Salford who have been working during the Coronavirus pandemic. The free food will be delivered by Sushi and Ramen restaurant Kamakura and Pizza Hut.

Abdelziz Abdou, Deliveroo rider, said:- "I am really proud to ride for Deliveroo and have the opportunity to train with the NSPCC and play my part to spot any signs of danger. I will also be displaying the NSPCC Helpline number while out riding and hope that this will encourage people to call up and speak to a trained professional. This is a really important partnership and I am pleased to show my support for the NSPCC and all their hard work to keep children safe."

Over the coming weeks and months, Deliveroo will be encouraging riders across the UK to complete the training and order stickers to support and raise awareness amongst their communities. The NSPCC Helpline is available for advice and support on:- 0808 800 5000 or via:- Help@NSPCC.Org.UK. The NSPCC has made their safeguarding awareness course, It's Your Call, temporarily free in response to the pandemic. All other NSPCC safeguarding online training has been discounted, to support people during this time.