Bedfordshire Police obtains first ever FGM protection order over two young girls

Bedfordshire Police obtains first ever FGM protection order over two young girls

Bedfordshire Police have obtained the first female genital mutilation (FGM) protection order to prevent two young girls from leaving the country.

Officers believe that the children were in danger of being taken to Africa to undergo the devastating procedure.

The order was issued by a Bedfordshire court on the day that a new law allowing them came into force.

The measures enable officials to seize the passports of people who they suspect are attempting to take girls abroad to undergo FGM. Breaching the order is a criminal offence.

FGM is carried out for cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities where it is believed to be a necessary preparation for adulthood and marriage. However, the procedures are not medically necessary.

Along with mental illnesses, FGM can cause chronic physical issues including vaginal and pelvic infections, abnormal periods, persistent urine infections, possible kidney failure and infertility, according the NHS.

READ MORE:
PROGRAMME TEACHES PUPILS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF FGM
WOMEN WITH GENITAL PIERCINGS TO BE RECORDED AS SUFFERING FGM
WHAT IS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION?

Some parents who believe that the procedure is necessary use the school holidays as an opportunity to girls abroad where they are operated on. It is estimated that over 20,000 girls under the age of 15 in the UK may be at risk, yet very few cases are reported.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bellingham, of the force's Public Protection Unit, called the legislation a "positive step forward in the fight against this horrific, cruel crime."

"With schools breaking up for the summer holidays today, we will continue to use this legislation where needed to prevent young girls who we believe may be at risk from being taken out of the country.

"This is child abuse, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that children are kept safe and that those responsible are caught."

He went on to urge anyone who suspects that a child is at risk of FGM to contact the police immediately.

A lengthy absence from school, health problems including bladder and menstrual issues, complaints about pain between the legs, and behavioural changes, are said to indicate that a child may have been subjected to FGM.

A girl may also talk about being taken away for a special ceremony, or say something has happened to them which they are not allowed to talk about.

Anyone seeking more help and information about FGM is asked to contact police on 101, or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) on 0800 028 3550 - a dedicated FGM helpline.

Additional reporting by PA

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bedfordshire-police-use-first-ever-fgm-protection-order-over-two-young-girls-10397698.html

 

LVSC health update - April 2015

Forward to a friend | Web version | May 2015 Dear colleague, Welcome to the April 2015 edition of our monthly health ebulletin bringing you news from LVSC, Regional Voices (of which LVSC is a constituent member), the Department of Health, Public Health England and NHS England. Our ebulletins regularly include information from the voluntary & community sector (VCS) in London. Where relevant, ebulletins also contain policy related news about London - e.g. from the Greater London Authority, NHS England (London region), Health Academic Science Networks, London Health Board, the new NHS vanguards, etc. If you wish to discuss any items to be included in future bulletins, please feel free to contact me. Kind regards Sandra Sandra van der Feen Policy Officer, LVSC sandra@lvsc.org.uk   LVSC news Community Voices for Health/LVSC Whole Systems Change event Over 80 people attended our Community Voices for Health/LVSC Whole Systems Change – co-producing new models in Health & Care event on 16th April. We had presentations from: Healthwatch Central West London & Kensington & Chelsea Social Council - who talked about their whole systems integrated care patient engagement. Download the presentation Dr Sam Everington (Tower Hamlets CCG) explained the new models of care as well, including the new vanguards in London (see more about vanguards below, including the Tower Hamlets Integrated Programme Partnership) as examples of co-production and social prescribing in Bromley by Bow. Amanda Coyle from the GLA provided the GLA perspective regarding co-production in health with regard to initiatives like Better Health for London, Well London, etc. Download Amanda's briefing paper Jemma Gilbert from NHS England covered its transformation programme and the 13 programmes specific to London. Download the Transorming London's Health and Care draft programme prospectus Professor Sir David Fish from University College London Partners stressed the importance of prevention and changing the way we regulate healthcare. Four workshops focused on VCS experiences and good practice with regard to co-production: Co-productive Learning for Better Communication VCS, patient groups and communities in co-production Transformation  Board and the 13 programmes in London Navigating the new NHS health & care system. More information,further presentations and briefing papers will become available soon. Contact Sandra van der Feen: sandra@lvsc.org.uk for more information Return to top   Local boroughs' news Improving health in Newham - University College London Partners GPs, healthcare staff, patient groups, academics and local leaders joined the Mayor of Newham and the Chair of NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group at the ArcelorMittal Orbit recently to mark the launch of a new programme to improve health for people in Newham. NHS Newham CCG and UCLPartners are working together with the local community, GP practices, hospital trusts, academia and Newham Council to improve health in Newham through education and research. By combining the expertise of these groups, the partnership aims to put Newham at the forefront of innovative research and high-quality care for patients.   The programme focuses on key areas that have been identified as particular needs for the borough: Improving vulnerable and young people's ability to remain mentally healthy Addressing the issue of low birth-weight of babies Preventing diabetes by identifying and supporting people who may be at risk Improving the diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular disease Understanding and mitigating the health impact of a dynamic population Developing general practice to encourage a systematic and evidence-based approach to improving care for patients. The launch of the Newham CCG / UCLPartners programme followed an experience day for over 70 health professionals, from around the world, interested in seeing how the NHS, council, UCLPartners and partners are improving the health of the local population. Find out more about the experience day on the Newham CCG website. To find out more about the programme, visit the UCLPartners website.   Return to top   London wide news Bringing together local people and communities affected by cancer: Let's talk, learn and share You are warmly invited to an informal get-together for patients, carers, communities and their organisations, and healthcare professionals to collectively share their views. Macmillan, London Cancer and City and Hackney CCG  would like to have a conversation with you about the challenges faced by people affected by cancer to better understand how to meet local needs, and to encourage involvement in your own care and services. Wednesday 13 May 2015 5.30pm – 8.30pm (registration and refreshments from 5.30pm for 6pm start) The Tomlinson Centre, Emilia Hall Eventbrite registration Agenda so far: Patients and carers' journey of care from diagnosis, treatment and recovery, to living with and beyond Barriers faced by patients and carers in managing their own care and accessing information and services How your views can influence the way we improve local services   Come along and find out how to get involved in future opportunities with City & Hackney CCG, the London Cancer Forum of Health, and Macmillan. Get involved in ways that matter to you!   They would love to see you there, so please save the date and register here for attendance. Please share this invitation with colleagues and friends who might like to attend.    Thank you for your involvement and we look forward to meeting you soon.  On behalf of London Cancer & City and Hackney Clinical Commissioning Group,   Kellie Thomas: Macmillan Patient Experience and User Involvement Project Manager, London Cancer Eeva Huoviala: Patient and Public Involvement Project Officer, City and Hackney CCG Return to top   Partners for Health Grants Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects tackling the effects of poverty and health inequalities in London. Organisations that demonstrate a thoughtful response to local needs and partnership with an expert health agency are welcome to apply. There is a particular interest in the areas of mental health and addiction. Organistions with an annual income of less than £200,00 can apply. To apply, visit the London Catalyst website and click on the 'Partners For Health' link in the opening paragraph of our Special Interest Grants FUNDER: London Catalyst and the Hospital Saturday Fund DEADLINE: Friday, 29 May 2015 - 5:00pm EMAIL: victor.willmott@peabody.org.uk Return to top   New care models – vanguard sites In January the NHS invited individual organisations and partnerships, including those with the voluntary & community sector to apply to become 'vanguard' sites for the New Care Models Programme, one of the first steps towards delivering the Five Year Forward View and supporting improvement and integration of services. More than 260 individual organisations and health and social care partnerships expressed an interest in developing a model in one of the areas of care, with the aim of transforming how care is delivered locally. On 10 March, the first wave of 29 vanguard sites were chosen. This followed a rigorous process, involving workshops and the engagement of key partners and patient representative groups. Each vanguard site will take a lead on the development new care models which will act as the blue prints for the NHS moving forward and the inspiration to the rest of the health and care system. According to NHS England "the vanguards will take the national lead on the development of game-changing care models". Integrated Primary and Acute Care Systems (PACS) will join up GP, hospital, community and mental health services; Multispecialty Community Providers (MCPs) will move specialist care out of hospitals into the community; and Care Homes will offer model of enhanced health which will provide older people with joined up health, care and rehabilitation services. In London, there are two sites: Multispecialty Community Providers (MCPs): Tower Hamlets Integrated Provider Partnership Care Homes. Tower Hamlets Integrated Provider Partnership (THIPP), a collaboration of partners that include Tower Hamlets GP Care Group Community Interest Company, Barts Health NHS Trust, East London NHS Foundation Trust and London Borough of Tower Hamlets, will develop local health and social care services to keep people well for the 270,000-strong population of Tower Hamlets. and Sutton CCG: Sutton CCG said: "Over the last year Sutton CCG has been working with local partners in health, social care and the voluntary sector, to provide support to local care homes, with the aim of improving safety and quality for residents. Being part of this national programme will allow Sutton CCG to take our work with care homes to the next level.  With the extra support provided to vanguard sites, we expect to be able to deliver a number of new initiatives, including working with local hospital, community, GP and social care colleagues to develop a regular 'ward round' in care homes, similar to those on a hospital ward." LVSC intends to regularly liaise with the London vanguards and keep you informed of any developments of interest to VCS co-production and design in health and care. Return to top   Older Carers, Drugs and Alcohol: Project Information Sheet for Older Carers Adfam is the national organisation working to improve support for families affected by drug and alcohol use. They create resources and run training for families and professionals, inform policy development and campaign locally and nationally for improved family support. Their final goal is that no family member in need of support goes without it. What is the project? Adfam have been funded for three years by The City Bridge Trust to run a new project in London with people aged 65+ who supports a loved one due to drug or alcohol use: you might be finding it difficult to care for a partner because of their drinking, medication or drug use; or maybe you're supporting an adult child who has problems with alcohol or drugs. You could even be looking after a grandchild because their own parents are unable to because of drug or alcohol use. If any of these apply to you, then Adfam would love to hear from you! Adfam will work with carers to design and develop this peer support project together. 'Peer support' is when people affected by a specific issue provide support to others in a similar situation - and has been proven to have a positive impact on carers of all ages. More information including information sheet or Adfam latest news Return to top   National news Election 2015 manifestos Trans manifesto The Trans Manifesto, developed through the LGBT Consortium, contains three key messages from trans communities. With your help, they are asking each candidate in the May 2015 Westminster General Election to promise to uphold these principles when considering legislation if they are elected. The three principles are: Regard trans individuals as equal citizens with equal rights, Empower trans individuals to be authorities on all aspects of their own lives, and Encourage diverse, representative, realistic and positive portrayals of trans individuals. More information  Return to top LGBT manifesto The passing of equality & same-sex marriage legislation in England, Wales & Scotland were hugely significant turning points in LGBT equality, both in terms of rights, and of the increased visibility of LGBT people. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring full equality for LGBT people in the UK, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland and also less visible groups such as: bisexual, trans and non-binary people; BME LGBT people; older LGBT people; LGBT youth; LGBT immigrants and asylum seekers; and LGBT people who are mentally or physically disabled. The LGBT Chief Executives Network, facilitated by LGBT Consortium, have produced this manifesto. It should be read alongside the trans manifesto above   Election 2015 - manifestos from across the sector - LVSC We are only a few days away from what is likely to be one of the closest run elections in living memory. Since 2010 the LibDems are perceived by some to have lost their 'difference' during their time in coalition, the Labour Party have suffered a moral defeat in Scotland and the Greens appear to have been overshadowed by the publicity hungry UKIP.  Nationalism and the hunger for independence and more devolution showed itself to be a major force north of the border and cries for greater power for states and cities are growing. So as the race to the polls gathers speed we have decided to launch 'Election Central', a place where we will gather manifestos from across the voluntary and community sector and highlight interesting blog items or articles. We have grouped them into four sections, to mirror our own priorities that are themselves major themes for social action - health, education, employment and poverty. Return to top LGB&T Mental Health – Risk and Resilience Explored The RaRE research has been produced by PACE.  Their collaboration with some of the most qualified academics in the field and the diligence of the RaRE research team, has enabled them to "produce a piece of thoughtful research which expands on current knowledge about LGB&T mental health." LGB&T mental health is poorer than that of the mainstream population as a result of the impacts of heteronormativity on LGB&T people's lives. Their research looked at three particular aspects: gay and bisexual men's body image, lesbian and bisexual women's relationship with alcohol and suicide in young LGB&T people. Over 2000 people completed our survey and participated in the in-depth interviews. The rich data they provided paints a vivid picture of what helps lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and Trans* people develop positive mental health as well as the factors that create risks to becoming a psychologically healthy human being. Return to top   Charities are still not sufficiently involved in local health decisions, finds Navca survey Local health bodies' engagement with the voluntary & community sector is too patchy according to Navca, with more than half the charities surveyed saying that they were not involved enough in the decision-making process. Navca  recently released the results of its Voluntary sector annual survey – Findings from the Health and Care Voluntary Sector Strategic Partnership 2014 survey.  Some 720 organisations, serving more than 11 million people across the United Kingdom, responded. Of the charities - ranging in income from excess of £10m to less than £10,000 – surveyed, over 50 per cent said they were not involved in the decision making processes at a local health level, such as during Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA's) or by Health and Wellbeing Boards. While respondents felt more positively about Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), many still felt they were difficult to communicate with. Navca's survey also found a general apathy amongst respondents towards various national initiatives. Of a select number of national health initiatives featured in the survey, the vast majority were found to be little known or understood by respondents. LVSC will raise these concerns through its up and coming work on the Five Year Forward View with NHS England as well as through its membership of Regional Voices.   Return to top Care Act 2014 and carers: opportunities for change The Care Act 2014 introduces new rights and entitlements for carers and the people that they care for as well as putting into law new overarching principles of well-being, new market shaping duties and other approaches such as personalisation. Almost all of these new rights have been on Carers UK's agenda for many years and now they are finally enshrined in law. 18 local authorities gave Carer's UK their views about the opportunities presented by the Care Act 2014 for carers in particular areas.  The responses looked at opportunities around joint working with health, using technology and market shaping to improve outcomes and support for carers. Care Act 2014 & carers: opportunities for change - Link to research and practice briefing   Return to top   One Place, One Budget? Approaches to pooling resources for public service transformation - RAND Corporation In 2014, the Local Government Association (LGA) People and Places Board commissioned RAND Europe to prepare nine case studies of local authorities in England where LGA knew a pooled approach was being used for service delivery. The objective was to describe the development of different initiatives and to comment on what appeared to be the enablers and barriers to progress. The specific initiatives implemented by local authorities using a pooled approach covered different services including health and social care, skills and vocational training, regeneration, economic growth, troubled families and the management of public assets. This report makes recommendations for what a 'public sector reform deal' — a series of 'asks' of government and 'offers' from places — might look like, based on the evidence gathered. More information Return to top   Ethnic disadvantage in the housing market: Evidence from the 2011 census There is a political consensus that Britain faces a 'crisis' caused by a lack of affordable housing.  Solutions to the housing 'crisis' rely largely on market solutions. This briefing produced by Better Housing explores the 'ethnic penalty' in housing and its implications for the proposed solutions to the housing "crisis".  It uses 2011 Census microdata to explore the likelihood of black and minority ethnic groups experiencing housing deprivation (ONS, 2015a), focusing in particular on the experiences of households from Gypsy and Traveller, Black African and Bangladeshi background, as well as those with children and migrants. Return to top     Events United Nations – International Yoga Day – Sunday 21 June DSYM UK in  association with S-VYASA 21 June was declared as the International Yoga Day by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 2014. Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, aims to transform body and mind. The aim of the event is to create holistic awareness of yoga and its health benefits. The event, supported by the High Commission of India, is scheduled for 21st June 2015 at the Archbishop Lanfranc School. Event information Link to leaflet There will be a yoga exhibition in the main hall, yoga workshops in the classrooms and marquee & tents pitched on the playing fields where yoga related organisations would be able to promote their activities or style of yoga. Workshops & Lectures will be held on: Ayurveda, Pranayam, Mantrachanting, Guided meditation, Chair Yoga, Yoga for children Yoga Therapy for common ailments – Diabetes, Blood pressure, Asthma, Arthritis, Back Pain etc by Dr Robin Monoro Bookings details will become available soon but you can book the workshops here   Return to top   Opportunity to gain skills Call for participants: Become a Climate Organiser with Friends of the Earth Climate Organisers is a yearlong training and practical action project that allows individuals to gain skills necessary for campaigning and facilitating community groups and supports them in devising their own climate-related campaigns and implementing them together with the local groups. The Climate Organisers program will support campaigners to become active primarily at the local, but also at the national and global levels, including the global week of action in the autumn, ahead of the UN climate talks in Paris this winter, giving the participants a chance to make an important contribution to the global movement against climate change. You do not need extensive campaigning experience to become a Climate Organiser. FoE are looking for people with a knack for organising and assisting people and a determination to be part of a movement that makes a difference. The Climate Organisers are required to be able to commit a few hours every week. The Climate Organisers will receive a comprehensive training on campaigning and working with groups, and ongoing support from FoE's campaigning staff, and a grant to kick-start their campaigns, culminating in the Friends of the Earth certificate in Campaign Organising on completion of the course. To find out more and apply, please visit the FoE website Return to top   Post ICVA CEO required Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) is a Home Office funded organisation set up to promote and support the effective provision of custody visiting nationally. Chief Executive Officer Full-time, 36.25 hours per week (although there is an expectation that there may be additional out of hours working). Home based, with the requirement to attend regular meetings and undertake visits across the UK.     Salary – £58,333 pa inclusive. ICVA is a well-established national organisation that plays an active role in promoting fair treatment for people in police custody to ensure that the wellbeing of detainees is monitored locally. The Directors are seeking to recruit an exceptional individual to act as the CEO, with the skills, experience and energy to lead ICVA through an exciting time of development for the organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, public profile and development of the organisation.  Strong leadership, management and governance skills, ability to think and act strategically, and experience of collaborative and partnership working is essential.  You must have held at least one senior leadership role involving working with volunteers and have experience of running a small organisation.  You will be a strong communicator, innovative and independent thinker, and natural team leader with a 'hands-on' approach, who is committed to playing an essential role in the development of the organisation. Further information and the role description can be found on the icva website.    To apply, please send your CV (Word format) and supporting letter of no more than two sides of A4 paper that evidences how you meet all the essential criteria required for the role, to cleo@lvsc.org.uk by 12 noon on Friday 29th May 2015. Only successful applications will be notified and invited for interview on Monday 29th June or Tuesday 30th June 2015. ICVA welcomes applications from disabled people, people from Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities, LGBT people and older people. ICVA strives to be an equal opportunities employer.   Return to top   ABOUT REGIONAL VOICES This e bulletin is published monthly by LVSC as the London region member of Regional Voices. Regional Voices champions the work of voluntary and community organisations to improve health, well-being and care, across England. Regional Voices is a partnership of nine regional networks. Together, we directly connect to over 25,000 voluntary and community organisations. Our coverage is broad, deep and well-established. Our vision is for a society where voluntary and community organisations are connected with decision-makers at all levels, able to influence policy and improve community health, care and well-being through better services. Regional Voices partnership is hosted by Involve Yorkshire and Humber,Registered charity number 1127119   |   Company registration number 6752034 London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) Registered charity number 276886   |   Company registration number 1395546 We try to check all the information in this bulletin and the web sites it links to, but we cannot accept responsibility for the contents of the websites and articles or guarantee their validity. Links should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. Telephone: 020 7832 5830   |   Email: info@lvsc.org.uk   |    Opt out of all LVSC mailings

FW: Weight loss plan - Week 6 - What's tripping you up?

NHS Weight loss plan View in browser Week 6: You're halfway, hooray! The halfway stage of your 12-week journey is a chance to examine how you’re doing on the plan and to see if there are any bad habits that are stopping you from losing more weight. Trying to change lifelong habits is no easy task. This week’s pack is about how social networks – whether it’s family and friends, or our online weight loss community – can help you achieve your weight loss goal. Download this week's weight loss pack Get support from others trying to lose weight Recommend to a friend Non-food rewards for losing weight

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