Citizens Advice – Summary of winter projects

Citizens Advice is a network of independent charities offering free confidential and impartial advice online, over the phone and in person. We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating and Citizens Advice provides good quality, independent advice to help people at a time of need. Citizen’s Advice Hampshire has published a number of winter initiatives to support people in Hampshire over the winter period. Please share these widely.

Citizens Advice – Summary of winter projects

Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board Learning and Development Programme 2021/22 now published

The Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Learning and Development Programme 2021/22 has now been published. Details of courses available, and how to book a place, can be found on the browse and book courses page of the HSAB website at Browse & Book Courses. A number of dates are still being finalised, but once confirmed will go live on our Eventbrite page. Please watch our website news page and social media for further updates.

 

The HSAB training programme is fully funded by the HSAB and free to attendees.. It can be accessed by all partner agencies. Places must be booked in advance via Eventbrite and only one place can be booked per person using a workplace email address.  All cancellations or changes to bookings must be sent in writing to the hsab@hants.gov.uk. Failure to attend without providing an apology may result in you not being able to book on future courses.

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership – Free Domestic Abuse Training Opportunities

Listed below is a great range of free training webinars  being run over the next few months by the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership.   Book on soon to secure a place and  share this information with your colleagues.

Further details and all courses are listed on the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Training and Events webpage.  There are lots more new courses on their way shortly so check in regularly to see what’s new!

21 January 2021: Alcohol and Domestic Violence

21 January 2021: Counselling Skills for Those Working with Survivors (CPD accredited)

27 January 2021: An Introduction to Honour Based Abuse (HBA), Forced Marriage (FM) and Dowry

27 January 2021: Domestic Violence and Mental Health

3 February 2021: Introduction to Gender-based Violence

8 February 2021: Becoming Trauma Informed for Health and Social Care Managers (CPD accredited)

16 February 2021: Domestic Abuse – How to Ask & Responding to Disclosures

26 February 2021: Introduction to Gender-based Violence

1 March 2021: Trauma Informed Practice for Health and Social Care Workers

3 March 2021: Understanding the role of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Domestic Abuse Perpetrators and Violent Offenders

16 March 2021: Alcohol and Domestic Violence

17 March 2021: Domestic Violence and Mental Health

 

Pre-recorded webinars – available anytime

‘8 days a week’: A snapshot report on the precariousness of LGBT+ domestic abuse services’

Lockdown Changes: A Support Seminar by Safe Lives

Covid-19 Domestic Abuse Crisis: Working with Police partners on responding to the ‘shadow pandemic’

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) scams – be extra vigilant

The HSAB has been made aware that Scammers are trying to take advantage of people’s worries and uncertainty about the pandemic, especially those who are alone, self-isolating or in financial difficulty within the Hampshire Area.

  • The latest incident we have been made aware of is an older person being cold called from an individual claiming to be able to provide a COVID vaccine for a fee.

The NHS is the only organisation which has access to the vaccine, and will never ask for money.   Medical or health professionals will not come to your home unannounced and without prior notification.  If anyone attempts to force or coerce you into handing over funds – in person or otherwise – always contact the police.

Coronavirus-related scams include:

  • Sales of fake products such as face masks, supplements, anti-virus kits and sanitisers, which may be harmful or simply never arrive
  • Bogus healthcare workers who try to gain access to your home by claiming to offer testing for COVID-19
  • People pretending to be from charities offering to do shopping or carry out cleansing tasks
  • Emails asking for donations to the NHS.

The HSAB Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Hub has information on where to get help and find out more information on COVID-19: https://www.hampshiresab.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-public-and-professionals

COVID Vaccination Scam Alert

There have been reports of a new scam where a person receives a text saying they need to book a vaccination appointment and it takes them to a fake NHS form which then asks for their bank details to prove their identity. 

 The NHS will never ask for a person’s banking information so please do not provide as it will be a scam   

 There is a texting scam leaflet you can download here: https://cfa.nhs.uk/resources/downloads/fraud-awareness/covid-19/COVID-19_SMS_and_Text_Message_Scams.pdf

 The scam has been reported in the media here: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1378158/NHS-Covid-19-Vaccination-Vaccine-Appointment-Pfizer-BioNTech-Text-Scam-How-To-Avoid

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Call for Evidence

The Government is seeking views to help inform the development of the government’s next Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.  They are particularly keen to hear from people who may feel underrepresented in previous strategies or who feel their circumstances were not supported by existing services.  In addition to those with lived experiences of these issues, they are also seeking the views of those with expertise in working with victims and survivors, those involved in preventative activity, and those involved in providing services. This includes relevant professionals, such as those working in social care, education, law enforcement, local government, public health and healthcare.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/violence-against-women-and-girls-vawg-call-for-evidence

The consultation closes on 19th February 2021.

The Church of England wants to hear from victims and survivors as it carries out a full review of past safeguarding cases

Victims and survivors of church related abuse are invited to take part in a major review that has been commissioned nationally by the Church of England across the country. The Diocese of Guildford wants to hear from you, to listen and learn from your experiences.

Coming forward

Anybody who would like to give information or make disclosures about church-related abuse is asked to contact Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor Jackie Broadfoot (jackie.broadfoot@cofeguildford.org.uk  07918 559387).

A dedicated telephone helpline – 0800 80 20 20 – operated independently from the Church of England by the NSPCC has been set up. We hope this will make it easier for you to talk about what happened to you.

Anyone can use the helpline to provide information or to raise concerns regarding abuse within the Church of England context, whether they are reporting issues relating to children or adults or seeking to whistle blow about poor safeguarding practice.

The Bishop of Guildford, The Rt Revd Andrew Watson says: “It is important we do everything we can to make our churches the safest places they can be. Safe means different things to different people but this review will help us to ensure that the concerns reported to our churches have been dealt with properly, and the care taken and the support given is of the high quality that people rightly deserve.  We have learnt from a previous review that survivors and victims’ voices are critical, and I would urge you to come forward.”

We know that local support is also critical. The Diocese of Guildford has established two listening services for those people who have experienced church related abuse but who might want to talk through their experiences and feeling before taking any next step. The two different listening options (one within the Diocese and one managed independently of the Diocese by thirtyone:eight) will allow those people who do come forward to our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor, to choose who and how they are supported. More details on these two critical listening services can be found here.

Lasting Power of Attorney – Lets Plan Ahead Campaign

The Let’s Plan Ahead (LPA) Campaign is a multi-agency initiative which aims to raise awareness and drive the uptake of Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare, hosted on the HSAB website on new, dedicated webpages found here: https://www.hampshiresab.org.uk/lasting-power-of-attorney/

 

These pages are intended to provide a range of resources to support both the public and professionals to understand the legal arrangements around making a Lasting Power of Attorney, and to share this information with their family members, within staff teams and within the wider community. There are specific resources related to making a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare as the uptake of these is low nationally and every adult should consider having this in place regardless of their age. The resources include short films and information documents which can be downloaded and printed.

 

We encourage all residents of Hampshire to visit the site and consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare. Once you have these arrangements in place you can rest assured that somebody you know and trust, who knows your wishes, will be able to make decisions in your best interests.

HSAB Newsletter Issue 3 November 2020

See  Issue 3 of the HSAB Newsletter by clicking on the image below. The newsletter includes articles on:-

  • Adult Safeguarding Week
  • COVID-19 Mental Health &Wellbeing
  • Domestic Abuse
  • Adolescent to Parent  Violence
  • Self-Neglect

Stop Domestic Abuse: COVID-19 Service Delivery Extension of Advice Line Hours

As an important element of their COVID-19 pandemic response, Stop Domestic Abuse will continue to extend the opening hours of the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Advice Line until 31 March 2020. Details of the services available are as follows:

 

Stop Domestic Abuse

COVID-19 Service Delivery until 31 March 2021

 

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service

Email: advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk

Secure email: advice.hampshire@stopdomesticabuse.cjsm.net

Telephone: 033 0016 5112

 

Advice Line opening hours:

For victims, perpetrators and their family/friends and professionals

9.30am-8.00pm Monday –Friday.

 

Refuges can be accessed 24 hrs by calling 033 0016 5112 and following the answerphone instructions.

 

Portsmouth Integrated Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service

Email: portsmouthreferral@stopdomesticabuse.uk

Secure email: portsmouthreferral@sdas.cjsm.net

Telephone: 02392 065494

Opening hours: 9:00am – 9.00pm Monday-Friday

Weekends and bank holidays 10:00am-6.00pm

HSAB Annual Report 2019 – 2020

We are pleased to announce that the Hampshire Safeguarding Adult Board (HSAB) Annual Report 2019/20 has now been published and can be viewed via the HSAB website here:

HSAB Annual Report 2019/20

Please share the link to the report widely within your organisation, including any internal safeguarding committees and governance boards to ensure they are sighted on the strategic priorities agreed by the HSAB.

Thank you.

Self Neglect Learning Briefing

All organisations across the 4LSAB (Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth) have launched a campaign to raise awareness of Self Neglect.

A Self Neglect Learning Briefing for professionals and a One Minute Guide to Self Neglect for general use have been produced. Please click on the images below to see this literature.

 

          

4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance 2020

It is with great pleasure that we are able to inform you that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance (2020) has now been ratified by the four Local Safeguarding Adults Boards covering Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.  This has been a collaborative process involving key stakeholders and safeguarding partners across the four areas.

The new 4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Policy and Guidance has been updated to reflect recent changes in the Care and Support statutory guidance (March 2020), new and emerging national guidance as well as changes to other legislation linked to adult safeguarding work. It provides an overarching framework to inform safeguarding practice for the local safeguarding system as a whole. Individual agencies and organisations may wish to develop their own internal business process to aid the operationalisation of the multi-agency arrangements within their own organisation.

The 4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance is being published as a web-based resource, hosted by the HSAB.  This approach will improve accessibility and will simplify the future updating of Policy and Guidance in the future. Please use this link to access the new policy and guidance:

4LSAB Multi-Agency Policy and Guidance.

Using drugs or alcohol is never an excuse for violence or abuse

“Alcohol, drugs and stress make me violent”.  Ever heard yourself say that?

Substance use, stress, anger and trauma do not explain or excuse violence – they do not cause you to be abusive or to hurt someone you love.  Most people who drink never use violence or abuse. There is #noexcuseforabuse.

Domestic abuse includes a range of abuse (not just physical) which is an attempt to control and manipulate a partner or ex-partner.  It is unacceptable but help and support is available.  Our services are open and they want to hear from you.

Help is available from:

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

COVID helpline for perpetrator support and interventions (provided by the Hampton Trust) 02380 009898, advice@hamptontrust.org.uk

  • One You offers free information and advice on easy ways to gradually drink less
  • Drink Coach offer a free, quick and confidential test to find out how risky your drinking is.
  • A local confidential alcohol helpline is available in Hampshire for people who want further support: 0300 303 3539
  • If you need help with an alcohol or drug problem you can contact Hampshire treatment services for adults or young people. Support is also available to those affected by someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol.  https://www.inclusionhants.org/.

Domestic Abuse help is out there for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender + (LGBT+) communities

Domestic abuse by family, partners, and ex-partners happens in all communities, including to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender +.  Your abuser may also use your sexuality and gender identity against you as a tactic to keep the power and control in your relationship.  This is not ok.

You are entitled to help as much as any other person.  Help is available, services are open and inclusive, and they want to hear from you.  You will be believed.

Help is available from:

 

 

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

 

  • Galop – for members of the LGBT+ community

 

Galop is the LGBT+ specialist anti-violence charity that works on issues of hate crime, sexual violence, and domestic abuse. Galop runs the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline:

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

  • Hampshire Police Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs)

Officers dedicated to supporting members of the LGBT+ community. Trained to respond to LGBT+ domestic abuse and undertake specific risk assessment.

 

  • YOU Trust refuge, Dorset

 

Offers a service to support people from LGBT+ and BAME communities, male victims and women will older boys who would not be able to access most refuge spaces.

Telephone: 0800 032 5204

Email: youfirst@theyoutrust.org.uk

 

For more information:

Help is available for economic abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms. Economic abuse often happens alongside other types of abuse and is commonly part of a pattern of behaviour where abusers seek to control their victims by means of their finances. They may repeatedly control your everyday actions and take away your choices, becoming violent and abusive (or threatening) if you refuse to meet their demands. With economic abuse, an abuser may restrict how you acquire, spend and manage money and economic resources, such as accommodation, food, clothing and transport (Surviving Economic Abuse, 2020).  They might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt.

Social distancing and isolation measures which are in place to control the spread of coronavirus may reinforce the power that an abuser has over you.  If you are concerned about how coronavirus may affect your finances or are experiencing economic abuse, help is available from:

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

Domestic abuse & mental health

Domestic abuse can have an enormous effect on your mental health. It is now well accepted that abuse (both in childhood and in adult life) is often the main factor in the development of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, and may lead to sleep disturbances, self-harm, suicide and attempted suicide, eating disorders and drug and alcohol misuse.

Don’t blame yourself – your mental health difficulties are not your fault, and you are not responsible for the abuse: the abuser is.

You are entitled to help as much as any other abused person, and if you have additional support needs, you should get help with them too.

If you are experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support, please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service. In life-threatening emergencies, always call 999.

Help is also available from:

 

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

 

  • Solent Mind: Coronavirus mental wellbeing helpline

A new helpline for anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

Telephone: 023 8017 9049 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm)

 

  • Samaritans

Confidential emotional support and listening service

Telephone: 116123 www.samaritans.org

 

For more information: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/domestic-abuse-and-your-mental-health/

Domestic abuse & people living with disabilities

Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic violence than those without disabilities. They are also likely to experience abuse over a longer period of time and to suffer more severe injuries as a result of the violence.  If you are disabled, your abuser may also be your carer, or your personal assistant and you may be reliant on him/her for personal care or mobility.

There is help and support available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service is able to support people with disabilities and have outreach services or independent advocacy services which can help you. If you need safe accommodation some refuges now have full wheelchair access, and workers who can assist you and your children who have special needs such as physical, sensory (hearing or visual) and learning impairments.

Help is available from:

 

  • Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Telephone Advice Line 03300 165 112 Weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm Fridays)

 

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Website

 

  • Stay Safe East

 

Stay Safe East provides specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled victims and survivors of abuse.

 

  • SignHealth

 

SignHealth provides domestic abuse service support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL).

WhatsApp or Facetime: 07970 350366

Telephone: 020 3947 2601

Email: da@signhealth.org.uk

 

  • 999 calls for people who are deaf

 

If you are deaf or can’t verbally communicate, you can register with the emergencySMS service. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.

For more information:

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/the-survivors-handbook-disabled-women/

Support Mental Health Issues During Lockdown

Mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression.  As we go into a second lockdown please keep a lookout for your family, friends and neighbours who may be struggling.

SHOUT is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Text: 85258

SAMARITANS – Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.
Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free of charge)

Mystery Shopper Recruitment Scams

The City of London Police have published a fraud alert.

Fraudsters are targeting job-seekers with a recruitment scam that has already claimed 35 victims with losses totalling over £51,000. All of the victims have so far been from London.

See more information about the scams and what to do by clicking on the document below.

Hope Street – One Small Thing

The charity One Small Thing is developing the Hope Street Hub. This will combine residential facilities with therapy and training rooms, an onsite café which will be open to the public and a range of activities providing practical skills that support the charity’s aim to be environmentally sustainable. Community and social integration are key components behind Hope Street’s ethos with many of the classes expected to be open to the local community.

Click on the icon below for further information.

 

Is you behaviour affecting your children – the effect of domestic abuse on children and young people

Is your behaviour affecting your children?

Even if your children haven’t seen you be abusive, they’ve almost certainly overheard things. Children are highly intuitive and can pick up on tension around them. It’s terrifying to hear a parent being abused. To know that someone they love is being harmed, and not knowing how it will end. To be powerless to stop it. Studies have shown that children suffer long-term harm if they live with violence and abuse, even if the abuse isn’t directed at them.

Physical effects

Your children might be physically hurt in the ‘cross-fire’, suffer sleep deprivation and be unable to concentrate at school. They may wet the bed, develop eating disorders, or endure panic attacks, stress and tension.

Emotional effects

Your child will probably feel fear, anger and anxiety, be jumpy or unable to relax. They might struggle to trust you, or others, and develop low self-esteem and psychological problems.

Behavioural effects

Children learn from those around them. Your child could start to model themselves on your violent and abusive behaviour, and bully other children or expect and accept abuse. They might struggle with school work or skip school, steal or break the law, or turn to alcohol and drugs.

It’s easy to minimise your actions. Maybe you think what you’ve done ‘isn’t that bad’. Maybe you’re making excuses.

Or maybe you’re finding the strength, now, to face up to what you’ve done and the effect it’s having on people you care about. Maybe you’re feeling guilty or ashamed of how you’ve behaved.

It can hurt to admit that what you’ve done is not okay. But by doing so and choosing to change, you’re taking responsibility for your actions, and are on the road to change.

Help is available from: