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Keeping safe at ChristmasChallenging racism: ending hate

ISSUE 14 December 2014

Find out more about PCSPs:

www.pcsps.org/pcsps @pcsp_s

pg 2Road Safety Week

Belfast PCSP Youth Awards

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Road Safety Week was launched in Newry and Mourne by the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan, Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Supt David Moore and John McPoland from the NI Ambulance Service supported by Newry and Mourne PCSP and Dame Mary Peters. PCSPs across the country used the week to bring the road safety message home in each of their areas. Here are a few examples…

For more road safety information

ROAD SAFETY WEEK ArmaghArmagh PCSP Officers visited pupils in St Malachy’s Primary School to talk to them about keeping safe when walking to school and back especially in the darker winter nights.

The two main tips were to wear bright clothing and find a safe place to cross the road and the pupils pasted themselves in high visibility smiley stickers to stand out that bit more. Any other schools in Armagh interested in getting a hold of the stickers should contact Patricia Gibson on 02837529646 or email pcsp@armagh.gov.uk. A range of partners went to Southern Regional College’s Armagh Campus to talk to students about road safety. Constable Stevie Dickson talked through the importance of paying full attention when driving and the students heard the personal experiences of emergency service workers.

Pictured at Southern Regional College’s Armagh Campus are: Constable Stevie Dickson and NIFRS Watch Commander Joe Connolly pictured with SRC Student Activities Coordinator Catherine Shipman, Senior Youth Worker Michael Hogg, Patricia Gibson PCSP Manager and officers from the Armagh Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Lisburn

Front cover caption: Stephanie Rock from Armagh PCSP with some of the pupils from St Malachy’s Primary School in the city

who learned about road safety.

The launch of Road Safety Week in Newry and Mourne emphasised the potential dangers on our roads and demonstrated the consequences of road traffic collisions. Students looked on with horror at the mock up of what happens after a collision and heard how the police deal with people who are, for example, over the alcohol driving limit.

Newry and Mourne

Students look with shock at the emergency services demonstration in Newry High School.

Lisburn PCSP worked with emergency services to bring the safety message to students who are just getting on the road themselves. The Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services gave a stark account of what actually happens at serious and fatal collisions and the work officers have to do.

PCSP Chair, Cllr Brian Bloomfield explained that educating and engaging with young people at an early stage of their driving career can reinforce “the cruel reality of road death and how normal, everyday life can turn to tragedy in a split second.” He added: “We all have a personal responsibility to ourselves and other road users regarding how we drive.”

Emergency services in Lisburn demonstrate their job at collisions.

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Rewarding young people

The annual Belfast PCSP Youth Awards saw a range of young people from the Belfast area commended for their contributions to the community.

To see the categories and winners

Front cover caption: Pictured at the PCSP Youth Awards in Belfast are (l-r): Singer Janet Devlin, South Belfast DPCSP Vice Chair Niall Kelly, Lord

Mayor Cllr Nichola Mallon, Justice Minister David Ford, compere Judith Hill and Vice Chair of the Policing Board Stuart MacDonnell.

Limavady PCSP’s Midnight Soccer Scheme had an extra dimension when DIVERT alcohol and drug project staff came along to engage with the young people taking part.

Midnight Soccer is delivered by the Council’s Sports Development team to teenagers from the area on Friday nights and engages up to 100 people each week. DIVERT provides an education programme geared towards young people who may be faced with the choice on whether to take alcohol or drugs.

PCSP Cllr Michael Coyle welcomed the partnership explaining that it was a perfect opportunity to engage with young people and get them to consider the choices and consequences when it comes to alcohol and drugs.

For more information on DIVERT

Soccer with an extra kick

A midnight soccer participant takes a shot with beer goggles on during a drug and alcohol awareness programme.

One of the night’s winners Paul Russell (3rd right) receiving his award from the South Belfast DPCSP Cllr Kate Mullan and performers from The Leftbacks.

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Belfast PCSP has supported research which looks at the economic and social contributions that those from other countries and cultures are making to our society.

The report commissioned by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building challenges looks at a range of areas such as tax and healthcare and challenges many misconceptions about the migrant population.

PCSP Chair Colin Keenan explained that the PCSP’s community engagement has shown that myths have led to negative stereotyping of the migrant population in Belfast. He said: “In extreme circumstances, these myths have been used as an excuse for racist hate crime which cannot be allowed to continue and Belfast PCSP will continue to play a full role in challenging such myths.”

To see the full report

Challenging racism: ending hate

Creating Safe Places

Down PCSP has given its support to the Safe Place Initiative which aims to signpost services and agencies to those who may be victims of domestic abuse. By signing up the initiative, the PCSP has given its commitment to challenge domestic abuse and acknowledges that it has an impact on wider society.

Council Chair Cllr William Walker said he was distressed to learn that an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience abuse at some stage during their lifetime and encouraged more organisations to sign up to the scheme.

To find out more about the Safe Place InitiativePictured with Down Council Chairman Cllr William Walker are representatives from various statutory and voluntary agencies including Onus and Down PCSP members at the launch of Down District Council’s Safe Place initiative.

Front cover caption: Prof Peter Shirlow QUB (Co-Author),

Cllr Colin Keenan Chair Belfast PCSP, Lord Mayor Cllr Nichola Mallon,

Eva Grosman, Pete Snodden Cool FM (MC) and Jim Fitzpatrick.

Pictured at the launch of the Challenging racism: ending hate research are (l-r) Cllr Mervyn Jones, Chair East Belfast DPCSP, Cllr David Armitage,

Cllr Paula Bradshaw, South Belfast DPCSP, Cllr Michael Long, Eva Grosman, Prof Peter Shirlow QUB (Co-Author), Cllr Nuala McAllister and

Cllr Emmet McDonough-Brown.

Board reviews race hate crimeThe Policing Board has started to gather views from individuals and organisations on how police deal with race hate crime. The consultation will support a Human Rights Thematic Review which will examine how the police meet their responsibilities in dealing with this crime.

To see the terms of reference and how to contribute

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Tackling Rural Crime

Rural crime continues to be a concern in the Fermanagh area and the PCSP is working with its partners to get advice out to people about how to keep themselves and their machinery safe. Crime prevention and road safety advice and the very practical help of trailer marking has been on offer at Irvinestown, Enniskillen and Belcoo throughout November.

The PCSP arranged for Tracker Network UK Ltd to give their advice on security devices for farm machinery as well as grants and subsidies available. Free cable locks were distributed by the PCSP.

Learning more about preventing rural crime in Irvinestown.

Craigavon PCSP has been running a series of workshops to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation. The workshops are geared towards people who work with or come into contact with children such as youth and community workers and volunteers, transport staff and hospitality and leisure staff. The workshops, run in partnership with the Freedom Acts and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, are designed to help those working with young people to know what to look for so they can protect young people and be in a position to prevent exploitation.

For more information see the PCSP Facebook page

To learn more about safeguarding

Spotting the signs of child sexual exploitation

THE MORE YOU KNOW THE MORE YOU SEECHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATIONFor more information on PSNI Farm Watch Scheme

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Over 1000 post primary school pupils took part in a Drugs Awareness Campaign organised by Craigavon PCSP, with another 1000 young people due to take part in a second event in December.

The PCSP aims to educate young people on the dangers, effects and consequences of drugs. The campaign includes a presentation by Theresa Burke whose 22 year old son Kealan tragically died as a result of taking drugs and the PSNI who emphasise the dangers and consequences of drugs.

CHILL (Counselling Help and Information for Lifestyle and Living) provided counselling and mentoring information on drugs and alcohol. They also focus on young people who may live with the fallout from substance misusing parents or carers and can be at an increased risk of misusing alcohol and illegal drugs themselves.

For more advice on drug use

For more information on CHILL

T H E D A N G E R S O F D R U G S

Limavady

Craigavon

It’s not all about illegal drugs. Concerns in Limavady about the misuse and overuse of prescription drugs has prompted the PCSP to run a campaign with local pharmacies and health centres to highlight the issue.

The “Pill, Pill, Pill…. Are you addicted?” campaign aims to reduce the amount of prescription drug misuse particularly among the elderly and vulnerable and offers signposting to those affected.

Information leaflets were given out with each prescription slip for a two week period, banners continue to be displayed in GP surgeries and a number of public workshops highlighting the issue will take place during December.

Limavady PCSP Chair Cllr Michael Coyle said working with the pharmacies and raising awareness in the GP waiting areas resulted in an effective visual campaign. He said: “The project aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with the abuse of prescription medication and offer signposting, advice and support locally.”

For more advice on using prescription drugs

Limavady PCSP Vice Chair Sam McGregor is pictured with staff at Gibson’s pharmacy in Limavady (l-r) Elaine Dobbin, Belle Craig and Briege Carton at the launch of a new prescription drug awareness campaign.

Pictured at Lurgan College for the PCSP Drugs Awareness Campaign are: Constable Helen McKenna, Theresa Burke, Mr Bell Lurgan College Vice Principal, Craigavon PCSP Chair Cllr Kenneth Twyble, PCSP Co-ordinator Aisling Gillespie and PCSP Manager Alison Clenaghan with pupils from Lurgan College.

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/drugs

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K E E P I N G S A F E A T C H R I S T M A SWith Christmas just round the corner, the PSNI and PCSPs have been pointing out

some very simple steps we all can take to keep ourselves and our possessions safe.

Lisburn PCSP have been promoting the ‘Stay Safe Stay Secure’ message in the city with crime prevention displays at a number of venues giving out practical advice. With a 15% increase in burglary in Lisburn since the same time last year, PCSP Chair Cllr Brian Bloomfield stressed the importance of keeping possessions safe.

He said: “We cannot remind people enough of the importance of looking after themselves and their belongings, particularly at Christmas when there are gifts bought to give to friends and family. Please ensure that they are out of sight and not placed below Christmas trees, visible from outside

Keeping possessions safe

Front cover caption: ‘Willie Nickit’ kicks off Lisburn PCSP’s Stay Safe Stay Secure message

with (l-r): C/Insp John Wilson Area Commander for Lisburn, Cllr Brian Bloomfield Chair of Lisburn PCSP and PSNI Crime

Prevention Officer Michael Green.

The PSNI Crime Prevention tips.

Getting the low down on cybercrime

The PSNI opened up a two day pop up shop in Belfast to give people some practical tips on how to stay safe online particularly as many of us do our Christmas shopping online.

For more information

The key message from the PSNI is “Just one drink can kill, so never, ever drink and drive”. As part of their road safety campaign in the run up to Christmas, PSNI will breathalyse all drivers they stop for any driving offences.

ACC Alan Todd said: “If you find yourself asking the question ‘I wonder if I’m ok to drive?’ or if you find yourself trying to calculate if you are under the drink drive limit, whether that’s after one drink or the morning after a night out, just don’t take the risk. The consequences could be catastrophic.”

For more information on the campaign

Drink aware campaign

your home. My message to you is clear; make sure you do not invite burglars in by not securing your home properly.”

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PCSPs hold a variety of meetings and events each month. For details on what is coming up in your local PCSP.

Find out more about PCSPs:www.pcsps.org/pcsps @pcsp_s

What’s happening in your PCSP?

PCSPs work with a number of designated partners.

EDUCATION &LIBRARY BOARDS

PCSPs are funded and supported by the Policing Board and Department of Justice.

Public Protection agencies focus on Domestic Violence

The agencies involved in public protection in Northern Ireland discussed the impact of domestic abuse on families and the work being done by the agencies involved at a recent seminar.

Contributors examined developments in public protection such as a new programme between the five health trusts and probation which will work with alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse – those who have not come before the courts.

Hugh Hamill, Chair of the PPANI Strategic Management Board and PBNI (Acting) Deputy Director stressed the importance of this development in preventing abuse as victims often do not report the crime until after at least 30 incidents of abuse.

Speaking at the event, Justice Minister David Ford, said: “Our ultimate aspiration is to stop domestic and sexual violence and abuse. This will require strong leadership from Government; partnership working at the strategic and operational level; and thoughtful engagement with practitioners and victims and survivors.”

To learn more

Pictured at domestic abuse seminar are (l-r): Chair of PPANI Strategic Management Board and PBNI (Acting) Deputy Director Hugh Hamill, Director of Women’s Aid Federation NI Annie Campbell, Senior Lecturer at QUB School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work Dr John Devaney, PPANI Co-ordinator Julie Smyth, PBNI Head of Programmes and Interventions Geraldine O’Hare and Minister of Justice David Ford MLA.