MIL Pubishing Engine 2

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Derry and Strabane young people engage directly with local decision makers at Your Say event

9 October 2023

Over 100 local young people from all over the Derry and Strabane Council area have taken part in a special engagement event at the Guildhall to allow them to share their views on children’s rights and speak to key decision makers about what is important to them.

The ‘Your Say’ Child Rights event was organised as part of the Council area’s journey towards achieving UNICEF UK Child Friendly City and Community status.

The young people came from local youth organisations in all the Council area’s district electoral areas and the event gave them the opportunity to engage with a number of guests and local politicians.

Special guests included Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue and Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn.

A number of the young people addressed the event before they took part in a Q and A with members of all the political parties represented in the Council chamber where they highlighted the issues that they would like to see addressed in the City and District and learned more about how local democracy can have a positive impact on their lives.

The young people also received an update on the Council area’s bid to achieve UNICEF UK Child Friendly status which is now in a 2 to 3 year Delivery phase.

The event was officially opened by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, who praised the young people for effectively communicating their needs and hopes for the future.

“The Your Say event at the Guildhall was a brilliant way to empower our youth to have a direct impact on the decisions that affect them,” she said.

“I was delighted to hear from the young people who spoke eloquently and passionately about what is important to them and showed a genuine interest on becoming more aware about their rights and how we can shape a better future for everyone in our City and District.

“This event was a key milestone in our Council area’s journey to achieve the internationally recognised Unicef Child Friendly status where we are striving to create a community that all young people have a meaningful say in and truly benefit from the local decisions, services and spaces that shape their lives.”

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn added: “I was honoured to be invited to this event and engage directly with young people who have shared their views on the issues that matter to them. As Commissioner, it is my job to listen to the views of children and young people and use my powers to promote their best interests. It’s important that they know their rights and my role in protecting them.

“This event has been truly inspiring, the impact of knowing your rights can be lifechanging, and I look forward to hearing more about Derry City and Strabane District Council’s journey towards being a Child Friendly Community.

“I wish all the young people well in their ongoing work as Childs Rights Defenders.”  

North West Ministry of Youth Member Sophie Feeney said the young people in attendance appreciated the opportunity to highlight the issues they face as young people.

““This was a really big event for us as young people because it allows us to engage directly with decision makers and they can hear some of the issues we face as young people when it comes to our rights. “And it challenges them to take some action to help address the issues.”

Saoirse Lynch, North West Ministry of Youth Member, added: “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to speak about the rights of Children and Young people.

“The conference showed how important it is to educate young people and adults on their rights and to share all of our views and opinions and how these rights can be better met”.

For more information on Child Friendly Cities and Communities visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/community/children-and-young-people/unicef and for more on Derry and Strabane’s bid for Unicef Child Friendly Status contact [email protected].

Source: City of York

Council tenants are being reminded to report repairs to the council rather than make legal claims against it, after a York County Court judge ordered an unsuccessful claimant to pay over £10,000 costs

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Council issues safety advice reminder over Halloween costumes

9 October 2023

Derry City and Strabane District Council is appealing to the public to heed the warnings about the potential risks posed by Halloween costumes and accessories, in order to reduce the risk to children.

The appeal is part of a campaign of awareness led by Council’s Environmental Health Team, who are asking people to check labels and packaging to ensure they are fully safety compliant and from a recognised supplier, whether locally or online. Costumes clearly intended for use by children and supplied in Northern Ireland must carry the necessary labelling and important CE mark and must comply with the relevant Toys Safety Regulations.

Parents should also be aware of the potential dangers of their children wearing fancy dress costumes, either shop bought or home-made, if they’re around fireworks, sparklers, or open flames (such as pumpkins with candles).

Supporting the campaign, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councill Patricia Logue, said some simple precautions could help avoid a serious injury. “There is such a big focus on Halloween here locally, and parents and children will already be planning their costumes for this year’s celebration. We want to issue a reminder to parents regarding the importance of purchasing from a recognised supplier and actively checking for the necessary labelling, warnings and CE mark when the costume is clearly intended for children.

“In addition, council’s Environmental Health Team have put together a list of some potential risks to be aware of and recommendations for safe use, offering guidance on some necessary precautions that will help ensure a very safe and happy Halloween.”

If a child is wearing a fancy dress costume this Halloween please adhere to the following guidelines:

• keep them away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery-operated candle;
• stop, drop and roll if clothing does catch on fire – to try to put the flames out and also to stop the flames from rising towards the face;
• choose a costume and/or mask that doesn’t restrict a child’s visibility, vision or breathing;
• It is recommended to wear woollen tights or ‘heavy’ trousers (jeans) and a woollen jumper under the costume to act as a barrier between the costume and skin;
• supervise children well at all times.

As well as costumes, cosmetic products such as face paints and glitter hair sprays are used to add to the effect of dressing up. All cosmetics must comply with the relevant Cosmetic Product Safety Regulations.

It is recommended to do an allergy test on a small patch of skin before using cosmetics on your child’s face.  Remove any Halloween make-up product immediately if irritation occurs. 

You can find further general information on Halloween safety at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/put-safety-first-halloween

Source: London Assembly

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that care leavers aged between 18 and 25, who live in London, will be able to apply to receive half price bus and tram travel from early 2024.This decision will give more young people the helping hand they need to thrive at a crucial period in their lives.

 

Sadiq’s ‘fare deal for care leavers’ will directly support those who have left care after turning 18, and offer them more affordable travel options as they transition to independent living.

 

The offer will sit alongside other travel benefits provided by TfL such as the Job Seekers Allowance and 60+ concessions, and will help enable care leavers to make the most of the Mayor’s Hopper Fare, which allows unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for the price of a single journey.

 

Despite improvements over the last decade, London’s children in care still face many obstacles. Many care leavers remain vulnerable after leaving care, and the complex challenges they face mean that fewer care leavers go onto further training or university than those who haven’t lived in care.  

 

Children who grow up in care are three times less likely to be in education, employment or training than their peers. Analysis by the Children’s Society has found that the costs – including travel costs – of remaining in education, or seeking a job or apprenticeship can be higher for care leavers, a problem this concession is designed to overcome.

 

Alongside this new discount City Hall continues to support those in care through a range of schemes. In 2018, the Mayor of London signed the GLA up to the Care Leaver Covenant which provides a framework for developing consistency, breadth and quality in the support offered to London’s care leavers. Each London borough currently has a care leaver offer, but these are individual to each area and therefore the support offered varies. By adopting a common core offer across London, with cross border collaboration and multi-agency working, care leavers can receive better support in terms of access to health, education, transport, housing and mentoring.

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Leaving care can be very challenging or daunting for young adults who feel unprepared for the transition to independent living. Many care leavers lack the appropriate resources to continue training or gain meaningful employment once leaving care, which can, in turn, lead to both financial and emotional hardship.

 

“I am determined to improve the London-wide offer for care leavers, and our new ‘are deal for care-leavers’ will give these young people a helping hand to thrive in this next stage of their lives, building a better, fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”

 

Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London said: “We are keen to ensure that fares on public transport remain as affordable as possible, while still ensuring TfL can continue to run clean, green and safe services and support London’s continued economic recovery. Alongside daily and weekly capping, and the Hopper fare, our wide range of concessions are a big part of our inclusive transport offer and we are delighted to be able to offer this new option from spring 2024 to help care leavers transition to independent living.

Lucy Ivankovic, Interim Head of London Children’s Services, Barnardo’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted Transport for London will be offering care leavers discounted travel on buses and trams. Barnardo’s Transport for Freedom campaign has been calling for transport authorities to create bespoke schemes for care leavers who are struggling with the cost-of-living and do not have the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to top up their fare. This new scheme introduced in London will be a lifeline for care leavers who rely on public transport to access education and employment, and will help to reduce their isolation and loneliness.”

Care experienced young person, Sonny (21) who is on the TfL Youth Board, said: “This new concession will be incredibly useful to so many care experienced young people like me. It’s scary to leave care and with how tough it can sometimes be as a care leaver to study and find work, this is going to really help so many people be more financially secure.”

 

Okela Douglas, Director, Sister System, said: “We applaud and celebrate the Mayors recognition of the stark socio-economic gap that care affected young people have to grapple with on a daily basis. As London’s only organisation that works exclusively with girls affected by care, we appreciate this effort to enhance their access towards enabling greater independence and access to opportunities for them to thrive. This initiative marks the first of many steps needed to bridge the gap between care affected young people and mainstream society. Sister Systems Big Sister, Allison P is motivated by this news, sharing with me that it will enable her to take part in activities and opportunities across our capital, opportunities previously closed to her.”

 

Zhane Decembre and Louisa Foyle, Pan London CiCC, Partnership for Young London, said: “The Pan London Children in Care Council at Partnership for Young London are pleased to have the TfL offer approved amongst for all care leavers across London. This offer will massively contribute to care leavers who are on a low income as they essentially have little support. Ultimately this is the one huge step within the Pan London Compact for Care Leavers which we hope to continue to expand and create as many new offers for care leavers across London creating consistency for people and showing that they really matter’

“This initiative not only eases the financial burden on care leavers but also fosters a sense of acceptance and recognition within society. It’s a positive stride towards improving their access to essential transportation services. This effort reflects a commitment to equality and social equity for all members of our community it also begins with every journey matters when you are care experienced.

 

Jacqui McShannon, Strategic Director Children’s Services and ALDCS Strategic Lead for Care Leaving, Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “London’s Directors of Children’s Services share the strong commitment to an enhanced and consistent offer to support all care experienced young people across London. We are proud to be part of the pan London partnership led by care experienced young people, and to be working so effectively with the GLA,  voluntary, statutory, and business partners to deliver our joint ambition to improve the lives of all of London’s cared for children and young people.” 

  

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

• The application process for the new 18-25 care leaver concession will open early next year and will be supported by targeted communications from local councils to those eligible in,or have recently left care. Care leavers wishing to apply for the concession will need to liaise with their responsible borough, who will then provide eligibility information to TfL.  
• In line with other concessions offered by TfL, the application process will be online via the TfL website and an application fee would apply.
• TfL will work with London Councils via the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA), who represent all 33 London boroughs, to check eligibility during processing.
• Analysis by The Children’s Society suggests that across London there are 15,270[1] care leavers aged 18-25 living in London, many of whom will often find it difficult to navigate living independently alongside having a job, undertaking training, or remaining in the education system post-18. The independent review of children’s social care, published in May 2022, noted that the leaving care grant at the value of £2,000 offered to care leavers, used to set up a first home, has not been updated in guidance since 2013 and has failed to keep pace with inflation or match the average cost of furnishing a first home. Reducing travel costs should help to make budgeting easier for care leavers; and to improve their access to education, employment and training opportunities.  

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Council announces colourful new paint recycling scheme at local recycling centres

6 October 2023

Derry City and Strabane District Council have launched a targeted new recycling scheme that will help reduce paint waste.

Council has joined the Community RePaint network and are calling for householders to help reduce paint waste by dropping reusable paint to Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahans Road recycling centres.

Leftover paint can be passed on to another household or community group, who could use it to add some colour to their own DIY projects, free of charge. Leftover paint can be dropped off to the three largest centres from Friday 6^th October.

Conor Canning, Head of Environment, encouraged homeowners to get involved with the new scheme and check if they have any leftover paint in their sheds or garages.

“The Community RePaint network sees leftover paint as a valuable resource and works to prevent it from going to waste by redistributing it for reuse, through their UK-wide paint reuse network. This scheme benefits individuals, families, communities, and charities in need. It can enable low-income households to redecorate their homes at an affordable cost as well as helping local groups, schools and charities refresh shared spaces and create colourful murals for the community.

“In 2022 alone, over 458,000 litres of leftover paint were collected across the UK by the Community RePaint networks. Over 285,000 litres of this were redistributed and saved approximately 1.2 million kilograms of carbon emissions. This is a fantastic scheme which aligns with our Zero Waste Circular Economy Strategy, and we look forward to adding to these growing statistics, but we need our local communities to get involved and donate their leftover paint.”

When people drop off leftover paint to participating recycling centres, the onsite staff will assess the quality and check if it good enough to be reused. If it is, the leftover paint will be placed in the onsite Community RePaint paint collection areas in 3 of the main recycling centres; Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahans Road. Anyone from householders to community groups and schools can call in and collect the paint, free of charge, for DIY jobs and use in local projects.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, attended the launch of the scheme and reminded residents of the benefits.

“As a Council, we are committed to reducing waste and reusing materials where possible and this is another fantastic scheme that we are adding to our already extensive list of waste-reduction initiatives.

“Passing on our leftover paint for reuse or collecting free paint to use in your own home or community group is a great way to prevent this paint from going to waste. We all tend to keep perfectly good paint in our shed or garage for another DIY project but never get round to using it. This leftover paint could be used by another householder and reduce waste at the same time.”

Please note that if you are visiting any of these three Recycling Centres to pick up paint, you will need to sign a disclaimer and provide some details. This is to ensure Council are complying with legal reporting and are aware of where the paint is going. If you are not happy with the quality of the paint when you get home, please bring it back to the Recycling Centre for recycling.

For more information, please visit www.derrystrabane.com/paintscheme

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council has been granted funding from the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund to make improvements to a green area in Fratton.

The space, which sits between the corner of Fawcett Road and Goldsmith Avenue, is one of the few green spaces in the area, offering walking and cycling routes and a link for passenger access to the nearby Fratton station.

Plans for the space will include planting, seating, and lighting to create a pocket park gateway to Fratton train station. It sits within the wider Safer Streets initiative to make Portsmouth a safer place to live, work and visit.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of the council said: “We are pleased to see this area has been granted funding for improvements, this is a positive step forward to create more green spaces across the city. It’s a great opportunity to create a much more functional, and greener route from the station to the seafront.

“Annually, we see thousands of people use this route, so it is essential that we make the area safe for those travelling in the early morning, or late at night.”

Maryam Zade, South Western Railway’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund Manager, said: “Connecting people and communities is at the heart of our business and CCIF, our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, gives us an opportunity to support projects that help to make that connection.

“This project is turning a piece of open space into a Pocket Park to give the local community a new, brighter and safer space for recreation as well as providing improved pedestrian access to Fratton station and we were delighted to support it”.

The South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund supports projects that have a community benefit and addresses areas of social need across the network. You can find out more here: Customer and Communities Improvement Fund 2022 | South Western Railway.

Designs for the Pocket Park have now been approved, and construction is expected to start in Spring 2024.

Source: London Assembly

In response to the findings by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services that the Metropolitan Police Service’s approach to child protection is putting vulnerable children at risk, Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Police and Crime Committee, said:

“Earlier this year, a report by the Police and Crime Committee warned that the Met was failing to appropriately identify and assess risk when a child is reported missing, hindering efforts to locate and safeguard vulnerable children.

“It is therefore disappointing, but not surprising, that the Inspectorate has issued a cause for concern over this same issue.

“We were also concerned to hear in our investigation that families and carers face frustrating delays when reporting missing children and sometimes receive inaccurate information from police call handlers.

“The Inspectorate’s finding of frequent use of victim-blaming language is unacceptable. Children who are missing and have been criminally exploited should be seen first and foremost as children and as victims and everything should be done to avoid the criminalisation of a child.

“When a child goes missing, they are exposed to the most appalling harms, including from gangs, sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking, and it is understandably a distressing time for their families and carers.

“It is vital that the Met makes improvements in this area to keep children in London safe. We will continue to scrutinise the Commissioner and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime to ensure that they reform the Met and rebuild trust among Londoners.”

Source: London Assembly

Joining a coalition of campaigners and cross-party MPs, Caroline Russell, Green Party Assembly Member, issued the following statement:  

“Politicians are finally waking up to the dangerous use of live facial recognition surveillance, and parliamentarians from all parties are now calling for it to be banned. 

“We know that younger, Asian and Black Londoners are more likely not to attend events if they know they will be monitored with this invasive technology. That’s why I’ve opposed it in the London Assembly and councils like Newham have rejected it. 

“Instead of the Met ramping up its use and the Mayor of London refusing to rule it out, they should listen to this growing chorus of opposition and end the surveillance and over-policing of Londoners just going about their day.” 

 

ENDS 
 
Editors’ notes: 

1. CAROLINE RUSSELL AM is available for interview. 

2. “AI facial recognition: Campaigners and MPs call for ban” https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67022005  

Source: London Assembly

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