Olivia and Jack remain the most popular baby names in Scotland, and Smith, Brown and Wilson the three top surnames, according to figures published by National Records of Scotland (NRS). Continue reading The name game: Jack and Olivia remain top choices in Scotland
The number of potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery reported to the authorities has risen by more than 80 per cent in two years, according to figures released by the National Crime Agency today.
The National Referral Mechanism end of year summary (648 KB) shows that in 2018 6993 potential victims were referred into the system, up from 5142 in 2017, and 3804 in 2016.
Potential victims from 130 different countries were identified, and for the second consecutive year British citizens made up the largest nationality (1,625), with Albanians (947) and Vietnamese (702) second and third.
The number of British citizens reported was almost double the number from 2017, while the numbers of minors referred increased by 48 per cent. Both increases were driven by the numbers referred for labour exploitation, which includes those exploited for criminal purposes by ‘County Lines’ gangs.
Overall those referred in the labour exploitation category made up more than half of the total number.
NCA Deputy Director Roy McComb said: “The increase is undoubtedly the result of greater awareness, understanding and reporting of modern slavery and that is something to be welcomed.
“However, the more we look the more we find, and it is likely these figures represent only a snapshot of the true scale of slavery and trafficking in the UK.
“Of particular concern is the increase in referrals made for ‘county lines’ type exploitation. These are often vulnerable individuals – often children – who are exploited by criminal gangs for the purposes of drug trafficking.
“Our understanding of the threat is much greater than it was a few years ago, and modern slavery remains a high priority for law enforcement, with around 1,500 criminal investigations currently live in the UK.
“But we cannot stop modern slavery alone, we need support and assistance from across the public and private sectors, NGOs and most of all the public themselves.”
The National Referral Mechanism is a framework for identifying victims of modern slavery or human trafficking and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. It is also the mechanism through which data is collected about victims, helping to build a clearer picture about the scope of the threat.
Under the existing NRM process potential victims are referred by ‘first responders’, including police, public bodies and a number of specified NGOs to one of two competent authorities, the NCA’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit for EEA nationals, and the Home Office for non-EEA cases, to make a decision about their status.
From 29 April 2019 this will change when the Home Office becomes the single competent authority for dealing with referrals. This is part of a package of reforms to the NRM announced by the government in October 2017 to improve identification of and support for victims of modern slavery.
Scottish Youth Theatre unveiled their national artistic programme to an audience of invited guests and supporters yesterday. The projects focus on greater access to artistic programmes, artist development and an international platform to showcase the artistic talents of young artists across Scotland. Continue reading Scottish Youth Theatre launches its National Artistic Programme
Spanish adventure combines Barcelona and banking
FOOTBALL fanatic Kayleigh McNeill enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium as part of an initiative to support female talent in both their sporting and professional lives. Continue reading Kayleigh does the double
Two in five (41%) men in England, Scotland and Wales aged 20-59 do not seek support when they need to, because they prefer to solve their own problems. The survey also showed that men often don’t want to feel like a burden and don’t feel their problems will be understood.
Samaritans is launching a campaign, supported by National Rail, called Real People, Real Stories. The campaign sees men who have overcome tough times share their stories to encourage men, who are most at risk of suicide, to seek help by contacting Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123 or Samaritans.org.
Paul McDonald, Executive Director of External Affairs at Samaritans, said: “We didn’t want to create just another awareness campaign. We wanted something authentic and emotive from men who have been through tough times, sharing their really powerful, positive and hopeful stories to encourage other men to seek help before they reach crisis point.”
“Our survey results found that although 78% of men aged 20-59 say it’s okay to admit you’re not feeling okay, many still avoid speaking out when they’re finding life tough. A quarter (25%) felt their problems weren’t important enough to warrant calling a helpline, which is one of the reasons this awareness campaign is so important.”
Tony Robertson, 38, suffered from undiagnosed depression for most of his life. Tony struggled to cope when he lost his job, his home and partner, and attempted to take his own life.
“I was in my hospital bed the morning after and I saw my mum sat there upset, and something clicked. I started talking to my mum about how I was feeling. I think having that human connection really does bring that home. Talking really can save lives.”
I hope by sharing my story as part of the campaign, it will encourage other men to speak up and seek help before getting to the stage that I got to – Tony.
The survey found that some of the main reasons why these men find life tough and struggle include debt or financial worries (36%), relationship breakdown or family problems (30%), loneliness or isolation (29%) and job loss or job-related problems (25%).
Ollie Mehra, 23, has suffered from anxiety and depression since he was fifteen. When his relationship ended, he described it as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”. He began to have suicidal thoughts.
“When I told my friends how I was feeling, four of them said: ‘Mate, so have I. I know how you feel.’ Instantly I thought to myself, right, I’m not the only one. It isn’t a weird thing. I should have got help sooner, we all should have talked about it sooner.”
Almost 3 in 10 (29%) of the men surveyed said loneliness and isolation had made them feel low in the past, Paul explains; “At Samaritans we understand the value of talking and the power of human connection. Just two people talking can really help that person to stop, breathe and start to see a way through their problems. Samaritans gives people the space to be themselves. We won’t judge or tell you what to do, we’re here to listen.”
Darran Latham, 38, shares his story: “It was pretty difficult the first time I rang Samaritans. I was homeless by that point and I’d been put in some emergency shelter. I was drinking quite heavily.
“I’d had suicide attempts in the past, but it was usually when I was drunk. One morning I woke up and I didn’t have that to hide behind. I didn’t want to not be there. That’s when I reached out and called Samaritans. And I’m really glad I did.”
Ex-Premier League footballer and professional boxer, Leon McKenzie is supporting the campaign, sharing his story to help encourage other men to seek help. “I know how tough it gets when you’re in that dark place. I’ve been there, not wanting to exist anymore. By sharing my story and supporting the campaign, I hope other men understand that you can climb back up with some help.”
It’s so important to seek help early on and Samaritans are here to listen – Leon McKenzie
There will be more than fifty local events in England, Wales and Scotland to help promote the campaign.
Find out more about Real People, Real Stories at: http://www.samaritans.org/realpeoplerealstories,
where you will find real stories from real men who have been through tough times.
You can also support by following the campaign @samaritanscharity on Instagram or sharing the video on Twitter @samaritans or Facebook at www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity, using the hashtag #RealPeopleRealStories.
Join in at ‘the biggest club in town’ with a free Les Mills class taster event, open to members and non-members, being held at Edinburgh Leisure’s Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 27 March from 6pm – 9pm. Continue reading Mix up your fitness regime with a free fitness taster
Working on tsunami response inspired Award-winning idea
Linda Richardson, an aid consultant from Edinburgh, has scooped a coveted honour at this year’s Bond International Development Awards.
Bond is the leading UK membership body for organisations working in international development. The 439 members range from Oxfam, Save the Children and UNICEF UK, to a wide selection of smaller local charities.
Linda, 65 was shortlisted alongside her co-founder Gill Price for their innovative work creating All in Diary (AID) an information guide for people working in large-scale disaster situations. Linda used her own experience of working in emergencies to create the first issue which was put together in her basement in Edinburgh.
Linda said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award, and delighted for the recognition it gives to All In Diary, and to the very many individuals and organisations who have supported and encouraged us since 2005.
“What this journey has taught me is the phenomenal power of volunteering. Gill and I made a commitment to support people responding to crises by providing easy access to essential up-to-date humanitarian guidance, but what motivated us to continue was the generous support we received from others in volunteering their expertise, advice, time, talent and resources.”
Now in its sixth year, the awards celebrate the exceptional work undertaken in the development sector that often goes unrecognised. The Volunteer Award specifically honors the hidden heroes giving up their time and donating their skills, often in challenging and demanding environments.
Linda and Gill collected their award at a ceremony in London on Monday.
Mike Wright, Director of Communications at Bond, says: “Each year we are delighted and humbled by the winner in this category. It is a great reflection of the hard work that goes on, often behind the scenes, by so many dedicated volunteers like Linda and Gill.
“It is a genuine pleasure to be honoring them and their fellow volunteers by shining a light on the inspirational people doing incredible work in development.”
The Bond International Development Awards form part of Bond Annual Conference, Europe’s biggest international development event, bringing together diverse organisations and thinkers to share ideas and discuss emerging trends in the international development and humanitarian sectors.
Full details on all finalists can be found here:
Cult film makes welcome return after twenty year absence
Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is set to host TARTAN FEATURES: BEYOND YEAR ZERO, a three-day celebration of the low-budget independent feature film movement transforming the Scottish film industry. Continue reading Blood Junkies is back at Tartan Features event this weekend!
