Month: November 2020

Abuse of older people has reached ‘unprecedented levels’

New analysis reveals ‘shocking’ scale of the abuse crisis facing over-65s

●      1 in 5 UK residents (22 percent) have personal experience of abuse as an older person or know someone who has been abused – with almost 2.7 million victims thought to be affected across the country

●      Attitudes regarding what ‘counts’ as abuse are thought to be fuelling the crisis, with 1 in 5 Scots believing that inappropriate sexual acts directed at older people don’t constitute abuse

●      Half (50 percent) of those surveyed in Scotland believe that the abuse and neglect of older people increased as a result of the lockdown

●      Charity announces raft of new measures designed to protect older people from abuse and to promote safer ageing

UK safer ageing charity, Hourglass, has today warned that abuse of older people is at ‘unprecedented levels’ as new data emerges revealing that nearly 2.7m UK citizens over the age of 65 are thought to have been abused.

The Growing old in the UK 2020 survey – commissioned by the charity – of over 2,500 adults found that 1 in 5 (22 percent) people either had personal experience of abuse as an older person (aged 65+) or knew an older person who had been abused, and 53% of people in the UK felt that the abuse and neglect of older people had increased as a result of lockdown. 

Previous estimates have put the figure significantly lower, with the World Health Organisation estimating that – globally – 1 in 6 people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse in the last year.

In March, Hourglass warned that isolation and lockdown would act like a “pressure cooker” for the abuse of older people, with attitudes toward what “counts” as abuse fuelling this crisis, and situations where older people are locked down with their abusers or isolated without care only making things worse. Under lockdown conditions, older people lack the safeguards that would have previously existed through day-to-day contact with the outside world.

Among Scottish respondents, the survey revealed that at least 1 in 5 (23 percent) don’t believe that ‘inappropriate sexual acts directed at older people’ count as abuse; likewise a more than a fifth (26 percent) don’t view ‘pushing, hitting, or beating an older person’ as abuse, while a third (31 percent) don’t see ‘taking precious items from an older relative’s home without asking’ as abuse.

The overall UK figures were even higher than these, at 35 percent, 30 percent, and 32 percent respectively.

Commenting on the findings, Lesley Carcary, Director of Programmes and Director of Hourglass Scotland, said: “These results are genuinely shocking.

“Although we’ve known for a long time that we live in a world prejudiced against older people, the results show how widespread the issue is. These figures really shine a light on the true scale of the crisis, especially here in Scotland.”

She added that the data confirmed what the charity has long suspected – that the abuse of older people has long been drastically under-reported to authorities.

“Our polling shows that while people know that abuse of older people is a problem in Scotland today, there’s a complete disconnect between awareness of the issue and a true understanding of the role we all play in preventing abuse.”

Ms Carcary said the data reveals a disturbing level of tolerance towards abusive behaviours in our society.

“While I’ve no doubt that the vast majority of people don’t consider themselves to be abusers, the truth is that a troubling proportion of those we surveyed don’t actually see some very harmful behaviours as abuse. Without countering these perceptions, people are far more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse and are part of the problem.”

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity focussed on addressing the abuse and neglect of older people, has announced hat it is expanding its points of service entry, both in response to this new evidence as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With Scotland leading the way in Hourglass’s modern new approach to supporting older people, the charity will launch the UK’s first Community Hub dedicated to safer ageing in Scotland.

This one-stop-shop approach will allow the charity to begin to refer cases to a localised Community Response Team who will be able to take on casework for older people and their families.

This will first be rolled out across Scotland, before expanding into England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Building on its Helpline, the charity is also creating the UK’s first Knowledge Bank for people seeking support or advice from the charity and its partners. This will include an instant messaging service to signpost users to appropriate resources.

Ms Carcary added: “The additional points of entry into the charity will be crucial in expanding support and resources for those suffering from abuse in Scotland as well as their loved ones.

“We want people to know what to do if they suspect an older people is being abused, and we want to ensure we are there to offer that lifeline.”

Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said of the survey results: “If these figures do not shock you to the core, I am not sure what will. This abuse is often silent, behind closed doors but more frightening for it. Victims will feel helpless which is why this research is incredibly important.”

Scottish Land Fund boost for capital community groups

Three projects in Edinburgh and Midlothian are set to share in £392,611 funding from the Scottish Land Fund. The money enables the groups to take ownership of local assets and put them to use for the benefit of their local communities. 

Amongst the groups receiving funding is Bruntsfield St Oswald’s Ltd, which has received £214,713 with which to purchase St Oswald’s Church and Hall (above) in order to develop them into a community facility providing wraparound childcare and to serve as a meeting place for local groups. 

Penicuik Community Development Trust has been given £130,000 to purchase the Pen-y-Coe Press building (above), which they have developed into Scotland’s only Papermaking Museum, complete with working vintage printing presses, which are operated by volunteers to provide printing services that create income for Trust activities. 

And Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO has been given £47,898 to purchase a former coach house in Colinton in order to operate a community hub from the building. 

These awards are among 29, totalling £3.6 million, shared by groups across Scotland in the latest round of grants from the Scottish Land Fund. 

David Urch, Chair of Bruntsfield St.Oswald’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that our application for funds to purchase St. Oswald’s Church and Hall has been approved by the Scottish Land Fund.

“This money, together with additional funds for refurbishment, as well as the continuing hard work and dedication of our team, will breathe life into an historic building and bring it into local ownership. Its development as a vibrant community hub to provide genuine public and affordable space for childcare, youth clubs and services, learning and development opportunities for local primary school children, as well space for community groups and services for the elderly, will be well received and of great benefit to all in the Bruntsfield area.” 

Lorraine O’Shea, Trustee, Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO, said: “It was wonderful to receive the very positive news of our successful Scottish Land Fund application.

“This important funding will allow us to purchase an asset for the community, a great way to end an otherwise difficult year and allow us to develop our plans into 2021 and beyond.” 

And Revd. Nick Bowry, Chairman, Penicuik Community Development Trust, said: “The PCDT is grateful for the award of this grant from the Scottish Land Fund. This crucial funding will not only ensure the survival of our community hub in the Pen-y-Coe Press at the heart of Penicuik, but enable us to further develop our activities.

“We aim to preserve the memories and honour the heritage of old Penicuik through our Paper Making Heritage Museum and to support the nurturing of a new caring community for Penicuik in the 21st century. The events of 2020 have reminded us of the importance of a caring and resilient community.” 

Land Reform Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham said:“The coronavirus pandemic has continued to set us all unprecedented challenges throughout 2020, acutely affecting local communities right across Scotland, and beyond. 

“But despite these challenges – in fact, because of them – communities up and down the country are playing an increasingly vital role in maintaining and building our resilience, our spirit and local support networks. 

“I commend the latest recipients of Scottish Land Fund grants for driving forward plans to support and enhance their local areas as part of our Green recovery, in what are clearly difficult circumstances.

“I am particularly pleased that, through what is the final round of funding for this year, the Scottish Land Fund is supporting such a high number of unique and diverse projects, and I look forward to these projects delivering on their ambitions in the new year.” 

Sandra Holmes, Head of Community Assets at HIE, said: “These successful projects announced today are all great examples of people taking control of local resources for the long-term benefit of their communities. We wish all the successful groups the very best in their new ventures.” 

And John Watt, Chair, Scottish Land Fund Committee said: “The groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that are sharing in £392,611 of funding are now in a unique position to take control of land and property assets that will reap rewards for people now and for generations to come.“

Morrisons helps egg farmers create biodiverse farmland for free-range hens

– New For Farmers ‘Chuckle Eggs’ give an extra 1p per egg back to farmers –

– Money will be invested in planting woodland and creating insect-friendly habitats –

– Enriched environments will mean healthier happier hens who naturally lay more eggs –

– This is the fifth For Farmers product launched by Morrisons giving part of the retail price directly back to farmers –

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For the first time, Morrisons is giving an extra 1p per egg back to farmers on every For Farmers medium egg sold – so that they can create more biodiverse farmland for their free-range chickens to roam around in.

The money raised from the sales of Morrisons For Farmers ‘Chuckle Eggs’ will be ploughed back into establishing better free-range farmland to create a healthier environment for happier hens, who naturally tend to lay more eggs.  

Morrisons became the first major supermarket to sell only free-range eggs in February 20201 .  Free-range hens cost farmers significantly more to keep2 as they need large outdoor woodland and grassland areas in which to exercise, along with enriched nesting boxes and undercover areas. 

Morrisons For Farmers contributions will help egg farmers to plant and manage woodland and wildflowers on their farms. Free-range hens should roam during daylight hours in fields planted with 20 per cent trees. When outside, hens naturally use trees for roosting –  which keeps them off the ground but under cover.

The extra investment may also be used by many farmers to create new or adapted buildings for their birds. Free-range hens require an indoor environment with more space and light, nest boxes with wide perches, and spaces for scratching and dust bathing.

Farms will also be encouraged to set aside land for wild bees and insects to increase their numbers, and in order that they can continue to pollinate the nation’s crops and flora. Morrisons agriculture team have helped to formulate a unique pollen and nectar rich flower mixture – to establish dedicated bumblebee and insect habitats. For every 16,000 birds they have, farmers have been asked to plant one acre of seed mix.

Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons said: “Improving animal welfare and looking after our farmed and natural environment is important for us and our customers.

“By giving back to our egg farmers, they can create the highest welfare outside and indoor conditions for their hens. Planting woodland, pollen and nectar rich habitats will also bring huge and wider benefits to our countryside, and support sustainable food production into the future.”

Mark Williams, CEO at The British Egg Industry Council, said: “We applaud Morrisons for this move. We believe it is very important to encourage free-range hens to go outside and fully explore the range around the hen house.

“That’s why the British Lion Scheme actively encourages farmers to plant trees that give a natural canopy for the hens, helping the birds to feel protected, alongside activities that encourage the birds to come outside and enjoy the natural environment.”

A 12 pack of Morrisons For Farmers medium ‘Chuckle Eggs’ are available in 491 Morrisons stores and online from this week costing £1.99. Twelve pence from every pack will go back to the farmers who produced the eggs.

All of Morrisons fresh eggs are free-range, sourced from 44 free-range egg farms country-wide. 1.5million free-range birds will be laying medium eggs for Morrisons For Farmers ‘Chuckle Egg’ range.

Morrisons launched its range of For Farmers products in October 2015, and became the first supermarket to give part of the retail price directly back to farmers. The range now includes milk, cream, cheese, butter and eggs.

To date, the For Farmers range has given back £17m directly to British farmers. 

Double disaster: flooding can invalidate both car and home insurance

With The Met Office forecasting this week’s weather will be a mix of floods, snow and gale-force winds, motorists and home owners are warned to take extra care by preparing where possible and being aware of what their insurance policies do and don’t cover when protecting their home and car.

While motorists with fully-comprehensive car insurance should be covered for any damage caused by debris during high winds and storms, they may not be covered for water damage caused by driving through flooded roads.

One of the UK’s largest car and home insurance comparison sites, Quotezone.co.uk, warns that some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude from coverage any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.

Flood damage can also affect your home and if you haven’t declared your location accurately your policy could be invalid.  If your house is located within 400 metres of a river, stream or coastline you will need to have informed your insurance provider.  Even if you’ve never experienced flooding yourself, your house could be classed as a ‘flood-risk property’.

Online flood maps – such as this one from the UK government – allow homeowners to check their property’s level of flood risk before taking out buildings insurance or building and contents insurance.

Many insurance providers do take anti-flood doors and other permanent flood defence features into account when calculating insurance premiums – provided they meet the appropriate industry standards and have been installed by an industry professional.

With the worst of the winter weather ahead it is important for policy holders to be aware of the legalities, keep their insurer up to date and protect their policies both home and car.

Insurance comparison expert and Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, advised: “Some car insurance providers stipulate that motorists must not drive the vehicle through flooded roads, and this clause is often present in fully-comp policies as well as less comprehensive levels of cover – rendering the policy invalid should this advice be ignored.

“With the added possibility of snow and ice, it’s also sensible to make sure your car is roadworthy by checking tyres, oil, water and petrol before you set off.  Investing in a winter emergency survival kit for your boot is also advisable; thermal blanket, torch, phone charger, emergency food/water rations, first aid kit – some of our insurance providers offer these as standard.

“With home insurance it’s always best to be honest with your provider, use the online flood map tool if you’re unsure of the exact distance to nearby rivers and double check your home for any potential issues especially in relation to the colder weather, such as added insulation for pipes.” 

Quotezone.co.uk compare prices from over 110 UK car insurance providers and over 50 home insurance proivers – helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal on their insurance. 

Advice on both home and car insurance products and suggestions for surviving the winter weather can be found on the guides section – quotezone.co.uk/guides.

Max Richter’s VOICES to unite global audiences on United Nations Human Rights Day

To mark Human Rights Day on Thursday 10th December, composer Max Richter’s groundbreaking recording project VOICES, inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, will be broadcast for the first time on BBC Radio 3 and 35 international radio stations in Europe, the US, Australia and beyond, in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union.  

Max Richter and his creative partner Yulia Mahr will also participate in a global Q&A with the United Nations to mark the day. 

Also on 10th December, Decca Records will release a brand new EP featuring four international language narrations of ‘All Human Beings’ (the opening part of VOICES) in French, German, Spanish, Dutch and English.

At the heart of VOICES is a profound sense of global community, born out of Richter and Mahr’s career-long stance that creativity can play an activist role in our world.

The album provides a place to think about the questions facing us through the prism of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In a time of dramatic global change, VOICES offers a musical message of hope.

Richter and Mahr invited people around the world to be part of the piece, crowd-sourcing readings of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be interwoven into the work, which features an ‘upside-down’ orchestra. They received hundreds of submissions in over 70 languages. These readings form the aural landscape that the music flows through: they are the VOICES of the title.

Max Richter and Yulia Mahr say: “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to present VOICES once more. In these strange and challenging times it is more important than ever to keep the music playing and the message of the Universal Declaration alive.

“Thinking back now to the premiere of VOICES in February feels like visiting another world. In these strange and anxious times it is a great privilege to be able to mark Human Rights day by presenting the work again, in spite of the pandemic.”

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Human Rights Day is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in rebuilding the world we want, with global solidarity, interconnectedness and shared humanity.

As part of Human Rights Day 2020, Max Richter and Yulia Mahr will collaborate with the UN to amplify the message of the Declaration of Human Rights.  

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will host a Q&A with Richter and Mahr to discuss VOICES, as part of their digital Human Rights Day events and Mahr’s breathtaking video of ‘All Human Beings’ will also be shown on the OHCHR website.

The powerful themes of humanitarianism running through VOICES were informed by Yulia’s own upbringing. She explains: “I was born in Hungary at a time when it was a Communist country.

“I have such vivid memories of our street, where the buildings were still peppered with bullet holes from the revolution in 56, and where some were still in ruins from World War Two.

“In those days each person was allocated a certain predetermined amount of living space, so every flat would contain multiple generations or sometimes even different families. I lived with my great grandfather, my grandmother, aunts, father and mother in three rooms.

“My grandmother had fled persecution by the Nazis to the safety of Chile for 20 years – and so in the confines of our flat I was raised on stories of escape, persecution, community and hope. My grandmother remained a humanitarian throughout her life – helping refugees and being part of an international movement towards peace.

“In the end my own convoluted story saw my mother and I replicating the large scale migrations of the 20th century and I arrived in the UK aged eight – lonely, confused and desperate for security. 

“While I could rarely see my grandmother after that – her spirit has never left me and it is this spirit that informed the conception and writing of VOICES.”

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIONS OF ‘ALL HUMAN BEINGS’

The voice of Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the first chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights and played an instrumental role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be heard at the start of ‘All Human Beings’, the opening track of VOICES. 

Richter incorporates Roosevelt’s 1949 preamble reading of the Declaration into the piece alongside a narrator to convey a sense of youth and the future.  On the album the narrator is acclaimed actor Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk, The Old Guard).

To mark Human Rights Day, Decca Records will release an exclusive EP of five new versions of ‘All Human Beings’ featuring multiple narrations performed by acclaimed global artists.

Actor Nina Hoss (Yella, Homeland) reads in German, Iranian-born actor Golshifteh Farahani (Extraction, Paterson, About Elly) in French, author Marieke Lucas Rijneveld (winner of the 2020 International Booker prize or The Discomfort of Evening) in Dutch and María Valverde (Cracks, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Broken Horses) in Spanish. Olivier Award-winning actor Sheila Atim MBE, who will also perform in the BBC Radio 3 broadcast, narrates the new English version.

Richter says: “When I started thinking about how to present the Declaration, I came across a recording of Eleanor Roosevelt from 1949 reading the preamble. She’s so fundamental to the writing of the Declaration, it was really important to start with her.  

“The narrators bring a sense of youth and potential in that performance because the Declaration is really about the future; it’s about the world we haven’t made yet. While the past is fixed, the future is yet unwritten, and the Declaration sets out an uplifting vision of a better and fairer world that is within our reach if we choose it. VOICES is a musical space to reconnect with these inspiring principles.”

BBC RADIO 3 AND GLOBAL EBU BROADCAST

The momentous global broadcast of VOICES will be recorded at BBC’s Maida Vale studios, presented by Elizabeth Alker. It will be presented in a new version for a 24-piece ensemble including strings, 4-member choir, electronics, solo soprano and narrator. The BBC Radio 3 broadcast of VOICES features violinist Viktoria Mullova as soloist, soprano Grace Davidson, members of London-based vocal ensemble Tenebrae, the Max Richter ensemble – with Richter himself on keyboards and electronics – and Sheila Atim as the narrator. 

36 European Broadcasting Union-associated radio stations in 34 countries will join the unique broadcast of VOICES, providing listeners across the globe with a renewed moment of hope and a moment of reflection in unprecedented times.    

Max Richter and Yulia Mahr conclude, “We are thrilled about the partnership with the UN Human Rights Office, and the collaboration with BBC Radio 3 and the EBU which have made it possible to perform VOICES once more. In this challenging time in human history, the text of the Declaration is more important than ever.” 

Remember loved ones this Christmas with Meningitis Now’s charity ribbon appeal

CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW has launched its annual Ribbon Appeal to remember loved ones at Christmas and donate to fight back against the devastating disease.

Families impacted by meningitis but not bereaved are also invited to support the appeal.

Supporters honour their loved ones by writing their name on a white ribbon for display by the charity or to wear or hang on their own Christmas tree at home.

All donations go towards Meningitis Now’s ongoing lifesaving and life-changing work, rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease, as well as raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and funding research into vaccines and prevention.

Meningitis Now supporters normally come together for a moving Christmas concert in Gloucester Cathedral every December, where the ribbons are displayed on a Christmas tree. Instead, this year, the charity will host a virtual Christmas Carol Concert, live on Facebook at 7pm on Tuesday 8 December, which will include a recording of the ribbons hanging on the tree at the centre of its Remembrance Garden at its Head Office in Stroud.

Tom Nutt, Meningitis Now’s chief executive, said: “We know that Christmas can be a difficult time and this year will be especially difficult for many. Although we can’t be together this year we can still remember together.

“Meningitis has no respect for this special time of year. Twenty-two families every day throughout the festive period will feel its impact, with some lives sadly being changed forever.

“Please support our Christmas Ribbon Appeal and help us to keep fighting this terrible disease and be there for families who need our support, at Christmas-time and throughout the year. And please join us for our online concert – you’ll be very welcome, whether you have a meningitis experience or not.”

Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

To dedicate a ribbon by Tuesday 1 December or donate, visit the Meningitis Now website at:

https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/events/fundraising-events/support-us-christmas/ribbon-appeal-2020/ 

For details on the virtual Christmas Carol Concert see:

https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/events/fundraising-events/support-us-christmas/gloucester-christmas-carol-concert/

The charity’s helpline is available on 0808 80 10 388 or email:

 helpline@meningitisnow.org

COVID: Getting Help

Dear Friends,

Hope you are well.

The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging and difficult for us all.

To help during this difficult time, we are hosting an online event called: How to Get Help During COVID Times.

There will be speakers from ELREC projects and representatives from other charities such as SACRO and Shelter Scotland.

The timetable for this event is as follows:

5:00 Welcome

5:10 ELREC Open Arms speaking on wellbeing

5:20 ELREC Support & advice/discrimination

5:30 Sacro on BAME hate crime

5:40 Shelter Scotland on Housing

5:50 Q&A

6:00/10 Closing time


Get your ticket here:https://covid19help.eventbrite.co.uk
Confirm your attendance here: https://fb.me/e/7EChMuhXG

Please share within your network.
Thank you very much, see you there!

Kind regards,

Franciele Sobierai

Administrator, Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council
14 Forth Street Edinburgh EH1 3LH
Tel 0131 556 0441

Franciele@elrec.org.uk

Five ways to keep your personal data safe from hackers this Cyber Monday

New research reveals that nearly half (49%) of UK adults have not installed or didn’t know whether their mobile phone has security software. So keeping personal data safe from hackers has never been more important. 

In the wrong hands, stolen data can be used by hackers for illegal activity such as applying for loans or credit cards under a victim’s name, or bank accounts being accessed and money withdrawn.  

To help keep data safe, leading insurance provider, Insurance2go, shares five ways mobile phone users can help to protect personal data stored on their device.

  1. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi 

Using public Wi-Fi is great for those who have a low data allowance, or are running out of mobile data. However, public networks often don’t provide a secure connection, making it easy for hackers to use them to access personal data.  

Hackers targeting public Wi-Fi hotspots are able to use what is known as a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack, which is when a hacker intercepts financial information, passwords and log-in information through a public network.  

Always avoid using mobile banking apps or making online purchases whilst logged onto a public Wi-Fi network. For those who do need to use public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app. A VPN can protect data from getting into the wrong hands by encrypting online data and keeping personal information secure when using a public Wi-Fi connection.  

  1. Turn off ‘sharing’ settings when not in use 

Smartphone features that share a location should be used with caution and always turned off when not in use. Features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, location services, mobile data and Near Field Communication (NFC) are susceptible to hacking, especially Bluetooth location services as they transmit a device’s location and presence. 

Hackers can easily get hold of personal information and data through features that mark a phone as ‘visible’, so always make sure to disable such features when they are not needed. 

  1. Only download legitimate apps 

Downloading illegitimate apps is another way to open your personal data up to hackers. Often, apps hosted on some websites or third-party app stores can contain malware and can access data once downloaded. It’s recommended that users only download apps from the official app stores, so App Store for iOS users, Google Play for Android users or the AppGallery for Huawei owners. 

  1. Be wary of app permissions 

When an app is first downloaded, it often asks for ‘permission’ to access certain features or information held on a mobile phone. From the camera roll, to your speaker, location or phone contact list, apps can ask for a range of permissions in order for certain functions to work.  

Be cautious of what information an app is requesting access to and question whether the app actually needs that information. For example, a photo editing app doesn’t need contact list information in order to function correctly, so take the time to properly think about whether or not that information is needed. 

Viral video app, TikTok, recently came under fire for security issues in the US, with reports claiming that the Pentagon warned U.S. military personnel in January to delete TikTok from their phones and India, last month, banned Tik-Tok amongst other apps, over security and privacy concerns so it’s always important to review what permissions are being asked for by an app. 

  1. Avoid using auto-login 

Whilst it’s recommended to have a variety of passwords for online accounts rather than the same password, auto-login gives hackers easy access to personal data by simply opening up an app or webpage. For those likely to forget multiple passwords, note them down in a secure, password protected note on a phone, or in a notebook that is kept secure and stored away. 

And it’s not just using your mobile phone that can open your personal data up to hackers. What happens if your mobile phone is lost or stolen? Insurance2go  shares some useful tips for people who might find themselves in this scenario and want to keep their personal data safe: 

  1. Firstly, report the phone as missing to the network provider, who can suspend or disconnect the service to the phone. This can help stop any authorised use of the phone if it falls into the wrong hands. 
  1. If the mobile phone is known to be stolen, inform the police who will be able to provide a crime number, which can be used if the user needs to inform an insurance provider.    
  1. Most smartphones now have a built in ‘kill switch’, which can allow a user to remotely deactivate a device if it’s lost or stolen. In order to work, the feature needs to be enabled. For iPhone users, the ‘Activation Lock’ can be enabled within the‘Find My’ app to help keep data safe. Firstly, go to the‘Find My’app > Tap thedevices tab and choose which device is lost or stolen, then tap Activate under ‘Mark as Lost’and follow the prompts on screen. Android users can enable the kill switch with ‘Find My Device’. Go to Settings >Google>Security, then turn on ‘Remotely locate this device’and ‘Allow remote lock and erase’. 
  1. Finally, immediately change passwords for any accounts or apps that can be accessed on the mobile phone. Prioritise any important accounts first, such as online banking and other associated accounts. 

Richard Gray, Head of Marketing and Digital, at Insurance2go said: “Our mobile phones are home to lots of stored data and without correctly protecting your personal information, it could easily land in the wrong hands. 

“‘SIM-jacking’ is a common method where hackers are able to use stolen data to obtain a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). This can then be used to switch the victim’s phone number to another phone on another network, helping them gain access to a range of personal data and information, often including banking details. 

“Protecting data stored on a mobile phone is extremely important. Hackers are often creating new ways to get a hold of our data, so we hope that by sharing our tips, we can help people avoid getting caught out by fraudsters.” 

To find out more about VPNs and how to protect data whilst on a public Wi-Fi, please visit: https://www.Insurance2go .co.uk/about/news-blog/blog/everything-you-ve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-vpns 

Importance of regular check-ups for Men

As Covid continues to re-shape our lives it is important to keep awareness about men’s health high. 

Recent news about Greg Rutherford’s detection of a cyst is a reminder that it is important for men to get regular check-ups. Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in males and it affects around 2,300 men in the UK each year. 

Need2Know Books are currently offering customers a free download during the holiday season of The Essential Guide to Testicular Cancer. 

If you have concerns and questions the book provides clear and helpful advice with useful instruction and guidance on what to look for and how to do self-examinations.

Earlier in the year Greg Rutherford, the 2012 Olympic gold medal long jump champion, found a lump in his testicle during the first lockdown.

Quite shaken and unsure he at first did not tell his wife. After getting checked Greg was told he has cysts – a fluid build up – and now wants other men to “take it seriously”.

Gred said: ” I’m just here asking everyone to check. Even now, during a pandemic, when I think it’s safe to say we’re fearful of wasting doctors’ and nurses’ time. If you’re a bloke, grab them and make sure nothing’s wrong, and if your partner won’t check their own balls, maybe offer to do it for them.”

Luckily, the cysts discovered were not serious, but Greg’s experience has helped to raise an important discussion of what to do if any abnormalities are found in a testicle.

Testicular cancer is unusual as it mainly affects younger men, aged between 15 and 35 but can occur in older men. According to figures from the NHS the survival rate for testicular cancer is very high with the majority of men surviving 10 years after diagnosis. Studies have found that white men have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men from other ethnic backgrounds.

Signs of Symptoms

Many symptoms and signs of testicular cancer are similar to those caused by noncancerous conditions such as a cyst. It is advised to check for the following symptoms if you have concerns.

  • A lump or enlargement in either testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
  • A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
  • Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
  • Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
  • Back pain

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks.

To download your free copy of The Essential Guide to Testicular Cancer visit: https://need2knowbooks.co.uk/freebies/

Need2Know Books have a variety of essential guides that cover topics such as health, exercise and diet visit: www.need2knowbooks.co.uk.

Don’t topple hanging Christmas baubles

Ladder Safety at Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebration and festive fun, but it is also a peak time for tree and decorations related ladder accidents.

Every year, hospital A and E departments across the country report a rise in the number of people brought in during December after falling from heights, many of whom have toppled off ladders whilst putting up lights and decorations on trees both outside and in their homes.

ROSPA reports that in recent years, as many as 2.6million people have fallen off a stool or ladder while hanging up Christmas decorations. 

British safety ladder expert Henchman has five golden rules for safe ladder use:

  1. Assess the risks in scope and scale then consider and research most suitable equipment for the job in hand
  2. Where possible always have another person with you when using a ladder
  3. Uneven, sloping, soft terrain requires equipment fit for purpose
  4. Check the condition of the ladder, and do not use damaged equipment
  5. Always follow the instructions – they are there for your safety and vary by product and by application.

Henchman tripod ladders and High Step safety platforms are specially designed for safe working at height providing a stable footing on uneven ground for jobs ranging from domestic hedge trimming to a four-metre topiary sculpture. NOTE: Other ladders and platforms are widely available

Henchman managing director Tom Kitching said: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people saying, ‘it’s OK I’ve done this loads of times – I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously up a ladder putting up outside Christmas lights?

“The sad fact is that it can, and does happen. Stretch out that little bit too far on an indoor step ladder to put a decoration on a top branch or lean the ladder against a tree or bush in the garden that suddenly gives way and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death.

Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.”

The UK designed and distributed Henchman lightweight aluminium ladders and High Step platforms are available in a wide range of sizes with prices starting at £225. NOTE: Other ladders and platforms are widely available

To see a video of Henchman safety ladders in action visit www.henchman.co.uk