At PAPYRUS we know that cyberbullying is driving younger children to seek help with suicide thoughts. Today, to mark World Safer Internet Day, we have launched our Bedtime Stories campaign with a hard-hitting film to raise awareness of the impact of online bullying. We know from calls to our helpline, HOPELineUK, that online bullying is a contributing factor for many young people having thoughts of suicide. Over 200 schoolchildren die by suicide every year in the UK. We need everyone to be aware of the impact that online bullying can have on children and young people’s mental health. This Safer Internet Day, we want to unite against bullying and consider what we can do to make our online environment safer.

Bedtime Stories

This new film is part of the charity’s year-long campaign to Save The #ClassOf2018. Over 200 schoolchildren die by suicide every year in the UK. Suicide is the main cause of death of all young people under 35 in the UK. The message through this film is to say to parents ‘a better internet starts with you’ and to encourage them to ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect’ by engaging with their children in a conversation about their online activity.

How can you help?

share our film: #BedtimeStories – a hard-hitting film about online bullying https://youtu.be/yuqlg_pyZks

Download our resources: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-advice/resources/bedtimestories-online-bullying

Update your profile picture: Show that you are part of the effort to help stop online bullying by updating your Facebook or Twitter profile picture with our new frame

Join the conversation online: Share our social media posts and how you’re helping to stop online bullying using the hashtags #SID2018 and #BedtimeStories

Take a look at this months issue of the safer snippets update

Safer Snippets – February 2018

Would you mind taking a few minutes to watch the video link  and complete the consultation please.

http://www.wmca.org.uk/wmfs

As you may already be aware, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) will be carrying out a public consultation on whether West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) should be run by the WMCA in the future.

The public consultation, starts on 11^th January and runs until March the 8^th. It follows an independent appraisal of how WMFS is currently run and governed.

This appraisal looked at how a new governance model would impact on the community, deliver improved public services, improve scrutiny, transparency and accountability, while providing value for money.

Following this it was felt the WMCA would be the best option in helping the fire service meet its overarching vision: Making the West Midlands Safer, Stronger and Healthier and meet government expectations of the fire sector and other blue light services.

A scheme outlining the proposed arrangements and responsibilities was then put together which details how the fire service would operate within the Combined Authority and who would be responsible for making decisions. WMCA’s seven constituent local authorities have all approved the scheme for it go to public consultation.

Benefits of moving under the Combined Authority include a more joined up way of working with local authorities, health providers and the police, while having a shared vision for the region. In addition, public services will be delivered at a reduced cost in a more coordinated, integrated and collaborative way.

If the changes were to be agreed, the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, would become the single point of accountability for the fire service and the Chief Fire Officer would report directly to the Mayor. A Fire Advisory Committee would advise and support the Mayor.

We are committed to maximising engagement levels as much as possible during the public consultation, in order to reach the diverse range of communities which exist across the West Midlands.

1. The consultation questionnaire and corresponding background documents can be accessed by visiting https://www.wmca.org.uk. Paper copies of the consultation will also be available at a number of public locations, including Civic Offices. It can also be downloaded from the WMCA website.

New Service where children can request the removal of sexual images of themselves which have been shared online

A brief summary statement of what the article is about:

Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation have come together to provide a service where children can request the removal of sexual images of themselves which have been shared online. As part of that process the child would be asked to provide a link to where the image is stored online, rather than send the image itself.

The child is also required to verify their identity and age and this is done through the YOTI app. YOTI will not store images of the child’s ID following the verification process.

Below are a couple of online resources which contain details regarding this service:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/sexting – There is a section which covers what you can do if you’ve lost control of a sexual image and refers to the YOTI app.

https://contentreporting.childline.org.uk – This is the portal where you can report images and videos for take down and again refers to using the app to verify age.

Top Church
Young Men’s Group

aimed at young men between the ages of 18-29 who are not in employment, education and training.
We are especially targeting those who are isolated!

Are bored with no routine / direction in life.
Weekly group sessions, including sessions at the boxing gym and pool at the Brierley Hill Project, alongside an array of off site activities and 1-2-1 support.
If you have any young men that you feel may benefit from this support please contact me buy email topchurchtraining@btconnect.com

or telephone 01384 262114.

Skills Training UK

Traineeships

Enrol now for our Traineeship Programme!

Aged 16-24 and interested in taking the first step towards an Apprenticeship, employment or Further Education course?

Our Traineeship Programme could be right for you!

we support learners into Level 3 apprenticeships in IT (Infrastructure Technician) and Digital Marketing. We also work with Level 2 Intermediate apprenticeships in Customer Service and Business Administration

We have venues in Wolverhamton, Walsall and Dudley

Prince’s Trust Get Into

Retail with M&S – Make Your Mark

If you are 16-25, unemployed and interested in a career in retail, join this FREE training programme where you can:

• Meet new people and learn new skills as well as gaining work experience. We’ll also help you with your CV.
• Not only will it boost your confidence and employability, but you’ll also have the chance to benefit from the support of one of our mentors to help you uncover your next steps.

® Gain in-depth training in the retail industry by completing work experience with Marks and Spencer

® Learn about stock rotation, stock control, customer service and sales skills

® Improve your teamwork and communication skills and boost your confidence, CV and interviews skills at the same time

® Receive up to six months support after the programme to help you find a job

® Store locations for work placements are Wolverhampton, Walsall and Merry Hill

Travel expenses and lunch paid on programme- benefits not affected.  Taster day: 20th February 2018 Dates: 26th February – 23rd March 2018

To refer:

Please contact our Customer Services team to refer a young person on 0800 842 842.

The Apprenticeship Works

Please find attached the details of the latest Apprenticeship opportunities that are available at The Apprenticeship Works.  We currently have some fantastic opportunities in a variety of occupational areas.  Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues who are working with local young people.  If you have any customers who are interested in applying for any of our Apprenticeships, please ask them to send their CV to info@theapprenticeshipworks.com

Or alternatively contact Mike at The Apprenticeship Works office on 0121 544 6455