t2 Achievers Edge edition 43 – May – July 20

t2group.co.uk

May - July 2020

edge achievers

edition 43

Inside This Issue

Fairtrade: Is it Really Fair?

The Benefits of Walking How to Look After Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

INSIDE

HOW SPEAKING WELSH BECAME COOL Financial Abuse - The Signs and What To Do - See inside for details

Health & Well-being

ESDGC and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

events 2020

events 2020 May

June

3 World Press Freedom Day 4 - 10 Deaf Awareness week

7 Visakha Puja - Buddha Day

8 World Red Cross Day

9 World Fair Trade Day

15 International Day of Families

17 International Day Against Homophobia 18 - 24 Mental Health Awareness Week

21 World Day for Cultural Diversity Dialogue and Development

22 International Day for Biological Diversity

29 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

1

4

5

8

12

14

17

20

21

May 4 - 10

8

12

18 18 - 24

30

31

Parents’ Day International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression World Environment Day World Oceans Day World Day against Child Labour World Blood Donor Day World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought World Refugee Day Father’s Day

Deaf Awareness week World Red Cross Day National M.E. Awareness Day World Aids Vaccine Day Mental Health Awareness Week World MS Day World No Tobacco Day

June

5

14 15 - 21

21

July

4 Independence Day

8 Disability Awareness Day

17 World Day for International Justice

30 World Day against Trafficking in Persons

World Environment Day World Blood Donor Day Men’s Health week International Day of Yoga

July 1 - 31 Sarcoma Awareness Month

28 World Hepatitis Day

30 Gastroschisis Awareness Day

SAFEGUARDING events 2020

May

June

July

4 Maternal Mental Health

3 - 9 Child Safety Week

9 National Schizophrenia Awareness

4 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2020

17 National Children’s Day 2020

18 - 24 Mental Health Awareness Week

8 - 14 Carers Week

15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

15 - 21 Loneliness Awareness Week 17 - 23 Learning Disability Week

1 Talk To Us Day (Samaritans) 24 Samaritans Awareness Day 30 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Our Safeguarding Team : Safeguarding & Prevent Lead Stacy Preston 02920 799 133 / 07876 824 157 Deputy Safeguarding & Prevent Lead Jessica Wool 07881 093 512 Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding across the t2 group Dave Marr 02920 799 133

The number of Welsh speakers is growing fast, while bilingual TV thrillers and Welsh language rock songs are reaching a new audience. What’s behind the revival?

Welsh speakers are not used to their language and their culture being perceived as interesting or cool. So when Alffa, two teenage rock musicians from rural Gwynedd, north Wales, passed 1m plays on Spotify with a Welsh language song, everyone was very surprised.

Welsh speakers may live and breathe the language, but many people outside Britain are unaware it even exists. The number of speakers has surged to 874,700 – up from 726,600 in 2008, according to the Office of National Statistics. The Welsh Assembly has set a goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 (the population of Wales is 3.1 million) and it’s off to a good start.

People are proudly proclaiming their Welshness, finally taking the Welsh classes they had always meant to take and streaming bands such as Alffa and singers like Gwenno. Patriotic murals bearing the slogan Cofiwch Dryweryn (Remember Tryweryn) – a reference to the valley that was flooded in 1965, drowning a village in order to create a reservoir for the people of Liverpool – are appearing all over the country. The detective noir series Hinterland / Y Gwyll and mystery miniseries Hidden / Craith, both dramas originally produced for the Welsh-language public TV channel S4C, have reached wider audiences through streaming on the BBC and Netflix. A surprising number of people who have never even been to Wales are learning the language using the app Duolingo. Could it be that Welsh is finally becoming cool?

It might be that, in trying to protect Welsh heritage, the Welsh language lobby has not always been inclusive. Mymuna Mohamood, 29, is a research assistant from Butetown in Cardiff who identifies as Somali Welsh. She speaks Somali, Arabic, English and Welsh. She had Welsh lessons in school and is now learning on a course through work. “It’s been a great opportunity,” she says, “especially being from a minority ethnic background and growing up in Wales, having dual identity, your culture being Somali and Welsh. The Welsh have the same thing, so that’s where that passion stems from.”

Last year, partly to be more inclusive, the Welsh Eisteddfod – the annual Welsh-language cultural event usually held in rural locations – took place in Butetown, where people from ethnic minority backgrounds make up around a third of the population.

“I went with my friend who is half-Pakistani, half-white Welsh, who speaks fluent Welsh, and people’s reactions were just shock and horror,” says Mohamood. “We felt we were standing out like sore thumbs in our own community. We were like a minority within a minority. It was so odd.”

Expanding conceptions of what it means to be Welsh can only be a good thing, though there is clearly still much work to be done.

Source: The Guardian

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YES

BUT IS

YES: It puts people back at the heart of trade

By Harriet Lamb, Fairtrade Foundation Fairtrade does what it says on the tin: it is about better prices for smallholder farmers and workers in developing countries.

Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which too often leaves the poorest, weakest producers earning less than it costs them to grow their crops. It’s a bit like a national minimum wage for global trade. Not perfect, not a magic wand not a solution for all the problems in poverty, but a step in the right direction.

Free-market economists complain that Fairtrade benefits only a small number of farmers, penalising those outside. This is plain wrong. In fact, the evidence suggests that the opposite is true. Research in Bolivia, for example, found that coffee producers outside Fairtrade were able to negotiate higher prices: Fairtrade had become a price setter. Fairtrade farmers also share their knowledge in trading. For those inside the system, our research shows that through the minimum price guarantee, farmers have more secure and stable incomes.

Other critics ask why we are working with retailers or big brands like Cadbury’s and Starbucks. Our answer is that only by mainstreaming Fairtrade will we be able to reach more producers. So we are unapologetic in our commitment to scale up.

By doing so, moreover, we begin to affect all business behaviour.

A favourite question is why don’t we work with UK farmers. We recognise that many farmers in the UK face similar issues to farmers elsewhere, but Fairtrade was established specifically to support the most disadvantaged producers in the world - like the tea-growers of Malawi, who don’t even have drinking water in their villages. I always buy my cheese, pears and carrots from my local farmers’ market - and enjoy Fairtrade bananas, tea and coffee.

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IT FAIR?

NO

NO: Other schemes are just as valuable

By Philip Booth, Institute of Economic Affairs Private certification schemes are the unsung heroes of a market economy. They are far more effective than state regulation.

It is therefore with a heavy heart that I have always had reservations about Fairtrade-labelled products. The foundation pounces on critics with its well-oiled publicity machine, always responding with anecdotes. But doubts remain.

There are many ways in which poor farmers can get better prices. They can do so through speciality brands, via traditional trade channels and using other labelling initiatives. Does Fairtrade help? The evidence is limited, but even proponents of Fairtrade would argue that only about 50 per cent of the extra money spent by consumers is available to spend on social projects, and others have suggested a figure much closer to zero. No clear evidence has been produced to suggest that farmers themselves actually receive higher prices under Fairtrade.

Fairtrade cannot help all farmers. Some poorer or remote farmers cannot organise and join up; others cannot afford the fees; still, others will be working for larger producers who are excluded from many Fairtrade product lines. Against that background, “Fairtrade absolutism” does not sit well. Fairtrade schools have to do everything possible to stock Fairtrade products - but, what about speciality brands produced by individual farmers? What about Rainforest Alliance products? Are poor producers to be expected to pay the costs involved to join every labelling scheme?

Fairtrade is a brand that promotes itself the way all brands do.

Fairtrade may do some good in some circumstances, but it does not deserve the unique status it claims for itself.

SOURCE: The Guardian

Not only is regular walking as a workout an enjoyable and free fitness regime, it also offers a number of key health benefits too. In fact, we would go as far as to say walking is the superfood of fitness. Here’s just what it can do for you.

1 IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE

By paying just a little attention to your posture as you walk, you can help tone your abs and reduce your waistline. Concentrate on straightening your spine to create space between your ears and shoulders, relax your shoulders and pull in your stomach and pelvic floor. This helps your shoulders naturally rotate and works the abdominal muscles. And swinging your arms (backwards and forwards as you walk) faster not only increases your speed but also tones your arms, shoulders and upper back. So there’s a double benefit here, by thinking a little about how you walk you can improve your posture and get a better workout too!

2 TONE MUSCLES AND STRENGTHEN BONE STRUCTURE

For joints to work at their best, you need to keep them moving. Regular walking gives knee joints a workout, increases your muscle strength and can keep your bones strong, giving definition to calves, quads, hamstrings and lifting your glutes. Walking not only stimulates and strengthens bones, increases their density and helps maintain healthy joints, it can also fend off conditions such as arthritis and help prevent or alleviate back pain.

3 HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT

To start losing weight, you need to burn about 600 calories a day more than you’re eating and drinking, and for that, you might have to up your speed. You can burn off twice as many calories by walking at 4 miles an hour (6.5 kilometres per hour) than you can at half that speed. Walking also increases muscle mass and tone. In short, the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism, so the more calories you burn off.

4 REDUCE HEART COMPLICATIONS

Getting blood pumping around your system and raising your heart rate provides a perfect workout for your heart and circulation system, and regular walks can even reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Through lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the bad cholesterol) and increasing levels of its high-density alternative (HDL, the good cholesterol), you can keep your blood pressure in check. And by helping prevent and control high blood pressure you can reduce your risk of a stroke.

5 FIGHT DISEASE

As well as heart disease, regular fitness walking can impact on the risk of developing type two diabetes, asthma and some cancers. Studies suggest regular exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 60 per cent.

In fact, those who are active have around a 20 per cent lower risk of developing cancer of the colon, breast and womb than those who are less active.

6 PRESERVE THE GREY MATTER

Being active has been shown to have a positive effect on the way our brains work, and with the latest figures showing dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80 it’s worth bearing in mind that regular exercise reduces that risk by up to 40 per cent. What’s more, older people who walk six miles (9.65 kilometres) or more per week can avoid brain shrinkage, preserving the memory for longer.

7 VITAMIN D

Getting out and about in daylight can boost natural levels of vitamin D, a nutrient that’s hard to get from food, but one we can synthesise from exposure to sunlight. And vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a big role in everything from bone health to immunity.

8 BOOST ENERGY LEVELS

A brisk walk provides us with the best source of natural energy. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to each and every cell in the body, helping you feel more alert and alive. Regular walking should mean you sleep better too.

It also serves to bring stiff joints back to life and ease muscle tension. We can all feel sluggish at times, but you can help break that cycle through walking.

9 GET ACTIVE, GET INVOLVED

While you may want to set up your own individual goals and routes, walking can also be a social occasion, be it through a walking group or through striding out with like-minded souls. It can also help fight off feelings of isolation and loneliness. A survey by the charity Mind found 83 per cent of people with mental health issues look to exercise to help lift their mood.

10 BENEFITS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Walking helps you get fitter and means your body gets better at using oxygen, so you find it easier to be more active and tire less quickly. Getting active releases feel-good hormones known as endorphins into the bloodstream, and getting that natural high reduces stress and anxiety and ultimately helps to build self-esteem. That’s got to be a good thing!

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse can be defined as a type of abuse which includes having money or other property stolen, being defrauded, being put under pressure in relation to money or other property and having money or other property misused.

The current Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time for people, particularly if you are the victim of domestic or financial abuse.

While the definition seems simple, financial abuse can take many forms and can be both subtle and hard to identify. Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse and doesn’t always involve a crime like theft or fraud.

It can involve: • • • •

Someone taking or misusing someone else’s money or belongings for their own gain Harming, depriving, or disadvantaging the victim Controlling someone’s purchases or access to money Often associated with other forms of abuse

Examples of financial abuse Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, some examples of what financial abuse might look like are: • • • • • • • • • •

Borrowing money and not giving it back Stealing money or belongings Taking pension payments or another benefit away from someone Taking money as payment for coming to visit or spending time together Forcing someone to sell their home or assets without consent Tricking someone into bad investments Forcing someone to make changes in wills, property, or inheritance Taking credit out in someone’s name without their permission Adding their name to your bank account without authorisation Bills being transferred into your name without your knowledge or permission

Who commits financial abuse?

Financial abuse can be committed by anyone, anywhere. Unfortunately, this can even include people in positions of trust such as those employed to provide care. Just like any form of abuse, friends and family, volunteers or strangers can all be perpetrators of financial abuse.

Who is at risk of financial abuse?

Financial abuse can affect anyone.

As with all forms of abuse, it often takes place where there is an unequal balance of power.

This can happen when: • Someone is a victim of another form of abuse such as domestic abuse or violence • Someone has a learning disability • Someone has a medical condition • Someone takes medication

Financial abuse advice and information If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, there is help out there. You do not need to go through this alone.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you can’t talk, call 999 followed by 55 to indicate you need help, but can’t talk.

If you are not in immediate danger, there are a number of organisations that can give you help and advice. As financial abuse is often associated with other forms of abuse, there are helplines associated with other types of abuse which can help.

Women’s Aid Women’s Aid can offer help and support if you’re experiencing financial abuse.

Your local Women’s Aid organisation might also be able to recommend a suitable solicitor if you need one.

You can find information on their websites or by calling their helpline.

• In England go onto the Women’s Aid website (https://www.womensaid.org.uk/) or call the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge) on 0808 2000 247.

• In Wales go onto the Welsh Women’s Aid website (http://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/ ) or call the All-Wales 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.

Men’s Advice Line Call the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327. It’s free from landlines and most mobile phones.

It provides emotional support, practical advice and can signpost you to other services for specialist help.

Alternatively, you can visit the Men’s Advice Line website. http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic, emotional or financial abuse.

Call them on 0800 999 5428 or send them an email to help@galop.org.uk Alternatively, you can visit the Galop website for help dealing with domestic abuse. https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse

Action on Elder Abuse

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Victim Support

https://www.elderabuse.org.uk/

http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

How to leave safely The Money Advice Service has some useful advice and important information about things to consider, steps to take and also where to get cash in an emergency should you be thinking of leaving a situation of financial abuse, but are not in immediate danger. Follow this link to get further information https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/protecting-against-financial-abuse#coronavirus-and-financial-abuse

IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL ABUSE OR ARE WORRIED OR CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S SAFETY OR WELLBEING, PLEASE CONTACT THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM ON

safeguarding@t2group.co.uk

In December 2019, when a new virus was reported in a province of China, no one could possibly have predicted that 5 months later, the UK would be subject to a “lockdown”. These are unusual times. Life has changed.

The consequences of a pandemic affect every aspect of our lives from our housing situation to our jobs. We shop differently, work differently and socialise differently.

Whether life in the UK returns to “normal” or whether it doesn’t, we are all having to make adjustments we never anticipated and our reactions to the situation will vary considerably. While some people feel able to “keep calm and carry on” quite easily, others may be struggling.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published many documents on the subject since the outbreak of the pandemic; several of them have been about managing stress during the pandemic. Now that lockdown has been in force for several weeks, it is easier to see how stress is becoming a significant problem.

Even if you have no history of mental health difficulties, the strain on finances, on living situations and the lack of social contact, is not easy to cope with.

If you are feeling more anxious than usual, you are not alone. The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep your mental health in good shape!

1. Give yourself permission to feel worried or anxious – no one has been in this situation before; it’s natural to feel concerned about things.

2. Keep yourself active – advice from mental health experts has always been that exercise is good for mental wellbeing as well as the physical. You don’t have to be Joe Wicks but try going for a walk every day.

3. Keep yourself physically healthy – with an emphasis on mental health, it’s easy to forget that our physical wellbeing can affect our mental wellbeing. Help yourself by making sure that you have a supply of any medication you might be taking, eat healthily and keep yourself hydrated.

4. Don’t cut yourself off from friends and family – sometimes it feels like you want to shut the world out but talking helps and staying connected makes it easier to talk when things are bothering you.

5. Limit the amount of time spent catching up on coronavirus related news – there’s a difference between keeping yourself informed and drowning in information. Misinformation and fake news are rife and will only add to the stress you feel.

If you are feeling the strain, don’t be embarrassed about asking for help. You can always contact your GP for support but if you don’t feel you can do that, there are plenty of services you can still access even if it isn’t possible to see someone face-to-face.

Mind

Rethink

Local Mind offices offer different services so access yours here to see how they can advise you: https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds/ local-minds/

Rethink provides support to people effected by mental health issues.

They aim to provide expert advice and deliver guidance to professionals and employers on how to support people.

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 Email: info@mind.org.uk If you’re under 25, you can also access the Mix for young minds at: https://www.themix.org.uk/ this is a service run by Mind specifically for young people.

Website: www.rethink.org.uk Telephone: 0300 5000 927 Email: info@rethink.org.uk

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