t2group.co.uk
February - April 2020
edge achievers
edition 42
Inside This Issue
How To Become A Global Citizen Include Me Too What Is FGM?
INSIDE
HOW WELSH CITIES AND TOWNS GOT THEIR NAMES What We Know About E-Cigarettes - See inside for details
ESDGC and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
What’s
On?
around the UK? February 1 13 – 17 22 22 25
Six Nations – Wales v Italy, Principality Stadium, Cardiff London Fashion Week Six Nations – Wales v France, Principality Stadium, Cardiff Rhyl 10 Mile Run Pancake Day
March 1 St David’s Day Parade, Cardiff 7 Six Nations – England v Wales, Twickenham 14 Six Nations - Wales v Scotland, Principality Stadium, Cardiff 15 St Patrick’s Day Parade, London 26 – 29 Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival
April 4 10 12 17 – 19 26
Grand National, Aintree Good Friday Easter Sunday RHS Flower Show, Cardiff London Marathon
Health & Well-being
events 2020
events 2020
February
February
1 3–7 3-9 6 11 20 24 - 8 27
3 - 9 4 6 22 23 29
World Hijab Day, Dignity Action Day NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK #ITSNOTOK Sexual ABUSE & Sexual Violence Awareness Week International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation Safer Internet Day World Day of Social Justice Fairtrade Fortnight Polar Bear Day
March
March 3 8 16 21 22 25 28 30 – 5
World Wildlife Day International Women’s Day Disabled Access Day International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination World Water Day International Day Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery & the Transatlantic Slave Trade Earth Hour Autism Awareness Week
April
Tinnitus Awareness Week, #ITSNOTOK Sexual ABUSE & Sexual Violence Awareness Week World Cancer Day International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation Walking the Dog Day Play Tennis Day Rare Disease Day
16 Save the Elephant Day 22 International Mother Earth Day
1 2 – 8 8 – 14 9 – 15 11 12 20 22 24
Self Injury / Harm Awareness Day Eating Disorders Awareness Week World Glaucoma Week International Salt Awareness Week No Smoking Day World Kidney Day World Oral Health Day World Water Day World Tuberculosis Day
April 6 24 25 28
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace World Meningitis Day World Malaria Day World Day for Safety & Health at Work
SAFEGUARDING events 2020
February
March
LGBT History Month
1
Dignity Action Day
3-9
Children’s Mental Health Week
1 SIAD: Self-Injury Awareness Day
3-9
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week
2-7 Eating Disorder Awareness Week
6
Time to Talk Day
11
Safer Internet Day
5 University Mental Health Day
14
Care Day
24 – 1
You Can Care Week
16
April National Safeguarding Month
Disabled Access Day
18
National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day
29 – 4
Family Safety Week
Stress Awareness Month
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
E-cigarettes usually contain nicotine and may have other harmful substances too. There’s a lot of conflicting information about them. We still have a lot to learn, but here’s what we currently know. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are often called e-cigs, e-hookahs, vapes, vape pens, tank systems, or mods. They come in many different shapes and sizes—some look like a regular cigarette, some look very different. There is a lot of talk about e-cigarettes. Some of it is true, but some of it is not. You may have seen ads or stories on the internet that say e-cigarettes are not harmful or are a good way to help smokers quit smoking. However, doctors and researchers still have a lot to learn about the health effects of e-cigarettes. While e-cigarettes may be less harmful than regular cigarettes, this does not mean that they are harmless.
What are e-cigarettes?
Can e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that work by heating a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales and exhales. The e-cigarette liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavourings, and other chemicals. Nicotine is the addictive drug found in regular cigarettes and other tobacco products. Research shows that e-cigarette aerosol often contains substances that can be harmful, including flavouring chemicals (like diacetyl, which is linked to lung disease), metals (like lead), and other cancer-causing chemicals.
E-cigarettes are not approved by the FDA as a quit smoking aid. So far, the research shows there is limited evidence that e-cigarettes are effective for helping smokers quit. There are other proven, safe, and effective methods for quitting smoking. One way to start is to talk with your doctor, nurse, or a trained quitline counsellor to figure out the best strategies for you.
Are e-cigarettes regulated? Companies that make or sell e-cigarettes must follow certain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. For example, only people aged 18 and over are allowed to buy e-cigarettes. Researchers are working hard to gather more information about e-cigarettes and how they are used. This information may lead to additional regulations and could be helpful for informing the public about what’s in e-cigarettes and the potential health risks of using them.
What are the known health risks of e-cigs?
Many people use quit smoking medication, like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), in the form of a patch or gum, which doctors and other experts agree is one of the most helpful tools smokers can use to quit. You can also get free, effective support: • Try a text message program. Sign up for SmokefreeTXT online or text QUIT to 47848. • Download a smartphone app which can help you track cravings and understand your smoking patterns. The combination of medication and support is known to increase the chance of quitting for good. Explore your options and find a quit method that’s right for you.
Compared with regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes have been on the market for a short time—about 11 years. Scientists are studying e-cigarettes to understand how using them effects people’s health. Here’s what doctors and researchers know right now: E-cigarettes usually contain nicotine. Nicotine is what makes tobacco products addictive. Be aware that some e-cigarettes that claim to be nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine. E-cigarettes are harmful to youth, young adults, and pregnant women. The nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmful to developing babies and can lead to addiction and harm brain development in children and young adults into their early 20s. Although there is still much to learn about e-cigarettes, the evidence is clear that the harmful health effects of using e-cigarettes mean teens and young adults should not use them. E-cigarettes may contain other harmful substances. While e-cigarettes typically have fewer chemicals than regular cigarettes, they may still contain heavy metals like lead, flavourings linked to lung disease, small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, and cancer-causing chemicals. Being near someone using an e-cigarette can expose you to the aerosol and the chemicals in it. This is similar to secondhand smoke from regular cigarettes.
Source: smokefree.gov
We all want to make the world a better place for ourselves and future generations. A happier, healthier and equal world is a good thing for all. Plus, the benefits of doing good things speak for themselves. According to studies, doing good for others can improve life satisfaction, happiness levels and mental and physical health. One study found that adults who volunteered about four hours a week significantly decreased their chances of developing high blood pressure. So, how can we extend this feel-good factor on a global scale? How can we become a better global citizen? A global citizen is someone who has an awareness of the world and how human actions can impact on it.
They’re curious about the environment, nature, human cultures, geology and economics, and how they all connect with each other. They also have a desire to positively contribute to communities to improve life for others.
What is a global citizen?
A global citizen is respectful of cultural diversity and human rights. They’re empathetic to causes and suffering around the world and feel responsible for their impact on it and making change.
They see themselves as a citizen of the world, rather than a single country. They desire equality for all and consciously make fair choices and decisions. Read on to learn about the steps you can take to become a better global citizen.
Make greener choices
Recycling, reducing waste, energy-saving, and water conservation all lessen the impact on the environment.
Save energy by turning off lights, unplugging appliances when not in use and buying appliances and lights with good energy ratings and efficiency. Conserve water by installing a rainwater tank, water-efficient showerheads and appliances.
Reduce waste by using reusable containers, water and coffee cups. Avoid using plastic bags, straws and disposable items. Upcycle where possible or buy second hand and create a compost heap for scraps.
Learn a new language
Being able to speak another language is useful and rewarding in so many ways. But, when it comes to becoming a better global
citizen, it’s one of the best.
Learning a new language means that you gain an appreciation and insight into other cultures that you may previously not have had. You become more aware of cultural differences, why they exist and the importance of respecting them.
According to researchers, Hanh Thi Nguyen and Guy Kellogg, when students learn another language, they develop new ways of understanding culture and ways of thinking and behaving. Students can critically think about stereotypes of different cultures related to food, appearance and conversation styles.
Volunteer
Volunteer to help out a local charity or one that works with overseas organisations. If you’re keen to take it a step further, hop on a plane and spend some time volunteering overseas.
Seeing first-hand how your voluntary efforts are making a difference to others is a great feeling, as is connecting with those you’re helping. It’s also a good way of educating yourself on the issues that other countries may be facing. Organisations such as GVI and Projects Abroad organise volunteer projects in countries such as Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Australasia. Volunteers have the opportunity to help out in conservation, education, and community projects.
Travel as much as possible
Travelling is one of the best ways to explore the globe, understand and experience different cultures and country challenges first hand, as well as meet new friends.
Gaining a global perspective can help us reflect and appreciate what we have, and increased empathy for others is a key characteristic in becoming a better global citizen.
Before travelling, think about what you’re really passionate about doing or discovering. Think local cuisine, local temples or going off the beaten track. Research if you can and connect with locals who can help. Sharing a common passion is a good way to see commonalities from a new viewpoint.
Education is key
Educating yourself about what’s going on in the world is a great way to become a better global citizen. With a multitude of sources available at our fingertips, learning is only ever a click away. Learn about different cultures online. Read blogs and news sites about different country’s politics, current affairs and cultures, and research local cultural community events or celebrations which you can attend.
You could also use social media and communication to connect and develop friendships with people all over the world, so why not go ahead and give it a go?
Ever wondered exactly what the meaning is behind the name of the place where you live? There’s historic significance behind scores of the names of towns and cities across Wales, some more complex than others. Here, we take a closer look into the meanings behind them. Aberystwyth Aberystwyth means the mouth of the river Ystwyth.
Bangor Bangor is an old Welsh word for a wattled enclosure, such as the one that originally surrounded Bangor Cathedral site.
Brecon Aberhonddu, the Welsh name, means mouth of the Honddu. After the Dark Ages, the original Welsh name of the kingdom in whose territory Brecon stands was (in modern orthography) Brycheiniog, which was later anglicised to Brecknock or Brecon, and probably derives from Brychan, the eponymous founder of the kingdom.
Cardiff There are two rival theories regarding the precise origins of the name Cardiff or Caerdydd in Welsh. There is uncertainty concerning the origin of Caerdydd — Caer means fort or castle, but although Dydd means Day in modern Welsh, it is unclear what was meant in this context.
Conwy The name ‘Conwy’ derives from the old Welsh words ‘cyn’ (chief) and ‘gwy’ (water), the river being originally called the Cynwy.
Fishguard Its Welsh name Abergwaun means Mouth of the River Gwaun, which explains where it can be located on the map of Wales. Called “Fiscard” until the turn of the 19th Century, the name Fishguard gradually became used.
Holyhead All About Anglesey says Holyhead is known as Caergybi in Welsh, which means the fort of Cybi, a Welsh saint. It had previously been known as Llan y Gwyddel, Eglwys y Bedd, and Cor Cuybi. In 1315, it was known as Haliheved, in 1536-39 The Holy Hedde, and in 1573, Holy Head or Caer Cybi.
Llangollen Llangollen takes its name from ‘llan’ meaning “a religious settlement” and Saint Collen, a sixth-century monk who founded a church beside the river. St Collen is said to have arrived in Llangollen by coracle.
Port Talbot Port Talbot first appears in 1837 derived from the name of the new docks built in the town on the East of the River Afan by the landowning Talbot family who was related to the photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot.
Porthmadog The name derives from the founder William Madocks, though there is a belief that it is named after the folklore character Madog ab Owain Gwynedd who also gives his name to Ynys Fadog. The town was officially called Portmadoc until 1974 when it was renamed with the Welsh spelling.
Rhyl The origin of the name Rhyl is not fully known. However, the name appears in old documents variously as Hulle (1292), Hul (1296), Ryhull (1301), Hyll (1506), Hull (1508), [Leidiart] yr Hyll (1597), Rhil (1706), Rhûl (1749), Rhul (1773) Rhyll (1830), and Rhyl (1840). The name seems to be a hybrid between the English word “hill” and the Welsh definite article “y”. The exact significance of the name is unclear as there are no hills in the vicinity. It is possibly a reference to a mound or slightly raised place in an otherwise marshy region.
Swansea Swansea is thought to have developed as a Viking trading post. Its English name may derive from Sveinn’s island – Old Norse: Sveinsey – the reference to an island may refer either to a bank at the mouth of the River Tawe or to an area of raised ground in marshes.
According to the World Health Organisation, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and is illegal in the UK. It stems from deep-rooted inequality between the sexes in certain cultures and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is almost exclusively carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practice violates a person’s basic rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death. In 2020 alone, there are 4.1 million girls around the world are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation.
KEY FACTS
• The practice has no health benefits for girls and women.
• In 2003 it also became a criminal offence to take a child abroad for FGM. • Since 2015, courts have issued more than 290 FGM prevention orders to safeguard girls at risk. These allow authorities to confiscate the passports of people suspected of trying to take a girl abroad for FGM.
• FGM can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
• Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
• More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated. • FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. • FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. • WHO is opposed to all forms of FGM, and is opposed to health care providers performing FGM (medicalisation of FGM)? • Treatment of health complications of FGM in 27 high prevalence countries costs £1.08bn per year.
World Health Organisation Website
FGM in the UK
It’s a common misconception that FGM doesn’t pose a risk in the UK. In fact: • an estimated 137,000 women and girls in England and Wales have undergone FGM (this has usually taken place before the person’s arrival in the UK). • FGM can affect immigrant communities in Britain from a swathe of African counties and pockets of Asia and the Middle East, including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Egypt and Nigeria. • FGM has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985, but there have only been three prosecutions under the legislation. The maximum penalty for FGM is 14 years in prison.
In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. This day is recognised every year in order to raise awareness of the practice as well as focussing and mobilising efforts on the elimination of FGM. Follow the conversation on social media using #EndFGM #YouthEndFGM
Help and Support
If there is an immediate danger: • Contact the police if you or someone you know is in immediate danger of FGM. • You should also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you know a British national who’s already been taken abroad. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Telephone: 020 7008 1500 From overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 1500 If you’re abroad you can contact the nearest British embassy, commission or consulate. If you or someone you know is at risk Contact the NSPCC anonymously if you’re worried that a girl or young woman is at risk or is a victim of FGM. NSPCC FGM Helpline Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk Telephone: 0800 028 3550 From overseas: +44 (0)800 028 3550
If you have any concerns in relation to FGM or any other safeguarding risks, please contact the t2 safeguarding team on safeguarding@t2group.co.uk
People with learning disabilities can often find themselves feeling excluded when it comes to making decisions about their lives. This can range from shopping to making music or even bringing up a baby. Sometimes this exclusion can be exacerbated by the kind of support that they receive from social services – but it can also be countered by sensitive personal assistance or support. In a recent research project, which brought together disabled and non-disabled researchers, we looked at ways to improve this – and how to include people with learning disabilities in decisions. Part of the project found that by taking active roles in the arts, people with learning disabilities can lead the way towards meaningful inclusion. Beth Richards, an actress with learning disabilities, led part of the research about people with learning disabilities on TV. She found that actors with learning disabilities are often limited to roles which depict the “disability”, the tragic or dependent life of the character, or their effect on others around them. A successful actor with learning disabilities, for instance, told her:
“
I wish TV makers would think more creatively and give people with learning disabilities any role – romantic, fantasy, comedy, shop assistants, office workers. I’d like to play James Bond, Romeo, Dobby in Harry Potter or a detective or many other roles.
”
The Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2018 include an MBE to the actress with Downs Syndrome, Sarah Gordy, for her “services to the arts and people with disabilities”. As Gordy said upon receiving the award, “diversity is an opportunity, not a problem”. She is good proof of that. But there is a lack of accessible information. There is no shortage of talented actors and drama companies supporting people with learning disabilities, but the TV industry and its workings are still shrouded in jargon. Processes such as commissioning, auditioning and scriptwriting tend to exclude those who do not have someone to help them navigate all this.
In another part of the research, my colleague Marina Gall looked in detail at how music making can be transformed by the Open Orchestras approach in which young people with multiple and complex needs are enabled to learn musical skills, play in ensembles and become music makers. A new technological instrument – the Clarion – can be played on computers and iPads, using one’s hand, a small sensor on any part of the body, or via a person’s gaze. It can be adapted to suit most students’ physical needs. One of the co-founders of Open Orchestras, Doug Bott, told our research team, that the approach is “personalised around the individual young person”. But at the same time, it’s trying to ensure that music is an important part of the curriculum for all young people, and has been immensely successful in changing perceptions of people with learning disabilities. This is not therapy, it’s a route to making music and to performance.
Making decisions People with learning disabilities also face inequalities and problems in the NHS, as well as in a cash-strapped social care system. For instance, since the Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into force, support staff are legally required to support people with learning disabilities to develop their own capacity to make a decision. What we saw in our data was that people with learning disabilities can be proactive in seeking out this support – and we recorded conversations with personal assistants where people wanted to talk about decisions relating to safety, health or simply about future cooking plans. The skills that a personal assistant needs to have are to listen, look out and be responsive to the people they are supporting. One of the key messages from our project is that health and social care practices sometimes get stuck. We used the word “institutionalised” for those times when professionals stick to a rigid and inflexible way of doing things, leaving the disabled person without the power to have a voice. These difficult moments were also highlighted by actors with learning disabilities who helped to interpret our data. Our research benefited from a collaboration with the Misfits Theatre Company in Bristol, showing how sensitive interactions between people with learning disabilities and their personal assistants were often the trigger for good decisions, and giving those with disabilities a feeling of control over their own lives. But quite small comments can create problems, spoiling an empowering relationship. The theatre company made a brilliant video called A Good Match about their own perspectives and experience of managing relationships with a personal assistant. One of the Misfits actors said: “It’s my house … and I don’t want my (personal assistant) telling me what I can and cannot do.” After looking at a range of activities that can exclude or include people with learning disabilities, we concluded that inclusion happens when three things come together. Sometimes people with learning disabilities are included because of changes to technology, as in the Open Orchestras approach. At other times, they are included better because of new ways of doing something, or through new skills that they may learn – as actors, or as TV performers. But at the heart of all this is a new belief in the equal value of people with learning disabilities. This is why we recommend that social care services need to focus less on what people cannot do, but instead promote a genuine belief in what people with learning disabilities can do – with the right support.
Source: inews
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