Category Archives: Safety

What protection do whistleblowers have?

Whistle-blowingFollowing our forum meeting on November 26th which suggested ways in which the principles of the NHS are being undermined, members expressed concern about how the the NHS could be protected. The presentation also highlighted the role whistleblowers play in alerting others to concerns about the NHS. But, what are the consequences for the individuals involved. Do they receive any protection?

The Care Quality Commission is currently seeking your views on its plans for the new role of Public Guardian, which aims to support whistleblowers. See our ‘Have Your Say‘ page for details, before December 9th 2015.

Are you keeping an eye on your elderly neighbours?

Smiling 50s lady with umbrellaPeople are being urged to help the frail and elderly this winter. This is a key message of the NHS ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign. Keep a watchful eye on elderly neighbours and relatives, and encourage them to stay warm and visit their pharmacist at the first sign of a cough or cold and to get their flu jab. Find out how some of Britain’s favourite and best known TV stars and celebrities have backed this year’s NHS winter campaign. Age UK is also running  the ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign, which highlights that over a million older people say they haven’t spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month.

Hate crime reporting helpline in North Yorkshire 

Stop Hate UKStop Hate UK provides a 24 hour 7 days a week access to an independent and confidential helpline to aid victims and witnesses of hostility based on personal identity to report incidents, access advice and support and, when consent is given, provide referrals to both the police and other agencies throughout North Yorkshire.

The service can be accessed by Phone, Text, Text-Relay, Email, Online Form, Webchat and BSL interpreted reporting.The main telephone contact point is 0800 138 1625, for details of other access options, follow this link

Update:   The North Yorkshire Hate Crime Report 2015 is available on our ‘Publications‘ page.

Could you be a good neighbour?

Good Neighbours 2Good Neighbours’ schemes are being rolled out across North Yorkshire to offer practical support to people living in rural areas.

Good Neighbours schemes are so-called because they offer low-level help to older and vulnerable people within a community, are volunteer-led by local residents (i.e. neighbours), and contribute towards a greater quality of life for all in rural areas.

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Scams, scams and more scams!

scam 8Never underestimate the ingenuity of the criminal mind when it comes to scams. The art of deception comes in a myriad of forms. Offers which seem ‘to good to be true’ – usually are! Anyone approaching you (on the telephone, by post, on your doorstep or in the street) to offer you a ‘great opportunity’ whether it’s to make or save money (or anything else) should be viewed with suspicion. Every day someone becomes a victim of scammers, but it is possible to keep yourself safe – arm yourself with information. This article from the BBC provides a comprehensive overview of scams. There is also further information in relation to ‘pension scams’ on the ‘Topical News‘ page. Don’t let the scammers win – stay safe!

‘Arresting’ advertising outside the old police station

Congratulations to the estate agents for their eye-catching advertising hoardings outside the old HarrogKate police station.

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However, there are no details from North Yorkshire Police about how to find the new police station. Do you know where it is?  Is it well sign-posted? Do you know how to get there on public transport? When is it open?     Continue reading →