t2 Achievers Edge edition 52 Aug - Oct 22

t2group.co.uk

August - October 2022

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Inside This Issue

Careers in Health & Social Care Online Safety Sexual harassment at work Staying Healthy on Holiday Women in Leadership

INSIDE

CAN THE ENERGY CRISIS HELP THE PLANET? Domestic Abuse: Recognising the Signs - See inside for details

What’s on around the UK? August

28 – 8 Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games 5 – 7 British Grand Prix MotoGP 2022

September

8 – 12 3rd Test Match: England v South Africa 24 Rugby League: 2022 Betfred Super League Grand Final

October

2 16 – 13 Nov

London Marathon 2022 T20 World Cup

ESDGC and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Events 2022 August

9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 12 International Youth Day 12 - 18 National Allotments Week 19 World Humanitarian Day 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 29 International Day Against Nuclear Tests

September

October

September

October

September

October

1 Organic September 5 International Day of Charity 10 World Suicide Prevention Day 18 World Water Monitoring Day 19 - 25 Recycle Week 21 International Day of Peace/World Alzheimer’s Day 22 World Car Free Day 26 International Day of Languages 28 International Right to Know Day/ Freedom from Hunger Day 30 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Macmillan

1 - 31 Black History Month 2 International Day of Non-violence 3 World Habitat Day 4 World Animal Day 10 World Mental Health Day/World Homeless Day 16 World Food Day 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 22 Make a Difference Day 24 United Nations Day 31 World Cities Day

Health & Well-being Events 2022 August

31 International Overdose Awareness Day

1 Vascular Disease Awareness Month 10 World Suicide Prevention Day 13 - 18 Sexual Health Week 19 – 25 Jeans for Genes Week 20 - 25 National Eye Health Week 29 World Heart Day 30 Macmillan Coffee Morning

1 World Vegetarian Day 12 World Arthritis Day 13 Emergency Nurses Day/World Sight Day 15 White Cane Safety Day 16 World Food Day 19 Evaluate Your Life Day

Safeguarding Events 2022 August

30 International Day of the Disappeared

3 Every Women Day 2022 10 World Suicide prevention Day 2022 13 - 18 Sexual Health Week 2022 15 International Day of Democracy 2022 19 Youth Mental Health Day

11 International Day of the Girl 18 Anti-Slavery Day 20 World Values Day/Conflict Resolution Day

Careers in Health & Social Care We have recently launched our new career progression website Careers in Health & Social Care.

This website shows the wide range of career progression pathways available to learners and has real life case studies of learners who have progressed their careers with the help of t2.

Please take the time to have a quick look and discuss it with your PDM at your next learning review, this will enable them to ensure that your training programme is aligned perfectly with your career aspirations.

Typical career progression opportunities that many of our learners follow: LEVEL

5

Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship Standard Typical roles include: Care Home Manager, Registered Manager, Unit Manager, Service Manager

Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard Typical roles include: Deputy Care Home Manager, Assistant Manager, Dementia Lead

LEVEL

4

Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard

Level 2 Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship Standard

3

Typical roles include: Care Assistant, Care Worker, Support Worker, Personal Assistant

LEVEL

2

Typical roles include: Healthcare Assistant Practitioner in a variety of settings including: Cancer services, Physiotherapy, Genito-Urinary Medicine, Orthopaedics, Hospice Care, Mental Health, Social Care, Occupational Therapy, Learning Disablities

Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard LEVEL

Typical roles include: Care Supervisor, Senior Care Worker, Senior Support Worker

Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

Typical roles include: Senior Healthcare Worker in a variety of settings including: Adult nursing support, Maternity support, Theatre support, Mental Health support, Allied health professional therapy support

Level 2 Adult Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard Typical roles include: Health Care Support Worker, Health Care Assistant

ONLINE SAFETY - HOW APP SAVVY ARE YOU? There are a growing number of social media apps out there on the world wide web, some very well known and others not so much.

Social Media – Good or Bad?

Social media platforms have lots of advantages. They: • Help you stay connected with family and friends wherever they are in the world • Help promote and advertise good causes • Help build communities of people • Can provide a source of entertainment • Help promote and advertise businesses • Can provide up-to-date information about what’s happening in your area and further afield Whilst the advantages of social media can’t be denied, there are also pitfalls and dangers we need to be mindful of. These include: • Cyberbullying • Hacking of social media accounts • Fake news • Social media can be addictive • Impacts on individual’s mental health • Can cause sleep issues • Online grooming for sexual exploitation and radicalisation • Can cause isolation and a false sense of what other people’s lives are like

How many of these social media apps do you know?

Apps are easy ways for us to access various social media platforms – all apps can be used for both good and bad as described previously and its important that we remember that people on the other end of your messages may not be who they say they are. Children, young people and adults from vulnerable groups can be more susceptible to harm and exploitation through these platforms – the more we know about them the more we are able to protect ourselves and others.

If you are worried about interactions that are happening on social media, and you need support with how to deal with it you can contact the Safeguarding Team on: safeguarding@t2group.co.uk

TWITTER https://about.twitter.com/ What is it: A hugely popular social media application that allows users to send and receive short posts called ‘tweets’, that can include pictures, videos and links which can then be commented upon and shared. Users can ‘follow’.

FACEBOOK https://facebook.com/ What is it: A long-established social media platform where users create a profile or groups with a brief biography and interact with ‘friends’.

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/

GAB https://gab.com/

What is it: A photo and video social networking service, that allows users to create profiles, upload photos, create ‘stories’ and apply filters, tags, and hashtags for others to browse and follow themes of interest.

What is it: A social network that champions free speech, individual liberty, and the free flow of information online. Similar to Twitter and Reddit, individuals can post messages and comment upon them.

YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/

REDDIT https://www.reddit.com/

What is it: The world’s largest video chatting website that allows users to upload and view videos for entertainment or education. Users can subscribe to their favourite channels which then fill their feed with the latest relevant content.

What is it: A social media site which allows registered members submit content to the site such as links, text posts, and images, which are then voted up or down by other members. Posts are organised into user- created boards called “subreddits”, which cover a variety of topics.

DISCORD https://discordapp.com/

SNAPCHAT https://www.snapchat.com/ What is it: A very popular multi-media messaging app that allows pictures and videos to be sent between users and for ‘stories’ to be uploaded for friends or the entire platform to see. This app also contains a location feature which allows the users to see where friends are located, and also different multi-media stories all over the world.

What is it: A specialist chat and video platform established for the gaming community that allows users to set up chat groups and servers.

TELEGRAM https://telegram.org/ What is it: An instant messaging company run by the two Russian brothers who also own VK. It is an encrypted, cloud based communications app that can be used to send text messages and multimedia such as pictures and videos. Users can send to individuals or group chats and have unique usernames.

4CHAN http://www.4chan.org/ What is it: An anonymous image board social media website. Divided into “boards” on various subjects.

Threads within a board move up a ranking relative to the number of replies and move down over time.

8KUN (8CHAN) No official website What is it: An anonymous image board social media website. Threads on any subject can be posted similar to 4Chan.

TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/ What is it: A hugely popular Chinese based social video sharing app that allows for the uploading, viewing, and commenting on short videos between 3 and 15 seconds.

MINDS https://www.minds.com/ What is it: A free open source social network application that values free speech and user privacy, the website urges users to “Take back control of your social media”. The site uses cryptocurrency to pay users to produce content which can then be redeemed for enhanced features.

WHATSAPP https://www.whatsapp.com/ What is it: An instant messaging service now owned

by Facebook that allows user to send text, voice notes, photos, and videos to other people or within a group chat. The app also allows for video chat.

BitChute https://www.bitchute.com/ What is it: A video hosting service, similar to YouTube, that accommodates far-right content.

It was created in 2017 in England by Ray Vahey. It was created in response to You tube’s content rules regarding hateful content. BitChute allows its users to monetise their content by letting them link their PayPal and cryptocurrency processors.

Sexual Harassment at Work Nearly half of women who experienced in-work harassment encountered it online, a report has found, warning that employers are putting too much emphasis on women reporting harassment and not enough on preventative measures.

A report from the Fawcett Society found 45 per cent of women who had experienced harassment encountered it online through sexual messages, cyber harassment and sexual calls.

Almost a quarter of women who had been sexually harassed said the harassment had increased or escalated since the start of the pandemic while they were working from home.

We have developed an excellent video guide explaining what exactly sexual harassment is and what to do about it.

Watch video now

Can the Energy Crisis Help the Planet?

Climate change and the global energy crisis threaten the lives and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide. 97% of climate scientists agree that human activities produce greenhouse gases that are heating the planet. The primary sources of greenhouse gases are the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industry and transport, industrial agriculture, and deforestation.

Our use and production of energy have a massive impact on the climate and the converse is also increasingly true. Climate change can alter our energy generation potential and energy needs. For example, changes to the water cycle have an impact on hydropower, and warmer temperatures increase the energy demand for cooling in the summer, while decreasing the demand for heating in the winter.

This warming is having a devastating effect on our planet, causing heatwaves, floods, droughts, storm surges, rising seas, and more intense storms. The results include crop failures, wildfires, loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods – hitting the poorest and most vulnerable hardest.

There are solutions to the climate crisis, but we must act now.

Change must happen in a reasonable and just manner, following a climate fair shares approach.

The climate crisis combines with an energy crisis that leaves 1.1 billion people without access to electricity. This same energy crisis forces a corporate model of dirty energy on communities who need access to safe, clean, community-owned energy.

Unsustainable economic and development models, based on fossil fuels and other destructive energy sources, and the concentration of power over energy goods and services in the hands of the wealthy few, drive these crises.

Tackling the dilemma of energy and climate is not easy but many promising innovations are already taking shape. A recent report, ‘Sustainability transitions: Now for the long term,’ by the EEA and the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) showcases some of the innovations in multiple sectors that all have the potential to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing food waste, urban gardening, better supply chains and solar-powered air travel are perhaps small pieces in a big puzzle, but, together, they showcase how innovative technologies and practices can emerge and pave the way for a wider change in sustainability.

STAYING HEALTH There are many temptations during holidays, but how can you avoid them and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle while having fun? While you’re away, use our advice to obtain the best of both worlds.

Treat yourself – but not too much You should have treats occasionally while you’re on holiday, but it’s not required all the time. It’s about following the 80:20 rule, which states that you should eat properly 80% of the time.

Focus on fruit and vegetables Give yourself a treat now and again but focus on the fruits and vegetables you like and eat more of them. Make decisions regarding your food rather than letting it happen automatically. If there is a buffet, you should only take one plate and leave rather than go back up.

Stay active While summer holidays are great for relaxing, there are also opportunities for physical activity. Make time for a few lengths as you’ll probably already be swimming. Ensure that any holidays you take include some walking. Do things you enjoy.

Given the break from routine and more time on your hands when on holiday, some people find it simpler to stay active. If you’re trying to develop a habit while you’re on holiday, plan it into your morning so that it gets done before you have a chance to put it off.

The greatest time to get moving for other reasons would be in the morning if you’re on holiday somewhere hot.

HY ON HOLIDAY Keep hydrated Whether you’re getting active or not, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Drink regularly and before you get thirsty.

Dehydration is a common illness with holidaymakers, caused by not drinking enough fluid, to replace the fluid that the body loses due to the heat. Several factors can help our body to become dehydrated such as the climate, physical exercise, and our diets.

Many people say that they would drink more water if it had a better taste but rehydrating yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you just have to drink plain water! If you’re not a fan of water, you can stay hydrated using squashes and cordials to mix with water.

Watch your alcohol intake Try not to overindulge in alcohol, it has a diuretic effect and can lead to dehydration. Try to stay below the recommended maximum of 14 units per week.

Bring your healthy habits home Maintain the holiday vibe by incorporating healthy new routines into your daily life. The development of new habits takes time. Set specific objectives, consider what you loved doing while you were away, and highlight the benefits you experienced.

It’s also important to set up time for your preferred hobby. Try to include it into your daily routine by, for instance, exercising for 20 minutes as soon as you wake up, travelling as much as possible on foot or by bike, or going for a walk or a swim during your lunch break. Your new way of life will get easier the longer you stick with it.

Women in Leadership

It’s no great secret that due to many different factors, such as disproportionate distribution of caring responsibilities and the pervasiveness of gender stereotypes, the gender pay gap is still alive and well.

In reality though, what does this mean? Factors such as maternity leave and the prevalence of part time work amongst women often mean the gender pay gap is significantly increased but, in some companies, the fact that the so-called glass ceiling is also alive and well plays a more significant role in the pay gap.

A quick look at some research:

According to Catalyst – an NPO working globally on creating “workplaces that work for women,” women are under-represented in management positions across the world and when it comes to executive positions, the numbers are extremely low.

Last year, the proportion of women in management roles globally was 29%; this is the highest number ever recorded. That may sound encouraging – it is certainly an improvement on previous years however, it would appear that the further up the corporate ladder you go, the less impressive the situation.

Mercer’s 2020 research of about 1,100 companies globally suggests that the breakdown of women’s positions in those organisations looks like this: Executives: 23% Senior managers: 29% Managers: 37% Professionals: 42% Support staff: 47%

Given that women account for just under 50% of the world’s current population, this does seem entirely disproportionate. A look at health and social care in the UK, however, tells a somewhat different story – Skills for Care’s last report showed that a staggering 84% of registered managers were female although executive roles still remain dominated by men. Within the NHS, 45.5% of chief executive roles are held by women although the figure varies significantly between different health boards and departments. Unfortunately, the target of 50:50 representation by 2020 has not been achieved, it is a more encouraging balance than many other industries.

Domestic Abuse – Recognising the Signs In the last edition of Achiever’s Edge we explored what domestic abuse is and the facts and figures related to domestic abuse in the UK. We also looked at how Covid-19 affected domestic abuse, the Ask for ANI scheme and legislation changes contained within the Domestic Abuse Act that were being implemented to support people who are being (or have been) subjected to domestic abuse. If you missed it, you can access the article here – All relationships are different – we know this from our own experiences and from what we observe with our families, friends and work colleagues. There isn’t any such thing as a “normal’ relationship, but it is important understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Recognising the signs is an important first step in dealing with the situation you may find yourself in.

Signs of a healthy relationship According to the charity Victim Support, signs of a healthy relationship can include: • They always treat you with respect, no matter where we are or who we’re with.

• They’re proud of you when you achieve something.

• They encourage you to keep trying with things you find hard.

• They’re comfortable with you spending time away from them, with family and other friends.

• They try to do some of the things you like, such as sports, cinema and music.

• They respect me when you say no or disagree.

• They can talk about their feelings with you.

• They don’t cheat on you and trust you not to cheat on them.

• They listen to you when you both disagree and try to see your point of view.

• They give you compliments and say positive things about you to others.

• They have friends and interests of their own.

• They don’t rush your relationship; you can take it slow.

• They ask your opinion when deciding important things that affect you both.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship On the flip-side, some things you may hear, see or experience in an unhealthy relationship can include: • They make threats and do things that make you feel frightened.

• They put you down just to make you feel bad when you’re alone or around friends.

• They make you do things that you don’t want to do without listening to you.

• They make you feel guilty if you don’t spend time with them.

• They don’t try to get on with your friends or family.

• They hit, slap or push you.

• They look through your phone, social media or web history.

• They want to know where you are all the time.

• They cheat on you or accuse you of cheating on them.

• They steal from you or make you buy them things.

• They make you have sex when you don’t want to.

It’s important to realise that whether you are experiencing one or many of these things, depending on your individual situation, you may need specialist help and support.

Early warning signs Relationships can be complicated and have a massive impact on us emotionally, financially, physically and socially. Victim Support have identified some early warning signs that could be indicators that you are feeling unsafe – these are detailed below. It’s really important that you look at what is causing you to feel unsafe and seek support.

• You’re becoming a lot more critical of yourself — thinking that you are always doing things wrong, are unattractive/unlovable or unable to support yourself or do things you used to do.

• You give up on your own opinions and think your partner is right about everything.

• You’re feeling more stressed or worried all the time; you feel nauseous or have bad butterflies. Sometimes stress can also stop us eating and sleeping properly or cause us to have headaches.

• You have that ‘dreaded’ feeling more often.

• You’re scared of how your partner will react to a situation.

• You avoid saying something because you don’t want to upset your partner.

• You feel scared when your partner is angry because you can’t predict their behaviour.

• You’re feeling a pressure to change who you are or move the relationship further than you want to.

• You feel like you’re walking on eggshells.

• You’re staying in more and seeing less of family and friends to avoid arguments with your partner.

Why do people stay in abusive relationships?

It can be difficult for people looking in from the outside to understand why someone would stay in an abusive relationship that may be causing them emotional anguish or physical harm. In reality, there are a number of reasons why someone may feel that they can’t leave the relationship: • They may worry and be fearful that the abusive partner will become violent or more violent than they are already • They may rely on that person for financial support • They may be worried about access to their children • They may feel isolated and not have a support network of family and friends • They may worry about losing their home • Often there are some good times alongside the abuse – they may keep hoping it won’t happen again Remember that it is never ok for someone to abuse you in any way, whoever they are. Domestic abuse is a crime and there are support networks out there to help – never forget, you are not to blame despite being made to feel that way by the abuser.

If you are not in immediate need of help, there are a range of helpline numbers that you can contact to suit your circumstances:

Organisation

Contact

Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Phone/TypeTalk: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to access further information, the live chat service or contact form to book a safe time for a call.

Free confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends/loved ones

Wales Live Fear Free Helpline Help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence

Men’s Advice Line Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

Galop National LGBTQ+ domestic abuse helpline and webchat service

Women’s Aid live chat service

Phone: 0808 8010 800 ot TypeTalk: 18001 080 8801 Text: 078600 77 333 https://gov.wales/live-fear-free Phone: 0808 801 0327 info@mensadviceline.org.uk http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk Phone: 0800 999 5428 help@galop.org.uk www.galop.org.uk https://chat.womensaid.org.uk

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat-Sun 10am-12pm You can also find your local domestic abuse service on their website

Karma Nirvana National helpline for victims of honour-based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse

Hestia Support and information for anyone who might be in an abusive relationship

Hourglass Confidential helpline for anyone concerned about abuse of an older person

Chayn

Phone: 0800 5999 247 support@karmanirvana.org.uk or send a secure message via the website - https://karmanirvana.org.uk/contact Download the free mobile app, Bright Sky https://www.hestia.org/brightsky

Phone: 0808 808 8141 https://wearehourglass.org

https://chayn.co

Online help and resources in several languages about identifying manipulative situations and how friends can help

Muslim Women’s Network Helpline National specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline that is confidential and free to access

NSPCC female genital mutilation (FGM) helpline If you are worried about a child at risk or someone who has already undergone FGM

Victim Support Free confidential 24/7 support line for victims of crimes and free 24/7 live chat support in England and Wales

Crimestoppers Anonymously report suspicions of domestic abuse online or call free

National Stalking Helpline For victims of stalking, their friends, family and professionals Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri 9:30am-4pm, Wed 1-4pm

Phone: 0800 999 5786 Text: 07415 206 936 info@mwnhelpline.co.uk http://www.mwnuk.co.uk/Helpline_181_c.php Phone: 0800 028 3550 fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-ofabuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm Phone: 0808 16 89 111 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk Live chat - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-andsupport/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat Phone: 0800 555 111 https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/giveinformation-anonymously Phone: 0808 802 0300 https://www.suzylamplugh.org/forms/national-stalkinghelpline-enquiry-form

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