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Calls increase
to NSPCC helpline from Merseyside
THE NSPCC's helpline is
assisting more children suffering from abuse or neglect across
Merseyside. Last year the free, 24-hour helpline dealt with
2,689 reports about children in the North West region where there
were concerns about them potentially being so badly abused or
neglected, they had to be referred to social services or police for
further investigation. Many of these involved children under 5. This
is an increase of 9% on the previous year (2,462 contacts). In
Merseyside there has been a 5% increase in referrals from 517 to
544.
John Cameron, head of the NSPCC helpline, said:- "These
figures do not necessarily represent more abuse or neglect in the
region, but are likely to show that people are more willing to take
action and pick up the phone following recent shocking cases.
It's encouraging that people feel they have a responsibility for
vulnerable children and are acting to report their concerns. We urge
the public and professionals to continue to act on their instincts
when they feel something could be wrong, and not wait until they are
certain.
We work closely with local authorities who take the next, vital step
in protecting these children and we want to support and advise
anyone working with children and enable them to take urgent action
when necessary. It's extremely worrying that nationally half of our
referrals involve children under five, including babies, who rely on
adults to speak out on their behalf."
One woman who contacted the helpline about a family living in
extreme conditions told a counsellor:- "There are flies and
maggots in some of the rooms. The house is full of unwashed clothes
and mess. Their pet dog lives in their bathroom. The whole house
stinks of dog's urine. The young child can't play anywhere as there
is so much mess everywhere."
And a neighbour worried about children aged four and seven said:-
"The children often go round to other houses in the street asking
for money or something to eat for dinner because the mum and dad
spend their money on drink and drugs. I find this appalling."
These referrals (where a child's information is passed onto social
services or the police for further action) make up part of the
50,989 contacts in total nationally from the public who were worried
about children's welfare.
During 2012-13 more than 91,000 children were protected from abuse
following calls to the helpline. Calls sometimes involve more than
one child.
Alongside its main helpline the NSPCC has also set up 29 dedicated
helplines including:-
► Operation Yewtree (child abuse by late Jimmy Savile and others)
► Operation Pallial (child abuse
in North Wales children's homes)
► Operation Fernbridge (child
abuse in Elm Guest House by prominent men)
In addition, the NSPCC helpline has worked closely with the
Crimestoppers, NAPAC, the Royal College of Midwives and community
groups such as Daughters of Eve.
Anyone worried about a child can contact the NSPCC on:- 0808
8005000, text:- 88858 or you can contact them via
email, 24/7. Calls
to the 0800 number can be anonymous.
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SYNEXUS SEEKING FEMALE
OSTEOPOROSIS PATIENTS TO ASSESS NEW TREATMENT
SYNEXUS, the world's largest multinational
company dedicated to the successful recruitment and running of
clinical studies, is currently recruiting female patients in
MERSEYSIDE who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis to take part in
a clinical study assessing a new treatment.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to
become weak and fragile and more likely to break (fracture). These
fractures most commonly occur in the spine, wrist and hip.
Approximately 3 million people in the UK are thought to have
osteoporosis, and there are over 230,000 fractures every year as a
result.
Whilst current treatments for osteoporosis are effective in reducing
the risk of new fractures, Synexus is assessing a new treatment to
see if it can provide additional benefits to ladies already being
treated for the condition.
The study that Synexus is running may be suitable for ladies who:-
► Are aged between 60 to 90
► Have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis
► Have been treated with Alendronate / Fosamax or Fosavance for 3 or
more years
Those who would like to find out more or are interested in
participating in this study should contact their nearest Synexus
Clinical Research Centre and quote the relevant reference code:-
► Merseyside:- 0151 550 9951
► Ref no:- 16569
There is no obligation for people to participate and if they do
decide to take part, their GP will be kept fully informed of their
involvement. Patients will be reimbursed for their time and all
reasonable out of pocket expenses if they are accepted onto the
study.
Synexus has many years experience in conducting a wide range of
clinical studies. Each year, thousands of patients take part in
clinical studies at Synexus' Dedicated Clinical Research Centres.
There are many different studies running at each of the Centres
throughout the year including potential treatments for conditions
such as osteoporosis, raised cholesterol, eczema, asthma, diabetes
and osteoarthritis of the knee.
Participating in a Synexus clinical study means patients receive
increased medical attention and may benefit from medications that
aren't yet available to other sufferers of their condition, while
making a positive contribution to the health of future generations.
For more information about Synexus and the other studies that it is
currently conducting visit:-
improvinghealth.com.
ASDA unveils Halloween
Spooks people
ASDA Southport has appointed an official
'spooks-person' to cope with the demand for Halloween advice from customers.
Each store in the region will have its own spooks person, who will be
clearly visible in spooky attire and on hand to help customers find
what they're after for their ghoulish gatherings.
Asda's Events Manager, Chris Waters, said:- "Halloween is
extremely popular with our customers but choosing the right treats,
costumes and party foods can be a real challenge. Our
spooks-people will be on hand to show customers 'witch' way to turn
for all their spooky shopping and how they can save with any
Halloween deals and help them find all they need to feed their own
little vampires."
The spooks people will replace Asda's go-getters for the Halloween
period and will be on hand to help customers forget any Halloween
items they've forgotten when they reach the till, ensure queues are
kept to a minimum during the busy period and to offer advice on
everything from stocking up for trick or treat or what you need for
Halloween games.
To celebrate store cafes are also offering children the chance to
create their own monsters in a drawing design competition, with the
winning monster being introduced as a new character for Halloween
2014. To enter simply visit your local store and visit the
café or speak to the Community Life Champion. |
