13.9 C
London
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Home Blog Page 53

Innovative Football Event Champions Men’s Mental Health Awareness

The MABA Group, a social enterprise based in London, has unveiled a new initiative designed to address the mental health crisis among men, highlighted by stark statistics from The Samaritans showing that men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. This innovative initiative, ‘What’s Ur Story (Mental Health)’, is set to launch on June 15, 2024, the day before Father’s Day, aiming to connect men across different generations in a supportive and understanding environment through the universal appeal of football.

The event combines friendly football matches with talks led by experts from the MABA Group, which is known for its work in supporting young people through sport, education, and music.

Jean-Terach Bavangila, the mentor and CEO of The MABA Group, highlighted the goals of the event: “The main objective of our What’s Ur Story (Mental Health) event is to challenge the stigmas around men’s mental health. Men just don’t share about their problems which can lead to mental health issues and sadly suicide in some cases. We want to show men there is a way to thrive.”

He further explained, “This series of events also aims to bridge the gap between different generations and groups, emphasising the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding. By bringing together individuals from diverse age groups, backgrounds, and experiences, the initiative seeks to demonstrate that no one is alone in their struggles and challenges.”

The day is structured to foster a supportive community, providing a safe space for men to express their stories and concerns while being met with understanding and empathy. This not only strengthens a sense of community but also empowers attendees to face life’s challenges more resiliently.

Targeting both younger and older men, the initiative promotes empathy, understanding, and shared learning, thereby enhancing the well-being and connectedness of all participants.

The inaugural ‘What’s Ur Story (Mental Health)’ event will take place at the Phoenix Centre. Due to overwhelming demand, spaces are limited, but men are encouraged to register for future events by contacting The MABA Group at [email protected].

Revealed: Regions in the UK Most Affected by Asbestos

A new set of data from Asbestos Sampling has pinpointed where in the UK asbestos is most prevalent. This analysis, based on 5,338 samples collected in 2023 via the firm’s testing kits, found homes in the East of England to be the region with the highest incidence of asbestos in residential areas.

The data shows that 38% of the samples from the East of England tested positive for asbestos, well above the UK average of 30%. This was closely followed by the South East and South West, both at 36%, and Wales at 34%. In contrast, Northern Ireland displayed the lowest prevalence, with a mere 13% of samples testing positive. The East Midlands reported a 21% positive rate.

The range of sampled materials included Artex, cement pipes, roofing, and floor tiles. Among these, cement roofing materials were most frequently found to contain asbestos, with a positive rate of 64%. Cement pipes and floor tiles also showed significant rates of 57% and 43%, respectively. Insulation materials presented the lowest risk, with only 2% of samples indicating asbestos presence.

Stephen Roche, Co-founder of Asbestos Sampling, remarked:

“Our analysis of materials tested for asbestos during 2023 shows significant regional variations, with the East of England emerging as the region most likely to have asbestos present. That said, asbestos remains a concern for the health of individuals up and down the UK, serving as a stark reminder of the need to be vigilant for its presence. We would encourage anyone due to undertake work on a property which could contain asbestos to get an asbestos survey carried out before that work commences.”

Tom Yates, Co-founder, added:

“We are unsure of the reason behind the regional variations. The data being presented in our findings is restricted to samples submitted to us and may not be an accurate representation of the whole industry. As such, assumptions should never be made with materials which could contain asbestos, regardless of which region they are found – Always have suspect materials tested before working on them”

Explore more details by visiting https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023.

Local elections 2024: A summary so far

0

Labour candidates made major gains in Thursday’s local elections, even winning in the prime minister Rishi Sunak’s “backyard” of North Yorkshire, where he is an MP..

The Conservatives suffered heavy losses throughout England.

Sir Keir Starmer has been urging Sunak to call a general election and one could be imminent, following the key by-election win in Blackpool South this morning, with a 26% swing.

With five councils still to declare their results, Labour has so far won key councils and regional mayors in England, with the Tories losing 10 councils and more than 400 councillors.

Labour won councils in Hartlepool, Redditch, Milton Keynes and Thurrock, but lost Oldham to no overall control, where two councillors quit the party over Gaza earlier this year.

Sunak said the losses were disappointing but mayoral contests like Tees Valley were a “key battleground”

The Conservatives have lost control of Gloucester City Council, which is now under no overall control.

But it was  Boris Johnson Boris who made the headlines after he forgot to take voter ID to his local polling station.

The former PM, whose government introduced the rules, returned later to vote when he had collected it.

On Thursday, Londoners also chose between 13 candidates for the mayor of London, with votes being counted on Saturday.

Rugby League Business Awards submissions open

0

Business finance comparison site, FundOnion, has today opened submissions for its inaugural Rugby League Business Awards.

The awards celebrate small businesses supporting, working in or supplying the Rugby League community and are open to those who associate with any rugby league club, in men’s, women’s or wheelchair games.

Entries are free and can be completed at the following site. The entries are open now and close on June 1.

Categories include Best Company, Community Engagement, Innovation and Fast Growth, each of which will focus on a different aspect of the work and challenges that businesses face every day and the ingenuity they display in overcoming them.

The winners of each category will win a pair of VIP tickets to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 12, joining other winners and the FundOnion team for a special day celebrating their achievements and association with the sport.

Winning businesses will also receive a complementary growth consultation from FundOnion’s partners.

FundOnion CEO and co-founder James Robson, said: It is easy to picture the UK business community as the small collection of FTSE 100 companies that are reported on the news and in papers, but in reality, it is the millions of SMEs up and down the country that really drive the UK economy. Our work so far has taught us that innovation and ambition is alive and well in the UK, if it has the right support, this is what we want to highlight with this award programme.

“Rugby League is a sport that rewards hard work and perseverance but also innovation and skill, and in the last few months we have seen the impact it, and the businesses associated with it, has on local communities and economies. We can’t wait to celebrate the great individuals and businesses that make up this community at Old Trafford in October, and hope it will shine a light on a fantastic area of British business and ingenuity.”

Editorial credit: Thomas McAtee / Shutterstock.com

Adult Literacy Trust Welcomes Prof Jason Arday as New Patron

0

Prof Jason Arday, a distinguished University of Cambridge professor, has joined the Adult Literacy Trust as a patron, enhancing the charity’s commitment to improving adult literacy. Prof Arday, celebrated as one of the youngest individuals to secure a professorship at Cambridge, aligns with other notable patrons such as Julian Fellowes, Nigel Higgins, and Farmida Bi CBE in supporting the Trust’s mission from its London base.

Having personally faced hurdles in learning to read and write until the age of 18 due to his autism, Prof Arday is intimately aware of the challenges in adult education. He expressed, “I know from my own experience how hard it can be to learn how to read and write as an adult, for various reasons – for example, if your education has been disrupted, your learning differences were not properly identified, or because you didn’t have the necessary support available.” He emphasises the crucial need for accessible literacy support: “It’s vital that everyone gets support to become a capable reader, to unlock their personal potential and enable them to improve their life chances.”

Prof. Arday is calling on the government to increase support for adult education, which is significantly underfunded by international standards. Funding for adult education fell by some 45% between 2009 and 2019, a period when levels of literacy and numeracy in the adult population failed to improve. As a result, formal educational providers are struggling to deliver the services required to transform the lives of their adult students. Against the background of stark reductions in funding and falling participation in adult literacy learning, a number of other challenges of key concern are holding back practitioners and providers from delivering the kinds of effective adult literacy provision they would ideally like to offer, including: a lack of focus on adult literacy as part of the wider adult policy skills landscape; a shortage of trained, skilled adult literacy specialist teachers; and a persistent focus on qualifications delivery and achievement at the expense of non-accredited learning opportunities which can help engage adults and overcome attitudinal barriers to learning.

The Adult Literacy Trust (www.alt.org.uk), founded in 2021, believes that literacy is a right, not a privilege, and wants every adult to have the chance to gain this critical skill. The charity provides one-to-one support for disadvantaged adults to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to overstretched formal adult education provision. Utilising specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, the Trust works closely with formal learning providers to identify adults who could benefit from enhanced support outside of the classroom, to strengthen outcomes from participation in adult community education.

“Jason’s life story is truly inspiring. With the help of a supportive family, particularly his mother Gifty and his mentor Sandro, he overcame considerable learning challenges to become a brilliant academic and a leading campaigner on race and education,” said Robert Glick OBE, Chair of the Adult Literacy Trust. “The Adult Literacy Trust recognises the invaluable one-to-one help Jason received, and wants to offer this kind support to many more adult learners so that they too can start a new chapter.”

Ortac International Accounting Launches New Office in Dubai to Aid British Company Relocations

0

The United Arab Emirates has seen a dramatic increase in interest from British investors, evidenced by a 420% rise in Britons relocating to the region over the past five years. In response, Ortac International Accounting has opened a new office in Dubai to facilitate company establishment services for these international interests.

Ortac International Accounting has inaugurated a new office in Dubai to better assist citizens from various countries, including Britain, with their company establishment needs. The popularity of the UAE, particularly Dubai, has soared among British citizens, as highlighted by a significant 45% increase in relocations in 2023 alone.

Murat Ortac, Founding Partner of Ortac International Accounting, commented on the strategic advantages of Dubai, stating that the city’s “flexible procedures and favorable tax advantages” are major draws for entrepreneurs and professionals.

With over 240 thousand British expatriates residing in Dubai and approximately 5 thousand British companies operating in the UAE, Dubai stands as an increasingly important destination for international business ventures.

Ortac International Accounting offers efficient and seamless company establishment services in Dubai, leveraging its expertise and strategic partnerships. As the authorized professional partner of IFZA, Dubai’s premier free zone, Ortac ensures swift completion of company establishment procedures and banking formalities within just 7 working days, along with the provision of a two-year investor visa.

“The corporate tax rate and the tax system in general are important for business people who plan to establish a company in foreign markets. With its 9% rate, the UAE is almost at the top among the countries with the lowest corporate tax in the world. With the law enacted at the beginning of 2024, it became mandatory to work with an accounting company. With our 27 years of experience in accounting, we are now serving in Dubai,” Murat Ortac said.

Dubai’s competitive edge is its low tax rate and enviable expat lifestyle 

Dubai’s status as a global trade hub is underscored by its investor-friendly policies, including tax exemptions and a zero percent personal income tax. Its removal from the grey list in February 2024 further bolsters its appeal, enhancing operational ease for foreign entities and facilitating global business expansion. Dubai serves as a pivotal gateway connecting East and West, offering entrepreneurs access to investment opportunities in Asia as well.

Positioned as a nexus between continents, Dubai boasts world-class infrastructure and connectivity, facilitating seamless access to international markets. Its strategic location and advanced logistics infrastructure make it particularly attractive to companies operating in Consulting, IT, technology, software, blockchain, trade, logistics, and finance sectors.

Ortac International Accounting helps clients navigate complexity

Murat Ortac comments, “We recommend those who want to establish a company in Dubai to work with an expert business partner like Ortac International Accounting instead of surfing general information on the internet. Choosing an expert partner will save clients both time and cost.”

Navigating the complexities of international trade laws demands specialized expertise. Ortac International Accounting, with its comprehensive knowledge and experience spanning over 27 years, ensures efficient business expansion and compliance with local regulations. Collaborating with local stakeholders and authorities, Ortac minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, enabling swift realization of expansion goals.

Get My Claim Highlights Greater Compensation Potential for UK Motorists

0

Investigations reveal that countless UK drivers might be due thousands in compensation after being charged too much for new vehicles. Moreover, there are additional reasons for potential claims.

Get My Claim reports multiple instances where car finance companies failed to carry out mandatory eligibility assessments, which may make more drivers eligible for refunds.

Charles Thompson, director at Get My Claim, observed: “The issue of ‘inflated prices’ is well documented, however, research suggests that a high number of motorists were sold a finance deal that they couldn’t actually afford meaning they too could be entitled compensation.”

“Our mission at Get My Claim is to ensure that every motorist receives fair treatment and we’re committed to helping drivers reclaim what’s rightfully theirs,” he declared.

The FCA is investigating if financing agreements like hire purchase or personal contract purchase have caused excessive interest fees.

To determine if you qualify for a refund, visit Get My Claim.

Affordable High-Quality Dental Solutions at Antalya’s Yalın Dental Clinic

0

The escalating costs of private dental care in the West, particularly in the UK, are driving patients to seek more economical alternatives internationally. Located in Antalya, Türkiye, Yalın Dental Clinic offers an ideal solution for those seeking high-quality dental care at reasonable prices.

The clinic is led by Dr. Hüseyin Aslantürk, a respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and is supported by a team of dental specialists utilising the latest technology. Situated just a five-minute walk from the beautiful beaches of Konyaaltı in Antalya, the clinic’s aim is to provide affordable dental care without compromising quality.

One of the clinic’s flagship services includes All on Four and All on Six Dental Implant Treatments, accompanied by a lifetime guarantee, ensuring each patients’ complete peace of mind. Additionally, smile transformations are made possible through Zirconium Crowns and E-Max Laminate Veneers, crafted meticulously by expert prosthesis specialists.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), more than 2 thousand dental cosmetic procedures are conducted on a day-to-day basis in Türkiye.

Long-term solutions to maximise dental well-being and confident smiles

Dr. Aslantürk emphasizes, “Our aim is to provide lifelong solutions to dental issues while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and ensuring our patients leave with smiles they are proud of.”

For international patients, Yalın Dental Clinic offers a seamless experience, with dedicated patient coordinators available 24/7 and comprehensive support throughout the treatment journey. The clinic’s strategic location in Antalya, a city welcoming over 12 million tourists annually, not only facilitates easy access but also provides an opportunity for patients to enjoy a rejuvenating holiday alongside their dental treatment.

Türkiye has become a popular destination for dental tourism due to a combination of factors such as high-quality care and affordable prices as well as tourist attractions. Many dental tourists combine their procedures with sightseeing and vacations, making Türkiye an attractive option.

mact05qwkrf67o10r0ig6jyrnizm

Building trust with personalised care and creating real value for patients

The process for All on Four and All on Six treatments is designed with convenience in mind. Patients typically require two visits, with the initial visit spanning five days. From VIP airport transfers to hotel arrangements, every aspect is meticulously planned to ensure a hassle-free experience. Following the procedure, patients are fitted with temporary prostheses before returning home, with the final visit scheduled after three to four months for the placement of permanent prostheses.

Moreover, Yalın Dental Clinic’s commitment to transparency is evident through extensive testimonials and before-and-after photos available on their social media platforms, including their YouTube channel where patients can view treatment process videos.

“We take pride in the trust our patients place in us,” says Dr. Aslantürk. “Their satisfaction is our greatest reward, and we are honoured to have received five-star ratings and glowing reviews from over 500 patients.”

With English-fluent doctors and personalized care at every step, Yalın Dental Clinic aims to redefine the dental tourism experience, combining top-notch treatment with unparalleled hospitality.

Türkiye’s Dental Tourism market is expected to grow at a significant rate from 2024 to 2028. This is ascribed through rising prevalence of dental disorders, increasing preference for cosmetic dentistry, and the rising investment in healthcare expenditure in the country.

Data breach management: Five tips for an effective response

0

Data breaches can have a devastating impact on both organisations and data subjects, regardless of the circumstances. After a breach, organisations can face a multitude of issues, including operational disruption, reputation damage, loss of customer trust and regulatory consequences. Though businesses exist that offer data protection as a service, there are still a few core concepts of data breach management best practices that every business should be aware of.

Developing a long-term data breach framework and security strategy is key for any organisation to remain proactive and help mitigate the consequences of a data breach. It’s important for organisations to have a well-rounded approach to data breach management, and the below is a list of five tips to ensure you build an effective response to both cyber and non-cyber incidents.

Cyber vs non-cyber breaches: What’s the difference?

Some of the biggest personal data breaches in recent history have involved cyber-attacks on organisations by malicious third parties. A prime example is Yahoo’s 2013 breach, which involved 3 billion user accounts and was reportedly initiated by a spear-phishing email.

Despite the growing concern of cyber-assisted breaches, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) posits that non-cyber incidents still account for the highest number of reported breaches in total.

A non-cyber breach could also be referred to as a physical or offline breach. As each name suggests, these happen through physical means, and usually involve some form of human error. Between October and December 2022, 75% of reported UK personal data breaches were classified as non-cyber, with “data emailed to the wrong recipient” cited as the leading cause, accounting for almost one in five incidents.

Data breach management best practices

No matter the organisation size or industry sector, proactive steps need to be taken to prevent a data breach. A robust plan should seek to offer more than mere protection from data breach penalties; it should allow organisations to respond swiftly and, ideally, provide the following advantages:

  • Build customer trust
  • Preserve brand reputation
  • Strengthen partnerships
  • Mitigate business disruption
  • Give stakeholders peace of mind

By having a robust plan and well-prepared staff, organisations can reduce the impact of potential attacks whilst demonstrating a firm commitment to safeguarding customer information. While larger organisations typically have dedicated teams and support for ongoing data security training, smaller businesses – especially self-employed individuals – can face unique challenges due to a lack of resources.

Businesses in the UK can review the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) data protection guides for small organisations. For businesses in the EU, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) offers a similar guide.

5 tips for an effective data breach response

1. Establish a data breach response team

    This can be a single person or a group, who will manage security incidents. Time is of the essence when responding to a breach, and a dedicated response team will play a vital role in minimising impact whilst safeguarding sensitive information. Ideally this person or team should have a firm understanding of data protection considerations, along with any immediate technical mitigation.

    2. Review your data processing activities

    Understanding how and where your organisation processes personal data (as well as the current security measures) helps identify potential weaknesses and highlights any risks. Regular reviews should be part of your overall plan, as they will enable you to make informed decisions on how best to allocate resources to strengthen your data protection efforts.

    Creating an Information Asset Register, conducting data mapping exercises and building a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) can all help with this process. In addition, undertaking Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) on high risk processing activities ensures focus on processes where the impact of a data breach may be more significant.

    3. Develop a data breach response plan

    Though a risk assessment will identify areas of weakness, a robust data breach response plan ensures staff are prepared if a breach does occur.

    The specifics of a plan will vary, and can depend upon organisation size, industry sector and specific data handling practices. As a general rule of thumb, however, data breach response plans should include:

    • Details of the data breach response team
    • Breach identification and internal reporting and logging procedures
    • Legal and regulatory procedures
    • Breach containment and mitigation
    • External support resources
    • Breach risk assessment framework
    • Post-breach review procedures
    • Training and awareness requirements

    4. Monitor for suspicious activity and anomalies

    This should be a non-exhaustive and ongoing strategy for identifying potential breaches. Early intervention can reduce the damage caused by cyberattacks or personal data security incidents. Regularly updating and monitoring internal processes based on emerging threats and best practices is ideal. Here are some measures to consider:

    • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
    • Analyse web application logs for suspicious activities such as multiple login failures
    • Conduct regular data protection security audits
    • Conduct regular data protection refresher courses for all staff

    5. Build a data protection culture

    A company culture with in-built data protection awareness and knowledge is perhaps one of the primary factors in data breach prevention. As ICO figures show, the highest number of breaches are non-cyber, and of those, sending an email to the wrong recipient is the most probable cause of a data breach. Ongoing staff awareness and training is a core foundation for a strong data protection company culture.

    Summary

    Data breaches are an unfortunate reality that we must take into consideration, but by having a robust data breach management plan, organisations of all sizes can reduce the impact of potential attacks and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding information.

    By following these five tips and implementing a step-by-step plan, personal information can be safer, data security can be stronger and the trust and confidence of stakeholders and customers can be ensured. Proactive measures and timely responses are the key for effective data breach management, so don’t sleep on this.

    Former Met officer jailed for multiple rapes

    0

    A former Met officer has been jailed after he abused his position of trust.

    Cliff Mitchell (24) of Putney was convicted in February of ten counts of rape, three counts of rape of a child under 13, one count of kidnap and breach of a non-molestation order following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

    He was a serving PC in Hounslow when a number of the offences were committed.

    Mitchell (pictured) was dismissed from the Met in December 2023.

    Yesterday, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 14 years.

    Courageous victims

    Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “Mitchell’s victims have been enormously courageous, not only in initially reporting him to police but by giving evidence in court. Their bravery, as well as that of the witness who stopped to help at the scene, was rightly commended by the judge today.

    “The victim statements read out in court clearly demonstrate the lifelong impact Mitchell’s offending has had and will continue to have on the rest of their lives. The fact he abused his power as an officer as part of his attempt to manipulate them is even more abhorrent.

    “We understand the concerns around Mitchell being cleared to join the Met after an initial report of rape was made in 2017 and the questions this inevitably raises.

    “Under our reformed vetting approach, Mitchell would not be granted vetting clearance and be able to join the Met.

    “We continue to reform and invest in our vetting unit, which today is larger, better equipped and staffed by people who are showing greater professional curiosity, diligence and determination than ever before.”

    Raped at knifepoint

    On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Mitchell attended the address of a woman who he raped at knifepoint before blindfolding her with his hooded top, tying her hands with cable ties and forcing her into his car.

    In Longfield Avenue in Hackbridge, she managed to escape from the vehicle and approached a member of the public who let her into her car before calling 999.

    An alert was put out for Mitchell’s car and he was stopped and arrested around seven miles away in Putney.

    An investigation was immediately launched, led by the Met’s dedicated Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offending (DASO) team. DASO was set up to tackle violence against women and girls, with more than 50 experienced investigators targeting any officer or staff member suspected of domestic abuse or sexual offences.

    Officers searched Mitchell’s car and recovered the hooded top. A search of an address linked to Mitchell found a bag containing cable ties, similar to those the victim had described as being used around her wrists.

    Mitchell was remanded in custody and charged with multiple counts of rape, kidnap and breach of a non-molestation order. He was immediately suspended and was dismissed following a misconduct hearing last December.

    2017 investigation

    In April 2017, a child reported that she had been raped by Mitchell on a number of occasions between 2014 and 2017. Mitchell – who had not yet applied to join the police – was arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries. The case initially resulted in no further action.

    Following his arrest and charge in September 2023, the 2017 case was re-investigated by officers from the DASO team. They pursued lines of enquiry that had not been carried out in the original investigation.

    Due to the strength of the 2017 and 2023 cases being considered together, a file was passed to the CPS in December 2023, who agreed to charge Mitchell in relation to both victims.

    Career history

    Mitchell applied to join the Met in 2020 and started his training in August 2021. On finishing training school, he worked as a neighbourhoods officer in Hounslow between June 2022 and May 2023, before joining the response team.