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Safe & sound is supporting the UK's first ASB Awareness Week Running from July 19 to 25, ASB Awareness Week – Making Communities Safer aims to encourage communities to take a stand against anti-social behaviour and highlight the options available to those facing it. www.resolveuk.org.uk/asbawarenessweek More information about ASB in Dudley borough can be found on: https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/asb

Partners across the West Midlands are joining together to raise awareness of Child Exploitation, making sure people know how to spot the signs. Child exploitation is when a child or young person is groomed, coerced or forced to do something they don’t want to for someone else’s gain. It can take different forms including child criminal exploitation, child sexual exploitation (CSE) human trafficking and modern slavery. Perpetrators gain a child’s trust and then use that power to make them do things they don’t want to. Any child or young person from any community can be vulnerable to being groomed, exploited and abused regardless of their gender, homelife, religion or background. It is child abuse and can involve perpetrators grooming their victims in various ways, such as in person, via mobiles or online, to gain their trust. Warning signs can include a change in behaviour, having new friends, persistently going missing, secretive relationships with unknown adults, truancy from school, unexplained injuries, constant calls on a mobile phone and the possession of money or new things. If you’re concerned about a child in Dudley, visit https://safeguarding.dudley.gov.uk/report-it or call 0300 555 0050. In an emergency always dial 999.

Dudley’s community safety partnership is helping to raise awareness that abuse is not OK this sexual abuse & sexual violence awareness week. The awareness week runs from 1-7 February. ​Join in the conversation using #itsnotOK. Find out more about sexual assault and abuse at safe & sound’s help hub or Black Country Women's Aid. International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM also takes place on 6 February. Did you know female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK? It’s illegal to take a British or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this. Find out more on safe & sound's help hub.

This festive season will be different from any other we’ve experienced before and staying safe should be top of the Christmas list. As part of a Christmas safety campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership is encouraging people to visit their website and stay safe by following some simple safety tips. From being safe online to avoiding loan sharks and keeping homes safe the website has lots of useful information to help keep families safe. Tips include encouraging Christmas shoppers to watch out for fraudsters when shopping online, festive scams can con people out of a lot of money at what is already an expensive time of year. The expense of the season can also tempt people to borrow from loan sharks as they struggle for cash, people are urged to use safer lending options as loan sharks will cost borrowers much more financially and have a huge impact on their lives. Find out more about these festive safety tips and others at www.dudleysafeandsound.org/christmassafety Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "This year has been tough, so we really want families to have as relaxing and peaceful a Christmas as possible. "Following some basic safety tips is easy and I would encourage people to visit the partnership’s website and share the tips with friends and family."

For most families Christmas means fun, presents and time together, but for some, the festive period means blazing rows, sleepless nights and worry because of domestic abuse. As part of a Christmas safety campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership is raising awareness of domestic abuse and the impact it can have on children. For people experiencing domestic abuse, Christmas is a difficult time of year, agencies across the borough continue to work together to make sure support is available when it’s needed. Children who should be looking forward to a visit from Santa can often become the hidden victims and in the majority of cases they are involved in some way. For help and support victims, their families and friends can contact the borough’s single point of contact in 01384 455411 or text or Whatsapp 07384 466181 (9am to 9pm weekdays). People who suspect a child is being harmed or neglected or is living with domestic abuse should call children’s service’s referral and advice service on 0300 555 0050. Referrals can be made anonymously. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "Christmas should be a really enjoyable time of year but sadly in some families domestic abuse will mean this isn’t the case. "It’s important victims know there are people in the borough who can help, no matter what time of year it is. "Children who are exposed to abusive domestic situations often become the hidden victims and it’s everyone’s responsibility to report if they suspect a child is at risk in any way." If you are experiencing domestic abuse, contact Dudley’s single point of contact on 01384 455411 or in an emergency dial 999, if it’s too dangerous to speak press ‘55’ when connected and the operator will know you need help. To find out more about support available in the borough visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org/domesticabuse

A safety campaign is encouraging people to report nitrous oxide canisters and highlights the dangers of using the substance. Dudley Council is working alongside West Midlands Police to raise awareness of the dangers linked to taking the psychoactive drug, which is commonly known as laughing gas, nos, whippits or hippie crack chargers. It’s a colourless gas that people inhale, usually through a balloon from a pressurised metal canister. It can have a devastating effect. It can slow down a person’s brain and body’s responses. If too much is inhaled it can lead to unconsciousness and/or suffocating from a lack of oxygen. It can be fatal. These canisters are increasingly found in parks and open spaces and places where young people particularly are known to congregate. The campaign aims to encourage people to report places where this kind of activity is taking place so authorities can respond. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "The increased use of nitrous oxide within our communities is a huge concern, we really need residents to help us by reporting where they see canisters so we can identify and tackle problem areas. "It’s so important that those using this substance, which we believe is mostly young people, understand the risk they are taking. "We need to help them realise that it’s ok to say no to drugs." People can report canisters or those illegally selling nitrous oxide online at www.dudley.gov.uk or by calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. Support can be found at www.talktofrank.com. Adults can get support from Atlantic Recovery Centre on 01384 426120 and young people from Hear4 YOUth on 01384 241440.

Dudley Council is inviting feedback on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Lye town centre. The order is being proposed as a way of addressing the impact that a small number of individuals and groups who commit anti-social behaviour have on the area. Feedback from residents, shoppers, visitors and businesses is particularly welcome, as part of the PSPO process the local authority needs to consult with people in the area. If implemented, it will give the local authority and police enhanced powers to restrict unreasonable and disruptive behaviour over a period of three years. People can take part in the survey online before Friday 15th January, 2021 at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LyePSPO Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, said: "Anyone who lives, works, shops and visits in Lye can take part in this survey. "We want all our towns to be places where people and businesses can thrive. "Unfortunately, a small number of people seek to spoil Lye for those who wish to enjoy it in a sensible and responsible manner. We are here to tell them that their antisocial behaviours will not be tolerated." The PSPO is designed to prohibit the consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances. It would also help to stop groups and individuals causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress to others in the town and surrounding area as well as urinating or defecating in a public space. It would cover High Street, the By-Pass, Jackson Street, Clinic Drive, Chapel Street, Church Road, Union Street, Cross Walks Road, Talbot Street and Claycroft Place. Kim Madill, Dudley neighbourhood policing unit chief superintendent and chair of the community safety partnership, said: "Dudley’s Neighbourhood Policing Unit support the implementation of the proposed PSPO for Lye town centre. "It will help us to address a range of anti-social behaviours within the town centre and surrounding area in a coordinated way."

Dudley borough residents are being invited to attend an annual public meeting to meet and put their questions directly to the people who are accountable for community safety within the borough. Dudley’s community safety partnership, safe & sound, which incorporates the borough’s local police and crime board, will be holding a public meeting on 19 January 2021 from 6pm. Due to current COVID restrictions the meeting will be held virtually on Microsoft teams. People will have the opportunity to find out more about how the partnership operates before being able to put questions to the people who are accountable for community safety. Senior officers and decision-makers from the police, council, CCG and other organisations will be on hand to answer questions related to community safety. To book a place visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org/have-your-say or to find out more, email community.safety@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 814735 People who can’t attend the meeting can submit questions in advance, and include what they think the partnership’s priorities for the coming year should be, to community.safety@dudley.gov.uk or by post, including a return address to: Communications unit FREEPOST MID22308 Dudley DY1 1BR Councillor David Vickers, on behalf of cabinet member for housing and communities said: "This has been a challenging year for all of us, both in our work and our personal lives, but as partners we are still committed to addressing the concerns of our borough residents, we can only do this if people let us know what they think. "Listening to residents’ concerns is a priority and every year we ask people to tell us what their community safety concerns are to help us identify the main issues facing communities. "I would encourage people to join the meeting or submit information in advance so we can really understand the community safety issues that matter to people right now." Kim Madill, Dudley neighbourhood policing unit chief superintendent and chair of the community safety partnership, said: "We’re committed to working with our partners and listening to what residents are telling us about the main community safety issues facing their communities. "It’s been a difficult year for all of us and we really want to understand what impact this is having on community safety issues facing borough residents. "There are lots of ways to take part so please take this opportunity to have your say and get involved."

The campaign is designed to raise awareness of different forms of domestic violence over 16 days, with a different theme each day. Dudley’s community safety partnership, safe & sound has joined with other black country partnerships to highlight the different forms abuse can take and that it can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or disability. The campaign also importantly highlights that children are often the forgotten victims, with national statistics showing that one in five are exposed to domestic abuse. Support services in the borough are open to anyone who is concerned about domestic abuse including family and friends who are concerned about someone else. To find out more visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org/domesticabuse #safety #students

Starting a new school or college is an exciting time. You will make new friends, have fun and learn lots of new things! But it’s also a time where you may be unfamiliar with your surroundings, so stay safe with our tips below: Out of sight Keep your personal property safely away and out of sight. Students can be easy targets for criminals as they assume you have mobile phones, laptops and other technology. Keep your valuables hidden. Don’t carry large sums of money, and take care at cashpoints. Travelling When travelling to school or college – avoid walking alone. Walk in groups if you can, especially as the darker nights draw in. If you can’t walk with friends, let someone know your route and call when you arrive. Plan your route in advance and avoid walking through alleyways, car parks and unlit areas. Tell someone Starting a new school can be difficult, bullying can take lots of different forms and sometimes you might not realise it is happening to you. It can be physical: kicking, hitting, pushing, damaging belongs, verbal: name calling, mocking, threats, emotional: leaving people out, ignoring, gossiping or cyber-bullying: bullying by text, phone calls, instant messenger and more. Tell someone – you’re not the only one. More advice about bullying. Helplines Being a student can be stressful, if you’re going through a difficult time Samaritans can help 24-7. If you would like to report an incident or get advice and support on a difficult situation you maybe facing you can contact West Midlands police, or call 101 for non-emergencies. Always call 999 if you think you are in immediate danger or have an emergency. #safety #students

Social media allows billions of people worldwide to connect, share photos, thoughts and personal experiences. It can be a great way for people to make friends and get social, but the nature of having thousands of users that are unknown to you means it carries a degree of risk. We want to promote safe social networking – minimising the risks posed to you as a social media user. Some of the risks are: Disclosing private information about yourself/friends/family Cyber- crime Bullying Online grooming Phishing adverts on social media Harassment Extremist views Things you can do to stay safe: Don’t publish information that can identify you personally, such as phone number, photos of your home, your address and school or workplace. Keep your profile ‘closed’ or ‘private’ so only your friends can view your profile Use strong passwords include numbers, different case letters and symbols The internet is forever – don’t publish things that may embarrass your or someone else in the future Remember employers routinely check current or prospective employees' social media platforms. Be careful about what you say or post as it could jeopardise your employment. Don’t post your holiday dates, or family photos whilst you’re away. Social media is a favourite tool for a modern burglar, your insurance company may also not pay out. Check out the site privacy features – you can restrict strangers’ access to your profile. Be on your guard about fake friend requests and phishing scams. Propaganda and fake news can be used online as a form of persuasion. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to spot. Stop, read and check the information before you share on your social media platforms. Find out more at https://sharechecklist.gov.uk/ Read more advice and information on our help hub. Social Media Safety Centres Facebook Instagram Snapchat YouTube Whatsapp Twitter TikTok #safety #socialmedia #facebook #youtube #snapchat #twitter #instagram #tiktok

What is nitrous oxide ? Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that people inhale, usually via a balloon. It’s also called balloons, nos, whippits, laughing gas, hippie crack chargers, noz. MXLLS​​ It’s most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters. You may have seen these in our parks and green spaces or lying around in streets. It’s important to know and educate others on the dangers. More information can be found on the FRANK website The law This is a psychoactive drug and is covered by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act, which means it’s illegal to give away or sell for its psychoactive effect. Supply and production can mean up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence. Its use is a potential public health issue. The empty canisters are also becoming a litter problem, often being found on roadsides, in parks, on open spaces and on private land. Reporting nitrous oxide canisters as litter We want to know when you come across these used canisters, to help us understand the extent of the problem across Dudley. Please use the link below tell to tell us where canisters (and other litter) is. From the cleanliness problem page, select ‘litter – nitrous oxide (silver bullet) canisters’, then complete and submit the form. You can do this anonymously if you wish. Tell us about a shop you think may be selling nitrous oxide Illegally Please use the link below to give us details, and to tell us the name and location of the shop. When you reach the cleanliness problem page, select ‘report a shop selling nitrous oxide canisters’, then complete and submit the form. You can do this anonymously if you wish. Report canisters as litter or those illegally selling here https://customer.dudley.gov.uk/gis-report/st-cleanse-grit/