Welcome to the latest edition of the CSCP Newsletter where you will find interesting updates on topical safeguarding issues, support, and resources. The newsletter contains the updated Female Genital Mutilation one minute guide and a useful webinar. FGM is an oppressive practice and a form of abuse against women and girls. 200 million women/girls worldwide have been subjected to FGM (WHO, 2023). NHS Trusts and GP practices have seen an increase in women/girls presenting with FGM (NHS Digital) so it is important as professionals we remain vigilant, know how to spot the signs and know how to act/respond. Take the time to read the guide and watch the webinar.

You will also be able to view the upcoming training which details of other learning opportunities.

There is information from ‘Act on Energy’ which is timely as we enter the colder months and families may struggle financially and reach out for help and support.

The Integrated Care Board have committed their support to Child Friendly Cov. Across the Partnership we are striving to make Coventry the best city in the UK for children and young people to grow up in. Partners are working together to achieve the priorities of children and young people which are being and feeling safe, having opportunities, being and feeling healthy and being and feeling valued. The newsletter includes information on Child Friendly Cov sign up.

Thank you for signing up to the CSCP newsletter and for taking the time to read.

The CSCP has recently published a brand new One Minute Guide on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In the UK all types of FGM are prevalent with an estimation of around 137,000 women who have experienced or undergone the procedure. 

And now we are excited to announce that a webinar on this has now been created! This fantastic resource is now linked on the FGM One Minute Guide.

Alternatively you can access this webinar on YouTube. 

Coventry City Council funds Act on Energy to provide a variety of support for Coventry residents. The work covers a wide range of services from energy bill advice, fuel Switching, referrals for physical measures, grant availability and onwards referrals to other agencies if appropriate.

To access the funding residents should be owner-occupiers of a property or people living in private rented accommodation and must have a long term diagnosed health condition or disability affected by living in a cold home. Financial circumstances are also a consideration – there is a range of income thresholds dependent upon the number of people who live in the property. We can also offer expert advice and support to anyone living in Coventry.

Funding is available for:

• External wall insulation
• Cavity wall insulation
• First time gas central heating
• Broken boiler replacement
• Inefficient gas boiler
• Loft insulation
• Upgrade or repair of electric storage heaters

For more information and eligibility criteria you can visit the Act On Energy website.

Do you work in a school, youth group, community group or work directly with groups of children? 

The CSCP are looking to engage with groups of 8-10 young people living in Coventry. These sessions consist of us talking directly to young people in the City to understand safeguarding in Coventry from their point of view. Please get in touch for a further discussion on organising a session for 2024. 

For any more information please contact natasha.brookes@coventry.gov.uk

Child Friendly Cov is a campaign to ensure that Coventry is a child and young person friendly city - a place where children and young people feel valued, supported and enjoy themselves.

We want Coventry to be a place where children are safe and happy to grow up in. Now there is the opportunity to become more involved and to become an official Child Friendly Cov supporter by filling in the registration form. 

As a supporter you will receive regular updates on their progress and initiatives, as well as the opportunity to showcase your involvement and promote any relevant projects or initiatives through their channels.

To find out more about this fantastic campaign you can visit the Child Friendly Cov website to see the latest news, as well to share your views with the campaign. 

Diwali, the festival of lights, is set to be on Sunday 12 November 2023. This festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. It links to harvest and new year celebrations, and is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

We would like to wish all of those who celebrate the event a Happy Diwali!