Shop safely online

If you're doing your Christmas shopping online, we urge you to only buy from reputable traders.

Before buying, watch the new advice video Shopping safely online from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to find out about your rights, what to do if something goes wrong with your purchase, and how to avoid issues.

For more information, see our in-depth consumer advice guides. 

Toy safety tips

Buying toys online for your children this Christmas? The Office for Product Safety & Standards has put together some toy safety tips to ensure the items you buy are safe.

Take part in the 'Scamnesty'

Do you get scam mail, or know someone who does? All this month, Friends Against Scams are running a Scamnesty - a scam mail amnesty - asking everyone who has received scam mail to send it in to help put a stop to it. Find out more and take part in the Scamnesty.

Avian Influenza

If you keep birds, be prepared for new captive bird and poultry housing measures coming in on 14 December 2020 and consider how you can house your birds.

You could make use of garden sheds, barns or even your garage if there is enough natural light and ventilation. If you cannot house, you must put measures in place to prevent contact with wild birds, for example by using netting. 

For more information see GOV.UK - Avian influenza (bird flu). 

WATCH: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming

In part two of the Trading Standards Farming Partnership webinar series on mental health and wellbeing in farming, speakers include:

• Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service who talk about fire safety in the home and on the farm.
• A GP who talks about the menopause and gives mental wellbeing tips.
• A representative from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution who discusses help and support on offer.
• Plus we're introduced to Andrew Sheldon - The Somerset Crooner. 

Watch it now on YouTube: Trading Standards Farming Partnership Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming - part 2.

Missed part one? Watch it here: Trading Standards Farming Partnership Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming - part 1.

For links to website and helpline support for the farming community, see Support for farmers.