Abstract
Self-help guides for mental health
Pennine Care NHS Trust have produced self-help guides covering a range of mental health issues. There are 23 booklets covering topics including anxiety, bereavement, controlling anger, depression, hearing voices, domestic violence, post-traumatic stress and self-harm. Some of the topics are specifically geared for people in prison, for example ‘Post-traumatic stress and prison’, which was written by psychologists with the help of prisoner listeners. The booklets provide practical advice and support. Each booklet provides a summary about the topic and explains symptoms and behaviours. They include contact details for other useful organisations. The booklets are available to download for free at: http://www.selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/penninecare/
Domestic violence and benefit claims guidance
To receive additional support from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for any of the benefits when experiencing domestic violence, the claimant needs to talk to a work coach at Jobcentre Plus about the domestic violence and abuse. DWP have provided initial information and guidance on their website outlining the entitlements and exceptions to the standard claim process. The guidance explains: the evidence that is required; dealing with work breaks when claiming JSA or ESA because of domestic violence incidents; housing benefit issues; universal credit and alternative payment arrangements; being the main carer for a child witnessing domestic violence and employment breaks; and the special circumstances when a third child payment can be made. The information can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-violence-and-abuse-help-from-dwp/help-available-from-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-for-people-who-are-victims-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse
Toolkit for working with children and young people trafficked for criminal exploitation
A toolkit has been developed which focuses on working with children and young people trafficked for the purpose of criminal exploitation in relation to ‘county lines’. It has been developed by The Children’s Society as part of the National Child Sexual Exploitation/Abuse (CSE/A) Prevention Programme for England and Wales. This programme is run jointly by TCS and Victim Support. The toolkit has been produced with the support and guidance of the University of Bedfordshire and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. The toolkit provides a definition of CSE/A and the evidence of internal trafficking that crosses county lines. The document covers factors that increase a child or young person’s vulnerability to such criminal exploitation and indicators or signs that professionals might observe. The toolkit considers the barriers to engagement and provides practical tips for professionals seeking to engage children or young people who are being trafficked. The document includes national resources and a reading list covering the research in this field. The toolkit is entitled ‘Toolkit working with children and young people trafficked for the purpose of criminal exploitation in relation to “County Lines”‘ and is available at: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/toolkit_criminal_exploitation_and_county_lines.pdf
The resource section of the Probation Journal is available to download for free via Probation Journal website at: http://journals.sagepub.com/toc/prbb/current and includes hyperlinks to all the resources listed.