Domestic abuse victims will be now be able to “Ask for Ani” to indicate they need helpat pharmacies nationwide as part of a codeword scheme.
Anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse will be able to ask for support without their abusers or other members of the public knowing, and as soon as they “Ask for Ani”, they will be led into a private consulting room where they will be put in touch with the police, relevant support services, or helplines.
The UK government-backed scheme will be available immediately.
It can initially be accessed at 2,300 Boots stores and in 255 independent pharmacies, with other pharmacies are being asked to sign up to the programme.
The scheme follows another initiative launched in May by the charity Hestia, which saw safe spaces installed in the consultation rooms of more than 5,000 pharmacies nationwide, and also resembles the earlier Ask For Angela scheme launched by the Metropolitan Police in bars, pubs and restaurants to prevent sexual violence.
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?️ If you are a victim of domestic abuse you can now access support safely and discreetly at locations across the UK. We've teamed up with @BootsUK & independent pharmacies to launch Ask for Ani, a domestic abuse codeword scheme #YouAreNotAlone
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), one in five of the offences reported during and straight after the first national lockdown were related to domestic abuse, and police forces in England and Wales recorded more than 250,000 domestic violence crimes between March and June last year.
During the previous lockdown in England in November, the charity Refuge – which runs the National Domestic Abuse helpline – said it was “very concerned” by the continuing upward trend in demand for its services.
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This new pharmacy-based initiative was first proposed during a “hidden harms” web summit hosted by Boris Johnson in June, which examined some of the repercussions of lockdown.
In a statement in the House of Commons, Victoria Atkins – the safeguarding minister – said the scheme would “offer a vital lifeline to all victims, ensuring they get help in a safe and discreet way”, but Jess Phillips – shadow home office minister who speaks on domestic violence and safeguarding – called for more backing for support services.
From today, those experiencing domestic abuse will be able to go into a Boots or indie chemist & seek help. If they say the codeword ‘ANI’ they’ll be taken to a private room & asked if they want to call 999 or domestic abuse helpline. ANI stands for Action Needed Immediately
Ms Phillips said: “Domestic abuse and community support services are currently planning for redundancies in March – quite unbelievable in the middle of a global pandemic and a national lockdown,
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“The sector, the Labour party, the domestic abuse and the victims’ commissioner have all called repeatedly for sustainable funding for at least the next year [and] the staff being made redundant are the very people the minister needs for ‘Ask for Ani’ to have any chance of success.”
Atkins said in response that the government had pledged £27 million towards services connected to protecting people who face domestic abuse.
News
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
The Manc -
15th January 2021 
