The Government has announced it will be taking a series of “immediate steps” to provide “further reassurance for women and girls” in Britain – potentially deploying undercover police to night-time venues when they reopen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson chaired a meeting of the Criminal Justice Department in the wake of the ‘Reclaim These Streets’ movement – which has been sweeping the country demanding greater action to protect women.
The campaign was born following the disappearance of Sarah Everard – who went missing while walking home from a friend’s house in March.
Her body was later found in Kent, and serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has been charged with kidnap and murder.
Hundreds of people attended a vigil in London last weekend – which was held as part of a mission to “reclaim streets and our public spaces” and “shine a light to remember those lost.”
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But the display turned ugly as police moved in to make arrests – with the actions of officers widely criticised.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has commissioned an independent investigation into the incident.
The Government has now announced it is now doubling the size of the ‘Safer Streets’ fund – which provides neighbourhood measures such as better lighting and CCTV – and working with police to focus on “target areas of potential concern for women and girls.”
This could include parks and alleyways, as well as routes between bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
A piloted ‘Project Vigilant’ could also see uniformed and undercover officers visit clubs and bars to identify predatory offenders and “better ensure women are safe in these locations”.
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There are also plans to increase police patrols as people leave bars at closing time.
The Prime Minister said the “horrific case has unleashed a wave of feeling about women not feeling safe at night.”
“We must do everything we can to ensure our streets are safe, and we are bringing in landmark legislation to toughen sentences and put more police on the streets,” he stated.
“We are also now taking further steps to provide greater reassurance, such as providing better lighting and greater use of CCTV in parks and routes women may take on their walks home.
“Ultimately, we must drive out violence against women and girls and make every part of the criminal justice system work to better protect and defend them.”
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
16th March 2021 
