National campaign to recruit 20,000 police officers launches today

·       Home Office campaign features serving police officers and urges people to join the police and ‘Be a force for all’
·       Up to 200 officers could be recruited in North Yorkshire
·       North Yorkshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain is encouraging potential recruits to register their interest at northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

A national campaign to recruit 20,000 new police officers is launched today (Thursday) – urging people to join the police and ‘Be a force for all’.

The police recruitment drive is the biggest in decades and could mean an additional 200 police officers across North Yorkshire.

The ‘Be a force for all’ campaign has been developed by the Home Office in partnership with the police and using feedback from the public via independent research.

It features serving police officers, including a neighbourhood officer, a police dog handler and a firearms officer. One of the officers started as a volunteer Special Constable, while another is a former charity executive who changed career.

They appear on billboards and digital displays at locations across England and Wales, including at shopping centres and railway stations, as well as in a radio advertisement.

A new website has also been set up to provide potential recruits with more information and direct those interested in policing in North Yorkshire to the recruitment pages on North Yorkshire Police’s website.

Potential recruits can also express their interest before recruitment opens in North Yorkshire directly on the force’s website at northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

A second phase of advertising is planned for the New Year.

Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain of North Yorkshire Police said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for anyone considering a career in policing to join our team.

“The role of the Police Officer is one of the most important parts of the policing family. No other job gives you the sense of satisfaction like this job does – you will be the frontline of the criminal justice system, helping people in their time of need and assisting when they are at their most vulnerable. It is a challenging but extremely rewarding role which offers long-term career opportunities.

“There is no denying that 200 additional officers will make a significant difference to policing in North Yorkshire but for us to achieve that figure we need people to apply. We’ll be announcing further details when recruitment opens in North Yorkshire soon but in the meantime, please register your interest here: northyorkshire.police.uk/JoinUs

“We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and recognise that the more our force reflects the diverse communities that we serve, the stronger it becomes. Whether you are just starting out in your career or are a more experienced and mature individual looking for your next challenge, this is your police force, please come and join it.”

For more information visit joiningthepolice.co.uk

A time to reflect and remember those lost to suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 banner #wspd 2019
On Saturday 7 September people from across York will come together to remember those who died by suicide.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, City of York Council and the city’s suicide prevention partnership are inviting people to reflect on loved ones lost to suicide.

Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, will host the service of reflection for those who have been lost to suicide. The service, which will begin at 1pm on Saturday 7 September, is open to all who have been bereaved or affected by suicide, of all faiths and none, and will enable people to reflect on those lost to suicide with others who have had similar experiences.

Cllr Carol Runciman, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Suicide impacts the lives of many friends, families and communities. This service of reflection is open to everyone and will bring people together to remember those lost to suicide.

“This is a very poignant event and emotional support will be on hand for people should they need it on the day or in the future.”

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please T A L K

Tell someone what you are thinking and how you are feeling

Ask for their help, or seek help

Listen to their advice or advice from others

Know who to call in a crisis and keep the number with you at all times

Seek help or support with any problems

· Phone the Samaritans 24 hour helpline on 116 123 for confidential non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.   

· Ring 111 to access mental health services – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

· Contact your general practitioner (GP).  If you do not have a GP or do not know your GP’s telephone number contact 111 

Switched On event planned for “iTravel Savvy” month

Electric Fat Bike - Special Edition - Regal Electric Bikes

A variety of electric cars and bikes will be showcased at a Switched On event being staged by City of York Council’s iTravel team as part of a month-long programme of activities aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable forms of transport.

Switched On will take place at Monks Cross Shopping Centre on Saturday 14 September, from 10am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome to go along for free, independent advice and information.

The council’s Executive Member for Transport, Cllr Andy D’Agorne, said: “There will be a wide a selection of plug-in cars and electric bicycles on display, as well as free, independent advice on all things electric vehicle-related, courtesy of the iTravel team.

“If you like the idea of switching to electric and would like to find out more, do go along and chat to the team and take a look at some of the cars and bikes on display.

The Switched On event is just one of a series of activities planned for September as part of the team’s latest iTravel Savvy campaign. They will also be visiting workplaces across York with their sustainable travel message, asking commuters ‘are you travelling savvy’, as well as organising a series of volunteer-led, clean-up events to tidy up the city’s key walking and cycling routes.

This year, the iTravel team has linked up with the online platform Love To Ride and is encouraging York cyclists to register at www.lovetoride.net for the chance to win lots of great prizes. Those who do register can log details of their cycling journeys around the city, set goals for themselves, and encourage friends and family members to get involved, as well as further cementing York’s proud reputation as a cycling city by contributing to the number of miles clocked up by the city’s cyclists compared with those in other areas of the country.

In mid-August, 16 workplaces from across the city were represented at a free networking breakfast event at City Screen, where they were able to access information and advice on promoting sustainable travel to and from the workplace. A number of guest speakers shared their own inspiring ideas and examples of how employees can be encouraged to ditch their cars in favour of sustainable forms of transport, such as buses, bicycles and walking.

Among the guest speakers was Sarah Murdoch, senior environmental consultant at TSP Projects Ltd, a York-based business that has been particularly proactive in promoting sustainable travel to its workforce.

Sarah explained: “There’s so much free help, support and advice available through the council’s iTravel team; I’d definitely encourage other employers to make full use of it.

“Here at TSP Projects, we are lucky that our office location is just around the corner from the train station and numerous bus stops. We actively encourage staff to cycle where possible and over 40 staff already do this on a regular basis. We are currently working on a business travel plan to explore new ways in which we can introduce sustainable travel. It’s an initiative that is under constant review as new opportunities arise.”

 iTravel Savvy month aims to highlight the many benefits to the individual of adopting sustainable forms of transport, which include saving money and improving their health and well-being, as well as the benefits to the wider community and the environment, which include reducing congestion and improving air quality.

For more information about iTravel Savvy, visit www.itravelyork.info or email itravel@york.gov.uk.