Blackpool Council Annual Health Report 2019 Blackpool Council Annual Health Report PAGES | Page 40

BYSTANDER
Tackling sexual/domestic violence is a key priority in the Blackpool Sexual Health Strategy
and Action Plan (2017-2020) and the Domestic Violence Strategy and Action Plan
(2017-2020). Through the Drug Strategy action plan there is an objective to support
vulnerable people through early action, prevention and education across partner agencies,
including domestic violence.
The bystander programme aims to equip individuals with the skills to help when
participants witness behaviour that put others at risk. Bystander intervention aims to
change the 'social norms' that this is 'normal' or 'acceptable’ behaviour.
The strength of the bystander model lies in its emphasis on the role of peers in the
prevention of violence. By treating young people as part of the solution to sexual assault,
rather than part of the problem, bystander programmes limit the risk of defensiveness or
backlash among participants.
During 2018, a task and finish group was set up and an action plan developed. Links have
been made with UCLan, who have already piloted the programme with positive feedback,
to align evaluation methodology for any future collaboration or comparisons.
The proposed programme is designed to be delivered by experienced facilitators. In
support of implementation, a ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop was held on 14th December
2018, in preparation for a start date in February 2019.
TRANSITIONS
Transition describes the move from children’s services to adult services. This
can involve leaving school, transferring from children and family services to
adult social care services and/ or transferring from paediatric services to adult
health or mental health services.
These periods of transition are recognised as a time when young people may
“fall though the gaps” and may not receive the care or services they need to
stay healthy or fully engage in society.
Since 2010, the Government has put in place guidelines for enabling smooth
and safe transitions and the Department of Education state that “successful
transition depends on early and effective planning, putting the young person
at the centre of the process to help them prepare for transfer to adult
services. The process of transition should start while the child is still in contact
with children’s services and may, subject to the needs of the young person,
continue for a number of years after the transfer to adult services. This will
ensure that young people and parents know about the opportunities and
choices available and the range of support they may need to access. 28 ”
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28. Prioritising need in the context of Putting People First: a whole system approach to eligibility for social care - guidance on eligibility criteria for adult social care,
25th February 2010.