Have your say about Policing. Meet the two at the top, at What Matters to You Road Show in Beaumont Leys this Wednesday. Lord Willy Bach and Simon Cole The ‘What Matters to You’ Roadshow with Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach and Chief Constable Simon Cole will be in Beaumont Leys on Wednesday 10th April to hear first-hand what local people have to say about policing. They will be joined by members of the local policing team in Bradgate Mall, Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, LE4 1DE, from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, 10 April. What matters to you Roadshow 10th April 2019 Beaumont Shopping Centre Members of public will have the opportunity to meet both the PCC and the Chief Constable and talk to them about policing in the area. They will be invited to share their experiences with those setting policing priorities and give their views on crime and public safety. Public feedback is vital to both the PCC and senior officers as they seek to meet the policing needs and expectations of different communities. The feedback they receive helps to influence where resources are allocated. Willy Bach said: “These events are always well-attended and provide a great opportunity for a real two-way conversation about policing, community safety and any concerns that people may have. We all learn something. “We will be around throughout the afternoon to chat to people and talk about local concerns. We really do want to hear what matters to people and what they feel we can do to help. If you are in the area please, pay us a visit!” #LeicesterPolice #PCC

Fire in Narborough Road Leicester, interview with resident who jumped out of a 2nd floor window to escape the fire. 5th July 2018 #fire #shopfire #narboroughroad

Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach announced the recipients of his £100k fund to tackle knife crime as a national crackdown operation commenced. Lord Willy Bach The PCC, who has pledged to get to the core of the knife crime epidemic sweeping Britain’s streets, announced a series of funding grants for projects which work directly with young people with the aim of turning them away from violence and gang life. It comes as police forces nationwide launched a weeklong crackdown using surrender bins, stop and search tactics and weapons sweeps to address the surge in violence as part of Operation Sceptre. This week, the PCC joined calls from Labour MPs and Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country urging Prime Minister Theresa May to urgently convene the Cobra Committee, put 10,000 police officers back on the streets and begin reinvesting in critical youth diversionary services which have been drastically cut during the years of austerity. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we have to do more to protect young people from knife crime and violence,” said Willy Bach. “There are deep-rooted psychological and social problems that compel people to carry knives and unless these are confronted by experienced youth workers - and young people are given other choices for the future - then we will continue to see bloodshed and senseless deaths on our streets. “This £100,000 fund is just the start. We need the Government to take our calls for action seriously and to commit meaningful resources that will not only expand proactive police work but will give young people realistic goals and aspirations which don’t involve violence or brutality. Only then will this tide of brutality end.” Among those organisations already confirmed as successful in the PCC’s funding scheme is Leicester Riders for its youth engagement work, online learning provider E2 Online, Leicestershire’s Reducing Reoffending Partnership (RRP) and vocational training provider Trans4m. Further grants are currently being confirmed. The new funding, which has been allocated from reserves, was announced late last year at the PCC’s high-profile knife crime conference in a bid to prevent young people wasting their talents and opportunities by engaging in violence. In a further move to save lives, the PCC also announced he had agreed to invest a further £10,000 to install Catastrophic Haemorrhage Packs in 120 frontline police vehicles. “Violence in all its shapes and forms results in premature death, injury and lost chances,” said Willy Bach. “Young people must be given an alternative but this Government has to recognise that youth investment is critical to providing it.” Superintendent Shane O’Neill, who leads the force’s response to knife crime, said: “The police can’t tackle the problem of knife crime alone and we work closely with a range of other agencies to work with, and educate, young people about the dangers of carrying a knife. This funding will give a range of projects a financial boost and help them continue their work diverting young people away from carrying a knife.” #LivesNotKnives For more knife crime resources, or advice for those carrying a knife or those who know someone who is, visit our knife crime page

Initial reports from driver of Taxi minibus reporting a car had collided with the minibus, 2 persons with back injuries inside. Outside Braunstone Leisure centre, Hinckley Road, Leicester Sunday 21st October 2018 around 2.40pm Lead Image By Andy Morton Watch the video which was taken live at the scene By Leicester Media Online Rear door was removed from minibus to allow access for EMAS. Rear seated passenger extricated using longboard. 2nd Ambulance in attendance. Male casualty extricated from vehicle and being taken to LRI by land Ambulance. Front seat passenger also assisted out of vehicle by Ambulance and Fire Service. No details of the injuries have been released. Images By Andy Morton #rtchinckleyroadleicester #rtc

Two council workers saves life of a 94 year old woman. They tackled flames and smoke to bring the women out to safety. St Austell Road Thurnby Lodge Leicester Ground floor flat fire 09/02/2019 Video By Leicester Media © 2019 Our reporter at the Scene of the fire was told that the two council workers was heroes, and that the woman would have died. A dog and two cats were also saved from the blaze. Two people, believed to be the woman and one of the council workers, were taken to hospital. The fire started around 8.00 am and the video footage shows extensive fire damage to the flat. Initial Information: Initial emergency calls came from neighbours witnessing a fire at the property with no one outside therefore this was treated as person reported. Fire Service crews confirmed that a ground floor flat was well alight and that a female casualty had been rescued. Four breathing apparatus wearers extinguished the fire using two hose reels. A search was carried out for two cats and one dog which were rescued from the property. Two casualties were conveyed to Leicester Royal Infirmary by road ambulance. Fire investigation Officers are attending this incident. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 Updated News 18:00 Leicestershire Fire service released the cause of the Fire Believed Cause: Accidental - unattended candle Council worker hero who rescued elderly woman from blazing flat in Thurnby Lodge praised. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/council-worker-hero-who-rescued-2561383?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar #flatfire #lfrs

2Funky Arts is launching an exciting paid opportunity for artists of Black, African and Caribbean heritage to be part of their acclaimed, annual And Still I Rise Midlands tour - a production for Black History Month. Ten outstanding creatives will be selected to present powerful new work - celebrating the strength, spirit and vibrancy of Black culture. Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre Each artist will develop an original 6–7-minute performance, exploring themes of identity, heritage and liberation. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s iconic poem Still I Rise, Black history and/or personal experience, the programme offers a platform for bold voices to be seen and heard. The tour will travel across four cities in the Midlands: • Fri 2nd October - Birmingham MAC •Fri 16th October- Derby Theatre •Friday 23rd October- Leicester, The Y Theatre •Thursday 29th October- Nottingham Arts Theatre All performance styles are welcome – including poetry, music, dance, and theatre. Selected artists will receive £500 to develop and rehearse their work, plus £200 for each performance. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the Midlands and available for the full run of tour dates. Speaking about the project, 2Funky Arts Director Vijay Mistry said: “And Still I Rise is our flagship annual touring production, which inspires audiences each year and showcases new talent. It’s a great opportunity for emerging artists to present their work on a high-profile platform and explore important themes as part of Black History Month.” DEADLINE TO APPLY – Friday 26th June 2026 Artists will also be required to attend: a rehearsal feedback session on Saturday 12th September 12pm - 4pm (Artists will be paid £70 to attend this plus travel from outside of Leicester) and an online evaluation meeting on Monday 27th October 6pm - 7pm. For more info & to apply visit – 2funkyarts.co.uk Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

The Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced the launch of its official Patreon page, offering supporters a new way to contribute to the preservation and development of the historic railway through affordable monthly donations. The initiative responds to a long-standing sentiment among supporters – “If everyone who loved the GCR just gave a small amount each month…” – by providing a simple and accessible platform to do exactly that. Patreon, a widely used online membership platform, enables individuals to support organisations through regular contributions in exchange for exclusive content and closer engagement. The GCR’s scheme introduces a range of support tiers, with entry-level contributions priced at less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The first tier, “Porter,” is now live, with additional options planned. Supporters who join the platform will receive benefits including early access to videos, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive updates, and opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions. The initiative is designed not only to generate a reliable, year-round income stream but also to strengthen connections between the railway and its global audience. “This is about more than fundraising,” Jonathan Fraser, Head of Marketing at GCR, said. “It’s about building a stronger relationship with the people who care about what we do – whether they visit regularly or follow our work from afar.” The GCR aims to use Patreon to expand public interest in its operations, heritage, and engineering work, while fostering a dedicated digital community. The platform is also expected to support volunteer recruitment efforts and raise awareness of major projects, including the ongoing Reunification initiative. Additionally, the consistent content shared through Patreon will contribute to the railway’s archival efforts, documenting day-to-day activities and preserving them for future generations. The launch reflects a broader trend among heritage organisations adopting digital platforms to sustain engagement and funding. By offering supporters a more active role in the railway’s story, the GCR hopes to turn followers into long-term advocates and ambassadors. Supporters can learn more and sign up via the official Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/c/GreatCentralRailway

This May will see Pirates take over the planetarium at the National Space Centre as things take a sharp turn into full swashbuckling chaos with an after-hours Pirate Party that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Islandand featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun. Held on Friday 22 May, this special evening event transforms the Centre into a pirate’s playground, with film, live music performance, out-of-hours gallery access, treasure hunting, and plenty of victuals and grog. The evening’s main event, a 30th anniversary screening of Muppet Treasure Island will take place in the UK’s largest planetarium with an early screening for families, a later 18+ screening, access to the galleries throughout, and activities from the Space Centre’s own space pirate crew, all topped by an amazing performance from The Puppet Folk Experience. Tickets include access to the Pirate Party in the main galleries, including a performance from The Puppet Folk Experience, and entry to one of two screenings of Muppet Treasure Island: an early screening designed for families and a later screening (18+) for adults and grown-up fans. The café and bar will be open during the event, serving up victuals and grog – perfect for both young buccaneers and seasoned sea dogs. This is a night that every pirate can enjoy – and there may even be some rum in the bar! Throughout the evening guests can explore the National Space Centre itself – the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space – including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life. Tickets are available now via the National Space Centre website: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced the relaunch of a service designed to resolve crime without involving the courts to successfully rehabilitate offenders. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has awarded a contract to community support specialist Ingeus to provide an Out of Court Resolution (OOCR) service for eligible adult offenders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for the next two years. OOCRs enable police to deal with low‑level and first‑time offences without resorting to court. The process offers swift and meaningful justice for victims of crime by ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions while also ensuring they receive tailored support to reduce their re-offending in the future. Police can only use OOCRs in limited situations and only when a suspect admits the offence. These include but are not limited to offences of common assault, possession of cannabis and public order offences. OOCRs may also include voluntary conditions for the offender to comply with such as attending a domestic abuse perpetrator programme or targeted intervention for young people aged 18-25. In his Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner has vowed to establish systems that support the Force to use out of court solutions for victims of crime wherever most effective. This approach closely links to the PCC’s focus on prevention and the need to help communities become stronger, more resilient, so they can thrive. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthew said: “Court proceedings are not always the most effective way to deal with crime. The use of Out of Court Resolutions can bring swift and satisfactory justice and closure for victims, while also helping offenders to understand the human impact and consequences of their actions, often reducing their motivation to commit further offences. “This approach focuses on low-risk, first-time offenders, who are more receptive to efforts to change their behaviour to prevent them from becoming habitual criminals. “It is vital we address the underlying causes of offending rather than continually applying a sticking plaster. It strongly links back to the Peelian principle of success being measured not on the number of arrests and convictions but by the absence of crime.” Between April and December 2025, 78% of eligible domestic abuse perpetrators completed the CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) early intervention programme run by Hampton Trust as part of the previous OOCR service while 100% of young people aged 18-25 undertaking the Reflect targeted support course run by Ingeus expressed satisfaction with the intervention. The service will run until 31st March 2028 with the possibility of a 12-month extension to 31st March 2029.

A New booklet aimed at supporting men’s mental heath has been launched during Mental Health Awareness Week. The booklet brings together clear, practical guidance and information on local mental health, physical health and wellbeing services. It has been developed by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, the city and county councils’ public health teams, clinicians and local men’s community groups. DOWNLOAD IT HERE Mens-MH-Booklet-FINAL-DIGITAL-V1-MAY-2026.pdf This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May 2026), a UK-wide awareness-raising week run by the Mental Health Foundation. Dr Mark McConnochie, crisis consultant and clinical director for urgent care services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Looking after our mental health and supporting one another is incredibly important, and people need to know that help is available when it’s needed. While attitudes towards mental health are changing, many men still find it difficult to ask for support. This new booklet is about making that first step easier by clearly showing what’s available locally and how to access it. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. “Despite growing awareness, more than one in 10 men in the UK live with a mental health disorder. Men continue to have the highest rates of substance use and are at the greatest risk of suicide, while also being the least likely to seek help. This booklet aims to address these challenges by normalising conversations about mental health and reducing barriers to support.” The booklet has been developed with help and insight from local men’s groups to make sure it reflects real needs and experiences. Geoff Hughes from Circulus for men and Lee Jobber from The Modern Men Movement are both passionate champions of men’s health and wellbeing, and helped to shape the booklet. Geoff said: “The booklet reflects the kind of real, honest conversations we share with men every week that are grounded, practical, and without ambiguity. For us, it’s always been about creating spaces where men feel able to talk, be heard, and access support in a way that feels natural and accessible. Lee added: “Knowing what support is out there, and feeling empowered about using it, can make a real difference. We’re especially pleased to see something that’s been created with men, not just for them. That’s where meaningful change really begins.” Mental Health Awareness Week this year focuses on the theme of ‘taking action’. Across the week the NHS, council public health teams, charities and community organisations are encouraging people to take small but meaningful steps to support good mental health, individually and within their communities. Rob Howard, director of public health at Leicester City Council, said: “This booklet has been shaped by local men and the communities around them. By working alongside NHS teams and community groups, we’ve helped create something that feels practical, relatable and rooted in real experiences, making it easier for men to find support close to home.” Mike Sandys, director of public health at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We know men want information that is straightforward and practical. This booklet brings local mental health support into one place and supports earlier conversations. Developed in partnership with local men’s groups and NHS teams, it has been shaped by real experiences and designed to offer practical, accessible support”. The booklet can be downloaded online here. Information on local activities taking place for Mental Health Awareness Week is at leicspart.nhs.uk/mhaw-2026/ Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The crucial role of foster carers is in the spotlight for the UK’s biggest annual awareness-raising campaign for fostering. Foster Care Fortnight runs from 11-24 May, and as part of the campaign, Leicester City Council is encouraging people in the city to consider becoming foster carers. This year’s theme shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering, raising awareness of the profound impact foster carers have on children’s lives. Called ‘This is Fostering’, it celebrates the skills, commitment and love that foster carers show, often in incredibly challenging circumstances. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer - Leicester’s fostering families are from all walks of life. Sue, Suzie and Naieem are a mother, daughter and son-in-law who have fostered as a family for more than 30 years. Sue started fostering with her late husband when Suzie was just eight. Suzie said: “I grew up in an open house where friends and neighbours were always welcome, so new children coming in just felt natural.” Now an adult, Suzie and husband Naieem have two children of their own and also foster alongside Sue. Sue and Suzie worked together to keep a sibling group of four together, with two living with Sue, and two with Suzie and Naieem, just 10 minutes away. Suzie said: “It worked perfectly. We all spend so much time together, so they’ve grown up as a family even if they had bedrooms in different houses.” Sue, Suzie and Naieem’s story is just one example of how fostering can define a family. You can read their full story here. Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “There are many incredible families like Sue, Suzie and Naieem’s across Leicester, but we urgently need more foster carers. “Nationwide, there is a shortage of fostering households, leaving too many children without the local homes they need. Without local carers, children can end up in foster homes outside of their local authority area, far away from everything they know – family, friends, schools and clubs. “Foster carers provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for children and young people. They support children with their education, their physical and emotional wellbeing, and help them to rebuild trust and confidence. I’d like to thank all our wonderful foster carers in Leicester for the crucial role that they play in young people’s lives.” Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Foster carers are not only parents - providing warmth, stability and a place to call home – they are also highly skilled. They juggle many roles: educators, mediators, advocates and organisers, with a deep knowledge of children’s best interests. “However, many foster carers are leaving, while the number of children entering care is on the rise. We urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs. “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. Foster carers and kinship carers come from different backgrounds, and are different ages, genders, ethnicity and sexual orientation. “It’s this diversity that brings the fostering community together to help children feel safe, supported and able to thrive. This Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering and whether it might be right for you.” If you would like to learn more about fostering or are ready to take the next step, visit our fostering website where you will find more information, including real-life fostering experiences, forthcoming events and how to speak to our fostering team. Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Jalaram temple on Leicester’s Narborough Road is the latest city building to be fitted with a community public access defibrillator, or CPAD, making it available for use at any time of the day or night. It’s one of 14 installed in Leicester this year alone, thanks in part to the support of Cllr Aldred who has chosen to raise funds for local heart charity, the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), during her mayoral year. Other sites include the Peepul Centre in Belgrave, the Pork Pie Library in Eyres Monsell, and the Asha Pharmacy in Thurncourt. All were chosen following the mapping of provision of CPADS across the city, which identified gaps in certain areas. A total of 30 CPADS are being installed across Leicester as part of the Heartshield project - a partnership between Leicester City Council’s public health team, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the JHMT. Lord Mayor Cllr Aldred said: It’s been a privilege to work with the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and other partners to help to raise the funds for these vital pieces of equipment, and to raise awareness of how they save lives. “Over the past year we have worked with people from different communities across the city who have committed to making this possible, and to taking action that could one day save somebody’s life. I’m very proud to have been able to support this important cause.” Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for public health said:“Around 30,000 people in Leicester live with at least one cardiovascular condition, so it’s really important that we do all we can to make this life-saving equipment available. “I’d like to thank the Lord Mayor for her incredible support with this over the past year, and for helping us to continue with our efforts to make Leicester a Heartsafe city.” Dr Mike Ferguson, JHMT medical trustee said: “Every year in the UK there are 60,000 cardiac arrests - that’s one every 10 seconds. Half of these are witnessed, yet only 10% of people survive. It can happen to anyone, and any age, including young people due to inherited heart conditions like SADS. It’s therefore vitally important to make defibrillators publicly accessible, and to ensure people know how to use them, and how to give CPR. “We are very grateful for the Lord Mayor’s support in increasing provision over the past year, especially in those areas identified as having very limited access to this key lifesaving equipment.” In a cardiac emergency, immediate CPR and defibrillation can increase the chances of survival to over 50%. Find out more about the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust here: Breaking the Silence on SADS | Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) Leicester City Council News Published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026