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Ready Aye Ready: ABP supports Sea Cadets in local communities

As 2025 draws to a close, Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading ports group, has completed a programme of donations supporting the work of Sea Cadet units in coastal communities all across Britain.

The funds donated by ABP will be invested across fifteen Sea Cadet units in close proximity to ABP’s ports, including in Ayr in Scotland, Barrow in the North West, Barry, Cardiff, Newport and Swansea and Port Talbot in Wales, Grimsby, Hull and Immingham on the Humber, Ipswich and King’s Lynn in East Anglia, Teignmouth and Plymouth in the South West and Southampton.

Local Sea Cadet units, all run by volunteers and each a standalone charity, offer young people a variety of opportunities and experiences to help them develop the teamwork skills, confidence and qualifications on the water and off the water. They provide a strong platform for personal development through activity-based learning and role modelling. At ABP we see firsthand the positive difference our local units make to the lives of young people and communities.

ABP’s funding will be put to work in a wide variety of ways, with uses including new training vessels, upgrades to premises, provision of facilities for overnight accommodation, essential minibus repairs and equipment for life saving training. In several cases, ABP’s donations are helping Units reach long-term goals they have been fundraising towards for some time.

The response from the Torpoint Sea Cadets (Plymouth) illustrates the positive difference ABP’s support will make: “Many thanks again for this generous offer of a donation. We are very grateful indeed. As mentioned, this will go a long way into funding our unit expansion project, specifically by getting us significantly closer to our target of being able to purchase an additional two rowing boats for next summer’s boating season. We currently don’t have enough capacity to get all of our cadets on the water on each boating night, so the extra boats will bring some significant waterborne experiences for our cadets – young people from across the local area, including Plymouth and South East Cornwall.”

Catherine Tipper, Chair of the Southampton Sea Cadets said: “We are extremely grateful to ABP Southampton for the generous donation made to Southampton Sea Cadet unit. We are fortunate to have the ongoing and invaluable support of ABP, which helps our cadets gain essential skills, qualifications, and experiences to give them a real head start in life, they have fun, gain confidence and make friends. Thank you again, your donation makes a big difference to the work we can do.”

Kings Lynn Sea Cadets said: “”As a charity we work hard to raise funds to provide the best experience for our cadets. We have an amazing team of adult volunteers who support us in delivering this. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, this will help us immensely towards our purchase of a new safety boat.”

Hull Sea Cadets said “On behalf of everyone at the Unit, we thank you and ABP for your generous donation and continued support. It is much appreciated.”

Speaking for ABP, Paul Bristowe, Chief of Staff said: “We’ve been delighted to support our local Sea Cadet units through 2025, expanding a number of long-standing relationships. They do great work developing young people and highlighting the exciting opportunities the maritime sector offers. In particular I’d like to pay tribute to the volunteers who run the units, a number of whom are ABP colleagues, without whom none of this positive impact would be possible.”

For decades ABP has been a supporter of the Sea Cadets across multiple locations, including of the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Sea Cadets, based next to the Grimsby Port Office. The unit represents a great example of the variety of different water-based and shore-side activities available to young people, including sailing, windsurfing and powerboating to rock climbing, camping and paddle boarding.

In Southampton, ABP has previously donated to the Southampton Sea Cadets to help improve facilities and support the development of a variety of skills from cooking, cleaning, sailing, water safety, kayaking to confidence and relationship building. ABP has also donated items such as storage cupboards and role to Sea Cadet units, including in Barrow. In 2024, ABP supported the Ipswich Sea Cadets with the purchase and installation of a new pontoon.

Wizz Air launches UK first regular flight to Armenia’s capital from Luton

Wizz Air is set to expand its presence at London Luton Airport next summer with the launch of six new routes, including a UK first regular flight to the Armenian capital city.

The move follows the decision by rival airline TUI’s to completely relocate its operations away from Luton, and over to London Gatwick.

From 12 June, passengers will be able to fly from Luton to Yerevan, Alicante, Lyon, Corfu, Faro and Turin. Wizz Air is already the largest operator at the airport, and the additional services will coincide with the airline basing another aircraft there, bringing its total to 15.

The airline said the expansion would support the town’s wider ambitions. Wizz Air stated that the additional aircraft would bolster the area’s “economic growth strategy, helping to deliver long-term, sustainable growth for the airport and region”.

TUI confirmed its departure from Luton, explaining that the shift to Gatwick was made “to strengthen core operations”.

For the first time, there will be a non-stop connection between the UK and Armenia’s capital, with Wizz Air operating flights from Luton twice a week. The route adds a new destination in the Caucasus to the airport’s growing network.

Yerevan is known for its distinctive pink-hued architecture, built largely from locally quarried volcanic tuff stone. The city’s central Republic Square is a well-known focal point, while the Cascade Complex offers stepped terraces, public art and views across the capital towards Mount Ararat. Other notable sites include the ancient Erebuni Fortress, which reflects the city’s tri-millennial age and pre-Roman origins.

Other additions focus on established leisure markets. Alicante will be served five times a week, while Faro will see four weekly flights. The Corfu service makes it the fifth Greek island destination offered by the airline from Luton, further reinforcing its Mediterranean portfolio. Lyon and Turin complete the set of new routes, adding links to France and Italy.

The expansion will be supported by the A320neo family of aircraft. Airbus has said these aircraft incorporate advanced engine designs that reduce emissions, aligning fleet growth with efficiency improvements.

The new routes underline Wizz Air’s strategy to consolidate its position at London Luton Airport at a time of shifting airline operations across the capital’s airports.

The Cotswold Company Opens Chichester Showroom to Expand Premium Furniture Range

The Cotswold Company has made a notable departure from established practice with the launch of its 14th showroom, now open in Chichester, West Sussex.

Located at Unit 2, Portfield Retail Park, this is the first time this furniture and homewares company has situated its offerings in a retail park. The move allows the company to explore a larger format than its standard showroom designs.

The Chichester space has been meticulously crafted to simulate a much wider variety of home environments than is normally possible.

Visitors will find fully styled room settings, dropped ceilings, and faux window installations, creating an immersive shopping experience. The showroom also showcases the brand’s largest collection of upholstered furniture to date, alongside its ready-made curtain range.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Norwich, The Cotswold Company operates a digital-led omnichannel model, offering handcrafted premium furniture and home accessories.

Chichester represents the company’s fourth showroom opening in 2025, with another planned before the close of the financial year, highlighting a period of rapid expansion.

Ralph Tucker, chief executive of The Cotswold Company, said: “We’re delighted to officially open our new retail park showroom in Chichester.

“It was critical to replicate the charm and immersive experience that customers have come to know in love across our showroom portfolio, and we’re proud to provide the same look and feel in Chichester.

“We genuinely believe there isn’t a retail park showroom like it.

“This opening is a significant milestone for the brand as we strengthen our presence in the South East and drive the rollout of our immersive showroom format that allows customers to experience broader ranges of our collections.

“With a strong showroom pipeline, Chichester being the fourth in 2025 with at least one more planned before the end of the financial year, we’re building momentum as we work towards becoming the UK’s leading premium furniture and homeware brands.”

The decision to open so many new showrooms, and in such a well populated area, indicates The Cotswold Company’s confidence in both itself and the wider retail economy.

Ho-ho-home for Christmas: LNER Shares Festive Travel Advice Amidst the Rush

LNER is urging passengers to plan ahead this Christmas as the rail operator prepares for one of its busiest periods of the year, with nearly half a million journeys expected over the festive break.

Between 22 December 2025 and 4 January 2026, around 474,300 bookings have already been made on LNER services, with Saturday 27 December forecast to be the busiest day so far, carrying more than 66,000 passengers.

With stations and trains set to be busier than usual, customers are advised to arrive in good time, particularly as train doors can close up to two minutes before departure. Passengers booking directly with LNER can also opt in to live platform and seat notifications via the LNER Assistant, designed to ease last-minute travel stress.

To help journeys run smoothly, LNER is encouraging travellers to reserve seats where possible, pack only what they can comfortably carry, and make use of Passenger Assistance if extra support is needed. Customers can also sign up to the LNER Perks loyalty scheme, receiving £5 credit on joining and earning 2% back on future bookings made directly with the operator.

Colette Casey, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said:

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes at LNER to make sure we keep our customers on the move over the festive period, and spread some Christmas cheer along the way too.

“We also hope that our Christmas onboard offerings, including our new festive menu and the Christmas edition of our Routes podcast, make that journey home extra special – there’s plenty to keep younger travellers entertained as well.”

Families travelling with children can take advantage of LNER Family Lounges in Edinburgh, York and London King’s Cross, while onboard entertainment includes a festive edition of the LNER Kids Club podcast and seasonal activity books.

Passengers travelling First Class will be offered a Festive Menu featuring seasonal dishes sourced from suppliers along the East Coast route. Those in Standard Class can order refreshments directly to their seat through the ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ service.

While there is no planned engineering work affecting the East Coast route over Christmas, disruption on the West Coast Main Line and the Leeds to York route may affect other operators. Travellers are advised to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest journey updates before setting off.

Calling out the Dark Side of the Game: Inside Football’s New Safety App

Football has always been intense. Rivalry, noise and loyalty are part of its culture. But in an age shaped by online extremism, polarisation and increasingly unfiltered abuse, that intensity can tip into something more corrosive – behaviour that begins to push people away from the game.

The Football Safety App was developed in response to that shift. Its purpose is straightforward: to give fans, players and staff a practical way to report discrimination, abuse and safety concerns wherever they occur – in stadiums, on public transport, online, or in the spaces around matchday.

As Emile Heskey, Director of the Football Safety App, puts it:

“It’s time we all take responsibility – to stand up, speak out, and protect the sport that unites us all.”

From Reporting to Response

Unlike generic reporting platforms, the Football Safety App is built specifically for football. Users can report racism, offensive language, physical abuse, online hate crime, travel-related harassment and wider safety concerns through a single, accessible interface. Reports are routed to a central hub of trained professionals who work directly with clubs, stadium teams and police where appropriate. The objective is not simply to record incidents, but to enable timely, proportionate responses.

More than 5,000 reports of online abuse have already been submitted, alongside an 18% increase in reported match incidents. Rather than indicating rising disorder, the figures suggest growing confidence that reporting leads to action. With 11.8 million players and 55 million fans across the UK, football remains one of the country’s most visible shared spaces. What happens within it carries weight far beyond the final whistle.

Why This Became Personal

Support from the Premier League has helped establish the Football Safety App as a credible safeguard across both the professional and grassroots game. But its authority is shaped just as much by personal experience.

Heskey has spoken openly about how abuse followed him throughout his playing career, long before social media amplified its reach. What has changed, he argues, is how unavoidable it has become – no longer confined to stadiums or headlines, but reaching into homes, phones and family life.

That reality has shaped his perspective as a parent. Heskey has said that the environment around the modern game became so normalised that he never actively encouraged his own children to pursue professional careers – not because of football itself, but because of what increasingly surrounds it.

“Football has given me everything – a career, friendships, unforgettable memories,” he says.

“But it’s also shown me how damaging abuse, especially online, can be for players, fans and families.”

That concern extends beyond elite players. Matchday travel, in particular, has become an overlooked flashpoint, where abuse often spills into public transport and affects families, commuters and staff with no connection to the game itself.

The operational value of the app is understood by those responsible for managing safety on the ground. Kul, Director of Safeguarding for the Football Safety App, spent more than three decades in policing, including serving as a Football Match Commander.

“In my 32 years in policing, football was a constant,” he says.

“I saw first-hand how the actions of a small minority affected the majority.”

From an operational perspective, he argues that real-time intelligence from supporters and on-the-ground staff could significantly improve decision-making.

“An app providing live information would have informed deployment and intervention far more effectively,” he explains.

“That’s why I see the Football Safety App as one of the most meaningful changes to football policing in recent years.”

Accountability Without Policing the Stands

Crucially, the app does not attempt to suppress football’s competitive edge. It draws a clear distinction between rivalry – which the game depends on – and abuse, which it does not. Users are provided with guidance on where that line sits, removing ambiguity and lowering the barrier to speaking up.

Supporters are not asked to confront one another. Responsibility is shifted away from those on the receiving end of abuse and placed on the behaviour itself.

“The Football Safety App isn’t about silencing rivalry,” Heskey says.

“It’s about restoring respect. We want accountability for those who use football as a platform for hate, and protection for those who simply love the game.”

The app does not claim to solve football’s cultural problems on its own. Instead, it provides the infrastructure that accountability requires – making it easier to report abuse than to ignore it.

By linking real-time reporting with professional oversight and enforcement, the Football Safety App turns concern into action. In doing so, it reinforces a simple idea: football should remain a space people want to be part of.

Learn more about the Football Safety App here.

Student Safety App proves vital as student safety incidents continue across UK campuses

Young people in Further Education and Higher Education continue to face gaps in safety support, particularly when travelling to and from campuses, attending off-site activities or navigating their local areas. Despite years of development and adoption, incidents of harassment, assaults, spiking, and other concerning events continue to highlight the urgent need for effective, student-led safety solutions. Many colleges and universities still rely on a mix of campus-only tools, disconnected systems and informal channels, leaving students without a consistent way to report safeguarding concerns or receive time-sensitive information. Incidents often go unreported due to worries about being judged, dismissed, or “making a fuss.”

The Student Safety App (SSA) has been supporting students across the UK since its launch, providing a free, student-led platform designed for everyday use by learners starting in college and progressing onto university. SSA brings together real-time alerts, anonymous reporting and practical safety tools in one trusted, city-wide network used by students, colleges, universities, accommodation providers, councils and local partners.

Former England and Premier League footballer Emile Heskey, a spearhead for the Student Safety App, said:

“The Student Safety App is a social app that allows students to work together and navigate through inner cities and around crime. Students should never have to walk home alone feeling afraid. This app is what they’ve been waiting for – practical, fast and student-focused.”

SSA offers a simple, unified way for students to look after themselves and each other. Reports can be submitted anonymously, with every submission verified by a 24/7 human control team before alerts are shared. The app provides discreet options to record concerns, a quick-access SOS function, live journey tracking for trusted contacts, safe-route information and a built-in “fake call” tool for uncomfortable situations. Students within this safety network also get access to exclusive rewards through partnered retailers.

SSA is entirely free and an admin panel is available for education providers. For FE settings, it supports safeguarding responsibilities by placing guidance, reporting tools and induction materials directly on students’ phones. For universities, it complements existing processes while assisting with obligations such as OfS E6. It also supports preparedness for Martyn’s Law by enabling rapid communication and offering transparent, audit-ready records during events.

The platform also works in partnership with the Barnaby Webber Foundation, created in memory of University of Nottingham student Barnaby Webber. A spokesperson for the Foundation said:

“Barnaby’s father Dave, mother Emma and brother Charlie are very happy to support the Student Safety App – it’s really a no-brainer.”

SSA’s message is clear: remove stigma, simplify reporting and ensure that students are not left without support once they step off campus and afterhours. As incidents continue to affect young people, the app demonstrates that verified information, 24/7 monitoring, and a trusted network are not optional – they are essential. By bringing colleges, universities, and local communities into one shared safety network, SSA continues to set the standard for student safety in the UK.

Learn more at StudentSafetyApp.com

Queen’s Nurse award for NSFT nurse Annie Webster

A nurse at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has received national recognition for her contribution to patient care, professional development and leadership within community nursing.

Annie Webster, Lead Advanced Practitioner at NSFT, has been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title by the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing. The charity recognises excellence and leadership among nurses working in community settings across the UK. The Queen’s Nurse title is awarded to registered nurses with more than five years’ experience, supported by nominations that include feedback from both managers and patients.

Annie received her Queen’s Nurse badge and certificate at a ceremony held in London on 28 November. The award was presented by Karen Bonner BEM, London’s Chief Nurse at NHS England. The Queen’s Nurse award for NSFT nurse places Annie among a nationally recognised group of experienced community practitioners.

She said she was “extremely honoured” to receive the recognition. Annie added: “I felt extremely honoured to receive my award and greatly enjoyed sharing this experience with fellow nurses from across the UK. I hope the accolade of Queen’s Nurse will provide further opportunities to champion the voice of nurses within the Trust.”

Annie has worked as a Learning Disability Nurse for almost 30 years. She joined NSFT in November 2016, initially working in the Emergency Mental Health Team in Ipswich before moving to the Suffolk under-18 ADHD service in 2018. She completed her advanced practice programme in 2019 and went on to hold advanced practice and clinical leadership roles within neurodevelopmental services.

In January 2025, Annie took up her current role as Trust Lead for Advanced Practice and Non-Medical Prescribing. In this post, she supports the development, governance and professional practice of clinicians working in highly autonomous roles across the Trust. The Queen’s Nurse award for NSFT nurse reflects her ongoing contribution to workforce development and patient care.

She said: “With my background in education, I have always been committed to developing others. I feel privileged to be working with such dedicated clinicians who provide a high standard of care to patients and their families.”

Anthony Deery, Chief Nurse at NSFT, said: “Annie is an outstanding nurse whose leadership, knowledge and dedication have helped shape advanced practice and non-medical prescribing at NSFT.

“Her commitment to developing the nursing workforce and maintaining the highest standards of care for patients and families makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Queen’s Nurse title.”

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services to a population of more than 1.6 million people across the two counties. The Trust employs over 5,000 staff working from more than 50 locations.

Handyperson Service of the Year award for South Norfolk and Broadland councils

South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils’ Handyperson Service has been named Handyperson Service of the Year at the National Healthy Housing Awards. The ceremony took place on 17 December at The Stoller Hall in Manchester.

The award was decided by an expert judging panel that included representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Centre for Ageing Better and Procare. Judges recognised the service for its contribution to improving housing standards and supporting residents to remain safe in their own homes.

The national recognition reflects the ongoing work of the Handyperson Service in helping people live independently. The service focuses on practical interventions that reduce risks within the home and improve day to day living conditions for residents across South Norfolk and Broadland.

Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our Handyperson Service has been recognised nationally. This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team, who go above and beyond to help residents live safely and comfortably in their homes.”

South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Graham Minshull, also welcomed the announcement. He said: “This service makes a real difference to people’s lives, and I’m pleased to see that recognised at a national level. It’s a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the value of working together to support our communities.”

The Handyperson Service provides small scale repairs and home adaptations designed to improve safety. Tasks include fitting grab rails, installing smoke alarms, securing loose carpets and completing other minor works that help reduce the risk of accidents in the home.

The service is particularly beneficial for older residents, people with disabilities and those who need additional support to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. The Handyperson Service of the Year award highlights the impact of this work and the role it plays in supporting healthier housing outcomes.

Peterborough council asked for views on postponing 2026 local elections

Peterborough City Council has been formally invited by the Government to give its views on delaying the city’s Local Elections scheduled for Spring 2026.

In a letter sent on Thursday, 18 December, ministers asked the council to respond on whether postponing the elections until 2027 would help release capacity needed to deliver Local Government Reorganisation in the area.

Peterborough City Council, along with other councils, has until midnight on Thursday, 15 January to submit its position. The Secretary of State will then decide whether to issue an order allowing elections to be deferred by one year for councils that identify capacity concerns. Town and parish council elections would continue as planned.

The request comes as councils across England and Wales prepare for Local Government Reorganisation, which will bring changes to council structures and the geographical areas they serve.

The council will now consider how to respond ahead of the May 2026 elections, when 18 councillor seats would otherwise be contested by the public.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We welcome the opportunity to set out our views to Government on the postponement of a local elections in Spring 2026, to free up essential capacity to get on with the job of LGR.

“It is a busy time for all councils in England and Wales with the LGR fast approaching, which is a fundamental change to how councils will operate and the geographical areas they will serve.

“We will now be spending time with both officers and our Councillors to consider what is best for Peterborough, to go ahead with an election in 2026, or to postpone to 2027.”