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‘People like me living with dementia deserve respect, compassion and humanity right to the very end’

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Belfast Live

She was speaking after a care worker was sentenced for sending degrading Snapchat images of dementia patients

A Co Antrim woman living with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia says the sentencing of a care worker for posting degrading images of people living with dementia is a reminder that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

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She was speaking after Ciara Corvan, who took degrading pictures of dementia patients and sent them on Snapchat received a probation order and 100 hours of community service earlier this week.

Corvan, 28, committed the offences while working as a healthcare assistant at a specialist ward for dementia patients at the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.

Passing sentence at Craigavon Crown Court on Monday, Judge Patrick McGurgan said Corvan, from Cathedrals View in Co Armagh, had failed to treat patients in her care with the respect and dignity they were entitled to.

Pat Cullinan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia on the same day in 2023, says a diagnosis of dementia should never mean losing your rights, your voice or your dignity.

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Pat, 65 and from Ballymena, is herself a former care home worker and committed to challenging the stigma that comes with a dementia diagnosis.

She said: “It’s heart-breaking to think that something like this could happen to someone like me. No one should have their dignity taken away simply because they have dementia. People living with dementia still have rights. We deserve to be treated with respect, compassion and humanity, right to the very end of our lives.

“Too often there is an assumption that ‘they won’t know anyway’, but that could not be further from the truth. Even when someone can no longer express themselves in the same way, it does not mean they have lost their voice or their right to be treated with dignity.

“I have worked in nursing homes and to think that someone could be humiliated, photographed without consent and denied a voice is devastating.”

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Since her diagnosis, Pat, who has four children and four grandchildren, has found a lifeline through the support of her peers after joining Dementia NI’s Empowerment Group in Ballymoney; she says this has been crucial to her continued health and positive outlook.

She added: “None of us knows what lies ahead. We should treat every person as we would want to be treated ourselves. A diagnosis of dementia should never mean becoming forgotten or losing your voice, your rights or your dignity.”

Among the images Corvan sent to co-workers on Snapchat was a picture of a female patient in the bath; a video of her shaking a patient’s hand while music played in the background with a caption claiming she was having a “rave”; and a picture of her and a patient with their noses almost touching with the caption “why the f*** is she so close to me?”.

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Earlier this year, Corvan pleaded guilty to a total of seven counts of ill treatment of patients under the Mental Health Order (NI) 1986.

The offences, which covered the period from the autumn of 2022 to the summer of 2023, involved four dementia patients being cared for on the ward. All four have since died.

Police said the case was the first prosecution of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Judge McGurgan told Corvan her crimes were committed while she was in a position of trust.

“You were employed to provide care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.

“It is a hard enough decision, in my view, for a family to make to place a loved one in a care setting, particularly when that loved one is as vulnerable as the victims were in this case.

“The very least families can expect is that those who are entrusted to care for their loved ones are treated with respect and dignity.

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Dementia NI says Pat’s words highlight why it is important that people have the opportunity to plan ahead and make their wishes known.

That’s why the charity, which supports people with dementia to live well and drive positive change, is calling for the introduction of Lasting Power of Attorney in Northern Ireland, so people living with dementia can have their choices respected and their voices heard, both now and in the future.

Those who would like more information on the campaign to ensure Lasting Power of Attorney is implemented in NI can find it here.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Lib Dem mayoral candidate welcomes new powers but criticises election delay

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Lib Dem mayoral candidate welcomes new powers but criticises election delay

Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Hampshire and the Solent and Leader of Winchester City Council, has welcomed the Government’s plans to give elected mayors greater powers but warned that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being held back by the delay to the region’s mayoral election.

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Eddie Howe sends emotional message to Newcastle fans as club confirms bombshell exit – and labels his five-year spell at St James’ Park a ‘privilege of my lifetime’

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Eddie Howe delivered an emotional farewell statement to Newcastle United fans on Friday

Eddie Howe has delivered an emotional farewell to Newcastle United supporters as the club confirmed his departure in a statement on Friday.

Howe, who established Newcastle as European regulars and won the 2025 Carabao Cup during his near five-year spell in charge at St James’ Park, came to an agreement to leave his role with immediate effect this week after contemplating his future over the summer.

The Englishman informed Newcastle of his wish to leave earlier this month but agreed to stay on until a replacement was found, with German coach Matthias Jaissle now stepping in to succeed him ahead of the new 2026-27 season.

As part of a statement shared by the club to their website on Friday, Howe described the opportunity as a ‘privilege of a lifetime’.

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‘After a period of personal reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from my role as head coach of Newcastle United,’ he confirmed.

‘After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break.

Eddie Howe delivered an emotional farewell statement to Newcastle United fans on Friday

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‘Although it’s been incredibly difficult to make this decision, I know in my heart that it’s the right one. I have always put the best interests of Newcastle before my own in every single decision I have made whilst I’ve been here and this one is no different.

‘It has been the privilege of my lifetime to have been the manager of Newcastle United.

‘It is difficult to put into words what this club, the city and its supporters mean, and will always mean, to me and my family. From the moment myself, Jason and all of the staff arrived nearly half a decade ago, Newcastle instantly felt like home and the people here welcomed us with open arms. We took huge pride in representing the club from day one and this city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

‘There have been so many incredible moments in our time here. From fighting relegation in our first season to the numerous unforgettable nights at St. James’ Park in the Champions League soon after. The progression was fast.

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‘Everyone came together, united and what a force we became, culminating in bringing home our first domestic trophy in 70 years. These are all memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

‘I would like to put on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben, Jacobo Solís and everyone at PIF, David Hopkinson, Ross Wilson and the entire ownership and leadership group for placing their trust in me and for giving me the opportunity to lead this special football club.

‘I remain incredibly positive and enthusiastic about the future of Newcastle. The club is in fantastic hands with a great leadership team and I have no doubt together, alongside whoever comes in to replace me, they will continue to deliver success on the pitch.

‘Thank you to Jason Tindall, Graeme Jones, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone, Dan Hodges, Andy Howe and Jordan Tribe for their incredible loyalty, support and dedication and to all of the amazing staff behind the scenes whose hard work and loyalty makes this club what it is.

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‘A special thank you to all of the players who have represented the club during my time here. Without you, nothing would have been possible and it’s been an honour to have coached you all.

‘Finally, and most importantly, thank you to our incredible supporters. Your passion and loyalty have inspired me every single day. To stand on the touchline at St. James’ Park as your manager with the honour of representing your club has meant more to me than you will ever know.

‘While my journey as manager has now come to an end, the affinity and love I will always hold for Newcastle United never will.

‘Thank you for everything. I wish the club every success for the future.’

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The timing of Howe’s departure has rocked Tyneside, even though it has not come as a surprise on the back of a turbulent 12 months. 

After losing star striker Alexander Isak last September, England winger Anthony Gordon and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali have been sold to Barcelona and Tottenham respectively this summer. 

Arsenal have also today reached an agreement in principle to sign midfield leader Bruno Guimaraes for a fee that is understood to be worth £77million plus add-ons.

As revealed by Daily Mail Sport, Guimaraes dropped a bombshell on the Newcastle hierarchy several weeks ago by informing them of his desire to leave. And he did not fly with the rest of the Toon squad to their pre-season training camp in La Manga on Friday.

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Andy Burnham appoints former pop band star and heartthrob to be his top economic adviser after causing a stir in the Treasury

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Andy Burnham has appointed a former Clean Bandit star to be his top economic adviser

Once part of a chart-topping pop band, he became a heartthrob who travelled the world and graced magazine covers. 

Now, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed former Clean Bandit musician Neil Amin-Smith to be his top economic adviser. 

Before his successful political career began in 2019, Amin-Smith, 36, was a violinist in the Grammy Award-winning band. 

The British electronic music group was formed in Cambridge in 2008 and also consisted of members Grace Chatto and brothers Jack and Luke Patterson. 

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The band is best known for its hits Rather Be, which spent four weeks at number one in the UK and sold over 1.1million copies, Rockabye and Symphony.

Over the years they collaborated with huge artists including Demi Lovato, Zara Larsson and Jess Glynne.

Andy Burnham has appointed a former Clean Bandit star to be his top economic adviser

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Before his successful political career began in 2019, Amin-Smith, 36, was a violinist in the Grammy Award-winning band

Before his successful political career began in 2019, Amin-Smith, 36, was a violinist in the Grammy Award-winning band

During his music career, Amin-Smith appeared on the cover of Gay Times, after announcing he had started a relationship with Years & Years singer, Olly Alexander.

‘It’s important for people to see you can be happy as a gay couple, and as a young gay couple,’ he told Capital FM in 2015.

The pair dated for a year around ten years ago, before breaking up. However, in February 2025, Alexander revealed that he has reignited a love affair with an old flame.  

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In 2016, Amin-Smith ditched the glamour of the music industry when he quit the band.

Amin-Smith, who grew up in North London, then joined the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), an economic think-tank, as a research economist, before moving to the Treasury in 2019 as a senior policy adviser.

He took on a powerful role as the Labour Party’s main political adviser for policy affecting the City of London, working closely with Rachel Reeves for four years.

And this week, according to The Times, Amin-Smith has been spotted in 10 Downing Street after being appointed by the Prime Minister, who has officially been in office for just under two weeks, having succeeded Keir Starmer on July 20.

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Amin-Smith graduated from Cambridge with a BA in History, and later an MPhil in Economics in 2013, at which point he says he turned down job offers from the Foreign Office and MI6 to pursue a musical career with the group.

‘Both very tempting, but no real regrets,’ he told the Daily Telegraph in 2015. ‘I don’t think I would have wanted to be working in the national interest as such.’

Elsewhere in 2025, the heartthrob has topped the Standard’s list of 100 sexiest people in London, after ‘turning Treasury heads like hungry owls’, according to the publication.

Rachel Reeves (middle) laughs next to Neil Amin-Smith(left) and Ed Miliband (right) made a joke at 11 Downing Street in London on July 9, 2024

Rachel Reeves (middle) laughs next to Neil Amin-Smith(left) and Ed Miliband (right) made a joke at 11 Downing Street in London on July 9, 2024

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During his music career, Amin-Smith appeared on the cover of Gay Times, after announcing he had started a relationship with Years & Years singer, Olly Alexander

During his music career, Amin-Smith appeared on the cover of Gay Times, after announcing he had started a relationship with Years & Years singer, Olly Alexander 

‘He’s unusually gorgeous, and quite stylish,’ one Treasury official told Politico.

‘He’s a bit of a popstar, but he doesn’t rub it in your face. It’s a kind of quiet, confident coolness.’

The new move from Burnham comes after he made a number of changes in his cabinet.  

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Burnham’s new cabinet includes several senior Labour figures, with several notable changes from the previous government.

Rachel Reeves was axed as Chancellor, Sir Keir’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was sacked, and Peter Kyle lost his job as Business Secretary as Mr Burnham cleared the way for his own allies to take key roles.

However, both Angela Rayner, who was forced to resign over a tax scandal, and Louise Haigh, who quit as Transport Secretary when a previous fraud conviction came to light, are back in the Cabinet.

The ex-Manchester mayor has promised to deliver the biggest change to British politics in 40 years.

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He promised to provide early ‘breathing space’ for households struggling with the cost of living, vowed to end rough sleeping and set out a goal of ‘reindustrialising Britain’.

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Revealed: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cost Canadian taxpayers $539k for private protection including $365k in one year alone while they were dating and $10,586 to guard Duchess during a girls’ weekend

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Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex at Wheelchair Basketball in Vancouver Convention Centre during Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Meghan considers Canada her 'second home' after the US while Harry has strong links via the Royal Family and Invictus

Prince Harry racked up the highest taxpayer-funded security bill of any VIP visiting Canada over a five-year period – including $365,000 (£195,000) in 12 months while he was courting Meghan Markle, newly released figures revealed today.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) records show public spending on protection for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was $539,000 (£286,686) between April 2015 and March 2020.

Canadian taxpayers may even have picked up a $10,586 (£5,642) bill for Mountie bodyguards during the Duchess of Sussex’s private three-day girls’ trip to Toronto with her former best friend Jessica Mulroney in 2018, it has emerged.

State broadcaster CBC has won a six-year freedom of information battle to uncover the true cost of protecting dignitaries visiting the country.

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The $539,000 (£286,686) spent protecting Harry was the highest security bill for any VIP over the same five-year period – more than the Obamas, the Clintons and the Trumps. 

Harry accounted for more than 10 per cent of the $5million (£2.66million) spent safeguarding around 100 royals, politicians, diplomats and their families while visiting Canada. 

His annual security bill peaked at $364,859 in 2017-18, the year he proposed to Meghan, who was filming the final series of Suits in Toronto.

In the 2016-17, the year they first met and began secretly dating, the cost to Canadian taxpayers was $106,000.

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The amount spent protecting Harry, then a working member of the Royal Family, dwarfed the $178,584 bill for his father, then-Prince Charles, who visited Ontario and Quebec with Camilla in 2017.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex at Wheelchair Basketball in Vancouver Convention Centre during Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Meghan considers Canada her ‘second home’ after the US while Harry has strong links via the Royal Family and Invictus

Canadian taxpayers may even have picked up a $10,586 (£5,642) bill for Mountie bodyguards during the Duchess of Sussex's private three-day girls' trip to Toronto with her former best friend Jessica Mulroney in 2018

Canadian taxpayers may even have picked up a $10,586 (£5,642) bill for Mountie bodyguards during the Duchess of Sussex’s private three-day girls’ trip to Toronto with her former best friend Jessica Mulroney in 2018

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Harry stayed with Meghan at her home in Toronto (pictured) when she was filming Suits. Their relationship was a secret for around six months

Harry stayed with Meghan at her home in Toronto (pictured) when she was filming Suits. Their relationship was a secret for around six months

Harry, who adores Canada and has attended numerous Invictus and military events there, made a number of undercover trips to Toronto, starting in 2016 when he fell in love with the actress following a blind date.

He stayed in Meghan’s home in the city on a number of occasions.

Prince Harry described their flight from Canada to Los Angeles after Megxit as their "freedom flight' - and shared footage of them on board with Netflix

Prince Harry described their flight from Canada to Los Angeles after Megxit as their ‘freedom flight’ – and shared footage of them on board with Netflix

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‘We had a good five, six months almost with just privacy, which was amazing’, Meghan said at that time.

The cost of protecting the Sussexes in Canada dropped sharply to $866 in 2018-19 and $904 in 2019-20 – when they spent most of their time in the UK after marrying – before rising again to $56,405 in 2019-20.

Harry and Meghan had briefly moved to Vancouver after Megxit in January 2020, before relocating to California on a secret trip Harry called their ‘freedom flight‘.

In its accounts, the RCMP attributes the vast majority of the $539,000 costs over five years to Prince Harry.

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According to the Court Circular, Prince Harry had one public visit to Canada during 2017 and 2018 – a weeklong trip to Toronto related to Invictus and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The newly released documents show a separate entry for the Duchess of Sussex in 2018-19, totalling $10,586.

CBC has linked the expenditure directly to a trip Meghan made in August 2018 to spend three days with Jessica Mulroney.

It is believed to be her only visit to Canada in that financial year.

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They became close while Meghan was filming Suits in Toronto for seven years, with Jessica often credited with helping shape many of Meghan’s most stylish looks.

But their friendship is said to have later crumbled when Jessica was cancelled in June 2020 after a Black influencer accused her of exhibiting ‘textbook white privilege’ during a dispute linked to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Meghan reportedly cut off contact.

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Should celebrities and royals pay for their own security when visiting other countries?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first public engagements together was at 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first public engagements together was at 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto

Jessica had been inseparable from Meghan for years, helped keep her relationship with Harry secret and was among the first people Meghan called from Kensington Palace after Harry proposed.

Jessica’s twin sons, John and Brian, then seven, had the honour of carrying Meghan’s train down the aisle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, while her daughter Ivy, then two, served as a bridesmaid alongside Princess Charlotte at the royal wedding.

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But Jessica was later cut adrift by her former best friend, and effectively cancelled, after expressing her views on Black Lives Matter.

‘She was upset their friendship ended,’ an insider told the Daily Mail last year.

While Prince Harry topped the list for VIP security costs, the bill for Canadian Mounties protecting former US presidents and their families was at $497,544.

A number of these visits were related speeches, book tours and even ski holidays.

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Canadian security expert Phil Gurski told CBC that VIPs visiting the country for commercial engagements should help cover the costs.

He said: ‘Why are we paying for the privilege of them coming here to make money from Canadians?’

Security for Barack and Michelle Obama cost $295,411, followed by Bill and Hillary Clinton on $143,927.

‘President Trump & Family’ is also listed in the accounts, with $51,558 incurred in 2016-17, $13,078 in 2017-18 and $1,769 in 2018-19.

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Protecting US ambassadors to Canada, Bruce Heyman and Kelly Craft, cost $487,654 over five years, followed by the $446,333 spent on security for US vice-presidents such as Joe Biden and Mike Pence.

The financial records were first requested in January 2020 but only were released this week after Canada’s Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard intervened.

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“I fancy gingers” Wedding guest creep left women terrified at luxury hotel

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Daily Record

Conor Meechan, who has been attending a wedding at the luxury Crossbasket Castle Hotel, told the court he was at a loss to explain his actions.

A wedding guest who told two terrified women he had a ‘sexual attraction to gingers’ has been spared jail.

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Conor Meechan, 34, was at the luxury Crossbasket Castle Hotel in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, when he entered a neighbouring bedroom.

Meechan kissed one woman on the cheek which left her scared he would carry out more sexual acts.

The second woman said she was engaged, to which he replied, ‘Oh s*** are you?’ and then stated he would return and winked towards the women.

During the altercation, both women texted each other with one stating, ‘What the f*** is going on, I wish he would leave’. He was reported to hotel staff who ordered him to leave the five-star venue.

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When challenged over his actions, he replied: “I’ve not done anything wrong, I have only had three beers.” He was reported to police and an investigation led to him being arrested.

Meechan, of Pollock, Glasgow, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted two charges of sexual assault.

Sheriff Maria Kicinski ordered him to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for a year.

Depute fiscal Cameron Murdoch told the court: “The accused entered the bedroom and made comments on their appearance and called them pretty and gorgeous.

“He stated to them that he had a thing for gingers, and one of the witnesses began laughing out of nerves.

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“He then sat down next to the witness and asked her her name and immediately thereafter kissed her, but she turned her head, and he kissed her on the cheek, which caused her to feel frightened that he would carry out other sexual acts.

“The accused remained in the room and began speaking to the other woman, who politely engaged the accused, but he made sexual comments to both women, similar to those he had a sexual attraction to gingers and redheads.”

Laura Kiernan, defending, said: “He is at a loss to explain his actions and he cannot explain why he did this.

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“He is a hard-working man who has his own business and is somebody who is not deemed to pose a serious risk to the public and can be managed in the community.”

Sheriff Kicinski said: “I have taken into account of all of the facts of this case which are obviously a concern but it is reassuring to read that they are a concern to you as well.

“This is not the way you normally behave which is also reassuring and there is an alternative to a period of imprisonment.”

Meechan, a roofer, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a year.

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How community football is helping youth stay out of trouble – Positive News

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How community football is helping youth stay out of trouble - Positive News

From knife-crime prevention to mental health support, grassroots football is being taken seriously as a tool for social change, and local clubs say the results are already visible

Leicester Nirvana FC’s Ivan Liburd has seen first-hand what grassroots football can do for young people at risk of being drawn into serious crime.

When local authorities asked if he would take on a young person with a history of carrying knives as part of a pilot scheme, Liburd agreed to let him help with Saturday morning training sessions. “He was a habitual knife carrier who had been caught with a knife multiple times,” says Liburd. “But he came to me, worked with me, helped out with the young players. By the end he was walking there in the rain, running around with the kids, laughing – totally dedicated.”

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The change was so marked that police could hardly believe it was the same person. “They said: ‘What? He came to training voluntarily?’” Liburd recalled. “I said: ‘Yes.’ Because these young people just react differently when they’re in the community, with someone who’s not perceived as a threat to them.”

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For Liburd, that response is rooted in the kind of club Leicester Nirvana has become. Before moving to its current location, the club was based at Highfields in the inner city, where row upon row of Victorian red brick terraced housing left little room for greenery, let alone a grass pitch.

“We grew up in these areas,” he says. “There was no proper organised sport, it was all concrete, 40% of young people were in poverty.”

After scouting a patch of public land four miles away in Hamilton, the club’s management persuaded the local council to let them section off and maintain a full-sized pitch, and build a clubhouse. Now, weekend mornings at this quiet spot on the edge of the city come alive with the sound of kids from as many as 70 countries shouting words of encouragement to each other. Black banners with “NO Racism” are visible to everyone who passes through the entrance, and a spectator stand filled with weather-faded black and red seats is studded with supportive parents.

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Research into the Kicks programme found that 93% of participants believed it helped them get into less trouble. Image: Leicester Nirvana

For Liburd, the point is that a club can become more than a place to play. It can become a trusted space, especially for young people who may not respond to more formal authority. “Some of those same kids that misbehave at school will come to football and they’ll be good as gold with their coach,” he says. “Communities like ours can access these young people at their best, we can connect with them and hopefully make them better people.”

Football is increasingly being used by police and club charities as a way to prevent antisocial behaviour, youth violence and crime. Through the Premier League Kicks Police Partnerships Fund, nearly £1m of Premier League funding is being matched by £1.2m from police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners and Violence Reduction Units, creating a pot of more than £2m over two years for 43 football club charities across England and Wales.

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Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell says football occupies a rare position in young people’s lives. Partnering with Premier League Kicks and Everton in the Community, Spurrell made the grassroots game a formal part of her crime reduction strategy between 2024 and 2025, in a bid to improve outcomes for hard-to-reach youngsters in the region.

A club can become a trusted space, especially for young people who may not respond to more formal authority

“[These programmes] work because they do far more than just put a football on a pitch,” she says. “Grassroots football has a real ability to connect with young people who might not respond to more traditional approaches.”I

In Merseyside, more than 30 free sessions now run each week for young people aged eight to 19. Everton in the Community says antisocial behaviour and crime fall by 75% to 82% during Premier League Kicks session times around the region.

“When young people are given something positive to be part of, supported by consistent role models and clear expectations, we see real and measurable drops in antisocial behaviour and crime, that benefit whole neighbourhoods,” Spurrell says.

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In Merseyside, more than 30 free sessions now run each week for young people aged eight to 19. Image: Leicester Nirvana

The young people involved report similar benefits. Independent research by the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University into the Kicks programme found that 93% of participants believed it helped them get into less trouble. It also found that 86% believed the programme had improved their career opportunities and made them more confident speaking in front of a group, while more than 300 Kicks alumni are now employed in roles across the club charity network as a result of their involvement.

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The benefits of the grassroots game also go well beyond crime prevention. Anxiety, depression and loneliness have risen among children and adults since the Covid-19 pandemic, while obesity remains a major public health challenge. According to research cited by the Football Foundation, more than 15 million people in England play football regularly, generating £15.9bn in social value each year, including £3.2bn in healthcare savings.

For Liburd, the health benefits are visible every week at training. “Some of our groups, when you walk past, they’re just laughing, just playing about,” he says. “They’re here for the social aspect.”

His message to anyone hesitant to get involved is simple. “Football is the most accessible sport in the country right now, so just come. Enjoy being around other people, enjoy being part of something. It gets you out and touching grass – literally. It doesn’t need to be about excellence.”

Main image: Jason Senior

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Football has spoken: Gianni Infantino must go

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Football has spoken: Gianni Infantino must go

In the aftermath of the World Cup, despite the many issues that had plagued the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Gianni Infantino spoke in tones that suggested he felt invincible. By delivering record revenues and the “most outstanding” World Cup ever, the Fifa president felt emboldened enough to embark on a victory lap, admonishing his critics from within the stronghold of his Fifa palace, while safe in the knowledge that the structures and mechanisms designed to keep him in power were secure.

Barely a week later, the walls around Infantino are crumbling before our eyes. In overplaying his hand and rushing through proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup and Fifa tournaments to private investors, Infantino has crossed a line from which he may not return. Uefa’s extraordinary decision to boycott the World Cup should Infantino get his way has been followed by two more federations, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, rejecting his proposals. Uefa now has enough support to comfortably defeat Infantino if a vote of Fifa’s 211 member associations goes ahead next month.

The walls around Gianni Infantino are crumbling
The walls around Gianni Infantino are crumbling (Getty)

Whether Infantino’s plans, understood by The Independent to have been in the works for over a year, even survive for that long is another matter. Infantino is also under mounting pressure from within Fifa itself. The president’s long-time adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, described as a heavyweight figure within the organisation, resigned in protest on Friday. “Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking, I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away,” he said in a statement. “That is why this proposal should be rejected.” If even the Fifa suits have seen enough, it tells you that Infantino has gone too far.

In its own statement in the early hours of Friday morning, Fifa provided some “clarifications” around the private investment proposals, insisting that its “planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports”. But it may not stop some of Infantino’s steadfast allies from switching sides. Asia will host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia and parts of the region have benefited greatly from Infantino’s support since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but the AFC’s president, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain, has been Infantino’s most vocal critic outside of Europe. A withering statement on Friday accused Fifa of “undermining” the World Cup and called for an “urgent review” into its governance.

The AFC said it stands in “solidarity” with Uefa, while Concacaf (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) also confirmed that it had “rejected the proposals” following its own emergency meeting. The Independent also understands that the vast majority of Concacaf’s 41 members have lost confidence in Infantino’s presidency. That is to be admired, as Infantino’s ploy of offering countries $40m for backing his proposals, or risk receiving only $10m for rejecting them, was aimed primarily at smaller nations who would have benefited greatly from the windfall, an additional pot of gold to clear debts and fund overdue infrastructure projects. Infantino attempted to target those vulnerabilities, but he has come up against organised, united opposition.

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With Uefa, the AFC and Concacaf aligned, a voting bloc of around 150 member associations would comfortably defeat Infantino’s proposals, even if a few countries from those federations went against the whip. For Infantino, an embarrassing defeat appears inevitable. Further opposition from the confederations of South America and Africa, who have yet to publicly take a stance either way, would surely make his position untenable and spell the end of his presidency. Even so, it is already beyond clear that Infantino must go: a president who places his political interests and the financial incentives of private investors – from within Donald Trump’s own family – above the sport is no leader. As Uefa said: “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership but an abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football.”

Spain are among the Uefa nations to have threatened to boycott the World Cup
Spain are among the Uefa nations to have threatened to boycott the World Cup (Reuters)
Infantino has close ties with Trump
Infantino has close ties with Trump (PA Wire)

Even if his proposals are defeated, Infantino will surely take another page from the Trump playbook in another respect: could you ever imagine Trump resigning over anything, no matter how egregious, let alone admitting to a miscalculation of such epic proportions? It says a lot that, in the midst of an apparent crisis, Infantino was accelerating his plans for an expansion to 64 teams for the next World Cup while his fiercest opponents, Uefa, was holding its emergency meeting on Thursday.

Infantino is acting like a tyrant, and he must be stopped. Uefa and its allies will be rewarded for the strength of its opposition in recent days, but they must now strike and put forward a candidate to challenge Infantino’s presidency when he stands for re-election in March next year. Uefa’s Alexander Ceferin, who has positioned himself as the anti-Infantino despite making anti-competitive changes to the Champions League under his leadership, would be an obvious candidate.

Aleksander Ceferin (left) and Nasser al-Khelaifi are possible challengers to Infantino
Aleksander Ceferin (left) and Nasser al-Khelaifi are possible challengers to Infantino (Getty)

The Independent, meanwhile, has reported that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi, the chairman of Qatar Sports Investment, would also carry support. He could stand to gain from a further elevation of his status within the game. Other figures such as Lise Klaveness, the president of the Football Association of Norway, have been standing up to Infantino for some time. Klaveness in particular should be recognised for putting her head above the parapet long before the tide on Infantino turned within political circles.

Infantino’s plans for the “Fifa Forward Enterprise” may appear to be on life support, but it will also take more to topple his empire. That said, football has spoken and faces a window of opportunity that must now be seized if it wants to build a fairer game: the rejection of Infantino’s proposals must stand for the rejection of the man himself, and the organisation he has helped shape.

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Not Edinburgh or Glasgow – Scottish city named ‘best thing to do in the UK right now’

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Daily Record

It topped a new list of places to go by Time Out.

A visit to one of Scotland’s cities has been crowned the “best thing to do in the UK” by Time Out, and it is neither Edinburgh or Glasgow. The experts described it as “a fantastic history-focused trip”, and also praised the city’s various upcoming festivals and other events.

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As reported by the Daily Record, Time Out has put together a roundup of 25 of the “best things to do in the UK right now”. There are five Scottish experiences in total on the list, one of which is visiting the city of Stirling. The magazine previously declared Stirling the best place to visit in the UK at the start of 2026.

Time Out singled out the wide variety of events and festivals that are taking place in Stirling in the coming weeks and months. Among these are the Stirling Highland Games on August 15, the multi-genre Interesting Things Music and Arts Festival on the same day, BBC Radio 2 in the Park in September, and Stirling Cocktail Week later in the year.

READ MORE: Five Scottish spots you need to visit before summer ends named by travel experts

READ MORE: Outlander filming locations in Scotland published for ‘first time ever’ in official guide

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The experts also praised the city’s historical significance, noting its connections to figures such as William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Stirling is home to many historic attractions, including Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Old Town Jail.

Time Out wrote: “Stirling has witnessed many of the nation’s most significant events—from William Wallace’s defeat over the English to the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots at just nine months old—making for a fantastic history-focused trip.

“In 2026, Stirling Distillery will release its first batch of Stirling whisky and independent venues will celebrate Stirling Cocktail Week with serious food and drinks deals all over the city (dates still to be announced). And every August there are the rollicking Highland Games featuring Highland dancing, the Stirling Stones competition and battle reenactments.”

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According to Stirling Council, the number of people visiting Stirling has soared past pre-Covid levels. The Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor states that 4.6 million tourists visited the city in 2024, which was an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the previous year and higher than the previous peak in 2017.

The city has also received a number of other accolades in recent years, in addition to being named the best place to visit in the UK by Time Out. Stirling was previously crowned Scotland’s top visitor destination by Lonely Planet and Scotland’s cultural capital by LNER in 2025.

Stirling Council Leader Susan McGill commented: “This latest recognition from Time Out is another fantastic achievement for Stirling and reaffirms the area’s reputation as a must-visit destination. We have world-class attractions, rich history and heritage, a packed programme of exciting events, a thriving cultural scene and stunning scenery. From our vibrant city centre to our beautiful rural communities, there is so much to explore, enjoy and experience across Stirling.

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“Our excellent transport links have been improved with the new Lumo train service from London—so there has never been a better time to visit Stirling and enjoy everything we’ve got to offer. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from across the world to Stirling during the rest of the summer and this year.

“We are also committed to working with our tourism businesses and other partners to support further growth in this key part of the economy.”

More information can be found on the Stirling Council website. For the full list of the 25 best things to do in the UK right now, see the Time Out website.

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Field close to Full Sutton on fire – emergency crews called

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Field close to Full Sutton on fire - emergency crews called

Crews from neighbouring Humberside and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services were called to agricultural fields behind Full Sutton Industrial Estate in Common Lane, between the villages of Full Sutton and Fangfoss.

Plumes of smoke were seen from miles away at around 11am this morning.


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Eyewitnesses who work on the estate said this afternoon that four fire engines were present at the scene and were able to put the fire out, adding that it was limited to the fields and did not affect premises on the estate.

A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We worked alongside North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in response to a field fire in the Full Sutton area today (31 July).

 “We received the 999 call at 10.48am and were on scene within five minutes.

“Three fire engines were sent from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to the incident, where crews worked alongside firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

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“The fire was extinguished by 11.50am, although firefighters remained on scene a number of hours to continue dampening down.

 “Approximately five acres of straw and stubble were involved.

“We would like to thank the farmer for their support, including the use of a water bowser to help tackle the fire.

“The incident has been recorded as an accidental ignition.”

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Robert Bush sentence – live: Judge jails funeral director who caused ‘pain beyond comprehension’

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A composite of undated handout photos of many of the victims(Image: Humberside Police/PA Wire)

Humberside Police has released a strkingimage featuring photographs of Bush’s 75 victims.

On the top row, from left to right: Anne Lillian Marshall, Annie Kendall, Anthony Neylon, Audrey Leach, Barbara Stockdale, Barry Clark, Brian Johnson, Colin Wainman, Craig Moses, Danny Middleton, Alan Chearman, Alan Endall, Albert Edward Owst, Alan Gray, and Andrew Murphy.

On the second row, from left to right: Darren Laws, David Burton, Andrew Suffill, Dennis and Eileen Frazer, Dorothy Curtis, Gordon Smith, Graham Finn, Hazel Brown, Herbert Jimmy Porter, John and Christine Tibbles, Jean Collinson, Jessie Stockdale, and Joan Sparks.

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On the third row, from left to right: Joan Stark, John Booth, John Carlill, Jon Butler, Joyce Moulton, Julie Webb, Leslie Raymond Cawood, Lilian Carter, Lisa Urry, Margaret Ann Welsh, Margaret Ounsworth, Mark Hotham, Mark Meikleham, Marolyn Sissons, and Martin Sydney Sawyers.

On the fourth row, from left to right: Mary Rhodes, Maureen and Keith Greensides, Maureen Graham, Michael Ellam, Michael Neal Andrew Hall, Muriel Winning, Norman Bridger, Patrick Spriggs, Paul Hemingway, Peter Moody, Raymond Bullough, Raymond Dagnall, Raymond Parker, and Rita Shaw.

On the bottom row, from left to right: Ronaldo Coates, Roy Butler, Shane Atkinson, Shirley Welburn, Shirley Wright, Stephen Perrins, Susan Gorbutt, Susan Stone, Sylvia Osler, Terence Buck, Terence White, Thomas Anderson, Thomas Marritt, Tony Munro, and Valerie Chalkley.

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