Category: Deputy Commissioner

group photo of 27 Surrey teachers and staff of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey in a training room, after almost one million pounds in funding is provided to provide bespoke training and a campaign to educate children and young people about violence against women and girls

Teachers from 27 Surrey schools join first-ever fully-funded teacher training to tackle violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

TEACHERS from 27 Surrey schools have attended the first in a series of training days that have been fully-funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme, which launched last week, will support and empower teachers to build self-confidence in children during Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) lessons, with the aim of enabling them to live safe and fulfilled lives.

It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team secured almost £1million from the Home Office’s What Works Fund to help combat violence against women and girls in Surrey through a series of projects for children and young people.

The issue is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson speaks at the first PSHE training session

The funding will work to achieve this ambition by delivering a series of projects for children and young people.

Last week, teachers joined partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for the first of three days of training to support Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.

The sessions, led by Sarah Lyles, Surrey County Council’s lead for PSHE, Wellbeing and Healthy Schools, and PSHE trainer Joanna Feast of company Clean Well-Being, aim to strengthen PSHE teaching skills through evidence-based and trauma-informed training as part of a society-wide effort to prevent harm to children.

Funding achieved by Lisa’s team will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues in Surrey, refreshments and lunch, as well as £180 a day for participating schools towards supply cover for the full three days.

Sessions are funded by the Home Office thanks to a grant application by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who has responsibility for children and young people on the Commissioner’s behalf, attended the first session in Guildford.

She said: “As trusted adults who spend a substantial amount of time with young people at a key time in their development, teachers are an integral part of supporting our young people and tackling violence against women and girls.

“That’s why this training, which will give educators the confidence to discuss issues such as respectful relationships and sexual health, is so important.

“It also helps schools build networks with helpful organisations across Surrey, including those that are dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse. This will ensure greater unity across the system.

“The direct impact of these sessions is that teachers will be empowered to encourage young people to see their own value.

‘So important’

“I hope, in turn, that this positive message will help them lead fulfilling, safe lives, with the resilience they need to thrive.”

Funding for the training, which is backed by Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, the YMCA’s WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) programme and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, is in place until 2025, and teachers from the first cohort will return for their second session in May. In total, around 100 schools will benefit.

For more information, or to sign your school up for the second cohort, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)

Online virtual training will become available for all Surrey teachers to access.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and representative of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board in front of their banner

Deputy Commissioner hears speech by Victoria Cross recipient at key Forces conference

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined partners at a key event to promote the welfare of Surrey’s services personnel and veterans last week.

The Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference 2023, organised by Surrey County Council on behalf of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, was hosted at the Pirbright Army Training Centre.

The event brought together representatives from across the public, private and third sectors to discuss the contribution made to society by the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Throughout the day, guests heard speeches from a range of former and current personnel, including WO2 Johnson Beharry VC COG, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his service in Iraq.

Two children who are supported by the Army Welfare Service and the wife of a serviceman also gave moving accounts of their experiences.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson pictured with WO2 Johnson Beharry VC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Surrey Police are working together to achieve silver accreditation under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

The initiative acts as an assurance that forces personnel and veterans, their spouses and their children are treated with fairness and respect and guarantees the same access to services as any other citizen.

Surrey Police is an armed forces-friendly organisation and aims to support the employment of veterans and their partners. Serving police officers are also supported if they choose to become Reservists or Cadet leaders, and the Force actively participates in Armed Forces Day.

Ellie, who has responsibility for military personnel and veterans in Surrey as part of her remit, said: “The contribution to our society made by servicemen and women should never be forgotten, and WO2 Beharry’s talk was a powerful reminder of how great their sacrifice can be.

‘Never forget’

“Those who are serving or have served in our armed forces deserve all the support we can offer them, and our current bronze status demonstrates our commitment to ensuring those who have served our country are treated fairly.

“I am pleased that further work we have done means that both our office and Surrey Police are preparing to seek silver status in the coming months.

“Many veterans choose to join the police service after leaving the forces, which is something we are proud of.

“Others may struggle to readjust to civilian life, and wherever possible, it is our responsibility to support those who have sacrificed so much.

“I am also mindful of the impact that the lifestyle of military families can have on children and young people growing up, from worries about the safety of a serving parent or guardian to the stress of moving home, changing schools and leaving friends.

“As lead for both Children and Young People and Military and Veterans on the Commissioner’s behalf, I am determined to ensure our team do all we can, alongside our partners, to support these children and young people.”

Helyn Clack, Chair of the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, said: “We are very grateful to Pirbright ATC who once again hosted our annual conference. 

‘Captivating’

“The theme for the event was a journey through the services and we were proud to welcome such fantastic speakers such as WO2 Beharry VC COG, who was captivating in telling us some of his stories, from childhood in Grenada to the UK, before joining the army and carrying out his acts of bravery.

“We also heard from others whose lives have been very much influenced by service life. 

“We were pleased to welcome a vast array of partners who were all keen to find out more information about the outstanding work going on within Surrey to support our armed forces community.

“It’s so important that organisations throughout our county do more to support our veterans, service personnel and their families under our duty of due regard from the Armed Forces Act to ensure they are not disadvantaged.”

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with representatives of Eikon Charity in front of graffiti wall with word Eikon

Deputy Commissioner visits young people’s charity helping parents start conversations about online safety

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has visited a charity dedicated to supporting young people in Surrey as the organisation launches seminars on internet safety.

The Eikon Charity, which has offices at Fullbrook School in Addlestone, provides long-term advice and care to children and young people who need emotional and wellbeing support.

In recent weeks, parents and carers have been invited to join online seminars that will help them build the confidence to have conversations with children about keeping safe online. A free guide is also available, which has been downloaded by families around the world.

The new initiative marks the latest addition to the charity’s offerings. Eikon, which accepts both self-referrals and referrals from Mindworks – formerly known as Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – works in schools and communities across seven Surrey boroughs.

Youth support practitioners from Eikon are based in five schools as part of the Smart Schools programme, while early intervention co-ordinators are embedded in three boroughs. The charity also trains youth mentors – or Head Smart Wellbeing Ambassadors – to support their peers.

The charity has seen increasing demand from young people suffering with their mental health as a result of the pandemic.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with representatives of Eikon Charity in front of graffiti wall with word Eikon



Ellie said: “The safety of our children and young people online is an ever growing concern, and keeping them safe is everyone’s responsibility.

“While the internet and other advances in technology undoubtedly bring many benefits, it also provides means for perpetrators to exploit young people for unthinkable intentions, including online grooming and child sexual abuse.

“I was really pleased to hear from Eikon about their work to support and advise parents and carers on keeping children and young people safe online through their seminars and other resources.

“Anyone can sign up for free to learn more about how to keep young people as safe as possible when they’re online.

“The Commissioner and I, along with our whole team, are dedicated to supporting the county’s children. Last year, the team successfully bid for £1million of Home Office funding, which will be used primarily to educate young people on the harms of violence against women and girls.

“This money will be used to harness the power of young people through their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons. It will also pay for a separate campaign aimed at creating a cultural shift in the entrenched attitudes that lead to this type of criminality, and to support a number of charities that help survivors of violence.

“I’m really pleased to see that organisations such as Eikon are offering other brilliant resources, such as these parent seminars, that complement these new plans. All of us working together and offering support to children and young people, as well as parents and carers, is key to keeping our young people safe.”

Caroline Blake, Schools Programme Coordinator for Eikon, said: “Supporting Safer Internet Day – which has the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about online life’ – has allowed us as Eikon to raise the profile of how important it is to connect with our children and young people about their online activity.

“In an ever-evolving world, our guide offers easy-to-follow, practical tips on how to support families to learn from each other and create healthy habits and conversations about their online usage.”

For more information on Eikon, visit eikon.org.uk.

You can also access Eikon’s webinars and obtain the free guide by visiting eikon.org.uk/safer-internet-day/

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson with police officers and children in football kit at the Chelsea Football club

Deputy Commissioner joins Surrey Police’s women’s football team at Chelsea training ground for “brilliant” kick-about

Posted on | by James Smith

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined the Surrey Police women’s football team at Chelsea FC’s Cobham training base last week.

During the event, around 30 officers and staff from the Force – all of whom had given up their free time to attend – trained with girls’ football teams from Notre Dame School in Cobham and Blenheim High School in Epsom.

They also answered the young players’ questions and spoke about their service in Surrey communities.

Ellie, the country’s youngest Deputy Commissioner, is soon to announce a new football initiative for young people in partnership with Chelsea Foundation.

She said: “I was so pleased to join players from Surrey Police Women’s Football Team on at Chelsea FC’s training ground, where they had the chance to play alongside young female players from two Surrey schools.

“They also had brilliant chats with the young players about growing up in Surrey and their plans for the future.

“One of the key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan is to strengthen relationships between Surrey Police and residents. Part of my remit is to engage with young people, and I believe it’s crucial that their voices are heard and listened to, and that they have the opportunities they need to flourish.

“Sport, culture and the arts can be hugely effective ways to improve the lives of young people around the county. That’s why we’re preparing to announce new funding for a brand new football initiative in the coming weeks.”

‘Brilliant’

Surrey Police officer Christian Winter, who manages the Force’s women’s teams, said: “It’s been a fantastic day and I’m so pleased with how it’s all turned out.

“Being part of a football team can bring huge benefits, from mental health and physical wellbeing to confidence and friendship.

“The Force’s women’s team also had a chance to meet young people from nearby schools, and we hosted a Q&A so our officers could chat to them about their future aspirations and answer any queries on policing they might have.

“It helps us break down boundaries and improve our relationships with young people in Surrey.”

Keith Harmes, Chelsea Foundation’s Area Manager for Surrey and Berkshire, organised the event in order to bring together female footballers from a range of backgrounds.

“Female football is growing massively, and that’s something we’re really proud to be involved with,” he said.

“Football can make a huge difference to a young person’s discipline and confidence.”

Taylor Newcombe and Amber Fazey, both serving officers who play on the women’s team, called the day an “amazing opportunity”.

Taylor said: “It was a great opportunity to get together as a big group who may not cross paths during work days, get to know new people, build friendships, and play a sport we love while using the best facilities in the country.”

Stuart Millard, director of Blenheim High School’s football academy, thanked the Surrey Police teams for their support.

‘It’s about taking the barriers away’

“We’re seeing that sporty children are picking up football earlier than they used to,” he said.

“Five years ago, we had six or seven girls at trials. Now it’s more like 50 or 60.

“There’s been a huge cultural shift around the concept of girls playing the sport, and it’s just fantastic to see that.

“For us, it’s about taking the barriers away. If we can do that early enough in sport, then when the girls are 25 and coming across a barrier at work, they know they’ll be able to break it down for themselves.”

group photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, police officer and local councillors

Commissioner joins community meetings around Surrey to discuss the issues that matter most to residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has been visiting communities around the county to discuss the policing issues that matter most to residents.

Lisa Townsend regularly speaks at meetings in Surrey’s towns and villages, and in the past fortnight has addressed packed halls in Thorpe, alongside Runneymede’s Borough Commander James Wyatt, Horley, where she was joined by Borough Commander Alex Maguire, and Lower Sunbury, which was also attended by Sergeant Matthew Rogers.

This week, she will speak at the Merstham Community Hub in Redhill on Wednesday, March 1 between 6pm and 7pm.

Her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, will address Long Ditton residents at the Surbiton Hockey Club between 7pm and 8pm on the same day.

On March 7, both Lisa and Ellie will speak to residents in Cobham, and a further meeting is set to take place in Pooley Green, Egham on March 15.

All of Lisa and Ellie’s community events are now available to view by visiting surrey-pcc.gov.uk/about-your-commissioner/residents-meetings/

Lisa said: “Speaking with Surrey residents about the issues that most concern them is one of the most important roles to be tasked to me when I was elected as Commissioner.

“A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the issues that matter most for residents, is to work with communities so they feel safe.

“Since the beginning of the year, Ellie and I have been able to answer questions about anti-social behaviour in Farnham, speeding drivers in Haslemere and business crime in Sunbury, to name just a few.

“During each meeting, I’m joined by officers from the local policing team, who are able to provide answers and reassurance on operational issues.

“These events are hugely important, both for me and for residents.

“I would encourage anyone with comments or concerns to either attend one of the meetings, or to organise one of their own.

“I will always be glad to attend and speak to all residents directly about the issues that have an impact on their lives.”

For more information, or to sign up to Lisa’s monthly newsletter, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk

Applications open for fully-funded teacher training to tackle violence against women and girls

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Schools in Surrey are invited to apply for a new teacher training programme which has been fully funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The programme, which will begin in March, aims to build self-confidence in children with the aim of enabling them to live safe and fulfilled lives.

It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team secured almost £1million from the Home Office’s What Works Fund to help combat violence against women and girls in Surrey. The issue is one of the key priorities in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.

All of the funding will be spent on a series of projects for children and young people. At the heart of the programme is new specialist training for teachers delivering Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, supporting Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.

Teachers will join key partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for three days of training, which will address effective teaching and learning in PSHE, alongside opportunities to work with other organisations.

The funding will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues within Surrey, and lunch and other refreshments. Participating schools will also receive £180 a day towards supply cover for the full three days.

Lisa said: “I believe this training will help end the scourge of violence against women and girls by encouraging young people to see their own worth.

“I hope it will support them to lead fulfilling lives, long after they leave the classroom.

Funding boost

“This funding will also help join the dots between schools and other services in Surrey. We want to ensure greater unity across the entire system, so those who need help can always be sure they’ll get it.”

During the training, which is backed by Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, the YMCA’s WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) programme and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, teachers will be given additional support to reduce students’ risk of becoming either victim or abuser. Students will learn how to value their physical and mental health, their relationships and their own wellbeing.

Funding for the programme is in place until 2025.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has already allocated around half of its Community Safety Fund to protect children and young people from harm, strengthen their relationships with police and provide help and advice when needed.

For more information, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)

The application deadline for the first 2022/23 cohort is February 10. Further intakes will be welcomed in the future. There will also be online virtual training available for all Surrey teachers to access.

Competition launched as Commissioner’s Office seeks young person to lead rebrand project

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office has launched a competition inviting young people across Surrey to submit their designs for the Office’s new logo.

The winner of the three-week competition will be offered the opportunity to then work alongside a leading Surrey design agency to bring their idea to life and will receive an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to support their future journey in design.

The competition is part of the rebrand of the Commissioner’s Office this spring and follows the commitment of Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson to encourage more opportunities for children and young people in Surrey.

A Competition Pack including more information on how to get involved is available here.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are really excited to see the valuable contribution that young people in Surrey will bring to this project as we develop our new visual identity.

“Ahead of the publication of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan in December, we heard from residents, including young people, who said they wanted us to engage better and more widely.

Happy smiling girl in glasses alongside decorative font and iPad and Apple Pencil pop up. Win an iPad Pro and a one week placement tocreate our branding with a leading Surrey design agency. Find out more www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/design-us

“The competition will offer a fantastic opportunity for one of the brilliant young people in our county to develop highly valued skills in design, while extending our reach to young people whose voices we want to actively include in our plans for Surrey. It also forms a part of the commitment of the Office to strengthen how we communicate with all residents, specifically to grow more awareness of the role of the Commissioner, our partners and Surrey Police in representing their views and creating a safer county.”

The competition will close at midnight on Thursday, 31 March 2022. Entrants must be between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and live in Surrey to take part.

Organisations working with young people in Surrey are encouraged to promote the competition to their networks by downloading a Partner Pack.

Teenager shoes

Police and Crime Commissioner teams up with Catch22 to prevent child exploitation in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office for Surrey has awarded £100,000 to charity Catch22 to launch a new service for young people at risk of or affected by criminal exploitation in Surrey.

Examples of criminal exploitation include the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks, leading individuals into a cycle of offending that can include homelessness, substance misuse and ill mental health.

The Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund will enable the new development of Catch22’s successful ‘Music To My Ears’ service, using music, film and photography as a way to engage and work with individuals for their safer future.

The service has been commissioned by Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group since 2016 focusing on mental health and substance misuse. In this time, the service has supported more than 400 young people and children to improve their wellbeing and reduce their contact with the Criminal Justice System. Over 70% of young people engaged said it helped them to improve their mental health, build their self-esteem and look forward.

Launching in January, the new service will offer a combination of creative workshops and tailored one-to-one support from a named advisor to help individuals to address the root causes of their vulnerability. Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project will increase the number of young people supported away from exploitation by 2025.

Working with the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership that includes the PCC’s Office, aims of the service delivered by Catch22 include entry or re-entry into education or training, improved access to physical and mental health care and reduced contact with the police and other agencies.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are thrilled to be working with Catch22 to further enhance the support we offer for young people in Surrey to feel safe, and to be safe.

“Both the Commissioner and I are passionate about ensuring our Plan for Surrey enables a focus on the safety of young people, including recognising the enormous impact that exploitation can have on an individual’s future.

“I am pleased that the new service will build on such extensive work by Catch22 over the last five years, opening up routes for more young people to avoid or leave a situation in which they are being exploited.”

Emma Norman, Assistant Director for Catch22 in the South said: “We’ve seen the success of Music to My Ears again and again and I’m thrilled that commissioner Lisa Townsend recognises the impact of the team’s work on local young people at particular risk of exploitation.

“The last two years have presented a more urgent need for practical, creative interventions for young people. Poor school attendance and online risks have further aggravated much of the risk factors we were seeing pre-pandemic.

“Projects like this enable us to re-engage young people – by boosting their self-esteem and their confidence, young people are encouraged to express themselves and their experiences, all while supported by professionals in a one-to-one setting.

“The Catch22 team address the risk factors – be it the young person’s home, social or health factors – while unlocking the impressive talent we know young people have.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of exploitation, of which 14% were already being exploited. It’s important to note that the majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no need for intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Signs that a young person might be at risk of exploitation include absence from education, going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or new relationships with ‘friends’ who are older.

Anyone who is concerned about a young person or child is encouraged to contact the Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access on 0300 470 9100 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or at cspa@surreycc.gov.uk. The service is available out of hours on 01483 517898.

You can contact Surrey Police using 101, Surrey Police social media pages or www.surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Teenager shoes

Commissioner’s office to fund dedicated service to protect children from exploitation

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey is looking to fund a dedicated service to work with young people affected by exploitation in the county.

Up to £100,000 is being made available from the Community Safety Fund to support a Surrey organisation that has a proven record of helping young people affected by, or at risk of serious criminal exploitation.

Most exploitation involves the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks that distribute drugs from major cities to local towns and villages.

Signs that a young person might be at risk include absence from education or going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or relationships or gifts from new ‘friends’ that are older.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I’m really passionate about ensuring that our focus in Surrey includes supporting young people to stay safe, and to feel safe.

“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re making new funding available to deliver a dedicated service that will tackle the root causes of exploitation in direct partnership with the individuals affected. If this is an area where your organisation can make a difference – please get in touch.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of

exploitation, of which 14% were already experiencing it. The majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project aims to support over 300 young people.

The successful recipient of the funding will work with young people identified as being at risk of exploitation to tackle the root causes of their vulnerability.

As part of a partnership across Surrey that includes the Commissioner’s Office, they will develop trusted relationships that lead to new opportunities for the individual, such as entry or re-entry into education, or improved access to physical and mental health care.

Interested organisations can find out more here.

Commissioner and Deputy support NFU ‘Take the Lead’ campaign

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has joined with partners to encourage dog walkers to put pets on a lead when walking near farm animals.

Representatives of the NFU are being joined by partners including the National Trust, Surrey Police, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and Mole Valley MP Sir Paul Beresford in talking to Surrey dog walkers. An awareness raising event will take place from 10.30am on Tuesday 10 August at the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey, near Dorking (car park RH5 6BD).

Surrey NFU Adviser Romy Jackson says: “Sadly, the number of dog attacks on farm animals remains unacceptably high and attacks are seriously impacting farmers’ livelihoods.

“As we’re seeing an above average number of people and pets in the countryside as the pandemic continues, we’re taking this opportunity to educate dog walkers. We hope to explain how farmers play a vital role in the management of the Surrey Hills, producing our food and caring for this wonderful landscape. We encourage people to show appreciation by keeping dogs on leads around livestock and picking up their poo which can be harmful to animals, especially cattle. Always bag and bin your dog’s poo – any bin will do.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I am concerned that farmers in our rural communities have noticed an increase in dog attacks on animals and livestock as many more residents and visitors have taken advantage of Surrey’s beautiful countryside in the past 18 months.

“I urge all dog owners to remember that livestock worrying is a crime that has a devastating impact both emotionally and financially. When walking your dog near livestock please ensure it is on a lead so that such incidents can be avoided and we can all enjoy our wonderful countryside.”

The NFU has successfully campaigned for changes to the law to curb out-of-control dogs and it is campaigning for leads to become law when dogs are walked near farm animals.

Last month, the NFU released the results of a survey that found almost nine out of 10 (82.39%) people questioned in the region said that visiting the countryside and farmland had improved their physical or mental wellbeing – with more than half (52.06%) saying it had helped improve both.

Countless popular rural tourist spots are on working farmland, with many farmers working hard to maintain footpaths and public rights of way so visitors can enjoy our beautiful countryside. One of the key lessons learned from the COVID-19 outbreak has been the importance of people adhering to the Countryside Code when they visit the countryside for exercise or recreation. However, the sheer volume of visitors during lockdown and subsequently did cause issues in some areas, with an increase in dog attacks on livestock among other problems including trespass.

Original news item shared courtesy of NFU South East.