Commissioner Supports Cyber Safety for People with Learning Difficulties

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall has recently awarded MENCAP, Carlisle a grant from the Community Fund to produce an up-to-date video on how to stay safe when using on-line platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. Peter McCall is visiting the centre on Tuesday 5 November at 1.30pm to see how the video is being designed and made accessible for people with learning difficulties.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall comment: “It’s good to be interested in the internet and it’s fantastic that with some support from the Community Fund, MENCAP Carlisle are able to produce a film that provides easy and assessable guidance for people with learning difficulties.

“People with learning disabilities often struggle to do things many of us take for granted, they may not want to ask for help, feel that they are a burden and not want to bother people. I hope this up-to-date video will help to inform and refresh some of the safety facts in way that is easy to follow and understand.

“Using the internet has many positive benefits and increasingly, vulnerable people with learning disabilities are learning and socialising using on-line platforms.

“With greater use, popularity and access to technology comes the increase in risk of cyberbullying, online grooming and risk of exposure to inappropriate content. Because of this, it is vital that everyone has the opportunity to access up-to-date resources that help to equip, enable and educate them on how to stay safe when on-line.

Sheila Gregory, CEO Carlisle MENCAP comments: “We are grateful that the Commissioner awarded us money from the Property Fund to develop our On-line Safety video for people with disabilities.

“The previous film on cyber-crime made just 8 years ago has now, due to developments in technology, become obsolete. This is why is so important that we are able to produce an up-to-day relevant resource that explains how to use platforms such as Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram safely.

“It’s really important that that people with disabilities know how to keep safe on-line and the film aims to  explain potential  dangers and risk in an easy and accessible way.

“We have found that many parents and carers need help with knowing how to support the people that they care for and a film that is current, relevant and user friendly was very much needed.

“The film provides a clear explanation regarding the risks and dangers to people who may themselves become the possible perpetrator, due to a lack understanding and knowledge.”