Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Asian officer recognised for work on violence against women

PC Dipti Manani partnered with the Zinthiya Trust, a domestic abuse charity, to organise monthly coffee morning drop-in sessions.

Asian officer recognised for work on violence against women
PC Dipti Manani (C) serves in a diverse area where residents speak many languages.

AN Asian officer from Leicestershire has been recognised at the national violence against women and girls (VAWG) awards for her efforts to support women and girls in her community.

PC Dipti Manani received joint runner-up in the ‘focusing VAWG related delivery with seldom heard communities’ category for her work with residents in east Leicester.


She serves in a diverse area where residents speak many languages and come from various cultural backgrounds, making communication with the police challenging.

To address this, she partnered with the Zinthiya Trust, a domestic abuse charity, to organise monthly coffee morning drop-in sessions. These sessions focus on supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse, which are often underreported due to cultural and language barriers. The charity funded leaflets in different languages to advertise the sessions.

Recognising the sessions' success in breaking down cultural barriers and building trust in the police, PC Manani and the Zinthiya Trust expanded the sessions to include a range of other charities and organisations.

These cover topics such as gambling, food support, benefits and debt advice, energy, substance misuse, period poverty, alcohol and drug awareness, and housing advice. Currently, 80 agencies are involved in these sessions, which have been attended by over 1,000 people.

Dipti said; “When I found out I had been nominated and named a joint runner-up for a 'National VAWG award,' I had to read the email several times just to make sure it wasn’t sent to the wrong person. Once it finally sank in, I was overjoyed and still can’t believe I was even considered for such a special award. I’m still surprised and incredibly grateful for being put forward by my amazing supervisors.

“I’m truly grateful to all the agencies that have supported us over the last 12 sessions and to everyone who has visited us seeking help and support. I never imagined in a million years that the coffee mornings would become so successful and life-changing for so many people. They’ve helped break down language barriers, and direct access to services has had a huge positive impact on the community. A lot of hard work and organization goes on behind the scenes to make these sessions successful but seeing the results makes it all so worth it.”

The awards are organised by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC), and Manani will be presented with her award at the 2024 VAWG and Op Soteria Recognition event on 17 September.

Inspector Charles Edwards, the east Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) commander, nominated PC Manani for the award.

He noted her project's widespread acceptance and impact on the local community, saying that many victims of domestic abuse have received much-needed help and support.

“Thanks to Dipti, there is a significant number of local girls and women who are not only safer but are now more trusting of the police,” he said.

Deputy chief constable Maggie Blyth, the NPCC’s VAWG lead, congratulated Manani on her recognition. In a letter, she commended her dedication and the positive impact of her work, which serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership in addressing violence against women and girls.

More For You

sachin-lords1-pti

The portrait was created by Stuart Pearson Wright, based on a photograph taken by the artist at Tendulkar’s home in Mumbai 18 years ago. (Photo: PTI)

Lord’s honours Tendulkar with portrait, cricketer says ‘full circle’ moment

SACHIN TENDULKAR said "life has truly come full circle" after a portrait of him was unveiled at Lord's on Thursday.

Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen, scored 34,357 runs across Tests, one-day internationals and one T20 match for India during his international career from 1989 to 2013.

Keep ReadingShow less
Annabel Croft

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft

Getty Images

Annabel Croft’s Wimbledon trainers prove white sneakers are a timeless smart-casual choice

Highlights:

  • Annabel Croft spotted courtside in statement Gucci trainers during Wimbledon
  • Paired the footwear with a pleated blue dress by Boss for a sporty yet polished look
  • The platform sole offered subtle height without compromising on comfort
  • White trainers remain a key smart-casual trend, suitable for a wide range of outfits

Annabel Croft embraces sporty style at Wimbledon

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft made a notable appearance at Wimbledon this weekend, combining elegance with comfort through a smart-casual ensemble. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress by Boss, she completed the look with Gucci platform trainers, blending classic tennis aesthetics with modern fashion.

The knife-pleat design of the dress referenced traditional tennis skirts, while the fitted T-shirt silhouette gave the outfit a distinctly athletic feel. Her trainers featured Gucci’s red and green web stripe, offering a designer twist on the classic white trainer trend.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Kendrick Lamar and SZA thrill Birmingham crowd with high-energy Grand National Tour show

Kendrick Lamar and SZA light up Birmingham with a dazzling Grand National Tour stop

Highlights:

  • Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their record-breaking Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night.
  • The three-hour set featured solo performances, visual spectacles, and crowd-favourite duets like All the Stars and Gloria.
  • Kendrick arrived on stage in his signature GNX, delivering fiery performances from To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and his latest album GNX.
  • SZA stunned with hits from CTRL and SOS, transforming the stage into a fantasy landscape with high-energy vocals and choreography.

Two of the biggest names in rap and R&B, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, brought their much-anticipated Grand National Tour to Birmingham’s Villa Park on Thursday night, turning the historic stadium into a special musical experience. The pair, who previously wowed the world during this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, performed a mix of solo tracks and duets across a three-hour set that left fans exhilarated.

The Grand National Tour, which has already broken records as the highest-grossing co-headline tour in history, continued its momentum in the UK. Following performances in Glasgow, Kendrick and SZA proved once again why they remain at the forefront of global music.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less