Governments should do more to support youth workers by promoting their professional recognition, education and training, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The study of the status of youth work in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific shows that only a third of countries sampled have introduced national-level policies that regulate, protect and promote youth work as a distinct profession. This is despite a significant youth bulge in many countries, and a global development context in which young people still face disproportionately difficult life circumstances.

The report, ‘Youth Work in the Commonwealth: A Growth Profession’, aims to establish a baseline to measure progress, to share best practices and to encourage greater investment in a sector which is largely composed of volunteers, many of whom work at youth clubs, charities and faith-based organisations.

While the study of 35 countries provides evidence of major advancements in the recognition of youth work in several countries, it found that only 34 percent of those sampled (12 in total) have taken significant steps to professionalise the youth work sector.

However, reflecting the growing popularity of youth work among educational institutions, 71 percent of countries (25 in total) today offer a diploma-level qualification. This indicates that, although the sector is lacking official recognition, it remains a career of choice for many students.

The authors of the 270-page report conclude that greater investment is needed to upskill and support youth workers. Among the report’s recommendations is a call for youth work to be given the credential of a public sector profession and for relevant qualifications to be registered by national authorities.

Katherine Ellis, Director of Youth at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: "Youth workers have an essential but often under-recognised and under-resourced role in engaging and supporting young people to be positive and productive citizens who contribute to national peace and prosperity.

"This study is encouraging in its demonstration of significant steps taken in the recognition of the profession in some member states. However, in some contexts, advances in policy statements are often still to be translated to practice, and, in others, existing good practice could be amplified and replicated through distinct policies.”

The study was launched on the opening day of the 9th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in Uganda, which brings together over 200 delegates - ministers and senior officials from more than 30 countries, as well as young people, youth workers and donor organisations.

The report looked at the existence of specific policy commitments and legislative enactments on youth work. For example, Malta in 2014 brought in a Youth Work Profession Act through which the sector is given formal recognition and is regulated. The study also looked at the existence of associations of youth workers, the availability of qualifications, as well as recruitment and remuneration.

Dr Robyn Broadbent, Chair of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Worker Associations, said: "This study shines a light on the key challenges and opportunities in the youth work sector globally. The baseline will help to identify future priorities for the profession, including legislation and the provision of resources for education and workforce development."

The Commonwealth Secretariat supports governments to strengthen youth work policy and practice, as well as the education and training of youth workers. The Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development Work, which was recently upgraded to a bachelor’s degree by the University of the West Indies, will soon be made universally available as an Open Education Resource through a consortium of higher education institutions.

Dharshini Seneviratne, Programme Manager at the Commonwealth Secretariat, and one of the report's principal authors, said: “Our objective is to help governments give clear legal status to youth work, support education pathways and help organise youth workers’ associations. These efforts will ensure the integrity and quality of youth work for the benefit of all young people.”

The countries covered in the study are Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia (Africa), Asia, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka (Asia), Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean and Americas), Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom (Europe), Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu (Pacific).

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse VC & Bar, MC;  one of only three people to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice, and namesake to one of the four Help for Heroes (H4H) Recovery Centres.

The British Medical Doctor, Olympic athlete and British Army Officer died on August 4, 1917, during the Passchendaele offensive. He was just age 32. Captain Chavasse received serious head injuries during the battle, but refused to be evacuated and continued to venture into no man’s land and tend to the wounded.

Despite being injured Captain Chavasse saved the lives of an estimated 20 seriously wounded men while under heavy gunfire. A few days later, while resting, his trench was hit by a shell. Mortally wounded, the Captain crawled half a mile to seek help for others. He was eventually evacuated but died of his wounds two days later.

Captain Chavasse’s great-great niece, Anna Sinfield, has explored her uncle’s story in detail during the past year, and has read countless archived letters that describe his legendary feats, as well as speaking to experts. She is humbled by the honour bestowed upon Captain Chavasse.

She said: “It is great to see so many people and organisations paying respect to Noel's legacy, including the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Colchester. It feels very apt to have a centre dedicated to the care of those who served, named after a man who was totally dedicated to his fellow soldier’s wellbeing. Whilst I cannot claim any credit for his extraordinary story, I do feel lucky to be able to keep the story alive and not forgotten”.

Noel Chavasse was the most highly decorated British Officer of the First World War and had previously displayed courageous acts of bravery during the Battle of the Somme. When the time came to build the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre in Colchester, it was widely agreed that it should bear his name, not only to acknowledge his sacrifice but to those who fell during the Great War.

Chavasse VC House, inspires, enables and supports those who are wounded, injured or sick while serving our country, encouraging them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives, while also supporting their loved ones. With an adaptive gym, an award winning reflective garden (Hope on the Horizon), a Support Hub made up of multiple charities and other organisations, psychological well-being suite, en-suite bedrooms, family rooms and a creative studio, the Centre has been specially designed to offer the very best recovery environment.

Steve Schollar, Help for Heroes’ Head of Recovery Services East, said: “No matter when someone served, H4H gives them the support they need to put them back on the road to recovery. In recent years we have supported individuals aged from 18 to 90 years, focussing on the five key areas of Medical, Mind, Body, Spirit and Family. The specialist teams here create the conditions for our heroes and their families to recover and move forward with their lives.  I’m proud to say that Help for Heroes and Chavasse VC House continue to play a major part in the Nation’s commitment to our veterans”.

He continued: “It’s a common misconception that H4H is no longer relevant as the Iraq and Afghan conflicts are perceived to be over. Unfortunately, the day-to-day physical and psychological battles continue for many serving personnel, veterans and their families, and not only for those who served in those most recent conflicts. Physical and mental wounds remain with someone throughout their life and often only emerge years after the trauma. Help for Heroes will continue to play a significant role in meeting that national obligation”.

Together with the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, low-cost airline WOW airm has launched its very own bicycle sharing scheme, WOW citybike.

Similar to those in popular tourism spots around the world, the new initiative offers an affordable and convenient means of travel around Reykjavik and will allow residents and travellers alike to be environmentally considerate while travelling through the city. At the same time, cyclists can see the capital from a different viewpoint and adopt a healthy mode of transport.

An initial 100 bicycles have been introduced at eight stations, strategically placed around the city which are all solar powered. The bikes can be used for up to 30 minutes at a time at a cost of 400ISK (around £2.90), with an additional 600ISK for every additional 30 minutes. Memberships can also be bought, ranging from 30 days (ISK 3.900) to one year (ISK 16.900).

"Cycling is a great way to travel. It's good for your health and the environment and we are grateful for the promising partnership between WOW air, PBSC and the City of Reykjavik," says owner and CEO of WOW air, Skúli Mogensen.

“At WOW air we're focused on bringing attention to how people can adopt a healthier lifestyle, through events such as the WOW Cyclothon, and this is another step in that direction, by getting people biking and enjoying the great outdoors!”

Dagur B Eggertsson, Mayor of Reykjavik, commented: “I'm really excited that this initiative has become a reality. We have been aiming for this in Reykjavik for some time and we thank WOW air for their cooperation. The city supplies the land and WOW air oversees the operation. The bicycles are bright and sturdy, but also easy to ride. I hope that citizens of Reykjavik and travellers to the city will embrace this venture and explore the city on two wheels.”

WOW citybikes are rust and corrosion proof with aluminium frames and steel accessories. The bikes have three gears, handle breaks on both handles and adjustable seats. The tyres are also durable and designed to be puncture proof.

The Mayor of Sandwell is holding a cake bake sale to raise money for his charities – and everyone's invited.

Come along to the sale at The Big House, Church Street, Oldbury, on Wednesday 23 August, 11.30am to 2.30pm.

Sandwell freeman Blind Dave Heeley will be joining the Mayor, Councillor Ahmadul Haque, at the event.

All proceeds will go to the Mayor's charities, which are

• Midlands Air Ambulance Charity; and
• Your Trust Charity, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, specifically raising money for cancer services and research.

Mayor Councillor Ahmadul Haque said: "We want to raise as much money as we can for these two great local charities. I invite people to join me at my cake bake sale – it'll be a fun event and a very friendly welcome awaits everyone at The Big House."

Christian Action Research Education has called for an abortion law rethink in Great Britain following a decision by the Advertising Standards Authority that it was reasonable for the Both Lives Matter Campaign to claim that around 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland who would be dead if the 1967 Abortion Act had applied to the Province.

The advert, from Both Lives Matter (BLM), which appeared earlier this year read 100,000 PEOPLE ARE ALIVE TODAY BECAUSE OF OUR LAWS ON ABORTION. Why change that? It sparked more than a dozen complaints to the advertising watchdog, but in a landmark ruling they dismissed the complaint.

Nola Leach, Chief Executive of CARE, responded to the ASA decision:

‘Today’s ruling presents those of us who live in Great Britain with a very awkward question.

If 100,000 people are alive in Northern Ireland today who would not be if the 1967 Act had applied in the province, what would the figures look like across England, Scotland and Wales?’

‘In a few months it is the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act in 1967: today’s news from Northern Ireland requires us all to stop and think on the effect this Act has had on our society.’

‘Some people have tried to suggest that Northern Ireland’s Abortion law is reactionary and too strict. These figures demonstrate quite the reverse. The Northern Ireland law should be celebrated and upheld as a model of international best practice. It has saved lives.’

Nola Leach continued: ‘There are nearly 200,000 abortions in the UK every year, or 17.2 per 1000 women. This figure is amongst the highest in Western Europe, which has an average of around 6.5 per 1000.’

‘Abortion law in Great Britain is failing both women and the unborn child. For instance, the failure to offer counselling to those who might need it, the sending of mixed messages on whether abortion on the grounds of gender is illegal and keeping the 24 week abortion limit even though there have been improvements in technology and babies born at less than 24 weeks are surviving. Our abortion laws need a massive rethink.’

Nola Leach concluded: ‘As we approach the 50^th anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Act it must be right to look at how we can reduce the level of abortion, ensure that girls are not being aborted because they are girls, provide meaningful counselling both before and after and ensure current safeguards are strengthened to protect both mothers and babies.’

The animal welfare charity is warning cat owners against ‘dangerous’ collars which could leave felines with fatal injuries.

This comes after almost 100 incidents involving cats injured by their own collars have been reported to the RSPCA since the start of the year.

In the last three months there were more than 50 reports and 26 of those were reported to the RSPCA in May alone.

Poor Nugget, the three year old tortoiseshell cat, has been suffering from a large wound in her armpit after getting her leg stuck in her collar - possibly for weeks.

Chunks of fur and skin were pulled off when the collar was finally cut loose.

RSPCA’s Animal Collection Officer Lucy Green was called last month (June 29) by a member of the public in Hutton Cranswick, Yorkshire, who spotted the cat limping around the area.

ACO Green said: “I went out that day and I smelt the poor cat before I saw her. It was pretty putrid and infected. There were a lot of flies on her but luckily there were no fly eggs or maggots in the wound or it could have been a much worse prognosis for her.”

She was treated by vets initially who named her Nugget before she was transferred from the RSPCA Bridlington Branch to the Hull and East Riding Animal Centre where her care is now continuing.

She continued: “It was pretty nasty. Nugget was in a lot of pain. She was lashing out and hissing when I first found her but it must have been because she was in so much pain - as soon as I cut the collar off she was absolutely lovely.

“Staff at the Hull centre said that this is the worst embedded collar injury they have ever seen. As an animal collection officer I would say that it is definitely up there as one of the worst.

“Her wound was so large vets worried it would keep reopening every time she moved if they stitched it up so staff have been working round the clock to keep cleaning and dressing her wound and giving her pain relief and antibiotics. Now it has healed a little bit more they can stitch her up.”

A quick release collar is designed to snap open when tugged with sufficient force and can ensure that a cat is released from its collar if they become stuck.

Elasticated collars, or collars with buckles which do not release without human help can leave cats struggling to free themselves when their legs become stuck - causing horrific injuries.

ACO Green continued: “She is doing really well at the animal home. She is a really friendly little cat but unfortunately we haven't had an owner come forward for her yet.”

One year old black and white cat, named Brian by RSPCA staff, was found in Brierley Hill in the West Midlands on Tuesday (July 11) with his front leg trapped in his collar.

The poor cat was limping around Stourbridge Road with the collar cutting into his armpit.

RSPCA’s Animal Collection Officer Shaun Howden was called to the scene after a member of the public found the cat and tried to cut him free from his collar but Brian became scared and ran away.

ACO Howden said: “I managed to contain him and cut the collar off. He was clearly in a lot of discomfort as the collar had got stuck and ended up around his armpit.

“The collar was embedded into an infected wound and it looked and smelt quite bad.

“There was no ID on the collar and no microchip so we have been unable to locate his owner.”

Brian is now recovering at Birmingham’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre where his injury is being treated and he is doing much better now.

Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert said: “These stories serve as an important reminder to cat owners to only use quick release collars on their pets as other collars can be lethal.

“All too often we get called to cats that have become injured due to a collar as there are too many dangerous collars on sale. We would strongly advise against purchasing a collar with buckles that don’t snap open, or collars made from elastic.

“The majority of flea collars are also not advisable as they do not have safety buckles, so we would encourage pet owners to prioritise safety first and give your cat flea treatment another way.

“Cats are natural hunters and curious explorers that enjoy climbing trees or pushing through tight spots and for these reasons it is imperative that any collar is designed to free the cat should they become snagged during their adventures.

“If the collar gets caught on something the cat may try to free itself by using its foot and then, in turn, get its leg stuck with the collar ending up under the cat’s armpit causing painful injury.

“The most reliable way to identify your cat is to have them microchipped rather than having a collar and tag which may fade over time, or hinder them when they explore.

“It is also far better to have to pay for a new collar if your pet has lost theirs than to have to pay for urgent veterinary treatment when your pet becomes injured due to its collar.”

If you are the owner of either Brian or Nugget, or have any information which may help trace them, please contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

If you see a cat in distress, or any animal in need, contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.