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Warning issued to domestic violence victims ahead of national emergency alert test
Due to take place this Sunday, the nationwide test will see mobile phones across the UK release a loud, siren-like sound coupled with vibrations and an on-screen alert at 3pm on 23 April.
Survivors are being advised of the risks to their safety if they have a phone hidden in their house.
A warning has been issued to those living with domestic violence in the UK ahead of the nation's first-ever national emergency alert test this weekend, reports The Manc.
Due to take place this Sunday, the nationwide test will see mobile phones across the UK release a loud, siren-like sound coupled with vibrations and an on-screen alert at 3pm on 23 April.
Designed to warn residents if there is a danger to life nearby, the system will cause phones to emit a loud series of loud warning beeps and vibrations even if it is switched to silent or has notifications off.
By using the tower your mobile phone is connected to broadcast the alert to nearby devices, the government does not need to know the specific location or personal data on your device.
However, those living with domestic abuse are still being warned about the potential risks to their safety if they have a mobile phone hidden in their house ahead of the national test.
Survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser are being advised to either switch their phones off or opt out of the alerts in order to avoid their devices from being detected.
Charity Women's Aid has released advice for survivors ahead of the test, and said in a statement: "We are concerned about the potential safety risks to survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.
"Survivors can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected."
Emergency Alerts will be sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. Emergency alerts work on:
iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later
The alert may still be received on earlier versions of Android. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
How to opt out of the emergency alert
For iPhone To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts.’ If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.
For Android To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts’. On some devices, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Extreme threats’, ‘Severe threats’ and ‘Show amber alerts’.
Refuge’s tech team have put together information for survivors with an iPhone or Android on how to opt-out of the system. You can also find out more at gov.uk/alerts and on the Q&A document.
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Leeds’ most famous pub has announced the return of its annual FREE Beer Festival this summer
Whitelock’s Ale House has announced the return of its annual Beer Festival - hoorah!
There’s nothing quite like a nice fresh pint, and we all know Whitelock’s Ale House know how to pour a good one.
So it's with great glee that we can fill you in on their upcoming Beer Festival which will be returning to the iconic festival from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026.
The four-day festival will celebrate the best of independent brewing in Leeds, with beers sourced exclusively from local breweries.
Featured breweries will include Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology, Amity Brew Co. and more.
Known as the oldest pub in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House has long championed independent beers and local brewing culture.
Image: Supplied
This year’s festival aims to spotlight the strength and diversity of the city’s brewing scene, with the tagline 'Beer tastes better up north!'
Beer will be pouring throughout the weekend across Whitelock's Ale House and The Turk's Head, with further brewery announcements and festival details set to be shared in the coming weeks via their Instagram.
The best part? Entry to the festival is completely free.
Talking about this year’s festival, General Manager Beth said: “Beer has always been at the heart of Whitelock’s, so this felt like the right year to celebrate both the breweries on our doorstep and the city we’ve called home for more than 300 years.
"Leeds has a brilliantly strong independent beer scene right now, and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the best breweries the city has to offer across the weekend.”
You can find out more about Whitelock's Ale House and their fabulous Beer Festival here via their website. Cheers to that!
Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch
Clementine Hall
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept has landed in the city centre.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds combines saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space features two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is absolutely gorgeous, complete with trendy tin ceilings, fairy lights and soft furnishings.
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The same goes for the saunas, with one silent and one sauna giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
There's a fab little cafe too offering all sorts from electrolyte slushes to ginger shots and a range of coffees and matcha.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
Officially opening their doors this Friday 29 May, Kontrast are offering free sessions over the weekend so you can try before you buy. Book your spot here.
The Hoot -
21st April 2023 
