As England and Leeds United fans come to terms with the Three Lions devastating loss against Italy, victims of domestic abuse in the city find themselves at increased risk.
Whilst for many the football is an exciting time of high emotions and nail-biting tensions that lead to nothing more than a few gripes in the pub, for some a post-match defeat (or win) can be a very scary and vulnerable time.
According to research by the national centre of domestic abuse, incidents tend to increase on average by 26% when England play and 38% when they lose.
Looking back to the 2010 World Cup, domestic violence leapt 27.7% when England won a match and saw a 33.9% increase when they lost.
Further research from the London School of Economics supports this, also suggesting that football matches increase the risk of domestic abuse victimisation.
Although violence decreases throughout the two-hour period when a match is played, abuse then starts to increase in its aftermath, research suggests.
Academics who have researched the matter say the violence tends to peak between 10 and 12 hours following a match but can be even later.
For those who do feel at risk, its vital that victims to do not feel they have to suffer alone.
Ruth Davison, chief executive of charity Refuge, said: “Refuge’s message to women and girls experiencing domestic abuse remains clear: you are not alone, Refuge is here for you.
"While football tournaments do not cause abuse – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes – they can exacerbate pre-existing abusive behaviours.
“Let’s be really clear, there is never an excuse for abusive behaviour and abuse doesn’t come ‘by appointment’, it happens all year round.
“However, Refuge wants to reassure women that 365 days a year, come rain or shine, regardless of what happens at Wembley Stadium this week, we are here for you, and can offer you the support you need.”
Who to call if you need help
Free support is available on a completely confidential basis from Refuge’s 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. The team here can help you find a refuge place, if necessary, as well as providing other specialist services to those in need.
There is also a digital support chat that runs live from Monday to Friday between 3pm and 10pm via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
Help is also available via the free Leeds Domestic Violence Service on its 24 hour helpline, 0113 246 0401. Alternatively you can contact them on hello@ldvs.uk.
LDVS supports anyone suffering from domestic abuse and actively encourages people from LGBT+ communities to access their support.
You can also call the Leeds Womens Aid 24-hour helpline on 0113 246 0401.
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Government to slash prices of bus travel, cinema tickets and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
12th July 2021 
