Simpson Millar Solicitors

We are delighted to announce that seven of our colleagues – Jonathan Cloudsdale, Zoe Evans, Deborah Krelle, Kirstie Bork, Patrick Nelly, Kimberley Holmes, and Phoebe Powell – are taking part in a brilliant fundraising initiative for Help for Heroes this January. They have been completing a military fitness challenge every single day this month and will continue to do so until the end of January, all to raise essential funds that will make a significant difference to members of the Armed Forces community. Every day, they’ve been pushing themselves through one of two challenge levels: ✔️ Foundation Level: 1 minute of press-ups, 1 minute of sit-ups, and a 1km run or walk ✔️ Peak Level: 2 minutes of press-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run or walk Help for Heroes is a charity dedicated to supporting veterans, service personnel, and their families. It provides tailored, life-changing assistance, including physical rehabilitation, mental health support, career guidance, and programmes to help individuals reintegrate into their communities. Many of those they support have experienced life-altering injuries or illnesses, whilst others face challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological conditions, which often require greater understanding and recognition. Through this challenge, our colleagues are raising essential funds to ensure these vital services can continue helping individuals and families rebuild their lives after the challenges they have faced in service. Every contribution, no matter how small, even £1, has the power to make a meaningful impact and ensure veterans and their families receive the tailored support they need. Donate here 👉 https://lnkd.in/d48r6CFM Let’s show our support for Jonathan, Zoe, Deborah, Kirstie, Patrick, Kim, and Phoebe as they continue this incredible challenge for such a worthy cause. Thank you to everyone who has supported so far, your generosity truly makes a difference. #HelpForHeroes #SupportOurVeterans #FitnessChallenge #Fundraising

🚨 Concerns Raised About Maternity Care in Birmingham. A recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has revealed significant issues in maternity services at City Hospital, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of care provided. The inspection was prompted by whistle-blower concerns about staff shortages, delays in providing care, and failures to thoroughly investigate serious incidents. As a result, the hospital's safety rating has been downgraded to "inadequate", with overall care rated as "requires improvement". The CQC’s findings highlighted critical shortcomings, including insufficient staffing levels, a lack of adequate safeguarding measures, and outdated or inadequate equipment. These issues were found to directly impact the safety and wellbeing of women, people using the service, and their babies. Staff also reported being unable to carry out safeguarding procedures effectively due to time constraints, which only added to the CQC's concerns. Despite these challenges, some positive efforts were noted, such as initiatives to improve communication for individuals with specific needs, such as those who are deaf or have learning disabilities. Nevertheless, the report stressed the urgent need for rapid and significant improvements in key areas to ensure safe and effective care. Maternity services at City Hospital have now been transferred to the Midland Metropolitan Hospital, and an action plan has been put in place to address the issues raised. The Trust has committed to making the necessary changes, and the CQC will continue to monitor the service closely to ensure that improvements are being implemented effectively. At Simpson Millar, we understand how medical negligence can impact families. If you or someone you know has experienced poor maternity care, our experienced Medical Negligence Solicitors can provide the support you need. We offer a free claims assessment to understand your situation and advise you on whether you may have a case. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but we are here to guide you through the process and help you seek justice, and compensation. 📞 Call us on 0808 149 9561.

🌍 Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Raising Awareness and Supporting Survivors Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a moment to highlight the scale of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK and explore how we can support survivors and prevent exploitation. According to the UK Home Office, there were 16,938 referrals of potential trafficking victims in 2022, which is a fivefold increase since 2015 when the Modern Slavery Act was introduced. Yet, the Centre for Social Justice estimates over 100,000 people in the UK are still trapped in modern slavery, facing forced labour, sexual exploitation, and criminal exploitation such as county lines. Our latest article delves into: 🔹 The realities of trafficking in the UK, including who is most affected and why. 🔹 The barriers survivors face, such as delays in support, unsafe housing, and being wrongfully criminalised. 🔹 The significance of Human Trafficking Awareness Day in driving education and advocacy. 🔹 How Simpson Millar is fighting for survivors, challenging unfair decisions, helping secure safe accommodation, and overturning wrongful prosecutions for victims coerced into crimes. Human Trafficking Awareness Day also reminds us that everyone has a role to play. If you suspect someone may be a victim, look out for signs such as restricted freedom, lack of identification, or visible fear. Report your concerns to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or contact your local authorities. 💡Find out more about the impact of trafficking and the work being done to support survivors by reading our full article: https://bit.ly/3E22pXx #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay #SupportSurvivors #HumanRights #ModernSlavery

This week’s #FridayFeedback highlights the outstanding work of Jessica Lea, a Solicitor in our Medical Negligence team at Simpson Millar. Our client shared their appreciation for the excellent service provided by Jessica and her colleagues over the course of their three-year case. They were kept informed at every stage, with clear explanations that made the process much easier to navigate. This level of communication and care left the client feeling well-supported throughout. If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or delays in treatment, our specialist Medical Negligence Solicitors are here to help. If we identify that you may have a claim, we’ll guide you through the process with clarity, sensitivity, and expert advice. We understand how medical negligence can affect you physically, psychologically, and financially, and we are committed to helping you seek compensation to cover care, rehabilitation, lost earnings, and other costs to support your recovery. We offer a free, no-obligation case assessment to discuss your circumstances and explore how we may be able to assist. Taking legal action can also help improve care standards, ensuring others do not face similar experiences. 📞 Call us today on 0808 149 9561 for a confidential chat. #MedicalNegligence #CompensationClaims #ExpertSupport

Shocking Footage of Abuse in Schools Highlights Urgent Need for Change. Disturbing footage from Whitefield School in East London has revealed the shocking abuse of autistic and disabled children in "calming rooms". Children were forcibly confined for hours, often without food or water, and left in distressing conditions. The recordings show children being restrained by the neck, thrown to the floor, and left to injure themselves whilst visibly distressed. This abuse, which occurred between 2014 and 2017, has left families dealing with lasting trauma. Many children have developed conditions such as PTSD, and some have suffered serious psychological and physical harm. Despite a police investigation, no charges were brought forward, raising critical questions about the protection of vulnerable children and the accountability of institutions. The government has since been urged to strengthen guidelines on seclusion and restraint to prevent such incidents in the future. You can watch the BBC News' full investigation here: https://lnkd.in/eM9DW7aw Schools should be safe and supportive environments for all children. When institutions fail in this duty, those affected have a right to pursue justice and ensure their voices are heard. At Simpson Millar, we understand the impact this can have and are here to provide clear, compassionate legal guidance. Seeking justice cannot undo the harm that has been caused, but it can secure access to much-needed support and ensure that institutions are held accountable for their actions. 📞 If you or your child has been subjected to any form of abuse in a school setting, contact us on 0808 149 9561. Our team will take the time to understand what has happened and offer a free, no-obligation claim assessment to help you explore the options available. #SafeguardingChildren #StopChildAbuse 

🚨 Did You Work with Gwyn Price at RAF St Athan? Gwyn Price dedicated over 15 years of his career to RAF St Athan, working as a Storesman during the 1980s and 1990s. Tragically, his death in 2021 was linked to asbestos-related illnesses caused by workplace exposure. His family is now urgently seeking answers about the conditions he worked in during this time. 📣 Your Information Can Help If you worked alongside Gwyn, or have details about safety measures and working conditions at RAF St Athan, your insight could be invaluable in bringing clarity and justice to his family. ✉️ Contact Anthony Waddington at Simpson Millar via email at anthony.waddington@simpsonmillar.co.uk or call 📞 0345 357 9200. 👉 Read Gwyn’s full story here: https://lnkd.in/dF3i5Wf7 #AsbestosAwareness #RAFStAthan

🌸 Why Are Women Waiting Years for Reproductive Health Diagnoses? A new report from the Women and Equalities Committee has revealed the alarming challenges many women face in England when seeking care for reproductive health issues. According to the Committee, conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and heavy periods are often dismissed or misdiagnosed due to widespread medical misogyny, stigma, and a lack of education among healthcare professionals. The report highlights that these conditions are frequently dismissed or “normalised”, leaving women to manage severe pain that disrupts their daily lives, including their careers, relationships, and fertility. Many are forced to wait years for a diagnosis, with some turning to private healthcare due to long NHS waiting times. The committee also criticised the inadequate menstrual health education in schools, which is often inconsistent and delivered too late to provide real benefit. Additionally, a lack of awareness among primary healthcare professionals means that many women, particularly younger ones, are not receiving the care they need when they first present with symptoms. At Simpson Millar, we understand how distressing it can be when your health concerns are dismissed or not taken seriously, leaving you feeling unheard and unsupported. If you have experienced poor treatment or feel your symptoms were ignored or misdiagnosed, we are here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation case assessment over the phone to listen to your experience and assess whether you may have a case. Our Medical Negligence Solicitors provide clear advice and compassionate guidance, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. 📞 Call us on 0808 149 9561 to speak with a member of our team and find out how we can help. #Healthcare #WomensHealth #MedicalNegligence

This week’s #FridayFeedback highlights the outstanding dedication and expertise of Heather Davidson, Public Law Associate Solicitor, and Clara Jenkins, Solicitor Graduate Apprentice, in our Education and Children’s Rights team at Simpson Millar. Our client shared their gratitude for the exceptional support they received, with Heather and Clara going above and beyond to secure the correct educational provisions for their son. Their clear communication and commitment ensured the client felt heard, informed, and supported every step of the way, leading to a successful outcome that will enable their son thrive at school. If you’re trying to secure the right Special Educational Needs (SEN) support or provisions for your child, it can feel daunting and difficult. At Simpson Millar, our Education Law team is here to offer friendly, expert guidance to help you through it. With years of experience in helping families achieve positive outcomes - whether it’s securing an EHCP, finding the right school placement, or accessing essential support - we’re committed to making sure your child gets what they need to thrive. We can assist with a wide range of education law issues, including SEND Tribunal appeals, school admissions, exclusions, and disputes with local authorities. Our team also supports families facing challenges related to children being out of school, bullying, and discrimination. Whatever your situation, we’re here to provide clear, empathetic, and expert advice tailored to you. 📞 Call us today on 0808 149 9561 for a no-obligation, confidential chat about how we can help support you and your family. #EducationLaw #SENSupport #EHCP #ChildrensRights #ClientPraise

As we step into 2025, we want to take a moment to thank our clients and colleagues for their trust and unwavering support over the past year. Your confidence in us has been truly appreciated. May this New Year bring renewed opportunities, growth, and continued success for everyone. We look forward to another year of collaboration, providing expert legal assistance, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025! #NewYear

This festive season, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing clients for placing their trust in us and to our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment. Thank you for making this year truly special. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday! 🎄#MerryChristmas