TRUST NEWS - last updated 21/02/2007

For the second year running The Trust teamed up with Neath Port Talbot Police to support their Christmas Safe Drinking Campaign. The Trust supplied 2,000 Drink Detectives which were distributed across the area. PC John Williams said, "It is without any shadow of doubt that working with the Trust strengthens our campaigns. Our association with The Trust has real impact - we only have to mention Lucie's name or describe the photograph of her in a black dress and her long blonde hair and everyone knows and relates to her."

Figures over the Christmas and New Year period showed that the number of sexual offences in the area were down 15.3% on last year.

Ipswich suffered difficult times in December when the now infamous Red Light Murders took over everyone's thoughts. During this time the Trust was able to offer assistance in several  areas. Matt Searle helped Suffolk Constabulary distribute thousands of personal alarms and Personal Safety leaflets in the town centre, and SafetyText was put on line for Ipswich residents to use. (It is now available nationwide - www.safetytext.com) Matt also spent time talking to various people concerned about their safety, including a number of street workers. The Trust made X-Markers and Minder Alarms available free of charge to vulnerable people. Our thoughts are with the families of Gemma, Tania, Anneli, Paula and Annette at this tragic time.

During November Matt Searle and Trust representatives travelled the country on a Drink Safe Awareness Tour. Arranged with and supported by Greene King, it consisted of pubs being visited in 10 regions of the UK. Information was distributed and drinks were 'spiked' with a little sticker - a devastatingly effective way of demonstrating how easy it is to spike a drink. hailed a big success, the tour also raised over £1200 for future campaigns. The Trust would like to thank Greene King and all involved for their help.

In support of The Trust's Student Safe campaign, more celebrities have recorded video messages. Tim Blackman has also appeared on Sky News and the Sharon Osbourne Show, as well as several radio shows. An article was also featured in Japan Times.

The Lucie Blackman Trust was supported by Elliott Allen who went on the BSES Expedition to Peru this year. Elliott sold wristbands to raise funds and also raised money during a round the Island cycle ride. Elliott raised £68.00 and the Trust is extremely grateful. You can read his diary of the expedition here. Find out how you can help here.

The Trust has been involved in many exciting fundraising events this summer - find out all about them here.

The National Convention for Safer Communities was held at Portsmouth Guildhall on the 13th - 15th June. The Lucie Blackman Trust attended and generated a lot of interest. Tim Blackman's speech at the end of the third day was extremely well received, and The Trust formed many exciting partnerships with Police and Safe Community groups.

On the 22nd and 23rd of May the Trust gave a series of workshops to students at the Isle of Wight College, as part of the ongoing relationship we have created over the last year. Presentations were given to packed rooms, and the Trust was asked back again to present similar events in November. Tim Blackman also presented the College's annual awards in early July.

For three days in May the Trust was guests of the States of Jersey Police. During the visit the Trust gave a presentation to five schools and colleges highlighting the risks faced by students when they leave the island. The Trust also forged extensive links with many bodies on the island, including the Brook Advisory Clinic. A long lasting relationship with DC Bruce Liron of the States Police was formed, and we are now working with him on a number of projects. The Trust would like to thank DC Liron and Jersey for the welcome and hospitality we

received. Also see here for a report from the Channel TV website.

The Trust attended Ryde High School on the Isle of Wight to give a safety presentation to over 200 students on the 15th May. Tim Blackman talked to the students about the Trust, Lucie's story, and how they could help keep themselves safe.

Tim Blackman was a guest speaker at the 2006 Cabin Safety Conference in London on May 9th. This conference covers all aspects of safety in the cabin of aircraft. The event was attended by many of the worlds leading airlines, and long lasting partnerships were forged. the Trust is looking forward to working with these airlines on some exciting projects.

The Lucie Blackman trust attended a Gap Year Safety Day at South Downs College near Portsmouth. During the day, on 3rd May, Tim Blackman gave a presentation on Personal Safety to a packed room. The Trust is grateful to the students involved, who have been raising funds as well.

Tim Blackman appeared at Tokyo Central Court again on the 25th April. In the latest hearing, Mr Blackman delivered a statement to the court detailing the impact the death of Lucie has had on him and his family. This statement can be read here. Up-to-date news and press releases will appear on the website as events occur in Tokyo. Media personnel can call 01983 566713 for the latest updates, or visit the press and media section of the site.

The Trust was supported by David Sweet, who ran the Belfast Marathon on May 1st. David completed the marathon in 4 hours and 14 minutes, and has donated all money raised to The Lucie Blackman Trust. The Trust is extremely grateful to David.

Find out more about this here.

The Trust were asked by the BBC to comment on the safe use of Bluetooth technology on mobile phones, after reports of attackers sending distressing transmissions to victims handsets. The trust gave a live interview on BBC Radio Manchester explaining how users can be safe. See here for the full list of tips and advice.

In reaction to the news story released 29/03/06 regarding Tim Blackman and Joji Obara, a Press Statement from Tim Blackman is available here. Please call 01983 566713 or email matt@lbtrust for further information.

The Trust is delighted to announce that we are now working in partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In association with the 'Know Before You Go' campaign, we are working with the FCO to do all that we can to help British travellers to stay safe overseas. The Trust is proud to be a partner of this campaign and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Tim Blackman was proud to be asked to host and present awards at the Skills for Justice Skills Summit 2006. The event took place on 9-10 March and was supported by the Home Office and brought together representatives from across the justice sector. Mr Blackman forged strong partnerships with many of the delegates and the Trust looks forward to working with them.

The Trust's designer, Sarah Miller, has produced a new poster / flyer to promote the 'Travel Safe' campaign. This and four postcards are available free on the downloads page. Please feel free to display any of them at your place of work, school, college etc. For customised images with your logo, please call 01983 566713.

The Trust was featured in an article on the Peter Symonds College online magazine website. Student Emma Dunn contributed the piece entitled 'Rethinking Drinking' . You can view the article by clicking here. The Trust would like to thank Emma for helping to get the Personal Safety message in to colleges.

The Trust spent an extremely worthwhile day in Manchester on the 6th March. First Choice Airways invited us to give a day workshop on personal safety. As well as First Choice, FlyJet, EasyJet, Thomson Fly, My Travel, and representatives from Hilton Hotels and Servisair also attended. The Trust forged long-lasting partnerships with these companies and are now working together on safety initiatives.

The Lucie Blackman Trust were proud to be asked to give a presentation in London on 27th February. Tim Blackman gave an informative talk on the consequences of rape to delegates including the Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service and several UK Police Forces, at the 'Tackling Rape and Aiding Victims conference.

The father of Lucie Blackman is to fly out to Japan to give evidence in the trial against her alleged killer. Tim Blackman, 52, will tell judges in a Tokyo court about the impact the murder of his 21-year-old daughter has had on the family and what they believe should happen to Joji Obara if found guilty. Read the full Press Release here.

The Trust have now added a Downloads page to the site. Here you can download campaign posters, leaflets, press releases and more. There is also a World Guides page with information on cultures and lifestyles for many top travel destinations. See Here

The Lucie Blackman Trust has launched a message board where users can chat about all aspects of personal safety, share experiences and offer advice to other users. You can sign up and view the board by following this link: Lucie Blackman Trust Message Board

This month the Lucie Blackman Trust has sent personal safety information packs to more than 650 educational establishments across the UK .

Click on the image to download

a printable pdf. file of the flyer.

Isle of Wight College students join forces with the Trust to learn about personal safety. Tim Blackman gave a talk to the students followed by a workshop where the students joined forces with the Trust on several fundraising ideas. The Trust welcomes opportunities to work with any educational organisations.

Click on the image to download the article. (copyright Isle of Wight County Press)

The Trust was asked to comment on Personal Safety abroad after the tragic death of Katherine Horton on Koh Samui. Matt Searle appeared live on ITN lunchtime news and gave advice to would be travellers. The Safety Tips can be seen and downloaded here.

Universities and colleges from Dundee to Plymouth respond to the Trusts “Your Mobile …. Your Safety” campaign. Sponsored by Carphone Warehouse. Tens of thousands of new college and university students receive information on the Lucie Blackman Trust and SafetyText in their Freshers Packs.

The Wightlink Ferry Company air an information film about SafetyText on their sailings, and provide leaflets to their travelling customers.

Mother of murdered student, Sally Geeson, supports The Trust as Cambridge Colleges promote SafetyText to their new student intake.

Sex in the City and partying”, a womens safety awareness campaign initiated through the City of London Womens Group in the lead up to Christmas, invites The Lucie Blackman Trust to help in raising awareness of safety for women.

Griff Rhys-Jones, one of the Trustees of the Lucie Blackman Trust is commissioned by Hello Magazine to write a piece for their “Comment Page” about the Trust and its importance for young people taking gap years. To download this article click here

Marketing company, Fox Murphy, provide pro bono design time to assist The Trust in developing a Christmas safety awareness campaign for women.