Today is Mothering Sunday in England. The fourth Sunday of Lent, Mother’s Day, in the 16th century in England, people went back to their “mother” church, the church where they were baptised or where they were raised. Families may have been dispersed, working away and return to their parents, where they grew up. Gifts of wildflowers and Simnel cake would have […]
Understanding Mothering Sunday: History and Significance Read More »
The world grapples with ongoing challenges such as political instability, economic fluctuations, and health crises and mental health has become a concern. A rise in anxiety and stress levels across various demographics, prompting questions on how to cope in these uncertain times. The effects of the pandemic to geopolitical tensions, can create uncertainty. Many people may feel overwhelmed by news filled with distressing information,
Coping with Anxiety in Uncertain Times Read More »
In the digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter are integral to the lives of teenagers. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-expression, they also pose significant risks to mental health, contributing to rising levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. The lockdowns with the pandemic fundamentally changed how young
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Thousands of people living with severe mental illness across England and Wales are being invited to take part in a groundbreaking new research programme that aims to transform how conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and major depression are diagnosed and treated. Severe mental illness affects millions of people worldwide and is often linked
Groundbreaking Study on Severe Mental Illness in the UK Read More »
Every council in England will have a family hub by 2028. To provide a single point of access for services in health, education and wellbeing. There will also be activities for children under five and youth service provision. It is considered that this will provide an integrated and accessible support for families. It is reminiscent
UK Family Hubs: A Comprehensive Support System by 2028 Read More »
The Commons voted on Friday (20th June 2025) for a bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people. This is a landmark of social reform. The legislation passed by a vote of 314-291. This is considered the biggest parliamentary hurdle. It will now undergo scrutiny in the House of Lords. There could be further amendments
UK Bill on Assisted Dying: Key Parliamentary Vote Explained Read More »
Last week I met an employer, who had to let some subcontractors go because a large contract fell through. This was a tough decision. There was a big impact on some of those subcontractors. It is difficult for men to recognise and seek assistance, why? Is it hard for everyone but more difficult for men?
Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Read More »
Last month it was revealed that the UK Biobank (based on 500,000 volunteers) has released some of the data to Chinese researchers. Let us be clear, these are volunteers, and they agreed to their anonymised lifestyle information, biological samples and physical measurements to be taken and used in medical research. People aged between 40 and
How UK Biobank Data Transforms Health Insights Read More »
Food is more than nourishment it is entwined in all cultures as comfort, tradition and reward. It is often a meal with others, together with family and friends. Overeating is common and the physical consequences of weight gain, diabetes and heart disease are part of the NHS education to the public to raise awareness. There
Understanding Overeating: Beyond Willpower Read More »
Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has experienced a disturbing trend: rising mortality rates and stagnating life expectancy. The UK has a long-standing public health system and significant medical resources, this is a cause for national concern. Life expectancy in the UK has plateaued. Last year, 2024, rates returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However,
Rising Mortality Rates in the UK: An Urgent Public Health Concern Read More »
