Parents are crucial to solving our self-harm crisis
This World Mental Health Day, Spurgeons Children’s Charity is calling on commissioners in England and Wales to look at alternative solutions to the adolescent mental health crisis in this budget-cut environment. Charity CEO Ross Hendry looks at a new family-based solution being piloted in Birmingham. The facts are harrowing. In secondary schools across the country, at least four young people in every class are self-harmers. Children and young people who have self-harmed once are at high risk of recurrence. And...
New programme launched to help restaurants increase Vegan options
Veganuary, The Humane League UK and Vegan Chef Day team up to provide support and catering guide for businesses A ‘restaurant revolution’ is set to take place across the UK with the launch of a new project encouraging restaurants to offer more vegan options on their menus. Veganuary, The Humane League UK, and Vegan Chef Day are asking food establishments to offer at least two vegan options per course, or one option per course for restaurants with smaller menus. The...
Life after sport: Rio isn’t alone in facing an identity crisis
For professional athletes retirement can be a funny thing. One day sport is there, in its all-encompassing, life-consuming self, and the next it's gone, and there ain't much there to bridge the gap. News this week that Rio Ferdinand is launching a new career as a professional boxer two years after he retired from football has come as a shock to many people. The former Manchester United defender has paired up with Betfair for the switch leading to speculation that "defender to...
New academic study reveals true extent of the link between hard water and eczema
Hard water damages our protective skin barrier and could contribute to the development of eczema, a new study has shown. Researchers from the University of Sheffield and King’s College London have discovered that exposing the skin to hard water damages the skin barrier – which is our defence against outside threats such as bacteria or sun burn – and increases the sensitivity of the skin to potential irritants found in everyday wash products such as soap or washing powder. Hard...
This car could be yours – if you can figure out where it is
Former supermodel and petrolhead Jodie Kidd is set to launch the first ever nationwide live treasure hunt - for a CAR. The TV presenter was on hand this morning to provide fans with the first clue to the car’s secret location – a trumpet. Those that correctly guess the iconic location of the VW Golf, hidden in plain sight somewhere in the UK, could be rewarded with the keys. With just 36 hours to solve the mystery, potential winners must...
Watch – OAP has shopping stolen from his doorstep – then this happens
This is the emotional moment an OAP who had his shopping stolen from his doorstep was surprised by his caring neighbours - who had a whip round for food and cash. The pensioner - known only as Peter - had lost his keys and left his shopping bags outside his bungalow while he popped next door to ask for some help. But when he returned, the shocked pensioner found out he was not only locked out - but all his...
London house prices are falling down, falling down…
House prices in London might have been flying high a few months ago, but the optimism of spring paled over summer -- and the news is even worse for autumn. The news that house prices in the capital are falling by an average of 2.9% is particularly unwelcome at this time of year, as the property market tends to traditionally rebound in September. As yet, there’s no sign of that happening. An average reduction in asking prices of 2.9% is...
Air crew union calls for urgent inquiry into toxic air in passenger planes
How safe is the air we breathe on airplanes? Britain's largest union is calling for a public inquiry into toxic air in passenger planes as it emerged that one of Britain’s biggest airlines is set to fit new filters to stop particulates entering cabin air next year. Unite the union, which represents over 25,000 cabin crew working for airlines operating out of the UK, is calling on the rest of the airline industry to follow suit now. Unite also want...
White glove video reveals the cocktail of germs we come in contact with on the tube
Scientists have discovered the cocktail of germs and bacteria being picked up by people on Britain's public transport every day. Millions could be leaving themselves open to skin infections, respiratory infections and even food poisoning. A test of surfaces touched daily by commuters and tourists on London’s tube system was commissioned by Coldzyme to highlight the number of germs and bacteria we come into contact with every day. A commuter used the Tube wearing a white glove and touched surfaces...