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Stormont Appoints New Commissioner to Advocate for Older People Stormont has appointed a new Commissioner for Older People, a crucial role dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Northern Ireland’s ageing population. The newly appointed commissioner will be responsible for addressing key issues such as healthcare, social care, financial security, and age discrimination. As Northern Ireland's elderly population continues to grow, the commissioner’s role is more important than ever. Many older individuals face challenges related to pension stability, rising living costs, and access to quality healthcare. The new appointee is expected to work closely with government agencies, advocacy groups, and local communities to develop policies that ensure better support and protection for older citizens. A major focus will be tackling loneliness and social isolation, which significantly affect the mental and physical health of older people. With increasing concerns about elder abuse and neglect, the commissioner will also advocate for stronger legal protections and improved care standards. Political leaders and advocacy groups have welcomed the appointment, hoping it will lead to meaningful change. However, some critics argue that past commissioners have struggled to implement long-term reforms due to budget constraints and bureaucratic challenges. The success of the new commissioner will depend on their ability to navigate these obstacles and drive forward policies that make a tangible difference in the lives of older individuals. As the commissioner begins their tenure, the public and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see how effectively they can champion the rights of older people in Northern Ireland. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping policies that create a more inclusive, age-friendly society.
Jessica Gunning's Triumph at the Golden Globes: A Proud Moment for Yorkshire Jessica Gunning, a talented actress hailing from Holmfirth, Yorkshire, achieved a career milestone by winning the Golden Globe for Best Female Supporting Actress in Television. She earned this accolade for her compelling portrayal of Martha, the stalker in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Baby Reindeer. The dark comedy, which captivated audiences globally, topped Netflix charts in both the UK and the US and boasts a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.Family's Joy and Hometown PrideThe actress’s family and friends expressed overwhelming pride and joy upon hearing the news. Tuning into the Beverly Hills ceremony from home, her mother, Val Gunning, described the moment as unforgettable: "When her name was announced, we went nuts with relief and excitement - what a moment!"Jessica, a former student of Holmfirth High School, shared an anecdote during her acceptance speech about growing up with a Yorkshire accent and expressed gratitude to the series creator Richard Gadd. She added humor to her address, joking about nearly tripping on the stairs and quipping, "You almost saw my Golden Globes."A Transformative Year for Jessica GunningJessica's performance in Baby Reindeer marked a significant turning point in her career. Despite her character’s Scottish accent in the series, Gunning’s personal Yorkshire roots shone through in her acceptance speech. Reflecting on the past year, she said, "The eight-year-old me would be chuffed to bits. Thank you to Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer has changed my life in ways that I can't even explain."Her former school in Holmfirth celebrated her achievement with pride. On social media, they posted: "We couldn’t be prouder or more thrilled for her. Congratulations from all of us."Celebrations in HolmfirthVal Gunning, a former teacher at Holmfirth High, recalled gathering with family to watch the ceremony. Initially thinking Jessica’s distant seating implied a loss, the family erupted with excitement when her name was called. "Tense does not describe how we were, but we spotted how far away from the stage she was seated and thought that meant she probably hadn't won," Val said.The celebration was loud enough to risk waking sleeping children, but the pride in Holmfirth has been palpable. "Friends, neighbors, and everyone who knows her are ecstatic about the outcome," Val added.From Holmfirth to the World StageJessica’s former Spanish teacher, Heidi Curry, recalled her unwavering ambition to become an actor. "We always
Teddy Swims: From Heartbreak to Healing – A Journey of Emotional Growth and Musical Success Teddy Swims, known for his emotional and raw music, shares a personal insight into his journey of growth and healing. With his breakout single Lose Control selling 1.8 million copies in the UK alone, Swims is riding high on success. His new album, I've Tried Everything But Therapy Part 2, reflects his shift from a past filled with addiction and toxic relationships to a space of domestic bliss. Despite this new chapter, Swims remains emotionally open, making his performances deeply impactful.One of his most memorable songs, Some Things I'll Never Know, is about grief and abandonment, and Swims has become known for crying during its performances. For him, crying is a form of emotional release: "Every day I try to cry a little bit. It’s just pain leaving the body."The upcoming European arena tour, which includes two nights at Wembley, will feature new tear-jerkers like Northern Lights, exploring even deeper emotional terrain. Teddy Swims' personal story of pain and transformation resonates with fans, as he continues to balance his emotional vulnerability with the joy of newfound love and family life.His new music, which includes themes of love and acceptance, also touches on the prejudice he and his partner Raiche Wright face, calling for a more tolerant world. Through his work, Teddy Swims embodies a new type of masculinity that embraces sensitivity and emotional openness, much like the example set by his father. The emotional journey is still unfolding for Swims, and he's eager to continue sharing his healing with his audience.
From Google to Gourmet: The Inspiring Journey of Simmy Dhillon and Simmer Eats Quitting a high-paying job at Google to pursue a dream may seem daunting, but for 27-year-old Simmy Dhillon, it was a necessary step to create a legacy. Hailing from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Dhillon turned his passion for cooking into a multimillion-pound business, Simmer Eats. From humble beginnings with just £10 worth of ingredients, he now runs one of the UK's fastest-growing food companies, proving that dreams fueled by determination and sacrifice can lead to extraordinary success.The Roots of a DreamGrowing up in a working-class household, where his father worked in a factory and his mother in a supermarket, Dhillon witnessed the challenges his parents faced. This motivated him to dream big—not just for himself but also to provide his parents the retirement they deserved."The main motivator was seeing my parents struggle and not being in the same position as them as an adult," Dhillon shared.From Side Hustle to EnterpriseWhile studying Economics at the University of Bristol, Dhillon began cooking and selling meals to his peers as a side hustle. What started as a small-scale operation to showcase his initiative for future internships quickly grew into something much bigger.After graduating as the first person in his family to earn a degree, Dhillon secured a marketing job at Google. But the entrepreneurial spark ignited during his university years never left him.He made the bold decision to leave Google and pour all his energy into building Simmer Eats, co-founding the company with his brother Jhai Dhillon, a former professional footballer and accountant.Seven Years to SuccessFast forward seven years, Simmer Eats is now a multimillion-pound business, delivering healthy ready meals across the UK. The company has achieved impressive milestones:£10M+ in revenue with over 1 million meals sold in the past 12 months.Ranked 11th in the Sunday Times Hundred 2024, with annual sales growth of 184% over three years.Gained celebrity endorsements from rapper Central Cee and Premier League footballer Alex Iwobi.Dhillon reflected on his journey:"Where we are today is exceptional, but it has happened very slowly over seven years time, and we've been working on it every single day."Building Simmer Eats on SacrificeSuccess didn’t come without challenges. Dhillon recalls sleeping on an airbed on a friend’s kitchen floor in London to save money."[Living like that] wasn't fun, but it just made me appreciate a comfortable bed more," Dhillon said. "It made me realise
Veganuary Study Seeks Volunteers for University Research Are you passionate about plant-based eating? If so, you might want to consider participating in a Veganuary university study. Researchers are looking for people who are interested in taking part in an exciting academic study focused on the impact of veganism during the month of January.Veganuary, the global campaign encouraging individuals to try veganism for the month of January, has grown in popularity over the years. As more people embrace plant-based eating, universities are now looking to understand the health, environmental, and social implications of the Veganuary challenge. This study aims to gather data on how adopting a vegan diet for a month affects individuals physically, mentally, and socially.Participants in the Veganuary study will be asked to follow a vegan diet for 31 days, with regular check-ins to track their progress. In addition to dietary changes, participants will be asked about their overall well-being, including energy levels, mood, and any challenges they may encounter. By taking part in the study, volunteers can contribute valuable insights into the benefits and obstacles of transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.Comms regarding the study have been widely circulated by universities and research organizations, seeking a diverse group of volunteers from different backgrounds and dietary habits. The goal is to gather comprehensive data from individuals who may or may not already be vegan to understand the broader impacts of such a dietary shift.Participants in the study will also receive guidance on how to maintain a balanced and nutritious vegan diet throughout the month. This study promises to be an excellent opportunity for those curious about the long-term effects of a vegan lifestyle, while also contributing to research that could inform future health recommendations.Whether you're already vegan or new to the idea, this Veganuary study offers a unique chance to explore how adopting a plant-based diet can influence your health and well-being.
Myleene Klass Becomes MBE: Breaking the Silence on Miscarriage and Women’s Health Myleene Klass, celebrated musician, presenter, and campaigner, has been appointed an MBE in the New Year Honours for her contributions to women's health, miscarriage awareness, and charity.The former Hear'Say singer and mother-of-three has openly shared her journey of enduring four miscarriages and has spent years advocating for better support and care for women experiencing baby loss.From Personal Pain to Public AdvocacyReflecting on her journey, Klass said, "When I think back to how all of this started, it came from a very dark place. I certainly didn’t aim to become a campaigner at the time."Her advocacy has been pivotal in influencing the Women’s Health Strategy in Parliament, ensuring women receive medical support after every miscarriage rather than waiting until after three.Last year, the Department of Health and Social Care introduced measures to improve miscarriage care, including a pilot scheme offering medical intervention after every miscarriage.Raising Awareness Through MediaKlass brought her experience to light through the Bafta-nominated 2021 documentary Myleene Klass: Miscarriage and Me. She revealed that making the documentary was the first time she could vocalize her trauma, admitting, “I wasn’t even able to say the word miscarriage before because it was so fresh.”The 46-year-old described the difficulty of revisiting her losses: “It never gets easier. It feels like ripping off the band-aid every time, but it keeps me connected to the babies I lost.”Breaking the TabooKlass emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around miscarriage:“No one wants to talk about dead babies, so women are left to deal with baby loss and fertility issues alone. That needs to change.”Including her husband and children in the documentary was crucial for her, as she believes miscarriage impacts the entire family. “My kids thought they were getting a sibling, so you’re not just mopping up your sadness but theirs too,” she said.A Champion for ChangeKlass’s advocacy extends beyond her documentary work. She has authored books on parenting, including They Don’t Teach This At School (2022), and has been an ambassador for Save the Children for over a decade.Opening the letter confirming her MBE with her children by her side, Klass called it a “very special moment” and added, “I feel proud knowing I’ve used my platform to make a positive difference.”"Miscarriage Is Not a Dark Secret"Klass remains steadfast in her mission to c
Married at First Sight" Counselling: "Nothing Like the Real Thing" Is Reality TV Therapy the Same as Real Counselling?Channel 4’s Married at First Sight (MAFS) is a bold social experiment that takes single strangers, marries them off at first sight, and documents their journey through the ups and downs of married life. But, as couples attempt to navigate their new relationships, can they truly be coached into love? The show’s three experts—Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling, and Charlene Douglas—act as relationship guides throughout the process, offering advice and support as the couples struggle with issues ranging from attraction to personality clashes. However, how much of what we see on TV mirrors the reality of actual couples counselling?Reality TV Drama vs. Real TherapyIn a typical counselling room, the goal is for both partners to communicate openly and honestly in a safe and respectful environment. But Married at First Sight is far from a typical therapeutic setting. Psychotherapeutic counsellor Emma Loker points out that the format of the show feels more like “group therapy” because of its public nature. Couples sit down with the experts in front of the cameras, often revealing their deepest relationship issues, while their fellow participants watch, react, and comment. These moments are broadcast across hours of filming, but condensed into a one-hour episode for viewers.The visible reactions of the other participants—gasping, eye-rolling, or crying—highlight the key difference between this and an actual therapy session, where respect for others is emphasized. Loker says that in therapy, participants are encouraged to create a safe space for discussion, free from judgment. However, on Married at First Sight, these reactions are meant to fuel drama and engagement, which is a big part of the show’s appeal.The Role of External Support: Too Many Voices?In a traditional therapy setting, the couple's issues are addressed privately, without external input from others. Yet on Married at First Sight, couples are not only receiving advice from the experts, but also from the other participants. This often leads to situations where multiple voices provide varying opinions on the issues at hand, which, according to Dr. Sham Singh, a US-based psychiatrist, can lead to confusion. “Therapy is a space where both partners get to be heard without outside bias,” Dr. Singh explains. In contrast, the show’s format encourages sharing relationship woes with the group, which can often create unnecessary drama and externa
Increasing Bus Travel in the Town: A Trend on the Rise The town is witnessing a noticeable increase in people opting for bus transportation, a trend that is reshaping the local commuting landscape. This shift towards buses is not only improving accessibility but also encouraging a more eco-friendly and sustainable way of getting around. The rising popularity of bus travel is being driven by various factors, including the growing demand for affordable and efficient transportation options.Public buses provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to private vehicles, offering convenience and comfort for commuters. With the town’s infrastructure gradually improving, bus routes are becoming more accessible and well-connected, allowing residents to travel to key destinations with ease. This change is particularly beneficial for those who rely on public transport due to financial constraints or those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.Moreover, as traffic congestion continues to pose challenges for private vehicle owners, buses are proving to be an efficient solution. More people are recognizing the benefits of using public transportation, which helps reduce road traffic, cut down on pollution, and conserve energy. The increasing ridership is also a testament to the town’s growing commitment to sustainability and the future of green commuting.In conclusion, the rise in bus travel is not only a reflection of evolving transportation trends but also an important step towards creating a more environmentally conscious and interconnected community. The town’s emphasis on public transportation is set to continue, benefiting both commuters and the environment.