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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.
Guardian and Observer Journalists Strike Over Sale to Tortoise Media In an unprecedented move, journalists at The Guardian and its sister publication, The Observer, have gone on strike to protest the proposed sale of the Sunday newspaper to Tortoise Media. This marks the first strike at The Guardian in over fifty years. The two-day industrial action, which began on Wednesday, December 4, and will continue through Thursday, December 5, comes as a response to the potential sale of the Observer to Tortoise, a media company led by James Harding, the former editor of The Times and ex-director.The Heart of the ProtestThe core of the dispute lies in the proposal for Tortoise Media to acquire the Observer, a paper that has been part of the Guardian Media Group (GMG) for over two centuries. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has voiced strong opposition, describing the sale as a betrayal of the Scott Trust’s commitment to the continued legacy of the Observer, one of the world’s oldest Sunday newspapers.In response to the strike, a Guardian spokesperson expressed their acknowledgment of the staff's concerns, stating that while they understand the feelings around the sale, they believe a strike is not the best solution at this stage. Despite the strike, the Guardian and Observer will continue to produce online content and maintain regular print editions, though UK readers may notice some disruptions to the usual service during the strike period.NUJ's Stance and the Potential Impact on StaffThe NUJ has voiced strong support for the journalists' decision to strike, with union leaders backing the move as a way to send a clear message about the potential future of the Observer. Laura Davison, the NUJ’s general secretary-elect, emphasized the importance of the Observer in public life, saying the strike highlights journalists’ concerns about the title's future direction and the risks of its acquisition by Tortoise.As part of the proposed sale, Observer staff have been given the option of voluntary redundancy with enhanced terms or to transfer to Tortoise under the existing terms of their contracts. Anna Bateson, GMG’s managing director, reassured staff that talks regarding the sale would continue, with a focus on protecting Observer employees if the deal proceeds. Freelance contracts are also set to be extended until September 2025 before being renegotiated.The Scott Trust’s RoleThe Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group, has remained involved in discussions surrounding the sale. Ole Jacob Sunde, chair of the Scot
The Growing Struggle for Council Housing in Lincoln: Long Waits and Innovative Solutions The shortage of affordable council housing in Lincoln has become a pressing issue, with residents waiting months to secure a place. The city’s housing register reveals that over 300 individuals are currently in the highest-priority category, yet those seeking a one or two-bedroom property face waits of at least six months, and larger homes may take over a year to become available. This growing delay is expected to continue, according to the city’s director of housing and investment, Darren Turner.The Growing Demand for Council HousingThe root cause of this increasing demand lies in the skyrocketing costs of the private rental market, which have left many unable to afford private housing. As rent prices soar, more individuals and families are turning to the council as their only option for securing a stable home. In particular, even working families receiving housing benefits are struggling to keep up with the rising costs. Turner notes that more people are seeking council housing due to the financial strain in the private sector, which has left many feeling priced out of the market."Private rent has gone up exceptionally in the last few years, and more people are seeing the council as their only option. Even working families who receive housing benefits can’t keep up," Turner explains. The council is also faced with the challenge of replacing the homes lost through the Right to Buy scheme, with approximately 50 homes being sold each year.Long Waiting Times and a Supply-Demand CrisisThe demand for affordable housing is outpacing the supply, and Turner suggests that it will be difficult to see any improvement in waiting times without a significant shift in the market. "The length of wait on the housing register isn’t likely to get better any time soon. There needs to be a fundamental shift in the market and the amount of homes available, which isn’t a quick job," he warns.This issue is compounded by a lack of available land in Lincoln, which restricts the development of new housing. Turner points to the tight boundaries of the city and the difficulty of meeting Lincoln’s mandatory housing targets, which have been set by the government as part of a nationwide plan to build 1.5 million new homes across England in the next five years.Innovative Solutions to Combat the Housing ShortageIn response to the overwhelming demand and the limited land for new developments, Lincoln City Council is exploring innovative solutions. Turner mentions the possibilit
Nova Sports Secures Funding to Support Sports for Children with Disabilities A non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports sessions for children with disabilities has received funding through Children in Need. Nova Sports, founded seven years ago in Bath by husband and wife Jenny and Alex Johnson, was born from their shared passion for helping children and their background as students at the University of Bath.Jenny Johnson expressed her pride in the work Nova does, saying, “Every single day I go home and feel like I've made an important difference. I grew up playing sport without a disability, and it gave me so much. I believe every child should have the same opportunity.”Nova Sports has been awarded three years' worth of funding from Children in Need, which will support a variety of sports activities for children with disabilities across Bath, Somerset, and Bristol. The funding will help the organization continue to expand its reach, providing inclusive sports sessions designed to encourage physical activity and foster a sense of achievement for all participants.The support from Children in Need marks a significant milestone for Nova Sports, helping to ensure its continued impact in the local community. Through its programs, the organization strives to create a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities, promoting well-being, confidence, and social interaction through sport.
Celebrating Resilience: Portrait Exhibition Honors Addiction Survivors In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Developing Health & Independence (DHI), a charity based in Bath, is hosting a powerful portrait exhibition to honor those who have overcome addiction. The exhibition, held at the Museum of Bath at Work from November 5-8, presents the stories of people who have utilized DHI’s services, each photograph capturing their journey from darkness into light.A Personal Journey Captured in PortraitsThe photographs, taken by Darius Jéan, who himself is a DHI alumnus, reveal moments of resilience, growth, and newfound purpose. Jean explained his vision: “I wanted to show people coming out of the darkness and into the light,” reflecting the hard-won journeys of the individuals in each frame.Jean credits DHI with providing him stability and support at a critical time in his life, ultimately helping him pursue an honors degree from Bath Spa University. Inspired by his experience, he is now working on a coffee table book featuring 25 individuals, each representing a year of DHI’s work.Stories of TransformationAmong those featured is Laura, whose struggle with crack, heroin, and spice addiction once led to a life-altering explosion in her home and a prison sentence. With the guidance of DHI’s criminal justice team, she overcame her addiction, re-entered society, and is now a Peer Mentor, leading support groups for others in recovery.A Legacy of Compassion and EmpowermentFounded in 1999 by Rosie Phillips, DHI has dedicated itself to helping individuals across Somerset and Bristol rebuild their lives through housing, education, and substance abuse treatment. Phillips expressed her commitment, saying, “I love seeing people gain their sense of place in the world, and get their self-esteem back.”This exhibition not only celebrates DHI’s impact but also highlights the courage of those who have embraced the journey to recovery, each portrait a testament to hope and resilience.
Obituary: Ratan Tata, the Modest Tycoon Who Transformed Indian Business Ratan Tata, one of India's most esteemed business leaders, passed away at the age of 86. He was at the helm of the Tata Group—a vast conglomerate known as a "salt-to-software" empire, comprising over 100 companies and employing approximately 660,000 individuals. Under his leadership, the group's annual revenues exceeded $100 billion (£76.5 billion).Founded by Jamsetji Tata, a pioneer of Indian entrepreneurship, the Tata Group has a storied history spanning 155 years. Its diverse portfolio includes well-known brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel, and ventures in aviation and consumer goods. According to Peter Casey, author of The Story of Tata, the company's ethos integrates capitalism with philanthropy, aiming to improve lives through its business practices.Early Life and EducationRatan Tata was born in 1937 into a traditional Parsi family—an educated and prosperous community that traces its roots to Zoroastrian refugees in India. His parents separated when he was young, and he later pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in architecture from Cornell University. During his time there, he also learned to drive and fly. However, he faced several close calls, including engine failures while flying, which he recounted in interviews.After his grandmother, Lady Navajbai, fell ill, Tata returned to India in 1962. It was during this time that JRD Tata, a relative and a key figure in the family business, invited him to join the Tata Group. Ratan Tata regarded JRD as his greatest mentor, describing him as a father and brother figure.Rise within the Tata GroupTata began his career on the factory floor at a steel plant in Jamshedpur, where he worked for several years before becoming the technical assistant to the manager. In the early 1970s, he took on the challenge of reviving two struggling group companies—one producing radios and televisions and the other focused on textiles. His efforts to turn around the electronics firm were successful, while the textile company yielded mixed results.In 1991, JRD Tata appointed Ratan as his successor, a decision met with skepticism due to accusations of nepotism. Reflecting on this period, Ratan Tata later stated that he faced significant criticism but was determined to prove his worth.Under Ratan Tata's leadership, the Tata Group transitioned from a traditional manufacturer to a global brand with a strong emphasis on consumer goods. His tenure was marked by bold acquisitions, including t
Inclusive Fashion: Stylish Items Designed for People with Disabilities Destiny Pinto, a woman from Crawley, West Sussex, was inspired to create a line of stylish fashion accessories after struggling to find attractive options for her compression gloves due to rheumatoid arthritis. Her collection includes glamorous items designed to complement hearing aids and stoma bags, addressing a gap in the fashion industry."It's almost like everyone forgot about these devices in fashion," Destiny remarked. Her designs have gained millions of views on social media, attracting attention from notable figures like Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and singer Sza.Destiny’s best friend, Nikola, who wears a stoma bag following life-saving surgery, highlighted the challenges of finding fashionable clothing. "Anything tight causes leaks, so I have to wear baggy clothes," she explained. Nikola appreciates Destiny's designs, which allow her to feel confident and stylish.Libby Herbert, CEO of Colostomy UK, emphasized the importance of accessible fashion, noting its positive impact on mental health and social interactions. Ms. Pinto aims to create a community around her project, providing support for those facing similar challenges. "I want it to be more than just a shop," she stated, seeking to foster a platform that was lacking during her diagnosis and Nikola's journey.