News

Ask twice, people urged, as new research shows over three quarters of people in the North West would say they are ‘fine’ even if struggling with a mental health problem

New research released by the mental health anti-stigma campaign, Time to Change, reveals that when asked, 81% of people in the North West would tell friends and family we are ‘fine’, even if struggling with a mental health problem.

When asked why, responses suggest we doubt whether people really want to hear the honest answer.

The top concerns in the North West were:

Just because people ask how you are, doesn’t mean they really want to know (54%)

Contacta Systems, one of the UK’s leading hearing loop manufacturers, has unveiled a bespoke induction loop system at Chester station to make announcements more accessible to passengers with hearing loss.

The system features phased induction loops built into signage on the wall at two points – one in the waiting room and the other on the main concourse within easy view of the information screens.  The signs instruct hearing-impaired passengers to stand within its transmission range so they can clearly hear announcements over the station’s PA system by switching their hearing aid or cochlear implant receiver to the ‘T’ position.

Research findings shared for National Eye Health Week (24 - 30 September) reveal a link between over-active immune systems, stimulated by poor diets and oxidative stress, and the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) - the UK's leading cause of blindness.

Research conducted by teams of British scientists has found that yellow deposits (known as drusen) found at the back of the eye in AMD patients contain protein covered waste products that attract and activate faulty immune cells leading to low grade but chronic inflammation and ultimately sight-threatening retinal damage.

Nominations are now open for the Active Essex Sports Awards 2018, an annual event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of sporting organisations and individuals.

The event recognises local sporting heroes from grassroots to an elite level, and following last year’s great response, public votes have returned for three of the 11 awards – including the ‘Disabled Sports Personality of the Year’ category.

The award celebrates athletes who have made a significant impact in the last year at a national or international level, either individually or as part of a team. The award is open to all ages and disabilities.

A charity Wheelchair Basketball Tournament held at the Olympic Park has raised over £20,000 to support disabled female athletes, with further funds expected to be raised over the next month. 

The tournament took place at the iconic Copper Box Arena and was organised by leading disability charity Path to Success. More than 100 people attended the tournament, as ten corporate teams took to the court to battle for the title of ‘Corporate Wheelchair Basketball Champion’. 

The Regard Group, the UK’s third largest private care provider in its sector, has strengthened its presence in the South West with the acquisition of the Cornwall-based Solar Care Homes Ltd. 

This latest acquisition has increased Regard’s portfolio to 167 services, offering 16 new beds in Redruth to adults with learning disabilities, autism and physical disabilities. 

CEO Carole Edmond said: “One of Solar Care’s services is rated Outstanding by the CQC, and we were attracted to them because their vision matches our own - to provide excellent care and support, to continuously improve the quality of our service and to make people’s lives better every day. 

The Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) has launched RIDI 100: a directory of recruitment service providers which are committed to the inclusion of disabled jobseekers. The introduction of the resource comes in response to a survey of internal hiring managers which found that 70% of employers struggle to know where to source disabled talent. The same study found that just 11% of HR professionals feel ‘confident’ in knowing where to find candidates with a disability. 

Researchers at King’s College London are launching the largest ever single study of depression and anxiety. By recruiting at least 40,000 people in England who have experienced either depression or anxiety at some point in their life, the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study will make important strides towards better understanding of these disorders and improving the lives of future patients. GLAD will provide a ‘bank’ of potential participants for future studies on the genetic aspects of these two conditions and reduce the time-consuming process of recruiting patients for research.

WESTBRIDGE CAPITAL, which typically invests in medium sized enterprises, has backed a management buyout of AJM Mobility Limited (t/a AJM Healthcare), which provides mobility and equipment solutions to the NHS, Local Authority Partners and individuals across the UK.

AJM is a leading integrated wheelchair service provider for the NHS, delivering services to a population of over 2 million, and was the first company in the UK to be granted CECOPS accreditation for integrated wheelchair services, widely acknowledged as the gold standard for quality in the sector. AJM employs over 150 people, ranging from specialised therapists to field service engineers.