As autumn arrives in the UK, many people are beginning to feel the effects of shorter, darker days. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes, is estimated to affect around 2 million people annually in the UK, according to the NHS. With symptoms ranging from low mood and irritability to lethargy and feelings of worthlessness, it can significantly impact individuals’ wellbeing during the winter months. Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, co-founder and CEO of Meditopia, a mental health platform offering personalised wellbeing support, has shared essential tips to help those struggling with SAD this winter. Understanding SAD…
Author: Perthshire Scotland
Ofsted has published a new report today, emphasising the critical importance of foundational knowledge and skills in children’s early education. The findings reveal that many children, particularly those from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds, are not finishing Key Stage 1 equipped with essential skills, which may hinder their educational progress in later years. The report notes improvements in the teaching of early reading, yet it highlights persistent weaknesses in some schools’ English curriculums. Inspectors found that while phonics instruction has been enhanced, many children still struggle with complex reading and writing tasks before acquiring the necessary foundational knowledge. Sir Martyn Oliver,…
Thought leaders across various sectors are being invited to join a new platform, Like Minds, which offers experts the chance to amplify their influence and share insights with a wide, engaged audience. Launched with the goal of fostering collaboration and supporting industry experts, Like Minds provides a multi-channel platform tailored for professionals eager to shape conversations and drive meaningful change within their fields. The platform is designed to help experts in various industries, ranging from technology to business, grow their presence by connecting with a curated audience of professionals, decision-makers, and enthusiasts who actively seek out cutting-edge ideas. Jon Bains,…
A new pilot scheme aimed at reducing avoidable brain injuries in babies during childbirth has been launched today in nine NHS maternity units across England. The programme, titled Avoiding Brain Injury in Childbirth (ABC), forms part of the government’s drive to improve maternity outcomes for both women and their babies, and is backed by £7.8 million in government funding. The initiative is designed to equip maternity staff with enhanced training, enabling them to identify when a baby is in distress during labour and respond quickly. The programme also includes tools to help handle major obstetric emergencies, such as cases where…
A Scottish Highland hotel has been recognised as one of the greenest in the world after winning a prestigious global sustainability award. The Glen Mhor Hotel, a 4-star family-run establishment in Inverness, was honoured at the inaugural World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards held in Belize. The hotel, which sits on the banks of the River Ness, was the only UK business to receive an award at the event. It won special commendation in the “World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative” category, acknowledging its pioneering £8 million Energy Centre and its efforts to set a benchmark for sustainable practices in…
A new government report on the wellbeing of the UK population reveals growing concerns over healthcare services and declining social cohesion. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published the “UK Measures of National Wellbeing,” showing significant changes in public sentiment since the pandemic. One of the report’s key findings is a nearly 10% drop in the number of people who believe that individuals from different backgrounds get along well in their local communities. Last year, nearly 60% agreed that social harmony was strong, but this has now fallen to just 50.4%. This decrease, recorded before recent social unrest, may…
A recent study by the University of Leeds has revealed that sitting in the right-sized chair can lead to significant health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and improved oxygen levels. Conducted on behalf of HSL Chairs, the research highlights the importance of proper chair fit in maintaining good posture and overall well-being. The study, led by Dr Andrea Utley from the University’s School of Biomedical Sciences, involved 24 participants aged between 32 and 72. Each individual spent approximately 15 minutes seated in three different sizes of HSL’s Burrows Relax chair. The researchers evaluated various factors, such as seat height, depth,…
Scottish crime novelist Ed James has launched his latest book, His Path of Darkness, four years after a life-threatening health scare triggered by an iced smoothie during the Covid-19 lockdown. The author, who has sold over 2.5 million copies and downloads, shared the harrowing experience that left him contemplating his mortality and the fragility of life. The 46-year-old, who resides in the Scottish Borders, revealed that he prepared the smoothie in 2020 to bolster his immune system. Unfortunately, the ice-cold drink had unexpected consequences, shocking his stomach and freezing his vagal nerve, leading to Atrial Fibrillation. This condition caused his…
The newly appointed Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, Pat McFadden, made his inaugural visit to Northern Ireland today as part of the UK Government’s initiative to reset and strengthen relations between Westminster and the devolved governments. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing joint priorities with Northern Ireland. Accompanied by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, McFadden met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Belfast to explore avenues for working together on economic growth and investment opportunities across the UK. The discussions were centred on how the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive can…
ProcurePro, the pioneering leader in construction procurement software, has announced a significant achievement by surpassing £25 billion GBP ($50 billion AUD) in total construction project value procured through its platform. The company has rapidly established itself as the industry standard across Australia and is on track to be utilised by 50% of all builders by the end of 2025, with current customers processing approximately 1,000 contracts each month through its innovative system. The ProcurePro platform has transformed the procurement process for construction professionals, streamlining operations and improving efficiency across a wide array of projects. Among its key clients in the…