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Age UK East Sussex Launches Appeal to Support Digitally-Excluded Older People

“Ensuring No One Is Left Behind” – New appeal launches to support the growing number of older people struggling to access digital-only systems to get the help they need.

Imagine your mum, grandad, or a neighbour you care about needing essential support, but the only way to get this is via an online form and they have no internet.

Or perhaps they’re hard of hearing and stuck with a voice-recognition phone system that can’t understand them. Or partially sighted and expected to complete an essential medical form on a tiny phone screen.

For many older people in East Sussex, this isn’t a future worry. It’s happening right now.

As local councils and services shift to online-only applications for vital benefits such as Attendance Allowance and the Blue Badge, Age UK East Sussex is experiencing a surge in older people urgently needing help. 

Without digital access, or systems designed for accessibility, or just the confidence to face a barrage of passwords and automations, many are facing overwhelming barriers to the support they need to stay independent.

As a result Age UK East Sussex has launched its new appeal, “Ensuring No One Is Left Behind,” running from now until the end of January, to raise £25,000 to meet this growing need.

Older people are being left behind - and demand for help is soaring

The charity’s Information & Advice service is receiving more requests than ever from people who simply cannot navigate online-only systems. What should be routine applications can feel stressful, frightening, and often impossible for those without digital skills, smart devices, or access to the internet.

This sharp rise in demand follows changes to application processes across the county - leaving many older people unable to apply for the benefits they are eligible for without specialist support.

The dedicated I&A team is now working against a three-month waiting list, and staff fear that with such a long wait, more older people will continue to go without the support they need.

Why Age UK East Sussex is asking for support

Funds raised through this appeal will go directly towards:

Recruiting and training additional advisors and volunteers

Providing more one-to-one appointment slots

Covering essential running costs of the Information & Advice service

(including telephone support, outreach visits, and in-person appointments)

These additional resources will help ensure older people get the help to apply for what they need - safely, confidently, and without long delays.

Steve Hare, CEO, Age UK East Sussex told That's Health: “We hear from people every day who are desperate and worn down by systems they simply can’t access. These aren’t luxuries - they’re essential services that help people stay cared for and independent.

"No one should be left without support because they don’t have a laptop or can’t use a smart phone. With the backing of our community, we can reach people sooner, reduce waiting times, and make sure every older person in East Sussex can apply for the support they need.”

How you can help

Age UK East Sussex is calling on local residents, businesses, and community groups to come together to support the appeal.

Please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex /staying human for more information 

Even a small donation can help an older person begin their journey to accessing the benefits and support they need.

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A man’s guide to the menopause

Most information and advice about the menopause and its management is aimed at women. 

o how can men know what to do, or what to say, if their wife, partner or work colleague is struggling with troublesome symptoms at this time of life?

In the Autumn 2025 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Mr Mike Savvas, consultant gynaecologist, provides men with reliable, trustworthy information about the menopause. 

He covers the main symptoms caused by hormonal changes, possible treatments and other management approaches, and how the menopause can impact on relationships at home and at work.

“Most men want to support the menopausal women in their life – whether this is a relative, friend or work colleague, but it can be difficult to know where to begin,” Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange told That's Health.

“Understanding the menopause is the first step towards providing that support.”

The Menopause Exchange’s subscribers include women, men, healthcare professionals, complementary therapists, workplace managers, employees and journalists. 

Other articles in the Autumn 2025 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include non-hormonal treatments for sweats and flushes, nutrition at the post-menopause, and HRT prescriptions, as well as news,

 Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s webinars, talks and workshops.

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is unbiased and independent and isn’t sponsored by any companies or organisations. 

Their free quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top UK medical experts, including menopause consultants, GPs, specialist menopause nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, complementary practitioners, a menopause counsellor and a pelvic health physiotherapist.

To join The Menopause Exchange, anyone can sign up for free on our website, http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

Menopause webinars: Our readers may be interested in attending or organising an online webinar presented by Norma, who has been giving presentations for over 26 years. 

These are suitable for women at or approaching the menopause, women who have had premature ovarian insufficiency (before age 40), an early menopause or a hysterectomy, or anyone with an interest in women’s midlife health. 

Her indepth knowledge has helped thousands of women enjoy a more comfortable perimenopause and menopause. Norma is now presenting online ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinars to men. Knowing about the menopause can help men to better support their wife or partner, employees and/or work colleagues.

Norma also presents an ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinar, geared towards workplaces, which they host, and a separate workplace webinar to line managers, HR teams, occupational health personnel, menopause champions and others responsible in the workplace (companies and organisations) for the wellbeing of employees.

In all webinars, attendees will be able to ask questions and will receive a factsheet.

To attend an ‘Understanding the Menopause’ webinar, organise one for your workplace or for more information email norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or call 020 8420 7245.

UKMSA welcomes London Assembly’s report into Men’s Mental Health in London, highlightings how partnership working helps people create more Sheds across London

The UK Men’s Sheds Association welcomes the London Assembly’s report into Men’s Mental Health in London, which shines a much-needed light on the challenges many men face across the capital including loneliness, stress and a lack of accessible community spaces.

Men’s Sheds are mainly volunteer-led spaces, where men come together to make, mend and build friendships. 

They offer informal, practical spaces that support wellbeing simply by giving men a place to belong.

“Following the premature death of my daughter from a car crash, I fell off the rails. I felt that I did not want to do anything or mix with anybody. 

"After finding Men in Sheds, I have rebuilt my life, and I have found a group of new and diverse friends. It has also renewed my love of woodwork. The group talk about many subjects, and it feels like a safe place to discuss many difficult subjects,” said Dave, Shedder, 62.

However, many London boroughs still have no Sheds, and volunteers need access to affordable premises and local support to open more.

Caroline Ellis, CEO of UKMSA, said: “London can be a fantastic city, but it can also be a lonely one. Sheds offer men a place to turn up, get involved and feel part of something. We welcome the Mayor’s focus on men’s mental health and the recognition that community-led spaces must be part of the solution. With the right partnerships, we can support volunteers to open more Sheds across the capital.”

For Age UK Bexley, that is what Men in Sheds projects are all about: fostering supportive social networks whilst giving members the chance to be creative in the wood workshop. 

"In our last impact survey in September 2025, 100% of our members surveyed agreed with the statement “I have formed new social connections or friendships since joining the shed”. 

"We see new members join at moments of significant life change, including bereavement, and it’s inspiring to see how much joy, purpose, and camaraderie they find amongst their peers in the Shed," said Emily Willey, Service Manager, Age UK Bexley

https://menssheds.org.uk

Is There a Link Between Dyslexia and Migraine Attacks?

Explore the possible link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, what current research suggests, and practical ways to manage visual stress and reduce triggers.

For years, people have reported experiencing both dyslexia and migraines, leading to the natural question: are the two conditions connected? 

While scientists haven’t found a direct cause-and-effect relationship, research does suggest that some people with dyslexia are more likely to experience migraines than the general population. 

Here’s what we currently know, and why understanding the overlap can make day-to-day life a little easier.

Understanding Dyslexia and Migraine: Two Conditions With Brain-Based Origins

Dyslexia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Migraine, meanwhile, is a complex neurological condition involving sensory hypersensitivity, changes in the brain’s pain pathways, and, sometimes, aura symptoms such as flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or temporary visual loss.

Although the two conditions are very different, both involve variations in brain networks that handle sensory and cognitive processing. This shared neurological basis is one reason researchers believe they may appear together more often than chance alone would predict.

What the Research Suggests

1. Higher Rates of Migraine in People With Dyslexia

Some studies have found that people with dyslexia report migraines at a slightly higher rate than the general population. This doesn’t mean dyslexia causes migraines. Rather, both conditions may stem from certain shared patterns in brain function, particularly in the visual and language-processing regions.

2. Visual Stress May Play a Role

Visual stress, sometimes referred to as visual discomfort or Irlen-type symptoms, is more common in some people with dyslexia. This can include sensitivity to:

Striped or high-contrast patterns

Flickering lights

Harsh brightness

Text that seems to “move” on the page

Interestingly, these same sensory triggers can provoke or intensify migraine attacks. When a person has both dyslexia and migraines, these visual sensitivities can stack up, making reading or screen work more likely to trigger symptoms.

3. Cognitive Fatigue Can Increase Migraine Risk

People with dyslexia may need to use more effort or energy to read for long periods, especially when dealing with dense text, unfamiliar vocabulary, or prolonged screen time. 

Cognitive fatigue is a known migraine trigger, meaning that sustained concentration can sometimes contribute to an attack.

What’s Not Yet Proven

Despite promising insights, researchers still emphasise that:

Dyslexia does not cause migraines.

Migraines do not cause dyslexia.

Many people experience one condition without the other.

Any link is likely due to overlapping neurological traits rather than a direct connection.

Practical Ways to Reduce Migraine Triggers When You Have Dyslexia

If you or someone you know experiences both conditions, a few small adjustments can make daily tasks far more comfortable.

Adjust Your Visual Environment

Reduce screen brightness and increase text size.

Use warmer or softer screen tones rather than stark white backgrounds.

Try tinted overlays or reading rulers if visual stress is an issue.

Consider gentle lighting rather than bright overhead bulbs.

Manage Your Screen and Reading Time

Take short visual breaks, 20 seconds every 20 minutes can help.

Break reading tasks into manageable chunks.

Use audiobooks and text-to-speech tools to reduce strain.

Keep an Eye on General Migraine Triggers

Good management of lifestyle factors can reduce attack frequency:

Maintain steady hydration.

Keep a consistent sleep pattern.

Avoid skipping meals.

Manage stress with relaxation techniques or gentle movement.

When to Seek Support

If migraines are frequent, severe, or getting worse, speaking to a GP is important. They can help rule out other causes and offer treatments ranging from preventative medications to non-drug therapies.

If reading is becoming increasingly difficult or visually uncomfortable, an eye specialist or dyslexia-informed assessor can offer additional strategies.

While there’s no definitive, direct link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, the two conditions can overlap in meaningful ways, particularly through visual sensitivity and cognitive fatigue. 

Understanding these connections can empower people to create more comfortable, migraine-friendly reading environments and reduce unnecessary pain.