knus Launches UK Members Area Ahead of New Chat App

knus, the UK mental health peer support service, has launched its members area, bringing together mental health resources, peer communities, and courses in one place. 

The launch is the first step in a wider rollout that will include the knus chat app late spring this year, offering members in-app messaging, voice calls, and video calls.

The members area has been built for anyone affected by mental health, not just those experiencing it directly. 

Whether someone is managing their own wellbeing, supporting a family member, or trying to better understand what a friend is going through, the platform is designed to be useful to them. 

Central to the experience is a mental health conditions directory covering over 40 conditions across 10 categories, with each entry available in both clinical and plain-language formats.

Overcoming Anxiety Course

The Overcoming Anxiety Course makes its return as part of the new members area, relaunched with a fresh look after its run on a previous platform. 

The course is structured and self-paced, covering what anxiety is, how it shows up physically and psychologically, and why the brain reacts the way it does under pressure. 

Members are then guided through practical tools they can use day to day, including breathing and regulation techniques, approaches to challenging anxious thinking, and ways to gradually reduce avoidance.

The course does not treat anxiety as something to be fixed or eliminated. Instead, it encourages members to better understand their own responses, building a more compassionate relationship with their mental health over time. More courses are in development and will be added across 2026.

What the Members Area Includes

At launch, members have access to a social feed, the Wellbeing Oracle wisdom card collection, a mental health conditions directory, knus chat app early adopter registration, and discounts. 

Four community focus groups are also live: Beyond the Grey, Riding the Waves, Real Voices, and Beyond the Trauma. Each group offers a private space for members to connect with others who share similar experiences, supported by dedicated educational content.

The knus Chat App

The chat app is currently in its final stages of testing. When it launches, members will be able to message, call, and video call their peer support coach directly through the platform. Those who join the members area now will be first in line for access.

A spokesperson for knus told That's Health: "We know how isolating poor mental health can feel. The members area is about giving people knowledge, community, and somewhere to turn. The chat app will take that further, connecting members directly with trained volunteer peer support coaches when they need someone to talk to."

The knus members area is live now at knus.io. Referrals from mental health professionals and partner organisations are welcome. Please reach out to partnerships@knus.io

knus is a UK-based mental health peer support service offering education, community, and resources to members, their families, and the people around them. The forthcoming chat app (knus Chat) will connect members with trained volunteer peer support coaches. knus is building a space where no one has to navigate mental health struggles alone.

https://knus.io

World Homeopathy Day: A Gentle Tradition in Global Healthcare

Every year on 10 April, practitioners and supporters around the world mark World Homeopathy Day, a day dedicated to recognising the history and continuing debate surrounding one of the most widely practised complementary therapies.

The date commemorates the birth of Samuel Hahnemann, the German physician who developed the principles of homeopathy in the late 18th century.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on two key ideas:

“Like cures like” a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person may, in highly diluted form, treat similar symptoms in someone who is ill.

Extreme dilution – remedies are repeatedly diluted and shaken in a process called succussion, which practitioners believe enhances the therapeutic effect.

Typical homeopathic remedies come in the form of small dissolvable tablets, liquid drops, or creams. They are often used by people seeking support for conditions such as allergies, minor infections, digestive complaints, and stress-related symptoms.

A Popular Complementary Therapy

Despite ongoing debate within the scientific community, homeopathy remains popular in many parts of the world.

Millions of people report using homeopathic treatments each year as part of a broader approach to wellbeing that may include nutrition, lifestyle changes, and conventional medicine.

In the UK, homeopathy has a long and sometimes controversial history. Some practitioners operate in private clinics, and historically several NHS hospitals offered homeopathic services, although most of these have now closed or changed focus.

Supporters say the attraction lies partly in its holistic approach, where practitioners spend time discussing the patient’s lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and medical history before recommending remedies.

Debate and Scientific Scrutiny

Homeopathy is also one of the most debated forms of complementary medicine.

Many scientists and medical organisations argue that the extreme dilution of remedies means they contain little or none of the original substance, making it difficult to explain any therapeutic effect using conventional pharmacology.

Supporters, however, argue that patient experience and long-term clinical practice demonstrate benefits that deserve further study.

A Day for Discussion

World Homeopathy Day provides an opportunity not only for practitioners to celebrate their discipline, but also for public discussion about evidence, patient choice, and the role of complementary therapies in modern healthcare.

For many people, the key takeaway is balance: complementary treatments may have a place in wellbeing routines, but they should never replace professional medical advice for serious conditions.

Health Choices Should Be Informed

Whether you are curious about homeopathy or sceptical of its claims, the day is a reminder of the importance of informed healthcare choices.

If you are considering homeopathic remedies, speak with a qualified practitioner and always inform your GP about any treatments you are using alongside conventional medicine.

After all, good health is rarely about one single approach, it is about understanding the options and making decisions that work best for your body and your wellbeing.

World Health Day: A Global Reminder That Health Matters

Every year on 7 April, the world marks World Health Day, a global health awareness day led by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The day commemorates the founding of the WHO in 1948 and serves as an annual reminder that good health is not something we can take for granted.

For individuals, communities, and governments alike, World Health Day highlights a simple but powerful message: health is one of the most valuable assets we have.

Why World Health Day Matters

Modern life has brought remarkable advances in medicine, but it has also introduced new health challenges. Rising rates of chronic disease, mental health struggles, and lifestyle-related conditions mean that many people are living longer, but not always healthier.

World Health Day aims to spotlight these issues and encourage action. Each year the WHO focuses on a specific theme, ranging from universal healthcare access to mental health, maternal care, and disease prevention.

The message is clear: health is not just about hospitals and doctors, it’s about how we live our lives every day.

The Importance of Prevention

One of the key lessons promoted on World Health Day is that prevention is often far more effective than treatment.

Small daily habits can have a huge long-term impact:

Eating a balanced diet

Staying physically active

Getting enough sleep

Managing stress

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

Keeping up with vaccinations and health checks

These may sound like simple steps, but collectively they can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions.

Mental Health Is Health

In recent years, global conversations around mental wellbeing have become far more open, and rightly so.

Stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout affect millions of people worldwide. Recognising mental health as an essential part of overall wellbeing is one of the most important developments in modern healthcare.

World Health Day reminds us that taking care of our minds is just as important as caring for our bodies.

Health Is a Global Issue

One of the most powerful aspects of World Health Day is its international perspective. While many people in the UK have access to high-quality healthcare through the National Health Service, millions of people worldwide still struggle to access basic medical care.

Health inequality remains a major global challenge. The aim of World Health Day is to encourage governments and organisations to work together to improve access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of income or geography.

A Simple Personal Challenge

World Health Day doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes the most meaningful step is simply making one positive change.

Perhaps it’s going for a walk instead of sitting on the sofa, cooking a healthy meal at home, or reaching out to someone who might be struggling.

Small changes, repeated consistently, can transform health over time.

World Health Day is not just about global campaigns or policy discussions. At its heart, it’s a reminder that looking after our health, and supporting the health of others, is something we can all take part in every day.

Rwanga Foundation Brings Autism Services to Rural Iraqi Kurdistan

The Rwanga Foundation has inaugurated the Rwanga Autism Center in Harir, expanding access to specialist autism services in a rural area where such support had previously been unavailable.

Senior government officials attended the opening ceremony, including the Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, the Governor of Erbil, and the Harir District Administrator, alongside public sector representatives and community leaders. 

During the event, the facility was formally handed over to the Erbil Directorate of Social Care and Development, which will oversee its operation and the delivery of services.

The Rwanga Foundation was established by Idris Nechirvan Barzani, known for his work on clean energy and sustainability policy in the Kurdistan Region. The organization runs programs focused on education, social development and environmental protection.

The Rwanga Autism Center has been designed as a learning and therapeutic facility offering tailored educational programmes, structured developmental support and specialist training. The center will also work with families, providing guidance and resources to help parents and caregivers support children with autism at home and in the wider community.

The opening reflects broader efforts in the Kurdistan Region to expand services for children with developmental conditions beyond major urban centers. For families in Harir and surrounding districts, the center provides access to support that was previously unavailable locally.

“Supporting children with autism requires not only professional care but also strong community awareness and family involvement,” the Rwanga Foundation told That's Health.

“This center is an important step toward ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and develop their potential.”

The Rwanga Foundation continues to run initiatives across education, environmental protection, youth empowerment and social inclusion across the Kurdistan Region.

http://rwanga.org

Age Concern Hampshire supports older people across the county through a wide range of welcoming social groups designed to reduce loneliness, encourage connection, and support wellbeing.

The charity’s social groups provide friendly, inclusive spaces where older people can come together regularly to enjoy conversation, shared activities, and a sense of belonging. 

People attend for many reasons, to meet new people, stay active, build confidence, or simply enjoy spending time with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.

These groups play an important role in helping older people feel connected to their communities and supported as they age. Regular social interaction has been shown to improve wellbeing, confidence, and overall quality of life.

“Social connection is vital for wellbeing at any stage of later life,” Kelly Holder, Chief Executive Officer of Age Concern Hampshire, told That's Health. 

“Our social groups offer older people the opportunity to build friendships, enjoy positive shared experiences, and feel part of a community where they are welcomed and valued.”

Age Concern Hampshire continues to grow its programme of social groups across the county, working in partnership with local organisations and community venues to ensure older people can access support close to where they live. New groups are regularly being developed to respond to local need and increase opportunities for social connection.

For more information about Age Concern Hampshire’s social groups, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/social-groups or call 01962 868545.

The British Wheel of Yoga Celebrates the Summer Solstice with Festivals Across Britain

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is marking the Summer Solstice with an online yoga festival on Friday 19 June, part of a series of BWY yoga festivals taking place across Britain throughout 2026.

'Grounded in the Glow' is an online day retreat bringing together five experienced tutors for a rich blend of yoga, Ayurveda and mindfulness practices, helping practitioners reconnect with their inner light and the rhythm of the season. The programme draws on a wide range of approaches and traditions.

Nahdeannah Francis-Pennant (BWY Teacher) leads a somatic movement and visualisation practice inspired by the Summer Solstice and the solar plexus chakra, exploring themes of warmth and embodied presence through gentle, flowing movement. 

Emma Turnbull (BWY partner) weaves yoga and Ayurveda into simple daily rituals, mindful movement and breathwork, helping practitioners move into summer with steadiness and ease. Vicky Arundel (BWY Tutor) combines myofascial release, acupressure and nervous system regulation to address the ‘tired but wired’ feeling that can intensify in our high-summer culture.

Completing the line-up, Richard Kravetz (BWY Special Yoga Tutor) leads a chair and wall-supported sensory practice designed with people with visual impairment in mind, yet enriching for all – an invitation to experience the solstice through touch, sound, breath and inner awareness. Emma Tian Williamson (Qigong practitioner and mindfulness teacher) integrates mindfulness, Qigong and yoga to cultivate calm, spacious presence and a deeper sense of inner glow.

Beyond the online retreat, BWY communities from Cambridge to the Welsh Hills and County Durham to the South Coast are hosting local festivals where practitioners can meet yoga teachers on their doorstep, discover new styles and enjoy the unique energy of practising together in person.

BWY Chair, Diana O’Reilly told That's Health: “At the BWY, we believe that yoga is for everyone, whatever your background, ability or experience. These festivals, both online and across our local communities, are a wonderful expression of that belief in action. 

"They bring people together, deepen connection and remind us that when we practise as one community, something truly special happens. The Summer Solstice feels like the perfect moment to celebrate how far we have come and to open our doors wider.”

For full details on all local and national celebrations, including booking links, visit the BWY website https://www.bwy.org.uk

Help Ellie Fight Gastroparesis: A Gastric Pacemaker Could Transform Her Life

Ellie Dyson has lived with severe gastroparesis for a decade.

A gastric pacemaker could change her life and a community GoFundMe appeal is helping make it possible.

Help Ellie Reclaim Her Life: A Gastric Pacemaker Could Change Everything

Some illnesses are widely recognised. Others quietly reshape lives while remaining largely misunderstood. Gastroparesis is one such condition, a chronic disorder that prevents the stomach from emptying food properly and can leave sufferers battling constant nausea, pain, exhaustion and malnutrition.

For Ellie Dyson, gastroparesis has defined much of the past decade of her life. Now, friends, family and supporters are rallying around her through a GoFundMe appeal to fund a gastric pacemaker, a treatment that could dramatically improve her quality of life.

Gastroparesis is often described as a form of stomach paralysis. The muscles that normally push food through the digestive system stop working effectively, causing food to remain in the stomach far longer than it should. This can lead to severe digestive distress, frequent vomiting, and an inability to maintain proper nutrition.

Ellie’s condition is so serious she currently relies on tube feeding through her abdomen to ensure she receives enough nourishment. While this keeps her alive, it doesn’t address the underlying problem, and the daily toll of the illness remains immense.

Living with gastroparesis can also mean navigating a healthcare system that does not always fully understand the condition. Many patients report long delays before diagnosis, limited treatment options, and constant uncertainty about their future.

For Ellie, however, there is a potential breakthrough: a gastric pacemaker, also known as a gastric electrical stimulator.

This small implanted medical device sends gentle electrical pulses to the stomach muscles, helping them contract and move food through the digestive system more effectively. For patients with severe gastroparesis who have not responded to conventional treatments, it can reduce symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and help restore a more normal routine.

In Ellie’s case, the procedure could mean fewer hospital visits, greater independence, and the ability to spend more meaningful time with her children without the constant shadow of illness.

The treatment, however, comes at a significant cost. That is why supporters have launched a fundraising campaign to help make the procedure possible.

The GoFundMe campaign has already attracted generous support, with donations steadily moving the appeal closer to its goal. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring Ellie one step closer to a life less dominated by illness.

Anyone wishing to learn more or contribute can visit the campaign here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gastric-pacemaker-to-help-me-live-my-life

Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is community, and in Ellie’s case, that support could help transform her future.