Hestia aims to reach 5,000 Safe Spaces by end of year – as someone seeks refuge in a bank or pharmacy every day

Crisis support charity, Hestia has today called for more community-based organisations to join its Safe Spaces scheme to reach 5,000 locations by the end of the year, as the charity and TSB find over two thirds (68%) of polling respondents are unaware of domestic abuse help available on the high street.

Currently, there are 4,283 Safe Spaces across the UK, with pharmacies accounting for 60% of the network and banks 40%.

Safe Spaces provide secure and discreet refuge for those seeking to escape an abuser and access support and signposting. 

Locations across the UK are in addition to Safe Spaces online, which ensure people can find services discreetly if they are unable to visit a physical location.

Hestia data shows someone accessed a Safe Space in a pharmacy or bank every day last year. Accompanying polling by Hestia and TSB polling shows almost a third (28%) of respondents know someone who has sought help related to domestic abuse. 

A quarter of women (25%) and almost a fifth (19%) of men reported having experienced domestic or economic abuse. Official figures from the ONS reveal that approximately one in four (25.8%) people experience domestic abuse in their lifetime,

During No More Week, Hestia, backed by participating pharmacies and banks is raising awareness of this vital schem, as the charity and TSB finds over nine in 10 (92%) are unaware that some banks offer Safe Spaces, and almost four fifths (79%) are unaware that some pharmacies offer the scheme. And almost six in 10 (57%) had not heard of Safe Spaces at all.

Domestic abuse can lead to serious physical and mental harm, and in the worst cases, loss of life.

Of those (22%) who had experienced abuse – three quarters (76%) said it had impacted them financially. Debt (52%), Lacking money confidence (36%), Poverty (33%), and Credit rating, (31%) were the most common issues faced.

The banks and pharmacies offering the scheme have specially trained colleagues able to provide victim-survivors with access to private spaces where they can make confidential phone calls to helplines, or friends and family members.

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive, Hestia, told That's Health: "Safe Spaces is a powerful example of what can be achieved when the charity and business sector come together to find innovative solutions for societal problems. 

"We launched Safe Spaces during the pandemic, and it continues to grow and be used every day by people experiencing domestic abuse.

“The impact is life-changing, and in some cases lifesaving. We are hugely grateful to our many partners including TSB who are the backbone of this vital support on the high street, and we urge other community-based organisations to come forward and join the scheme to ensure we can reach everyone who needs us.”

Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB, said: “We’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact that Safe Spaces in branch, and online can have, in helping people escape an abusive and dangerous situation.

“With an alarming rate of domestic and economic abuse across the UK, we would encourage all relevant businesses to use their resources to provide what can be vital refuge and routes to safety.”

https://www.hestia.org

Age Concern Hampshire launches five-year ‘Living Well in Later Life’ project with National Lottery support

Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the launch of Living Well in Later Life, a new five-year programme made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

The project will support older people across Hampshire to stay active, connected and confident as they age.

Living Well in Later Life will offer free physical activities and wellbeing sessions delivered through Age Concern Hampshire’s Care & Wellbeing Centres and local community venues. 

The sessions are designed especially for older people who may feel isolated, inactive or unsure about joining mainstream activities, offering a gentle, friendly way to move more, meet others and feel part of their community.

Sessions will focus on strength, balance, mobility and confidence, while also creating space for conversation, laughter and connection. Everything is shaped around what older people tell us they want and need.

The project is expected to make a real difference, with ambitions for:

70% of participants to become more physically active

65% to improve their balance, strength or mobility

75% to feel better in themselves and less isolated

80% to feel more connected to their local community

Alongside the benefits for older people, Living Well in Later Life will invest in staff and volunteer development, with specialist training to support safe, inclusive activity for older adults. This will help embed prevention, wellbeing and physical activity at the heart of Age Concern Hampshire’s services for years to come.

Volunteers are a vital part of this project, and Age Concern Hampshire is now keen to hear from people interested in supporting groups in the Basingstoke and Southampton areas. V

olunteers don’t need to be fitness experts, just friendly, reliable and keen to help older people feel welcome and supported. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

The project also encourages people to think about wellbeing in a wider sense, helping older adults feel connected not only to their communities, but to the world around them, including the importance of sustainability and looking after our environment aart of healthy ageing.

For more information about Living Well in Later Life, volunteering opportunities, or other Age Concern Hampshire services, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.

Public Toilet Access in Wimborne Linked to Growing Isolation Among Older Residents

Concerns about public toilets in Wimborne, including accessibility for older people and ambulant disabled residents, are increasingly being linked to wider issues of confidence, independence and loneliness across Dorset.

The January 2026 consultation, organised by the Allendale Community Centre, received over 280 responses. 

Six in ten respondents were aged 65 or over. Dorset has a significantly higher proportion of older residents than the national average, making accessible facilities particularly important for towns like Wimborne.

The findings show:

45% say toilet concerns limit their ability to go out, attend events or socialise.

42% have avoided visiting Wimborne or cut visits short because of worries about availability, cleanliness or accessibility.

85% believe improving facilities would help reduce social isolation.

36% say they have health, mobility, continence or caring needs that make accessible toilets essential.

More than half rated Wimborne’s public toilet facilities as poor or very poor.

For many older residents, including ambulant disabled people who use walking sticks, walkers or other mobility aids, the issue is not convenience but confidence.

One respondent aged over 70 said: “At my age, you plan your day around toilets. If you’re not sure you’ll find one you can use, you simply stay at home.”

Another added: “I would like to take my mum out in her wheelchair and know she can access a toilet without feeling embarrassed.”

The survey suggests that when confidence in basic facilities drops, visits become shorter, events are skipped and social contact reduces, contributing over time to loneliness and withdrawal.

It also revealed that 9% of respondents were unaware the toilets at the Allendale Community Centre are open to the public seven days a week, even when not attending an activity.

A spokesperson for the Allendale told That's Health: “Something as simple as reliable toilet access can determine whether someone feels able to take part in community life. When confidence falls, people stay at home.”

The Centre is now using the findings to support funding applications to refurbish its facilities, focusing on accessibility, dignity and ease of use.

For many elderly residents in Wimborne, suitable public toilets are not a minor detail, they are the difference between staying connected and staying at home.

http://www.theallendale.org

Grünenthal takes full ownership of Grünenthal Meds, the joint venture established with Kyowa Kirin for its established medicines brands

Grünenthal today announced it has acquired Kyowa Kirin International’s 49% stake in ‘Grünenthal Meds’, taking full ownership of the company formed via a joint venture and its portfolio of established medicines.

‘Grünenthal Meds’ was created in 2023 as a joint venture between Grünenthal (51%) and Kyowa Kirin International (49%), the EMEA business of the Japanese-based global specialty pharmaceutical company. 

Over the past three years, the joint venture operated as a separate entity with eight affiliates, managing a growing €170 million portfolio of 12 established brands across six therapeutic areas and more than 60 markets. 

Key products included Abstral® and PecFent® (Fentanyl) for breakthrough cancer pain, Moventig® (Naloxegol) for opioid-induced constipation and Adcal-D3® (calcium and vitamin D3) for osteoporosis.

“Thanks to the outstanding expertise and commitment of our teams in Grünenthal and Grünenthal Meds, we were able to manage this complex portfolio across regions, generate growth, and create synergies with our infrastructure – all while executing a staggered integration approach,” said Gabriel Baertschi, CEO of Grünenthal told That's Health.

“The integration of ‘Grünenthal Meds’ confirms our leading capabilities in deal execution and integration and successfully concludes one of the most complex undertakings of our M&A journey, which stretched far beyond a merger or asset deal.”

The ongoing integration of ‘Grünenthal Meds’ includes the transfer of over 200 marketing authorisations, approximately 150 product-country combinations, and several tech transfers in close alignment with a broad landscape of partners and contract manufacturing organisations. 

Grünenthal expects to complete the integration by June 2026. At this point, Grünenthal will commercialise the ‘Grünenthal Meds’ portfolio through Grünenthal affiliates in major European markets and via international partners in additional territories.

The acquisition of ‘Grünenthal Meds’ is based on an option agreed with Kyowa Kirin International at the beginning of the joint venture collaboration. The transaction supports Grünenthal’s long-term growth strategy. Since 2017, Grünenthal has closed successful acquisitions with a total expected deal value of more than €2.3 billion, strengthening and diversifying its portfolio while leveraging synergies across manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and commercial operations.

Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, they have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Their purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is their passion. They focus their activities and efforts on working towards their vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Their products are available in  some 100 countries. 

In 2024, Grünenthal employed around 4,300 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Denim Day for Dementia: Turning Everyday Style into Meaningful Support

There is something wonderfully democratic about denim. Nearly all of us own a pair of jeans or a favourite jacket, worn soft with time and memory. 

On Denim Day for Dementia, that everyday wardrobe staple becomes a visible show of solidarity with the millions of people and families living with dementia.

For a health-focused community like ours, this awareness day is about far more than clothing. It is about conversation, compassion and practical support.

Why Dementia Awareness Still Matters

Dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking and behaviour. The most common form is Alzheimer's disease, but there are others, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

In the UK alone, hundreds of thousands of people are living with dementia, and many more act as unpaid carers. The impact is emotional, physical and financial. Early signs can include:

Increasing forgetfulness

Difficulty finding words

Confusion with time or place

Changes in mood or personality

The earlier dementia is recognised, the sooner support can be accessed. Awareness days such as this encourage people to seek advice rather than dismiss symptoms as “just ageing”.

What Is Denim Day for Dementia?

Denim Day for Dementia is a simple but powerful fundraising and awareness initiative. Individuals, workplaces, schools and community groups are encouraged to wear denim for the day and donate to dementia support services.

The beauty lies in its accessibility. No special kit. No complicated logistics. Just jeans, a conversation starter, and a shared purpose.

For businesses and organisations, it is also an opportunity to:

Host a small fundraiser (raffle, bake sale, sponsored walk)

Share educational resources

Highlight employee wellbeing and caring responsibilities

Support colleagues affected by dementia in their families

The Health Impact: More Than Memory Loss

Dementia affects far more than memory. It can influence:

Mobility and coordination

Sleep patterns

Appetite and nutrition

Emotional regulation

Communication

Carers often experience high levels of stress, fatigue and isolation. From a public health perspective, supporting dementia care means supporting whole families.

Lifestyle factors may reduce risk in some cases. Evidence suggests that maintaining cardiovascular health, staying socially active, exercising regularly and managing conditions such as high blood pressure can all contribute to brain health. 

While no lifestyle choice guarantees prevention, protecting overall wellbeing remains vital.

How You Can Get Involved

If you would like to support Denim Day for Dementia, here are practical steps:

1. Wear denim and donate

Even a small contribution can help fund helplines, research and community programmes.

2. Start a conversation

Share facts about dementia on social media or in the workplace. Breaking stigma begins with open discussion.

3. Support carers

If someone you know is caring for a loved one with dementia, practical help, even a hot meal or a few hours of respite, can make a significant difference.

4. Promote brain health

Use the day as a reminder to prioritise sleep, exercise and social connection in your own life.

A Small Gesture, A Big Message

There is something symbolic about denim. It is durable. It softens with age. It carries history. In many ways, it mirrors the human experience.

Denim Day for Dementia reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person with memories, relationships and stories that matter. By taking part, we are not only raising funds; we are signalling that those living with dementia, and those caring for them, are not alone.

At That’s Health, we believe awareness is the first step towards compassion. Sometimes, that step begins with something as simple as pulling on a pair of jeans.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-04/denim_for_dementia_guide_2021.pdf

World Obesity Day: Understanding Causes, Risks and Sustainable Health

World Obesity Day highlights the causes, risks and stigma surrounding obesity while promoting sustainable, compassionate health solutions in the UK.

Every year on 4 March, World Obesity Day brings global attention to one of the most complex health challenges of our time. 

Coordinated by the World Obesity Federation and supported by the World Health Organization, the day focuses not on blame, but on understanding, prevention and long-term support.

For readers of That’s Health, this is not about quick fixes or shame-driven messaging. It’s about evidence, compassion and realistic lifestyle change.

Understanding Obesity Beyond the Headlines

Obesity is defined medically as an excessive accumulation of body fat that presents a risk to health. In the UK, rates have risen steadily over the past decades, influenced by:

Highly processed, calorie-dense foods

Sedentary work and screen-based leisure

Socioeconomic factors

Mental health pressures

Genetics and hormonal influences

It is not simply a matter of “willpower”. Research consistently shows that biology, environment and psychology all play major roles.

The Health Risks: And Why Early Action Matters

Carrying excess weight is associated with an increased risk of:

Type 2 diabetes

Cardiovascular disease

High blood pressure

Certain cancers

Joint problems

Sleep apnoea

Reduced mental wellbeing

However, even modest, sustainable weight loss can significantly reduce these risks. A 5–10% reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

The Stigma Problem

One of the most damaging aspects of obesity is stigma. Weight bias can lead to:

Delayed medical care

Anxiety and depression

Disordered eating patterns

Social isolation

World Obesity Day actively challenges stigma and promotes respectful, person-first healthcare.

Health should be about support, not judgement.

What Sustainable Change Really Looks Like

Forget extreme diets or punishing workout plans. Sustainable change often includes:

1. Small Nutritional Improvements

Increasing fibre (vegetables, pulses, wholegrains)

Reducing sugary drinks

Watching portion sizes

Cooking more meals at home

2. Realistic Physical Activity

30 minutes of brisk walking most days

Light strength work twice weekly

Reducing prolonged sitting

You don’t need a gym membership. Consistency matters more than intensity.

3. Mental Health Support

Emotional eating is common. Accessing counselling, peer support or mindfulness techniques can be transformative.

4. Medical Support When Needed

GPs may discuss weight-management programmes, behavioural support or, in some cases, medication. For some individuals with severe obesity, bariatric surgery may be considered.

This is healthcare. It's not failure.

A UK Perspective

In Britain, public health campaigns increasingly focus on prevention and early intervention. However, cost-of-living pressures make healthy food choices harder for many households. 

Frozen vegetables, tinned pulses and supermarket own-brand staples remain affordable ways to improve diet quality without overspending.

The Bigger Picture

Obesity is not solely an individual issue, it is also shaped by:

Urban design

Food marketing

Workplace culture

School food standards

Socioeconomic inequality

World Obesity Day encourages governments, businesses and communities to create environments where healthier choices are easier choices.

World Obesity Day is not about body shaming or unrealistic ideals. It is about:

Better education

Accessible healthcare

Compassion

Long-term, evidence-based solutions

Health is not defined by a single number on a scale. It is shaped by habits, mental wellbeing, support networks and access to care.

If this topic affects you personally, consider speaking to your GP or a registered dietitian for tailored advice.

https://www.worldobesity.org

World Hearing Day: Why Listening Matters More Than Ever

Every year on 3 March, World Hearing Day shines a spotlight on an issue many of us take for granted: our ability to hear. 

Led by the World Health Organization, the day aims to raise awareness about hearing loss, promote ear and hearing care, and encourage preventative action across all age groups.

In a world that rarely stops talking, true listening has never been more important.

The Scale of the Issue

Hearing loss is far more common than people might realise. It affects children, working-age adults and older people alike. Some cases are linked to ageing, others to noise exposure, infections, genetics, injury or untreated medical conditions.

In the UK, millions live with some degree of hearing loss. Yet many delay seeking help, often because the change happens gradually. Conversations become harder. Background noise feels overwhelming. Television volume creeps up. Social situations feel tiring rather than enjoyable.

Left unaddressed, hearing loss can impact:

Communication and relationships

Mental health and confidence

Work performance and career prospects

Cognitive health in later life

World Hearing Day reminds us that hearing care is not a luxury, it’s a core part of overall wellbeing.

Why Early Action Matters

One of the strongest messages behind World Hearing Day is prevention.

Many forms of hearing damage are avoidable. Simple steps can make a significant difference:

Lowering headphone volume and limiting listening time

Wearing ear protection in loud environments

Seeking prompt treatment for ear infections

Attending regular hearing checks, especially over 50

Early diagnosis allows for early intervention. Modern hearing aids are discreet, sophisticated and life-changing for many people. There is also increasing research linking untreated hearing loss with social isolation and cognitive decline, making early support even more important.

Breaking the Stigma

Despite advances in technology, stigma still surrounds hearing aids and hearing difficulties. Some people worry that wearing a hearing aid makes them “look old” or vulnerable.

World Hearing Day challenges that mindset.

Using glasses to correct vision is normal. Using technology to support hearing should be viewed in exactly the same way. 

Open conversations help dismantle embarrassment and encourage people to seek support sooner.

Protecting the Next Generation

Young people are increasingly exposed to high sound levels through music streaming, gaming headsets and live events. 

Personal audio devices, when used at unsafe volumes, can cause permanent damage.

Encouraging responsible listening habits from childhood onwards is vital. Schools, parents and workplaces all have a role to play in educating about safe sound levels.

Listening safely today protects quality of life tomorrow.

A Public Health Priority

World Hearing Day also highlights the need for accessible hearing care services. Globally, many people lack access to screening, treatment or affordable devices. 

Campaigns linked to this day encourage governments and healthcare systems to prioritise hearing health as part of universal health coverage.

Closer to home, it’s a reminder to make hearing tests as routine as eye tests, particularly as we age.

How You Can Support World Hearing Day

You don’t need to be a medical professional to take part. You can:

Book a hearing check for yourself or a loved one

Share awareness posts on social media

Talk openly about hearing challenges

Reduce your daily exposure to excessive noise

Sometimes the most powerful action is simply paying attention.

Listening Is Connection

Hearing is more than sound. It’s laughter across a dinner table. It’s birdsong on a spring morning. It’s music that stirs memories. It’s the voice of someone you love.

World Hearing Day is a reminder that protecting our hearing protects our connection to the world around us.

And that is something worth listening to.

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hearing-day/2026