Kentown Support Named Finalist in National Palliative Care Awards

Kentown Support has been shortlisted in the Palliative & End of Life Care Awards, recognising its innovative partnership approach to children's palliative care.

Kentown Support is celebrating national recognition after being named a finalist in the prestigious Palliative & End of Life Care Awards 2026.

The organisation has been shortlisted in the Partnership Working Across Health & Social Care Award category, highlighting the remarkable impact of its Kentown Programme, a pioneering initiative helping to transform community children's palliative care across the UK.

The award recognises teams that demonstrate exceptional collaboration across health and social care services, creating meaningful and lasting benefits for patients, families and communities. 

For Kentown Support, the nomination reflects years of dedicated work bringing together professionals, organisations and services to ensure seriously ill children receive the care they need where they are often most comfortable – at home.

At the heart of the Kentown Programme is a commitment to fairness, compassion and accessibility. The initiative works to ensure that every child, regardless of diagnosis, background or postcode, can access high-quality community palliative care that supports both them and their families during incredibly challenging times.

Rather than creating services in isolation, Kentown Support focuses on building strong partnerships across the statutory and voluntary sectors. By working alongside existing providers, commissioners and healthcare professionals, the programme helps strengthen local services while promoting professional development and best practice.

The approach is already delivering results. A successful programme is operating across Lancashire and South Cumbria, while a second programme has recently launched across Greater Manchester. Together, these initiatives are helping to address gaps in provision and create a more joined-up network of support around children and their families.

Dr Helena Dunbar, (PICTURED) Chief Executive Officer of Kentown Support, expressed her delight at the recognition told That's Health: "I am thrilled. Being nominated as a finalist is an opportunity for us at Kentown Support to thank our partners and our team members on the ground who are delivering the support needed to so many children and families.

"As we continue to bring organisations together, we will expand our Kentown Support offer into other areas, adding new components helping us to continue to meet the needs of seriously ill children and their families where and when they need it most."

The nomination is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive difference that integrated care can make for families facing some of life's most difficult circumstances.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at London's Hilton Bankside on 2 July. Whatever the outcome, reaching the final is already a significant achievement and recognition of the life-changing work being carried out by Kentown Support and its partners.

www.kentownsupport.org.uk

Heatwave Health Warning: How to Avoid Heat Stroke and Stay Safe in Hot Weather

Learn how to stay safe during hot weather, recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, protect vulnerable people and try refreshing cooling drink recipes.

As temperatures rise across the UK, health experts are urging people to take the risks of extreme heat seriously. While many of us welcome sunny weather, prolonged periods of high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, life-threatening heat stroke.

Older people, young children, pregnant women and those living with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable, but anyone can become seriously ill if they spend too long in the heat without taking precautions.

Understanding the Risks

When the body becomes too hot, it struggles to regulate its temperature. This can lead to heat exhaustion, which often causes symptoms such as:

Dizziness

Headaches

Excessive sweating

Muscle cramps

Feeling weak or tired

Nausea

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a medical emergency that can cause confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness and organ damage.

Seek urgent medical help if someone develops a high body temperature, stops sweating despite the heat, becomes confused, or loses consciousness.

Protect Yourself During Hot Weather

Simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Avoid excessive alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.

Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day.

Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.

Avoid strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm.

Use fans where possible and take cool showers.

Apply sunscreen regularly when outdoors.

Even if you do not feel thirsty, your body still needs fluids during hot weather.

Check on Vulnerable Friends, Neighbours and Relatives

A quick phone call or visit could make a real difference during a heatwave.

Make sure vulnerable people:

Have access to drinking water.

Are keeping their homes as cool as possible.

Have sufficient food and medication.

Know who to contact if they feel unwell.

Older people may not always recognise the signs of dehydration, making regular check-ins especially important.

Cooling Drinks to Help Beat the Heat

Citrus Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

500ml cold water

Juice of one lemon

Juice of one lime

Fresh mint leaves

Ice cubes

Mix together and serve chilled.

Berry Hydration Splash

Ingredients:

500ml cold water

Handful of strawberries

Handful of blueberries

Ice cubes

Lightly crush the fruit before adding it to the water for extra flavour.

Cucumber and Lemon Refresher

Ingredients:

1 litre cold water

Half a cucumber, sliced

One lemon, sliced

Ice cubes

Leave in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Homemade Electrolyte Drink

Ingredients:

500ml water

Juice of one orange

Pinch of salt

One teaspoon honey

This can help replace fluids and minerals lost through sweating.

Stay Cool, Stay Safe

Heatwaves are becoming more common in the UK, making it increasingly important to understand the risks and take sensible precautions. 

By staying hydrated, keeping cool and checking on vulnerable people around you, you can help ensure everyone remains safe during periods of extreme heat.

Enjoy the sunshine, but remember that when temperatures soar, looking after your health should always come first.

Please share this with anyone who you think would benefit from it.

"We Warned You!" Welfare Debate Missing the Real Health Crisis, Says Stripy Lightbulb CIC

Sally Callow at work

As political debate intensifies around welfare reform and rising economic inactivity, one organisation is urging policymakers to look beyond the headlines and address what it describes as a long-standing and largely overlooked health crisis.

According to Stripy Lightbulb CIC, concerns currently being raised in Westminster about the growing welfare bill are far from new.

 The organisation says it submitted detailed written evidence to a government employment inquiry in 2023, warning that conditions like Long COVID and M.E./C.F.S. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) would have a significant impact on employment levels and long-term sickness rates.

Today, as MPs debate how to reduce welfare spending and encourage more people back into work, Stripy Lightbulb argues the discussion is missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: millions of people are living with chronic illnesses that severely limit their ability to work.

The organisation's earlier evidence highlighted concerns that many cases of Long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for M.E./C.F.S., a condition that can cause profound exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, pain and a range of other debilitating symptoms. 

It also pointed to research suggesting that a significant proportion of people with M.E./C.F.S. are unable to maintain employment because of the severity of their illness.

Sally Callow, Managing Director of Stripy Lightbulb CIC, believes policymakers should not be surprised by current trends.

"Politicians are acting shocked by rising welfare costs, but we warned them years ago," she told That's Health.

"You can't ignore a public-health crisis and then feign surprise when it shows up in the welfare bill."

The organisation is concerned that current discussions around economic inactivity can sometimes imply that people are choosing not to work. It argues that this narrative risks overlooking the complex realities faced by those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Stripy Lightbulb also highlights the often-unseen role of carers. Many are spouses or partners of working age whose own employment opportunities are affected by the demands of caring for someone with a long-term condition. Despite their contribution, the economic impact of unpaid caring responsibilities is rarely a central part of welfare discussions.

The organisation is now calling for what it describes as a more evidence-led approach to welfare policy. It believes that improving diagnosis, enhancing medical coding systems, investing in biomedical research and increasing understanding of chronic illness are essential steps if policymakers are serious about tackling long-term economic inactivity.

For Stripy Lightbulb CIC, the message is clear: if welfare reform is to succeed, it must begin with a better understanding of the health challenges that many people face every day.

That's Health has covered reports from Stripy Lightbulb CIC for several years covering this exact issue. It's time those in authority started to take notice of what they have been saying.

From November 2025: "Fund M.E./C.F.S. Research, Fix the DWP, and Unlock Hundreds of Thousands Back to Work, says Stripy Lightbulb CIC" 

https://thats-health.blogspot.com/2025/11/fund-mecfs-research-fix-dwp-and-unlock.html

New data shows PE hours continue to be squeezed in schools. And Why PE Matters More Than Ever for Today’s Children

A new report from the Youth Sport Trust is raising serious concerns about the future of children's health, warning that physical education is steadily being pushed down the school agenda at a time when young people need it most.

According to the charity's PE and School Sport Report 2026, children are becoming less active, spending more time on screens and facing growing barriers to taking part in sport and physical activity. 

Yet despite these challenges, the amount of curriculum time devoted to PE in secondary schools continues to decline.

Since the London 2012 Olympics, PE's share of teaching time has fallen from 8.6% to 7.3%. Over the same period, subjects such as Maths, English and Combined Science have all gained a larger proportion of curriculum time.

While academic achievement remains a priority, the Youth Sport Trust argues that reducing opportunities for movement is a false economy. Research consistently shows that physical activity supports brain function, learning, memory and concentration, helping young people perform better both inside and outside the classroom.

The report paints a concerning picture of children's activity levels across England. An estimated 2.1 million young people are doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day, while fewer than half achieve 30 active minutes during the school day. Only 57% of teachers say their school delivers the recommended minimum of two hours of PE each week.

PE is also reported to be the most frequently cancelled subject in schools.

At the same time, screen use continues to rise. One in three young people now spend at least three hours a day on screens outside of schoolwork, with forecasts suggesting that figure could rise to almost half of all young people by 2035. Parents and teachers alike are increasingly concerned about the impact this is having on activity levels, with many reporting that mobile phones are reducing the amount of exercise children get during breaks and lunchtimes.

The implications extend far beyond physical fitness. Regular movement plays an important role in supporting mental wellbeing, resilience, social development and a sense of belonging at school. Participation in PE and school sport can help improve attendance, behaviour and engagement with education, all factors linked to better long-term outcomes.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, says schools remain uniquely placed to ensure every child has access to physical activity, regardless of their background. However, she warns that without greater investment, support and protection for PE, another generation could face the lifelong consequences of growing up inactive.

The message from this year's report is clear: PE is not a luxury. It is an essential part of helping children lead healthier, happier and more successful lives.

Younger Britons Are Driving a New Private Healthcare Boom

The face of private healthcare in the UK is changing, with younger adults increasingly turning to private medical cover and treatment as concerns about NHS waiting times continue to grow.

For many years, private healthcare was often associated with older, wealthier patients seeking elective procedures. 

However, new research suggests a significant generational shift is underway, with younger adults now playing a major role in the growth of the private healthcare sector.

A recent survey by Benenden Health found that 51% of people aged between 18 and 34 consider private health cover appealing. Half of those surveyed said they would consider using private healthcare if NHS waiting times were too long, while 32% said they would actively prefer private healthcare for their medical needs.

By comparison, only 14% of people aged over 55 expressed the same preference.

The findings suggest that younger generations are increasingly motivated by access to care rather than major medical procedures. Fast appointments, quicker diagnoses and shorter treatment times are becoming key factors in healthcare decisions.

The trend is also reflected in industry figures. Data from the Association of British Insurers shows that 6.5 million people held private health insurance in 2024, representing a 4% increase on the previous year and marking the second consecutive record high in more than three decades of reporting.

Of those covered, 4.8 million received insurance through workplace schemes, highlighting the growing role employers are playing in supporting staff wellbeing and healthcare access.

At the same time, insurers processed a record £4 billion worth of private medical insurance claims during 2024, an increase of 13% year-on-year.

The private healthcare sector has continued to expand throughout 2025 and 2026. According to the Private Healthcare Information Network, there were 242,500 private hospital admissions during the first quarter of 2026, making it the second-busiest quarter ever recorded.

Interestingly, insured admissions increased while self-funded admissions declined, suggesting more patients are relying on health insurance rather than paying directly for treatment.

Healthcare marketing specialists at MediWorks Digital believe this trend has important implications for private clinics. Younger patients are more likely to research providers online, compare reviews and examine websites before making contact.

Meanwhile, NHS pressures remain significant. England's elective treatment waiting list stood at approximately 7.1 million in spring 2026, well above pre-pandemic levels.

As healthcare expectations evolve, younger generations appear increasingly willing to explore private options in pursuit of faster access to care, signalling a major shift in the UK's healthcare landscape.

https://mediworksdigital.co.uk

New Free Tool Launched During Carers Week to Help Working Carers Avoid the £3,500 Earnings Trap

CarersInfo.com has launched free access to its Carer's Allowance Threshold Checker during Carers Week 2026, a simple online tool that tells working carers in 60 seconds whether their earnings are safe, and by exactly how much.

As Carers Week 2026 (8–14 June) shone a national spotlight on the need for carer-friendly communities, CarersInfo.com is taking direct action. The site has opened up its Threshold Checker tool, helping working carers across the UK protect their Carer's Allowance before they accidentally lose it.

The cliff-edge trap nobody talks about

Over 143,000 people in the UK are currently repaying Carer's Allowance overpayment debts, with the average debt exceeding £3,500. In the vast majority of cases, the carer had no idea they had done anything wrong.

The cause is what carers are calling the "cliff edge trap." Carer's Allowance is an all-or-nothing benefit. If a carer's net weekly earnings exceed the threshold, currently £204 per week in 2026/27, hey lose their entire allowance for that week. 

There is no gradual taper, no warning letter, and no grace period. One extra shift, a small pay rise, or a single bonus payment can push a carer silently over the limit,  sometimes for months before the DWP sends a repayment demand.

143,000 Carers with overpayment debts

£3,500+ Average overpayment debt

5.8m Unpaid carers in the UK

"Working carers are not fraudsters, they're people doing their best to hold things together. They take on extra shifts to pay the bills, accept a small pay rise, and suddenly find themselves owing thousands back to the DWP. That is not right. Information is the one thing that can stop it," Vinnette Campbell, Founder, CarersInfo.com told That's Health.

A tool built for carers, not accountants

The Threshold Checker at CarersInfo.com is designed to be used by anyone, no financial knowledge is required. 

A carer enters their gross pay, their pay frequency, and any allowable deductions such as income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and care costs. 

The tool instantly calculates their true net weekly earnings, shows a clear green, amber, or red result, and gives an exact headroom figure down to the penny.

The tool also includes a What If? Simulator, allowing carers to enter a proposed extra shift or pay rise and see the impact before they commit to anything. A Weekly Log feature enables carers to build a record of their earnings over time, which can be exported as evidence if the DWP ever raises questions.

https://carersinfo.com

ELEVATE Returns to London to Showcase the Future of Wellness and Preventative Healthcare

ELEVATE by Mumble Forum returns to London, bringing together leading experts to explore longevity, AI healthcare, women's health, nutrition and the future of wellness.

The future of wellness, longevity and preventative healthcare will take centre stage in London this month as ELEVATE by Mumble Forum returns for its second edition.

Taking place on 20 June at Fulham Pier, the event has quickly established itself as one of the UK's most exciting gatherings for health and wellness professionals, entrepreneurs, clinicians and consumers interested in the rapidly evolving world of wellbeing.

Founded by award-winning entrepreneur Monique Hodgson, ELEVATE aims to bring together leading voices from across the wellness sector to discuss the trends, technologies and ideas shaping how we care for our physical and mental health in the years ahead.

As more people focus on maintaining their health rather than simply treating illness, topics such as longevity, personalised nutrition, hormone health, cognitive performance and preventative medicine are attracting growing attention. ELEVATE reflects this shift, offering a packed programme designed to help attendees understand emerging developments and practical approaches to improving overall wellbeing.

Among the headline discussions are sessions exploring biohacking techniques for managing stress and regulating the nervous system, the future of women's health, advances in nutrition and supplementation, and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Experts from a range of disciplines will share their insights, including doctors, nutrition specialists, wellness entrepreneurs, psychologists and healthcare innovators. Discussions will examine how technology and data are increasingly being used to personalise healthcare, while also addressing broader issues such as healthy ageing, recovery, resilience and mental wellbeing.

Beyond the speaker programme, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in wellness workshops, fitness sessions and immersive experiences designed to put theory into practice. A variety of wellness brands will also be showcasing products and services focused on longevity, functional nutrition, fitness and holistic health.

The event is being organised by Mumble Forum, a community dedicated to supporting women through entrepreneurship, education, innovation and collaboration. Since its launch, the organisation has developed a strong reputation for creating events that sit at the intersection of health, business and personal development.

As conversations around preventative healthcare continue to gain momentum, ELEVATE aims to provide a platform where education, innovation and community can come together.

For anyone interested in the future of wellness, health optimisation and healthy ageing, ELEVATE promises a fascinating day of learning, inspiration and practical insight into the next generation of healthcare and wellbeing.

EVENT DETAILS

ELEVATE by Mumble Forum

Saturday 20 June 2026

10:00am – 6:00pm

Fulham Pier

Stevenage Road

London SW6

Tickets

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elevate-your-wellness-innovate-inspire-transform-tickets-1985715308943?aff=erelexpmlt

50% Discount Code: MUMBLE50

Website

www.mumbleforum.com