World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Why Protecting Older People Matters

Mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by learning how to recognise the signs of elder abuse, support vulnerable older people and help create safer communities.

Every year on 15 June, people around the world come together to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day dedicated to highlighting a hidden issue that affects millions of older people globally.

While many of us think of later life as a time to enjoy retirement, family and community connections, the reality is that some older adults face abuse, neglect and exploitation behind closed doors. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as an important reminder that everyone deserves to age with dignity, respect and safety.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any act, or failure to act, that causes harm or distress to an older person. It can take many forms, including:

Physical abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse

Financial exploitation

Neglect

Sexual abuse

Discriminatory abuse

Financial abuse is one of the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse in the UK. This can involve theft, pressure to change a will, misuse of bank accounts or coercion to hand over money or property.

Sadly, abuse is often carried out by someone the older person knows and trusts, making it particularly difficult to identify and report.

A Growing Concern

As the UK's population continues to age, protecting older people is becoming increasingly important. Many older adults live independently and enjoy active, fulfilling lives, but factors such as social isolation, poor health, cognitive decline and dependence on others can increase vulnerability.

Loneliness can also play a significant role. Older people who have limited social contact may have fewer opportunities to seek help or share concerns about their situation.

The true scale of elder abuse is difficult to measure because many cases go unreported. Victims may feel ashamed, frightened, dependent on their abuser or worried about the consequences of speaking out.

How We Can Help

Preventing elder abuse is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals or social services. Communities, families, neighbours and friends all have a role to play.

Simple actions can make a difference:

Stay in regular contact with older relatives and neighbours.

Look out for sudden changes in behaviour, appearance or finances.

Encourage older people to remain socially connected.

Listen without judgement if concerns are raised.

Report suspected abuse through appropriate safeguarding channels.

Sometimes, simply checking in on someone can help them feel supported and less isolated.

Creating a Society That Values Older People

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is also an opportunity to challenge ageism and recognise the valuable contributions older people make to our communities every day.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued, regardless of age. By raising awareness, encouraging conversations and supporting those who may be vulnerable, we can help create a society where older people can live free from abuse and fear.

This 15 June, take a moment to reach out to an older friend, neighbour or family member. A simple conversation could make a bigger difference than you realise.

World Blood Donor Day: A Simple Act That Saves Millions of Lives

Mark World Blood Donor Day by learning how blood donation saves lives, supports hospitals and helps patients in need every day.

Every year on 14 June, countries around the world come together to mark World Blood Donor Day, a special occasion dedicated to thanking voluntary blood donors and raising awareness of the vital role blood donation plays in healthcare.

It is one of the simplest ways we can help others, yet its impact can be truly life-changing.

Why Blood Donation Matters

Blood cannot be manufactured in a laboratory. And artificial blood substitutes are, as yet, still a long way in the future.

Hospitals rely entirely on donations from generous volunteers to ensure a constant supply is available for patients who need it.

Every day, donated blood is used to help people undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, organ transplants and emergency medical care. It is also essential for treating complications during childbirth and supporting patients with serious blood disorders.

A single donation can potentially help several people, making every donor an important part of the healthcare system.

The Need Never Stops

One of the biggest challenges faced by blood services is maintaining a steady supply. Blood products have a limited shelf life, meaning fresh donations are always needed.

Demand remains high throughout the year, regardless of holidays, weather conditions or seasonal events. This is why regular donors are so valuable.

Many people assume someone else will donate, but healthcare providers depend on a broad and diverse donor base to meet the needs of different patients and blood groups.

Who Can Donate?

Most healthy adults can become blood donors, although eligibility requirements vary depending on age, weight, medical history and other factors.

If you've never donated before, World Blood Donor Day is the perfect opportunity to find out whether you could help.

Many first-time donors are surprised by how quick and straightforward the process is. The donation itself usually takes only a few minutes, while the entire appointment can often be completed within an hour.

More Than Just Blood

Donating blood offers something beyond the physical donation itself. Many donors describe a strong sense of satisfaction knowing they may have helped save a life.

In a world where many problems can feel overwhelming, blood donation is a practical and meaningful action that makes a real difference.

A Chance to Say Thank You

World Blood Donor Day is also an opportunity to recognise the millions of people who already donate regularly. Their generosity helps ensure hospitals can provide critical treatment whenever it is needed.

Whether you are a long-time donor or considering making your first appointment, this year's World Blood Donor Day is a reminder that a small act of kindness can have an extraordinary impact.

After all, giving blood doesn't just save lives, it helps build healthier, stronger communities for everyone.

https://www.blood.co.uk

Global Wellness Day: Small Changes That Can Transform Your Health

Global Wellness Day: A Reminder to Put Your Health First.

Celebrate Global Wellness Day by making simple lifestyle changes that support your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Discover easy ways to prioritise your health.

Every year, people around the world come together to celebrate Global Wellness Day, a movement dedicated to living a healthier, happier and more balanced life.

Held on the second Saturday of June, Global Wellness Day is built around a simple but powerful idea: one day can change your whole life. It encourages people to pause, reflect and make positive choices that support their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

In today's fast-paced world, many of us spend our days juggling work, family commitments, household tasks and endless digital distractions. It can be easy to put our own health at the bottom of the priority list. Global Wellness Day serves as a gentle reminder that looking after ourselves is not a luxury – it's essential.

Wellness Means Different Things to Different People

Wellness isn't just about going to the gym or following the latest diet trend. True wellness is a holistic concept that includes physical health, mental wellbeing, emotional balance and social connections.

For some people, wellness may mean taking a daily walk in the fresh air. For others, it could involve reducing stress, improving sleep, spending more time with loved ones or making healthier food choices.

The key message of Global Wellness Day is that small, sustainable changes can have a big impact over time.

Simple Ways to Mark Global Wellness Day

You don't need expensive equipment or a major lifestyle overhaul to take part. Here are a few simple ideas:

Take a walk in nature. Or even take a walk around the estate you live in.

Switch off your phone for a few hours.

Drink more water throughout the day.

Try a relaxation technique such as meditation or deep breathing.

Enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal.

Spend quality time with family or friends.

Go to bed a little earlier and prioritise sleep.

Even one positive action can help you feel more energised and focused.

A Good Time for a Health Check-In

Global Wellness Day is also an excellent opportunity to reflect on your current habits. Are you getting enough exercise? Are you managing stress effectively? Are you making time for activities that bring you joy?

Wellness is not about perfection. It's about making choices that support your overall health and wellbeing, one step at a time.

As Global Wellness Day reminds us, investing in our health today can lead to a happier, healthier future. Whether you make one small change or several, there's no better time to start than now.

After all, your wellbeing is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make.

New research highlights stark inequalities in access to life-saving liver transplants

Important new research published reveals a stark reality for people with chronic liver disease in England: despite facing a high risk of death after emergency hospital admission, the vast majority are not receiving a potentially life-saving liver transplant.

Published in the peer reviewed journal Frontline Gastroenterology, the nationwide study of over 82,000 patients found that just 0.64% received a liver transplant within a year of their first emergency admission, while nearly 38% died in that time.

The findings also expose significant inequalities in access to potentially life-saving treatment. Patients living in the most deprived areas were around half as likely to receive a transplant as those in the least deprived communities, and access varied depending on where people lived and the type of hospital they were admitted to.

People with alcohol-related liver disease, the most common cause of liver disease in the study, were the least likely to receive a transplant.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, who were one of the research study’s partners, told That's Health: “This research lays bare the stark reality facing people with liver disease. 

"Too many are reaching crisis point, being diagnosed for the first time during an emergency hospital admission in A&E, and then, sadly, dying. 

"Only a tiny proportion go on to receive a life-saving transplant. The clear inequalities linked to where someone lives, and their level of deprivation are deeply concerning and must be addressed.”

Lead author Professor William Bernal of King’s College Hospital Trust added, “Our study shows liver transplantation is used far less often than might be expected after emergency admission with chronic liver disease, and that access is uneven. With such high mortality, there is an urgent need to improve both equitable access to transplantation and the overall care these patients receive.”

The study also highlights that patients admitted to hospitals with a transplant centre were significantly more likely to receive a transplant, underlining the importance of timely referral pathways and access to specialist services.

While liver transplantation can dramatically improve survival, the researchers emphasise the number of transplants available is limited. They call for action not only to address inequalities in access, but also to improve early detection of liver disease, prevent avoidable harm, particularly from alcohol, and ensure better care during and after hospital admission.

Pamela Healy added, “Ultimately, we cannot rely on transplantation alone. We must do much more to prevent liver disease, diagnose it earlier and ensure everyone has fair access to the care and treatment they need, wherever they live.”

Read the full study here: https://fg.bmj.com/content/early/2026/05/28/flgastro-2026-103636

https://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Charge of the Light Brigade! Light Protest Calls Out Government Over the Neglect of People With Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

The most severely ill people with ME have sent images to light up London because the Health Secretary has left these patients in the dark.

#MEAction UK projected messages onto locations in central London on 3rd June 2026 to urge James Murray, the Health Secretary to establish specialised NHS services for the most severely affected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients.

The very severely ill are often bed bound, tube fed and live in the dark, isolated from life with a lower Quality of Life score than other major diseases, including heart failure and cancer.

The tragic deaths of Maeve Boothby O’Neill, Sophia Mirza, Merryn Crofts, Kara Jane Spencer, Ella Copley, illustrate how medical care for the very severe is non-existent. The coroner at Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s inquest said, ‘that provision of care for patients with severe ME such as that which Maeve suffered from was and is non-existent’.

"The most severely ill people with ME have sent images to light up London because the Health Secretary has left these patients in the dark. The sickest ME patients are dying without specialised care. We need action now" said #MEAction UK Chair Denise Spreag.

Lizzy who has had ME since she was 14 said, "I have had ME for 17yrs, since I was 14, and despite remaining positive, there is no denying how much I have lost to it. Moments with family, life events that only come around once, my independence, mobility, my hobbies, hopes, voluntary work. A career, relationships, even my ability to digest foods.

"We have faced stigma, lack of specialist medical care, and medics from other specialties having to step in to try to help before it’s too late. I have so much to give, so many skills, interests, so much knowledge, and drive, if only I was well enough to apply it fully. We deserve better."

Another very severe ME sufferer, ‘C’ said, "33 years like this. No medical help, whatsoever, too ill to see family or friends. It could have been so different!"

The decision to set up this service lies with James Murray, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. #MEAction UK calls on the Health Secretary to stop stalling and start the service.

As someone who suffered from ME for a decade but who had a spontaneous recovery, my heart goes out to people suffering from Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

https://meaction.org.uk

How My Wife Helped Me Finally Get Rid of a Stubborn Keratin Build-Up on My Forehead

After a prescribed cream failed to help, an unexpected skincare recommendation dramatically reduced a stubborn keratin build-up on my forehead. Here's my personal story.

For several years, I had an unsightly patch of keratin build-up on my forehead that simply refused to go away.

It wasn't painful, and it wasn't causing any serious health problems, but it was one of those things that you notice every time you look in the mirror. The area looked rough, raised and slightly thickened, and despite my best efforts, it seemed determined to stay exactly where it was.

Like many people, I did the sensible thing and sought medical advice. My doctor prescribed E45 cream, a trusted moisturiser that is commonly used to help manage dry skin conditions and irritation.

Unfortunately, in my case, it made absolutely no difference.

I used it as directed and gave it plenty of time to work. Weeks passed, but the keratin build-up remained unchanged. It was frustrating because I had hoped a prescribed treatment would finally solve the problem.

That's when my wife suggested trying something different.

She recommended Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream. To be honest, I was doubtful. After all, I had already tried a medically prescribed cream without success, so I wasn't expecting a cosmetic skincare product to achieve what a prescription hadn't.

Nevertheless, I decided to give it a go.

Within a couple of weeks, I noticed the first signs of improvement. The skin felt smoother, and the thickened patch appeared less prominent. As the weeks went by, the improvement became increasingly noticeable.

The rough texture gradually reduced, and the affected area started to blend much more naturally with the surrounding skin.

Today, I would estimate that around 95% of the keratin build-up has disappeared. What had been a long-standing cosmetic concern has been reduced to the point where it is barely visible.

Of course, this is simply my personal experience. Everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have a persistent skin condition or any concerns about changes to your skin, it is important to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

However, my experience does highlight an interesting reality about skincare. Sometimes finding the right product involves a degree of trial and error, and solutions can occasionally come from unexpected places.

In my case, the breakthrough didn't come from the cream prescribed by my doctor. It came from a recommendation made by my wife.

And I'm very glad I listened.

Disclaimer: This article describes a personal experience and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.

New SensaCath Range Designed to Support Discreet and Confident Self-Catheterisation

Clinisupplies has launched SensaCath, a new intermittent catheter range designed to support comfort, discretion and independence for people who self-catheterise.

For thousands of people living with bladder conditions, intermittent self-catheterisation is an essential part of daily life. While it can help people manage their health and maintain independence, many users are looking for products that fit more naturally into their everyday routines.

Healthcare manufacturer Clinisupplies hopes to address that need with the launch of its new SensaCath® intermittent catheter range, designed to support discreet, comfortable and confident bladder management.

Developed with input from both users and healthcare professionals, the new range focuses on practical design features that aim to make self-catheterisation easier to manage at home, at work and while travelling.

Paul Cook, CEO of Clinisupplies, said the company wanted to create products that help people focus on living their lives rather than managing their condition.

"At Clinisupplies, we believe continence products should help people live more freely, not become the focus of their day," he explained to That's Health.

The launch includes two products tailored to different user needs.

SensaCath® Compact for Women has been designed with discretion in mind. Its compact size and neutral appearance allow it to be carried and used more discreetly, while an optional handle can provide additional grip and reach where needed. 

The catheter is supplied ready to use and features a hydrophilic coating designed to support smooth insertion and removal.

For male users, SensaCath® Flex Compact for Men offers a pocket-sized solution intended for use both at home and on the move. The product incorporates a soft, flexible tip designed to follow the natural shape of the urethra, helping to support a more comfortable catheterisation experience.

Beyond the products themselves, Clinisupplies says the range has been designed to support both users and healthcare professionals. Features have been developed to be straightforward to demonstrate during training sessions, while users may benefit from improved confidence and independence when managing their bladder health.

The company has also highlighted sustainability considerations in the design process. The SensaCath range uses recyclable materials where possible and incorporates right-sized packaging to help reduce waste.

As awareness grows around the importance of dignity, independence and quality of life in continence care, innovations such as SensaCath demonstrate how thoughtful product design can make a meaningful difference to everyday healthcare experiences.

For people who self-catheterise, small changes in comfort, convenience and confidence can have a significant impact on daily life.

https://www.clinisupplies.co.uk/