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This winter Great Western Air Ambulance Charity will be called to help a child every day on average

Not many people are aware that thr Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is called on to help over six critically unwell or injured patients every day on average, and one of those is likely to be someone’s child.

Last winter GWAAC’s specially trained crew were called to 131 babies, children and teenagers and the charity is on track for helping similar numbers this year. 

Sadly, every number is a family who will be facing the unthinkable this winter but with your support, GWAAC’s crew can be there to help more children like Albie.

Donations to Great Western Air Ambulance Charity helped save Baby Albie.

In January 2024, at just three days old, Albie suddenly stopped breathing at home. Thanks to immediate CPR from the midwife, treatment from paramedics and advanced care from GWAAC’s specialist crew, Albie made it to hospital to receive ongoing care. He is now about to enjoy his second Christmas making memories with the family who love him.

Albie’s mum Victoria told That's Health: “When Albie was in hospital and we were told he might not survive, we made ourselves a promise: never to complain about sleepless nights again. 

"We haven’t always managed to keep it, but every night we get to hear Albie’s laughter or cries, we’re reminded what a gift that is, a gift we only have because people like you cared enough to donate to Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.”

Every call GWAAC receives is different: from a premature newborn to a 19-year-old or from a sudden seizure or breathing difficulty to an accident on the road, at home or while playing, each call represents a family’s worry, a parent’s fear.

The fast, expert help and equipment GWAAC’s crew can bring will often make the difference between life and death. They can be there in the moments no one can plan for, providing emergency, on-scene care to children whose condition is so serious that they need the specialist skills of GWAAC’s team right there, at the scene of the incident.

Every call counts — and you can help

A child in need could be someone you know; it could be your family.

Being ready to help children in emergencies requires training, the right skills and the right equipment, and it takes the support of people like you. Because although GWAAC is part of the regional 999 response system and works closely with NHS hospitals, it’s a charity funded by people in the communities it serves.

GWAAC is asking local people to donate today to its Winter Appeal. Your kindness could help save a child’s life: gwaac.com/appeal.

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Nystagmus Network launches essay competition 2026

Now in its third year, the Nystagmus Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Richard Wilson Essay Prize 2026, a competition aimed at encouraging budding researchers and students to investigate nystagmus.

In memory of Richard

Richard Wilson OBE served as Chair of Trustees of the Nystagmus Network from 2010 to 2019. During that time he introduced the very first Nystagmus Awareness Day, saw the charity’s investment in nystagmus research top £1,000 per week, established an annual UK nystagmus research workshop and hosted the charity’s first ever clinical training event.

Richard received his OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in the New Year’s Honours of 2018. He sadly passed away in 2023 and is fondly remembered by everyone.

Who can take part?

The competition is open to students of all levels, from undergraduate to post-doctorate, in the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry, Orthoptics or a visual related science, currently studying or working at UK institutions.

Prizes

First prize: £500 and the opportunity to speak at the Nystagmus Network International Nystagmus Symposium 2026. Your cheque will be presented at a Nystagmus Network event.

Second Prize: £200

Third Prize: £100

Judges

The 2026 panel includes

Dr Onyeka Amiebenomo, Senior Lecturer in Optometry, University of the West of England Bristol

Mr Daniel Osborne, Research Orthoptist and NIHR Pre-Doctoral Fellow at University Hospital Southampton NHS FT

They will be supported in their decision making by Nystagmus Network trustees.

Essay Question for 2026

Richard Wilson, OBE

“How could AI change the way that nystagmus is diagnosed and treated?”

Judging criteria

For entries to be considered they must:

demonstrate a significant level of understanding of current clinical practice for nystagmus in the UK

pinpoint any key areas for development which AI could support

identify how AI assisted research can expand clinical knowledge of nystagmus

Format

Essays to be a maximum of 3000 words in length (excluding any diagrams, graphs, references, bibliography).

Timeline

Applications open in December 2025. The deadline for submission is 30 June 2026.

Submission

Completed essays should be emailed to research@nystagmusnet.org clearly marked ‘Richard Wilson Essay Prize’ in the subject line. Entries must include the full name of the candidate, the UK institution where they are registered, their current level of study and their highest academic qualification to date.

What is Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that affects the eyes, causing them to move involuntarily and repetitively. These movements can be side-to-side (horizontal), up and down (vertical), or in a circular pattern (rotary). 

The motion is usually rhythmic and can vary in speed and intensity. For people living with nystagmus, the constant eye movement can affect vision, depth perception, and balance, although the impact differs greatly from person to person.

There are two main categories of nystagmus: congenital (or infantile) and acquired. Congenital nystagmus typically develops within the first few months of life and is often linked to conditions affecting visual development, such as albinism, optic nerve hypoplasia, or congenital cataracts. In many cases, no single underlying cause is identified. 

Acquired nystagmus, on the other hand, develops later in life and may be associated with neurological conditions, inner ear disorders, head injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or the use of certain medications.

ww.nystagmusnetwork.org

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Public Urged to Join #SCCForME Campaign to End Harmful Reassessments

Today marks the launch of #SCCforME, a one-day national campaign calling for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) to be recognised under the Severe Conditions Criteria (S.C.C.).

The S.C.C. is designed to protect people who have lifelong, disabling conditions from having to go through repeated benefit reassessments. 

Yet despite overwhelming scientific and medical evidence that recovery from M.E./C.F.S. is rare, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not automatically recognise M.E./C.F.S. under S.C.C.

People with M.E./C.F.S. are currently forced into repeated reassessments to prove they remain disabled, even after being awarded Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). These reassessments are:

Harmful – triggering post-exertional malaise and worsening symptoms.

Exhausting – draining for people already living with profound fatigue and cognitive dysfunction.

Wasteful – taxpayer money is being spent on reassessing people with a condition that scientific and medical evidence shows is lifelong.

This campaign is not about expanding benefits or increasing eligibility. It is about efficiency, fairness, and compassion: stopping unnecessary reassessments for people with M.E./C.F.S. whose condition is permanent.

The #SCCforME campaign calls for:

Automatic recognition of M.E./C.F.S. as a lifelong condition under the S.C.C.

Clearer guidance to assessors that fluctuations do not equal recovery.

An end to repeated reassessments for people with M.E./C.F.S. who have already been awarded LCWRA.

They are asking members of the public to join the M.E./C.F.S. community in taking part in this one-day campaign by:

Sending a pre-written email to the DWP or their MP.

Posting campaign messages on social media using #SCCforME

Sharing campaign graphics to amplify visibility.

A surge of emails and posts on one day creates urgency and impact, making it harder for decision-makers to ignore.

Learn More

Full details, template emails, social media posts, and shareable graphics are available in the latest blog on stripylightbulb.org.

Sally Callow (pictured) Managing Director, Stripy Lightbulb CIC. told That's Health: “This isn't about getting more people onto benefits. It's about stopping the waste of taxpayer money and ending harmful reassessments for people with M.E./C.F.S. 

"Recovery is rare, in the absence of approved treatments or a cure, and reassessments only cause harm. The system must shift its focus from functionality to permanency.” 

AI therapy works best when you feel emotionally close to your chatbot, study reveals

Mental health chatbots work best when people form an emotional connection with their AI therapist, according to research out today by the University of Sussex.

With more than one in three UK residents now using AI to support their mental health, a new study highlights the key to effective chatbot therapy and the psychological risks of ‘synthetic intimacy’.

Analysis of feedback from 4,000 users of a market-leading mental health app found that therapy was more successful when users developed emotional intimacy with their AI therapist. 

However, the study also raises fresh questions about the growing phenomenon of synthetic intimacy - where people develop social, emotional or intimate bonds with artificial intelligence.

University of Sussex Assistant Professor Dr Runyu Shi told That's Health: “Forming an emotional bond with an AI sparks the healing process of self-disclosure. Extraordinary numbers of people say this works for them, but synthetic intimacy is not without its problems. People can get stuck in a self-fulfilling loop, with the chatbot failing to challenge dangerous perceptions, and vulnerable individuals end up no closer to clinical intervention.”

Reports of people around the globe in relationships or even marriages with artificial intelligence have put synthetic intimacy in the spotlight. The researchers say this is the extreme end of a common phenomenon and have pinpointed the stages by which intimacy with AI is generated.

The process is described as a loop, where users take part in intimate behaviour by disclosing personal information, then they have an emotional response, with feelings of gratitude, safety and freedom from judgement. This can lead to positive changes in thinking and wellbeing, such as self-confidence and higher energy levels. Over time this loop creates an intimate relationship, with human-like roles attributed to the app.

Published in Social Science and Medicine, today’s paper was based on feedback from users of Wysa, a popular mental health app prescribed under the NHS Talking Therapies programme. NHS Trusts are using the app to aid self-referral and support patients on waiting lists. The study reports that users commonly referred to the app as a friend, companion, therapist and even occasionally partner.

University of Sussex Professor Dimitra Petrakaki said: “Synthetic intimacy is a fact of modern life now. Policymakers and app designers would be wise to accept this reality and consider how to ensure cases are escalated when an AI witnesses users in serious need of clinical intervention.”

With chatbots increasingly filling the gaps left by overstretched services charities like Mental Health UK are calling for urgent safeguards to make sure people receive safe and appropriate information.

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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.