Over recent years, people have become far more proactive and informed when it comes to their health, with growing numbers seeking earlier answers and a better understanding of their wellbeing before concerns have the chance to escalate further.

Jane Hawkes, the ‘Queen of Customer Service’ who runs the consumer advice website www.ladyjaney.co.uk says repeated posting on social media puts your complaint at risk of being lost and puts you at risk of scams. Jane suggests we get off social media to be successful when *one* makes a complaint.

When Karen Jones and her daughter Emma Lindsay launched NinetyOne Jewellery from a studio in North Yorkshire last autumn, neither expected to be unpacking stock at a John Lewis flagship store within six months. Yet, from 1 to 7 June, the pair will host a week-long pop-up at the retailer's Newcastle store — a milestone that many independent brands spend years working towards. Their route there is the kind of second-act story that has become increasingly familiar across the North: two women walking away from established careers to build something on their own terms. Karen, based in Stokesley, in her 60s, recently stepped back from a long career in nursing to commit to the business full time.

UK Minister praises GSE's 'significant progress' as Industry Accord signed in Vienna names platform alongside Google, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft

May is one of the most forgiving months to start gardening. The soil has had time to warm up properly, the risk of a late frost is largely behind us, and there is still plenty of summer ahead for plants to establish and get going. It is also the time of year when garden centres are at their best, well-stocked, and with staff on hand to help anyone who is not sure where to start.

What may initially have been dismissed by some as playful eccentricity has matured into a distinctive artistic voice — one capable of adapting to changing musical landscapes without losing its character. The album may not demand attention in a loud or dramatic way, but its warmth, sincerity, and understated craft make it one of the band’s most quietly rewarding releases.

A “whistling” frog has moved into London Zoo’s Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians as part of efforts by global conservation charity ZSL and Ghanaian partners to save two rare species from extinction. The Atewa slippery frog (Conraua sagyimase) and Afia Birago’s puddle frog (Phrynobatrachus afiabirago) are found only in Ghana’s Atewa Hills Forest Reserve.

Ten years to the day since Tim Peake’s dramatic return to Earth, Britain’s most renowned astronaut will be returning to the National Space Centre to celebrate not only the milestone, but also the continuation of his inspirational legacy. Visitors can expect a truly immersive experience.

After two wildly different semi-finals, the stage is finally set for what feels destined to become one of the most unpredictable Eurovision Grand Finals in years. If Semi-Final One felt like a cautious warm-up, Semi-Final Two blew the contest wide open — and now the bookmakers, fan polls, and even long-held assumptions about the winner suddenly feel far less certain.

Ahead of the release of her second album Could It Be You?, East London singer-songwriter Ella Clayton is entering a bold new chapter. The record captures the emotional complexity of modern relationships, self-doubt and personal growth through eleven intimate, soul-soaked songs.

Under Armour: Challenging promotional trading environment in North America and lacks desirability among younger consumers.

King's Speech did not address pensioner poverty says Independent Age Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “The King’s Speech did not go far enough in addressing pensioner poverty.

37% of grassroots youth music projects have considered closing due to funding pressures Over two-thirds (67%) unable to meet demand from young people More than 33,500 young people are currently on waiting lists for grassroots music projects Nearly 40% expect their financial position to worsen in the next 12 months Youth Music has raised £1 million through its Rescue the Roots campaign, but warns the sector remains under severe strain

The Church of England in Lancashire is playing a key role in this year’s Christian Aid Week, with the Bishop of Blackburn and a county priest appearing in separate videos during the campaign on the charity’s social channels, to encourage donations. There will be campaign content on Christian Aid’s channels every day from May 10-16, for what is Britain’s longest-running fundraising week.

Back in 1992, ITV launched their equivalent of the hit US series, American Gladiators. While the show had done well Stateside, there was little anticipation that the UK equivalent, Gladiators, would become the 8-series phenomenon that ended in 2000 with a diminishing viewership of around 6 million.

New data showing the worst UK airports for flight delays may be the “calm before the storm” ahead of the summer holiday season our regular columnist Jane Hawkes, has warned.

Women are living longer than ever. In the UK, the US, Australia, and Spain, a woman born today can expect to outlive her male counterpart by several years. But the uncomfortable truth is that living longer is not the same as living well.

Dear Editor, I would like to draw your readers’ attention to a pressing matter. Every day, despite some of the best medical care available in the world via our NHS, children are traumatised in hospital. Clinical environments, complex and painful procedures and isolation from friends can all build up to immense levels of stress.

After more than five decades on the road, beloved British music icon Leo Sayer is preparing to return to the UK in autumn 2026 for what will be his final full nationwide tour. While he insists he is not retiring completely, Leo says the tour marks the end of an era as he begins to slow the pace of live performances after 54 years on stage.

For many professionals, the traditional nine-to-five job is no longer the sole definition of working life. The rise of the “side hustle”—a secondary job or entrepreneurial pursuit alongside a primary role— is reshaping how people earn, grow, and find fulfilment in their careers.

JD Sports Fashion plc: Cost cutting will be key in a no-growthenvironment; private label is a key opportunity for margin expansion.

When the book arrived, I flicked through it initially and spotted the phrase, ‘Mel…the motorbike’ and thought this may just be for me. The prologue is set in London in 1941 and we’re introduced to Mel Greenway, on her nineteenth birthday, the day ‘the letter’ dropped through the letterbox, the letter inviting her to enlist.