Latest news with #African-Caribbean
Telegraph
13-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
‘Jehovah's Witnesses told me I would die at 15 – so I didn't save for a pension'
Kit de Waal is an award-winning author who left school at 16. Her debut novel, My Name is Leon, was published when she was 56, and became a bestseller. It was turned into a TV movie for the BBC and is now on the GCSE English Literature syllabus. With her first advance, Kit set up a scholarship for writers from disadvantaged backgrounds. She has two adopted children and lives in Leamington Spa with her adult son. How did your childhood affect your attitude to money? My father was an African-Caribbean bus driver from St Kitts. He saved up all the money he had to go home to the West Indies. My Irish mother worked very, very menial jobs to make ends meet. Both of them gave the message that money was tight, hard to come by and not to be spent. What was your first proper job? I left home at 16 because my mother was a Jehovah's Witness – I didn't want to be involved in that any more. I worked as a secretary for Hoskins, a company that made hospital bedsteads and exported them to the Middle East. I filled out bills and export forms for £20.00 per week – it was crushingly boring. What impact did growing up as a Jehovah's Witness have? Jehovah's Witnesses believe in an imminent Armageddon. When I was a child, the appointed year was 1975, when I would be 15. Money – believed to be the root of all evil – would be dispensed in God's new paradise. He would provide food and housing and meaningful, mostly manual, employment. Although I stopped being a Jehovah's Witness when I was 16, a year after the appointed date, somewhere in the back of my mind I thought Armageddon might happen. I never really subscribed to the notion of a career, or even getting older. I'd never need a pension or critical illness cover. The rational side of my mind told me to get with the programme, but the indoctrination bit deep. I always suspected that there would be some kind of divine rescue from old age and poverty. I've had to force myself to take ageing seriously, to get a pension and provide for the inevitable. It hasn't been easy. Have you ever had trouble paying your bills? It's been tight, but I've never not paid my bills. I absolutely hate owing money. If there's a bill to pay, I will pay it that hour. I have a credit card, but I never use it. Which book has had the biggest financial impact? 'My Name is Leon' (published in 2016). It launched me and I got a big advance for a three-book deal. It's had the most incredible impact. After divorcing my partner (KC John de Waal) who earned all the money, it was a great confidence boost for me. It was like someone saying, 'Don't worry. You're OK.' What was your worst financial decision? Selling my first flat in Mosley, Birmingham. I bought it when I was 26, and it cost £31,000. When I got married at 34, I sold it for £48,000. It would probably be worth six times more now. What was your best financial decision? Buying the flat I now live in. After my divorce, I desperately wanted to move, but couldn't find anything. Then I walked into this flat and had to have it. It was a good emotional decision and happened to be a good financial decision. When I bought it five years ago, it had no garden. But there was a courtyard behind part of the building. It was hideous, but I found out who owned it and bought it off them for £8,000. I then spent £20,000 having it turned into a garden, just in time for lockdown. Are you good at managing money? When I got married at 34, the bills came through the post and I could see them. Then later, everything was direct debit, and I didn't know what the bills were any more as my husband took care of it. After my divorce, the admin of managing the money side of my life hit me like a tsunami. Although I had money, I just didn't know how to handle it. So I made a spreadsheet of every bill with reference numbers and account details, (water, energy, insurance, service charges, subscriptions, literally everything). I set up direct debits and made a brand new bank account that was strictly for bills and everything came out of that. These days, I always make sure it's got double what I need in it. Pension or property? I had a profound change in circumstances when I divorced. It wasn't an unfair settlement, but it did change my circumstances and it reinforced in me the sense that nothing is dependable and no one is coming to save you. I was 55 and had been relying on my husband's pension. I am now 64, and have since put money and time into both property and my own retirement fund. I still need to work, but I have two buy-to-let flats in Warwick which are ticking along and a very small pension. Are you a saver or spender? I used to be a spender. Having been deprived of heat, food and comfort as a child, I wanted all that and would buy it. I've since had to work really hard to overcome my natural tendency to (over) spend. It goes against my personality and it's been a slog, but I am cautious and scared of not meeting my obligations. I also have two children whom I want to leave money to. What do you like to splash out on? My son is a classic car mechanic and I would so desperately, desperately love a classic car – a Jenson Interceptor. In silver. That would be my splurge if I won the lottery. Otherwise, I splash out on pictures. And every time a book comes out, I treat myself. I love city breaks. Last year, I went to Seattle. I have a book out this month and haven't yet decided what the treat will be. It might be a city break or it might be a handbag. Does money make you happy? Sometimes, absolutely. When I set up the scholarship with Birkbeck University (for disadvantaged writers) after my first advance, many generous people contributed to it. What it told me was that, if you show this generosity and support, people will pile in. To me, that's what money is for: to be generous and allow other people to get involved. The Best of Everything by Kit De Waal published by Tinder Press is out now.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Black communities asked to join Southampton health research
People from black ethnic backgrounds are being encouraged to take part in a research programme aimed at tackling health inequalities. The Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource programme at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) will explore how African-Caribbean communities develop and experience different health taking part would be tested and matched with various research programmes into conditions including sickle cell, diabetes, heart and kidney Stockley, NIHR BioResource Southampton Manager at UHS, said the volunteers would be playing a "vital role" in developing future healthcare provision. UHS said the study was set up as historically, people from African and Caribbean heritage have been under-represented in health studies, meaning knowledge and treatments as a result of research have been predominantly based on white Stockley said the new initiative aimed to "close the gap"."The IBHO BioResource will help us better understand and address health conditions and their unique impacts on black people and their loved ones, ensuring everyone benefits from fair and inclusive research," he Ardel Richardson, 38, from Southampton said he was encouraged to join the research when his daughter first saw a brown bandage as "skin-coloured"."Her joy was a profound moment – it made me realise how often our needs are overlooked," he completing a diabetes risk survey, he discovered he had a two-in-five chance of developing the condition."I was shocked to learn that diabetes hits the black community in such a disproportionate way."If I don't do more to ensure our views and needs are considered, how can I expect change to happen?" he researchers are looking for a range of adults to take part, with or without a health condition, as well as children under 15 with a confirmed diagnosis of sickle taking part would be asked to give a saliva or blood sample and complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
How a closed building reflects Nottingham's 'social changes'
Built more than 90 years ago as the headquarters of bike manufacturer Raleigh, the Howitt Building in Nottingham went on to become a business centre and community the Grade II-listed building on Lenton Boulevard is now facing an uncertain future after Nottingham City Council ordered it to close at the end of December over safety concerns about the fire authority, which said it would work with tenants and businesses to "minimise" disruption, has not yet confirmed its long-term plans for the Silvester, from Nottingham Civic Society, says the building reflects "the social changes the city has seen", adding it would be "the greatest shame if that legacy was lost". The Howitt Building was completed in 1931 to the designs of architect T Cecil Howitt, who was also responsible for the city's Council House and Home Brewery Silvester said Raleigh was "one of Nottingham's 'big three', along with Boots and Players"."The owners of the businesses wanted their buildings to reflect their importance," she explained."Raleigh was worldwide business, so it wanted offices which would project that status."But its influence wasn't just about money, it had a big social impact."It was known for employing women and Nottingham gained a reputation for being a women's city." The offices were described in the company's commemorative booklet as "probably unexcelled in architecture, business equipment and hygienic planning".One of the striking features is the ballroom, which featured a sprung floor, a stage, and dressing rooms for upper floor also housed a dining room and a reading Silvester said: "At this time companies were more family-minded, they actually provided facilities for their staff and workers."They had societies like drama and ballroom dancing and sports."My father worked there for 30 years and I remember going in and being so impressed by this big entrance hall and what the company was doing." Ian Wells, also from the Nottingham Civic Society, said: "The building has a sleek, Art Deco look."It also has these friezes of near-naked cherubs, which are a mark of Howitt's work, but it looks a little unsafe as they work on building bicycles."It is an excellent example of architecture and all the more impressive for how well it is preserved, with so many original features like panelling and stained glass windows."At its height, Raleigh employed well over 8,000 people and was producing more than one million bikes a World War Two, workers from across the Empire were invited to Britain and many came to work at Nottingham, with Raleigh again playing a central role in the sometimes difficult social to Historic England, Oswold George Powe, a leading member of Nottingham's African-Caribbean community, succeeded in changing the firm's employment policy following a bicycle boycott in is said to have then become the largest employer of African-Caribbean workers in Nottingham. When the offices were sold to the city council in the 1980s, the building hosted the Marcus Garvey Centre, named after a civil rights activist, which catered for the needs of older African and Caribbean Taylor, the chairperson of the centre, said: "The centre has been here for 35 years."Initially it was a luncheon club and we would have 40 to 50 people attending daily."A lot of people are isolated and this was somewhere where people would be missed."If someone didn't come, we would notice. It was a community link, it kept people together and it avoids that isolation." 'Critical concerns' A document, seen by the BBC earlier in February, stated the council is considering various options for the building's future, including remediation works or potentially selling authority said on Friday that "no decision regarding the long-term future of the site" had been it said a recent risk assessment highlighted "critical concerns" regarding the fire doors and compartmentalisation throughout the building, which "present a significant risk to life in the event of a fire".A "comprehensive survey which will determine the full extent of the works and costs required to address the outstanding issues" is under way, the council complete, "all viable options will be considered in consultation".
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What is prediabetes?
New analysis from Diabetes UK reveals that one in five adults in the UK are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. The latest figures show that 4.6 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, the highest number on record and an increase from the 4.4 million reported last year. The charity also estimates that an additional 1.3 million people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, while around 6.3 million are living with prediabetes. Commenting on these statistics, Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: 'These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we're facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. 'With more people developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes at a younger age, it's also critical that much more is done to find the missing millions who either have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes but are completely unaware of it.' So, what is prediabetes exactly, and what should we know about it? What is prediabetes? 'Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, more commonly known as prediabetes, means that a person's blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,' says Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK. 'Having higher than normal blood sugars means someone is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.' What are some common misconceptions about it? 'Prediabetes has sometimes been related to a feeling of inevitability that a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented. But we know that many people may be able to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with the right support,' clarifies Twenefour. Do you display any symptoms with prediabetes? 'Prediabetes doesn't have any symptoms, and if you start to have any of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes which can include going to the toilet more often, especially at night, and feeling tired, it means you have probably already developed it,' says Twenefour. 'So, it's important to know the risk factors and what support is available that could help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.' Who is more at risk? 'The reasons why someone develops type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex, they include genetic, environmental and biological factors,' says Twenefour. 'Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include living with obesity, being over the age of 40, or 25 for those from African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian communities, living with a high waist measurement, or having an immediate family member with diabetes. 'Other factors in your environment, like poverty or deprivation and inequality, may also increase your risk.' How is it diagnosed? ' People are commonly identified by their GP, or in England following an NHS Health Check, or online such as through Diabetes UK's free online Know Your Risk tool,' says Twenefour. 'Higher than normal blood sugars can be detected via blood tests and these tests help healthcare teams to understand a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.' Dr Matt McCarter, NHS GP and clinical lead at Habitual, says a HbA1c test or fasting blood sugar test are usually used. 'These should be carried out during regular checks for those who are high risk, such as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and/or people who have previous experienced a heart attack or stroke,' says McCarter. What can people do to prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes? Monitor blood sugar levels 'Regular check-ups can help track progress and make necessary adjustments,' says McCarter. Quit smoking ' Smoking increases insulin resistance,' notes McCarter. Increase physical activity 'Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week,' advises McCarter. Adopt a healthy diet 'Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and reduce sugary foods,' recommends McCarter. Lose weight 'Even a modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly reduce risk,' says McCarter.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Goodfella's pizza recalled after health risk packing mistake
Birds Eye Ltd. is recalling Goodfella's Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread because it contains milk which is not mentioned on the label. The garlic bread has been mispacked with a garlic bread that contains cheese. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. Birds Eye is recalling the product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Data suggests that about 8% of the UK population is affected by lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is more prevalent among people of Asian or African-Caribbean descent in the UK. READ MORE: Aldi customer says she found 'bumhole in stewed steak tin' READ MORE: Pensioner seen wheeling 'decomposed' body of daughter around UK shopping centre Globally, approximately 65% of people experience some form of lactose intolerance, with higher rates observed in East Asian populations Goodfella's Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread Pack size 5020 December 2025 If you have bought the product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For more information, go to the Goodfella's contact us page at or call the Birds Eye UK Freephone number on 0800 088 5573. Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold. Then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk. When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert. A milk allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins in milk (usually casein or whey). Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after consuming dairy. Skin reactions – Hives, rash, redness, or eczema Swelling – Lips, face, tongue, or throat (angioedema) Digestive issues – Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps Respiratory symptoms – Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion Anaphylaxis (Severe reaction) – Can cause difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness (requires emergency treatment) Colic-like symptoms (in infants) Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea Blood or mucus in stool (common in babies with milk allergy) Eczema flare-ups Unlike lactose intolerance (which affects digestion due to lack of lactase enzyme), a milk allergy is an immune reaction and can be life-threatening. If you suspect a milk allergy, it's best to see a doctor for allergy testing.
