Latest news with #ForgetMeNot
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Love in a time of Wi-Fi: How couples cultivate connection online
For most, WhatsApp was the go-to. It was the easiest, most intimate platform — rich with voice notes, real-time messaging, and video calls. But the communication wasn't just about logistics or surface-level check-ins. We've all heard the horror stories: WhatsApp blow-ups, Instagram posts that notch up the jealousy factor, and an emoji that accidentally ruined a perfectly good weekend. Social media doesn't always have the best rep when it comes to relationships. But maybe that's not the full story. That's what Lauren Maytham, a newly qualified clinical psychologist, set out to explore in her Master's thesis at Nelson Mandela University. Maytham's research, completed at the end of last year under the supervision of cyber-relationships expert Dr Tania Lambert, focused on how South African young adults use social media to maintain intimacy and passion in committed romantic relationships. 'I wanted to find out how young people were staying emotionally close in an era in which we're often physically apart,' said Maytham. 'And I wanted to focus on relationships that already existed — not dating apps or how people meet, but how they stay connected.' The real work of staying close The study interviewed eight young adults — aged 22 to 29 — who were in stable, exclusive relationships. They weren't living together, weren't married, and spent regular time apart. These were the kind of relationships where future plans were being made, but daily routines were still separate. The question Maytham posed was simple: How do you keep romance alive on social media? For most, WhatsApp was the go-to. It was the easiest, most intimate platform — thanks to the voice notes, real-time messaging, and video calls. But the communication wasn't just about surface-level check-ins. 'Participants talked about small gestures that made them feel emotionally close,' Maytham said. 'Even something like a partner asking 'How's your day going?' helped them feel seen and secure.' In several cases, couples created entire digital rituals to bridge the gap. Virtual date nights. Shared streaming. Midweek memes sent just to make each other laugh. 'One participant described how watching a movie together over the phone, with pauses to laugh or comment, created a shared moment that felt especially meaningful,' said Maytham. Intimacy, passion — and a love app called LoveWick While many past studies have focused on the risks of oversharing or online infidelity, Maytham's participants revealed a quiet creativity to their digital intimacy. One of the discoveries that interested her most involved an app called LoveWick — designed to help couples log important dates, preferences, even favourite snacks or clothing sizes. 'The app has a feature called Forget Me Not,' Maytham said. 'One participant used it to remember what flowers his girlfriend liked and would order them when she wasn't feeling well. It was one of the most emotionally thoughtful uses of tech I came across.' Passion, too, wasn't absent — it was just reimagined. Some participants were open about sending flirtatious photos, texts, or wearing a partner's favourite outfit in shared content. Others preferred more private exchanges. Boundaries mattered, and couples navigated them with care. And then there was TikTok. One participant described how she and her partner shared cheeky TikToks and relationship memes as inside jokes. Another said the TikTok algorithm kept serving up videos that mirrored their relationship quirks — and bonding over those little moments became a daily ritual. 'There was a wide range of what people felt comfortable with,' said Maytham. 'But the key was mutual understanding — and respecting that one partner might be more private than the other.' What the men had to say One of the more surprising themes to emerge said Maytham was how frequently male participants brought up love languages — often unprompted. 'I didn't expect that,' said Maytham. 'They not only recognised their partners' emotional needs, but actively used digital tools to meet them. Whether it was sending encouraging messages or sharing content that spoke to their partner's personality, they were intentional.' While popular discourse often paints men as emotionally distant in digital spaces, Maytham's findings pushed back against the stereotype. 'They may not have been as verbally expressive as the women, but the care and thought were there.' Culture, boundaries and public declarations The study also touched on cultural and personal beliefs that shaped how participants engaged with social media. Two women, both of Indian descent, raised concerns about the evil eye — the belief that too much public sharing of love and happiness can attract jealousy or harm. 'They grew up being told to protect what's sacred,' Maytham explained. 'For them, keeping their romantic lives off the timeline wasn't a lack of affection — it was about preserving something private and safe.' This sentiment was echoed by others who simply preferred direct messages to public declarations. 'Some felt that real intimacy didn't need to be posted,' said Maytham. 'Others enjoyed sharing light-hearted moments but kept deeper emotional exchanges within private platforms like WhatsApp.' From TikTok to therapy rooms Maytham sees a future for this kind of research beyond academia. She believes it has practical relevance for couples therapy — especially when it comes to helping people navigate relationships in an age where escaping social media is virtually impossible. 'Social media can be repetitive, even shallow,' she said. 'But it can also be a powerful tool for emotional connection — if it's used with intention and awareness.' DM
Pembrokeshire Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Celebrity portraits launch Alzheimer's Society Cymru's Forget Me Not Appeal
New campaign highlights personal stories and raises vital funds for dementia support across Wales A POWERFUL new portrait series has been unveiled by Alzheimer's Society Cymru to mark the launch of its 2025 Forget Me Not Appeal, aimed at tackling the devastation caused by dementia—currently the UK's biggest killer. The photography series, titled Unforgettable Frames, features Alzheimer's Society ambassadors Anna Richardson, Gareth-Locke-Locke, and Meera Syal. Each has been personally affected by dementia and shares intimate photos and reflections on loved ones impacted by the condition. Their message is simple: wear a Forget Me Not badge and support life-changing work across Wales and beyond. Almost one million people in the UK, including more than 50,000 in Wales, are currently living with dementia. The Forget Me Not Appeal encourages people to donate and wear the symbolic badge throughout June to show solidarity and help fund research and support services. Donations can be made at more than 400 Morrisons stores across the UK from 2–8 June, where volunteers will be offering badges at collection points. TV presenter and Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Anna Richardson, who recently presented Anna Richardson: Love, Loss & Dementia on Channel 4, said: 'I wear my Forget Me Not badge for my dad, Jim. He was vibrant and a pillar of the community. Seeing him struggle with dementia has been heartbreaking—not just for him, but for us as a family. I'm proud to wear the badge and raise awareness of what so many are going through.' Swansea-based rock band The Fiends are also backing the appeal with a new single, Lost Control, written in memory of lead singer Eggy's grandfather, who died from Alzheimer's last year. The emotional track explores the impact of dementia on their family. 'When we recorded it, we realised every band member had been touched by dementia,' the group said. 'The first time we played it, we all shed a tear. Music helps keep memories alive—and we want people to know they're not alone.' Every donation makes a difference: £10 could help fund research to find a cure £20 could provide two weeks of vital Companion Calls £50 could enable a family to access expert support from a Dementia Adviser In 2023/24, Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line answered nearly 60,000 calls from people in need. Morrisons is once again supporting the campaign across its stores. David Scott, Director of Corporate Affairs, said: 'We're proud to partner with Alzheimer's Society for the third year running. Dementia affects many of our colleagues and customers, and we hope to spark conversations, raise awareness, and show our support.' Supporters across Wales are also encouraged to host a Forget Me Not Tea Party or donate online at: Corinne Mills, interim CEO at Alzheimer's Society, added: 'One in three people born today will develop dementia during their lifetime. The Forget Me Not flower represents hope and unity, and we're asking everyone to wear one this June. Whether it's in memory of a loved one or to support future breakthroughs—this badge says you stand with us.'
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘We will obsess over one branch in Glengarriff for a whole afternoon': secrets of Ireland's ‘throuple' lichen
Zoologist and writer Sophie Pavelle, who is yet to turn 30, has already carved a distinct path through the field of science communication. She worked as communications coordinator for Beaver Trust for four years and presented their award-winning documentary Beavers Without Borders in 2020. She is also an ambassador for the Wildlife Trusts and sits on the RSPB England Advisory Committee. Her first book, Forget Me Not, was released in 2022 to wide acclaim, lauded for its strong message about combating biodiversity loss.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hospice issues call to businesses to sign up for Dragon Boat Race
A children's hospice is urging businesses to sign up for its next competitive team fundraising event. Forget Me Not Children's Hospice is asking businesses to enter teams into its Dragon Boat Race, which will be held in September. This follows the hospice's previous fundraiser, the Race Across West Yorkshire, which saw 20 teams of two from local businesses race around seven secret West Yorkshire checkpoints, taking on challenges and trying to navigate without their phones or their wallets - and raising more than £40,000. Georgia Lane, Forget Me Not's fundraising manager, said: "Our Dragon Boat Race is always a big hit. "Many of the businesses who attend tell us it's a highlight of the year for their staff, a great way to spend time together as a team while raising money for Forget Me Not, a charity that supports local children and families. "Because our amazing Race Across West Yorkshire filled up really quickly, some businesses missed the chance to get involved. "So the message for the Dragon Boat Race is book your team's place now so you don't, quite literally, miss the boat!" The Dragon Boat Race will take place at Pugneys Country Park. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC-inspired Race Across West Yorkshire event raises £40,000
Teams from across Yorkshire have raised more than £40,000 for Forget Me Not children's hospice through a racing challenge. The Race Across West Yorkshire event, on Friday, March 21, was inspired by the BBC show Race Across the World and saw 20 teams of two from local businesses race around seven secret checkpoints, including Bradford's Alhambra Theatre and the Salt Brewery in Saltaire. The teams were handed a set of maps, a travel card, snacks, and drinks, as well as a small amount of money to buy food, at 7am - and told they had 12 hours to get around all seven checkpoints, which would be revealed throughout the day. Among the competing teams was 'Simple Tim,' representing Joda Freight, and featuring Tim Smart (left) and Shaun Metcalfe (Image: Supplied) They tried to find their way around without their phones or wallets. Beginning their quest at Arthur's Café in Mirfield, the teams then had to visit Forget Me Not's charity shop on Trinity Walk in Wakefield, Junction 32 Retail Park in Castleford, Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, the Salt Brewery in Saltaire, the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford, Halifax Piece Hall, and finally Russell House, Forget Me Not's children's hospice in Huddersfield. Also competing were the Bradford Bulls team consisting of Rebecca Ball-Knight (left) and Natalie Moorhouse (Image: Supplied) The teams all carried a mascot throughout the day, purchased at the Forget Me Not shop in Wakefield. The fastest team to get around all seven checkpoints was the 'Baby Reindeers' team, representing vehicle incident management company FMG. After the race, at the John Smith Stadium in Huddersfield, team members and supporters from Bradford Bulls women's rugby team, Keighley-based haulage firm Joda Freight, Anchor Hanover Group (regional office in Bradford), FMG, The RRG Group, First Bus North and West Yorkshire, AFP Digital, CDUK, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Fullers Foods International, Froneri, HSBC, Cerberus Group, Ossett Brewery, Colourcube Automotive Accident Repair Centre, and Muslin Hall Garage gathered to hear the winners and share their stories. One of the checkpoints was the Salt Brewery in Saltaire (Image: Supplied) They also heard from Hollie Shaw, 21, one of the first young people to stay at the children's hospice, and her mother, Leah Fairbank, about how much they have enjoyed and benefited from the support of Forget Me Not. Last year, the charity supported 264 children, mums, dads, siblings, and grandparents from Bradford, either at Russell House in Huddersfield or in families' own homes. The winners were announced after the event at the John Smith Stadium in Huddersfield (Image: Mark Flynn Photography) Gareth Pierce, Forget Me Not chief executive, said: "It's been so heartening to hear about the wonderful reception all the contestants got as they travelled round West Yorkshire in their Forget Me Not hoodies." The combined fundraising total from all 20 teams is currently more than £40,000.
