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Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
A third of British men take better care of their car than their health - but they're open to changing gears
New research from Movember reveals British men are more likely to care for their vehicle than their own health, prioritising booking MOTs (83%), renewing breakdown cover (73%), checking the oil or tyre pressure (66%) and even washing the car (62%) over discussing medical problems (54%) or taking action to safeguard their future (34%). Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A third (34%) say they would rather answer questions about their vehicle than their physical or mental health, and more than half believe routine car admin and maintenance is easier than opening up about their health to friends (53%), medical professionals (66%), or anonymously online (48%). But it seems many are ready to pop the bonnet on their health. Despite a third (34%) saying they are more likely to care for their vehicle than fill in a government survey about their health, more than half (52%) said they would if they knew it could improve their own health or that of someone else. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Almost two in five (37%) said they would be more motivated to do so if they knew it would help shape the future of men's health in the UK. Nearly three quarters of men (70%) say they'd be more motivated to complete a health survey if it led to better healthcare advice from their doctor, and more than half (52%) would take part if it helped create more community-based support – like Men's Sheds or sports programmes tailored for men. Movember and Green Flag hit the streets with a roadside pit stop like no other – turning car trouble into a chance to talk about men's health. The time is now. Movember is encouraging men to take action by filling in the government's Call for Evidence survey, which will inform the first-ever Men's Health Strategy in this country. To mark the beginning of Men's Health Week (June 9-15), Movember, the world's leading men's health charity, is working with UK breakdown experts, Green Flag, to get England on the road to better men's health. Green Flag's technicians will be supporting people who have broken down at the roadside and sharing information that gets people thinking about their health. They will share materials that includes a QR code linking to the men's health survey, which people can complete should they wish. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The input and suggestions gathered could help shape policies for men, covering everything from GP care and early cancer detection through to mental health support and community care. Men's health affects us all and this survey is open to anyone aged 16 and over, living in England. Josh Morgan, Policy & Advocacy at Movember said: 'Movember is on a mission to change the face of men's health – but we can't do it alone. With input from the public, we can ensure a future of men's health in Britain with policies and initiatives that represent all men. We're proud to be working with our community to drive real change for men across England. 'Survey results show that many men would be motivated to take part if they knew it could lead to better care from their GP and improvements in local community services – and it absolutely can! This is a unique opportunity for men to speak up, say exactly what they want, and know that government is listening. 'Now is your chance to take action. By taking just a few minutes to complete the government's men's health survey, you could help shape a future where healthier men support a healthier world. Together, we can steer the conversation in the right direction.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – Movember is taking them all on. In the UK, three in four suicides are men, one in eight men will get prostate cancer, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Movember remains committed to investing in research, real-world programme delivery, and advocacy to ensure better mental health outcomes for future generations. The Rt Hon Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Labour MP for Ilford North said:'It is shocking yet unsurprising that so many men are more likely to service their car than check in on their own health – that's exactly what we want to change. We're launching the first-ever men's health strategy because too many men are dying early from preventable causes. "We want to tackle the real issues men face, from mental health to cancer checks. And we need to hear from men across the country – your stories, your struggles, your suggestions – so we can shape a plan that actually works. The more voices we hear, the better the outcomes will be. "It's time to shift gear and start treating men's health like the priority it is.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag said: 'Our customers see the importance of purchasing breakdown cover for their vehicle to ensure it is protected, but from the research it is clear many of them are not putting the same emphasis on their own health. We are working with Movember to raise awareness of the importance of men thinking of their own health MOTs.' Liam Godfrey, 25, Green Flag Technician said: 'As a Green Flag technician, I meet people every day who have cover in place to protect their car. This campaign highlights that many men are prioritising their car health, but not putting the same focus on their own health and we are in a position to help drive change." Nic Isfahani, 29, Green Flag customer said: 'I was just expecting to get my car fixed at the roadside, but with the leaflet I was given was able to spend some time thinking about what I need to do to prioritise my health. It made me realise I'd never really thought about filling out something like the Call for Evidence survey - but knowing it could help improve care for men like me, I thought, why not? It's 10 minutes that could make a real difference.' Movember is making change, but it needs your help. Take the government's survey to help better men's health by 17th July 2025 at: https:
Metro
4 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Brits are flocking to this ‘eclectic' suburb where homes are £63,000 cheaper
Slightly south of Rochdale lies the Greater Manchester town of Heywood, famous for its historical connections to both the cotton and mining trades. Fast forward to 2025, though, and it's become the number one UK hotspot for property sales, with prices well below the average (£63,029, to be precise). Over the last year, the housing market has been booming in Heywood, with an 88% increase in sales in the last 12 months alone. In fact, May 2025 was the busiest month for house purchases in more than three years, as figures like these haven't been seen since March 2022. It isn't just Heywood that's thriving, though, as Pudsey in West Yorkshire was given second place with an 85% increase, while Wilmslow in Cheshire came in at 66%, Irvine in Ayrshire 63%, and Rushden in Northamptonshire 61%. Just for good measure, the study also crunched the numbers in London, where it was Barnet that came up trumps with a 68% increase. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Naturally, the average asking price was painfully more expensive than Greater Manchester at £735,218, according to Rightmove's figures. There was also representation from Kingston-upon-Thames with a 52% increase, while Tottenham and Mitcham came in at 51% and 49%. Thinking of relocating? Heywood is steeped in history and even has the impressive East Lancashire Railway, where train enthusiasts can ride a steam train. The line spans 12 miles and seven stops, with a hop-on, hop-off policy allowing travellers to explore the nearby market towns. Heywood is also inundated with green spaces, including Queen's Park, a Grade II-listed area that was awarded a Green Flag in 2020. If you fancy a longer walk, there's also the Hopwood Woodlands Circular or the Thirlmere Way, which even features an aqueduct along the route. Perfect for foodies, local businesses congregate at Heywood Market – touted as the 'heart of the community.' There are more than 30 independent stalls on offer here, from local butchers to fishmongers and bakers. It's positive news on the housing front, as according to Rightmove, the average home in Heywood went for £201,102 over the last year, while the asking prices tend to reach £205,221. That's miles below the typical going rate across the UK, which is currently £268,250, as data from Zoopla shows. Heywood might've gathered some mixed reviews over the years, but there are plenty of locals singing its praises. Over on the r/Manchester Subreddit, @ziradael shared that they grew up in the area – and they still live just down the road. They note that there are some 'very nice' areas with plenty 'going for it.' 'Bearded Baristas is a fab coffee shop. There are some great independent clothes shops and a couple of supermarkets, and I actually go to a couple of the local pubs every so often,' they penned. 'The town is quite diverse and people on the whole [are] very friendly. You may occasionally encounter some muppets but they are everywhere…also close to brilliant hikes and countryside.' Over on Facebook, local Damien Greenhalgh said that Heywood has 'strong community spirit' and 'decent outdoor green areas,' while it's been described as 'eclectic' elsewhere. As for neighbouring Rochdale, one Redditor described the town as 'beautiful from a nature perspective,' referencing the surrounding hills and dales. @atbenny added that the 'outskirts are lovely' and a mere '10 minutes into the wilderness of the Pennines,' while @CityofNorden said despite its 'bad rep,' there are 'plenty of decent areas and pubs.' More Trending 'Some of my favourite places are Greenbooth Reservoir and the moors around it,' they penned, further recommending Ashworth Valley Waterfall and Hollingworth Lake. Wondering about commuting in from Manchester? There's a direct bus from Heywood all the way through to Piccadilly Gardens. Simply hop on the 163, and you'll be there in just over 30 minutes. View More » There's also the option of taking the bus to Rochdale train station and taking the train to Manchester Victoria in 15 minutes. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The UK's most affordable seaside town is a 'paradise' with £220,000 average house prices MORE: Nearly half of landlords plan to raise rents by £888 this year MORE: Rachel Reeves reveals £15,000,000,000 transport projects – here's what we know
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford's ‘secret garden' may be getting an extension as council called upon to purchase adjoining lands
Wexford People Today at 21:00 One of Co Wexford's best kept secrets may be getting an extension after calls were made to purchase some of its adjoining lands. Located in the middle of Rosslare Harbour, Kirwan's Garden (also known as The Secret Garden) has been developed and maintained by the local environmental group who have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for their work there. The small woodland and park area, which features a pond, a hobbit house, and picnic benches, faces out onto approximately two-and-a-half acres of unused land; and at the May meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) cathaoirleach Jim Codd asked whether that land could be purchased so that the garden could be extended. 'I have visited The Secret Garden and it's an absolute credit to the group, it's the most fantastic woodland, you could only feel better in yourself after walking through it,' said Councillor Codd. 'I know Wexford County Council (WCC) has assisted the group down there previously, but I understand there's a couple of acres at the back of it – it's Office of Public Works (OPW) land. "Could we write to the OPW and try to secure it? Community groups like this must be supported. To have a forest like that in the middle of a built up area is simply fantastic.' Environmental engineer Rory O'Mahony also visited the garden recently and remarked that the OPW did not appear to be 'particular interested' in the land in question. Director of services with the RMD, Lynda Lacey, offered some further hope as she promised that she would 'investigate and see what potential there is to purchase' the land in question. Separately the Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group (RHKEG) has made a submission to the RMD asking that it purchase the land on its behalf. 'We are very conscious of the impact of climate change and the need to do our part in rewilding and giving back to nature,' wrote chairman of the RHKEG, Micheál Delaney. 'Our area is becoming more residential and industrial and we should be planning on developing biodiversity corridors where we can. An opportunity now exists and we strongly recommend that it be given fair consideration. 'There is a two-and-a-half acre site owned and currently unused by the OPW in the customs compound that borders our wetland/ biodiversity pond area. This is part of an overall 17 acre site. We understand that this entire facility will be moved to the port area within the coming years and that the land will become available for future development. "The two-and-a-half acres that border the gardens could help to develop an extensive woodland area of native trees and shrubs with added opportunity for restoration and protection of biodiversity. It will support the idea of a biodiversity corridor that allows nature to live and thrive amongst us. This is an opportunity for us to do something really beneficial for future generations. To have a seven-acre Village Park and Gardens within the confines of an expanding Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane would be wonderful.'
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
'The new Scottish Clearances': Rural communities 'abandoned' in industrial-scale changes under net zero push
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Two decades on from when wind farms were first proposed in a community in East Renfrewshire, little remains of what the area once was. 'It's a wasteland now,' says Aileen Jackson, from Scotland Against Spin (SAS), a group that receives between 50 and 100 requests a week from residents across the country asking for advice on how to handle applications. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We were the first to be written off in this when there was no more room for turbines in the Central Belt.' The council area, which is about 67 square miles, is home to the UK's largest onshore wind farm to date, Whitelee. The development holds 215 turbines on Eaglesham Moor and has plans for battery storage, a hydrogen plant and some solar panels. Ms Jackson, whose home is less than one mile from turbines, said it makes the local authority home to the highest concentration of wind farms per area in Scotland. Offshore wind must more than quadruple by the end of the decade to reach the Government's target. PA | PA ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) said some 100,000 visitors visit the wind farm each year, which has 81 miles of tracks used by communities for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson for the company said it had provided community benefit funding of over £17 million and its own Whitelee's visitor centre had been awarded the Green Flag for tourism. But Ms Jackson said the community 'is only seeing the tip of the iceberg.' 'It's not what we've got at the moment,' she said. 'It's what's to come that's terrifying. Ms Jackson says the red lights at night from the turbines round her home remind her of Mordor | Aileen Jackson 'What really upsets us as well is that East Renfrewshire was the recreational lung for the people who live in the city. But now they have no green space left, unless they want to go to and walk among wind turbines. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I am 66. I am never going to see these hills again without this clutter. It's devastating.' With no more space for large wind farms, East Renfrewshire council is receiving applications for single turbines. 'We are now getting a new wind farm by stealth it seems,' Ms Jackson said. 'They are scattered everywhere and are all different sizes. All have different rotation speeds, which means they all make different noises.' On the other side of Whitelee, in the next door region of East Ayrshire, residents say they have the highest concentration of industrial sized turbines sited around towns. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I can see 27 turbines from my bathroom window,' said Dr Rachel Connor, who claimed Whitelee caused local water contamination, which was later dismissed by SPR. Dr Rachel Connor, who can see 27 turbines from her bathroom alone | Dr Rachel Connor 'We've lost five rural properties in our area due to the wind farms. They were all running as family homes and they've all either been demolished or left to become derelict. 'It's the new Scottish Clearances. If I honestly believed it made a difference, then I would suck it up. 'I just think we're being sold a pup. All this time and we are still paying through the nose for bills.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Jackson and Dr Connor, among other campaigners, have said they are the canary in the coalmine for what is to come for other communities as Scotland ramps up its onshore renewable energy developments. In the Scottish Borders, those in Newcastleton, a village of about 750 people, have been working together to make their remote mainland community more resilient. 'When there are power cuts here, we're left for days,' said Jim Lewis, head of Newcastleton Community Council. 'We often feel abandoned.' Jim Lewis, chair of Newcastleton Community Council, said residents are scared of the numbers of Net Zero-related projects in planning for the area | Jim Lewis But the village, he said, was now feeling even more powerless in the face of what residents have described as 'a cluster bomb' of net zero developments from onshore wind to forestry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We're a small community and we're being turned into an industrialised area,' Mr Lewis said. 'Rural communities are getting [run] over. The numbers that are yet to come are scary and people are feeling scared about the impact. It's the cumulative effect we're starting to notice.' Newcastleton residents said they feel scared about the changes that are to come with multiple wind farm and forestry projects in planning and scoping | Newcastleton Community Council The south of Scotland is home to more than a fifth of Scotland's existing onshore wind capacity, a South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) study found. In Dumfries and Galloway, locals have nicknamed an area 'wind farm alley' because of the sheer number of turbines. A derelict property in the middle of windfarm alley which appeared to have work being done on it | Katharine Hay Some communities have felt supported by community benefit funds, which are not mandatory for developers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In New Luce, a pub has flourished thanks to money from SPR's Kilgallioch wind farm and some residents are given taxi vouchers and about £200 off bills each year. Kenmuir Arms Hotel, in New Luce, which was bought and refurbished by the community using money from surrounding wind farms | Katharine Hay Karen Stewart, who is on the board of the Kilgallioch Community Fund, previously told The Scotsman the benefits of the community funding outweighed the disadvantages of the wind farms because money was coming into the community. Others, however, have argued the funding is more a bribe and is disproportionate to the impact the projects have on the landscape they call home. A model made my a Hands off Our Hills campaigner showing turbines in and around wind farm alley | Katharine Hay The UK government is consulting on the potential introduction of a mandatory community benefits scheme for low carbon energy infrastructure. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Without this in place, Scottish councillors have previously said developers can 'make empty promises and let communities down'. The Scotsman has launched a new series 'The Net Zero Dilemma' | Gavin Munro/Scotsman Up in the Highlands, however, communities have taken this further, saying they feel neglected from the outset. Earlier this month, ministers, led by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, met to discuss a research report that proposed a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to make the Highlands a centre for renewable energy, and in the course of it create 'tens of thousands of jobs' and secure £100 billion worth of investment. Councillor Helen Crawford and deputy first minister Kate Forbes | Supplied and PA But organisers have been accused of keeping the event 'low key' and not inviting local voices and tourism bodies to it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highland councillor Helen Crawford, who attended the discussion, said: 'What struck me really forcibly was the absolute lack of any discussion regarding what is the backbone of the Highland economy which is tourism. It was not evident that it has any way been considered in terms of what the impact would be and that voice is essentially silent from the table. 'Likewise there was no voice for our communities and what is the compensation impacted communities are going to get from the loss of value of their homes. There was no attempt to bring these people into the conversation.' According to Scottish Government figures, there are 82 live applications for section 36 onshore wind farms alone. These are large-scale wind farms that can generate capacity exceeding 50 megawatts and require specific consent from ministers. Figures show there are an extra 71 in scoping. The Scottish Government said: 'We are analysing the responses to a public consultation on the review of our Good Practice Principles for community benefits from onshore and offshore renewables. The evidence gathered will inform a refresh of our guidance to ensure that our community benefit arrangements deliver sustainable, meaningful impacts and help support our just and fair transition to net zero. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Scottish Government has been calling on successive UK Governments to mandate community benefits and is pleased that the current UK Government has last week launched a working paper on this. Communities must see the benefits from developments.'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gay People Who Came Out After Being In Heterosexual Marriages, Tell Us Your Story
Many gay people don't come out or even realize they're gay until they're in a heterosexual marriage, and that can make things all the more complicated. If you're gay, perhaps you came out to your spouse and kids once the kids were adults and they took it really hard for a while, but eventually came around. Related: Visit Some Islands And I'll Tell You Which "Moana" Character You Are Or, maybe you knew you were gay before you got married and hoped you could ignore it your whole life, but then, you fell in love with someone outside of your marriage and started having an affair. Related: Take This Quiz To Find Out Which Flower Reflects Your True Self Perhaps you came out to your spouse, they were devastated, and after you got divorced, they never spoke to you again. Or, maybe you came out to your spouse one night, and they couldn't have been more supportive or proud of you for being able to live your truth. Or, maybe you told your spouse you were gay, got a divorce, and a few years later, found out they also came out as gay. If you came out during or after you were in a heterosexual marriage, tell us the story. Use the comments or the anonymous form below: Also in Community: Eat Foods From Across Asia And I'll Guess Your Hair Color Also in Community: These Seemingly Random Questions Will Search Your Soul To Reveal Your Supreme Goddess Identity Also in Community: Eat International Dishes To Reveal Your Flashing Green Flag
