Latest news with #ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Doctor reveals the 'horrifying truth' about vaping as first controlled study ends
Dr Maxime Boidin has concluded the first controlled study into the long-term effects of vaping. As of today, June 1, disposable vapes are banned in the UK. This was decided by the UK government in a bid to deter young people and children from vaping, and to protect the environment. However, with refillable vapes still available, one expert has said that Britain is sleepwalking into a "health emergency" after he conducted the first controlled study into the damage that e-cigarettes are having on vapers' bodies. Dr Maxime Boidin, senior lecturer in Cardiac Rehab at Manchester Metropolitan University, has spent the last two years monitoring the long-term effects that vapes are having on their users. This was done by comparing the health of a group of vapers with that of non-vapers and cigarette smokers, reports the Mirror. From the study, Dr Boidin revealed that he was most shocked about the damage he saw to vapers' arteries. This damage could be taken as an almost certain sign that users will develope cardiovascular problems and even organ failure in the future. His overall conclusion was that vaping may be more dangerous to the body than using cigarettes. He suggested that long-term users may be at risk of developing serious illnesses, such as dementia and heart disease. Dr Boidin has said that the new ban on disposable vapes is a "step in the right direction", but he does believe that all vapes should be banned from shops and made only available on prescription. In July, Dr Boidin is set to present his findings at the Manchester Metropolitan University at a sport science conference in Rimini, Italy. Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "These products primarily target younger individuals, whereas older adults tend to use refillable options. From a health perspective, the ban should reduce access among the younger population, as refillable vapes are generally more expensive and less accessible. "From an environmental standpoint, we frequently see single-use vapes - and their packaging - littering pavements.. "In the end, the ban is a step in the right direction, but it represents only a small part of the broader educational and cultural change that's needed." Starting today, it is illegal for businesses in the UK to sell or supply vapes both in-store and online. If a supplier is caught selling vapes, they will receive punishments such as fines and prison sentences. While the NHS described inhaling nicotine vapour from E-cigarettes as "substantially less harmful than smoking", Dr Boidin believes the health threat to vapers is even worse. This is because of how much harder it is to control. He said: "Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable." Through his monitoring of the different groups - who were aged between 18 and 45 and had similar levels of physical activity - Dr Boidin was shocked to discover that vapers and smokers had similar levels of damage to their arteries. Every volunteer was given a stress test to measure the elasticity of their blood vessels and speed the blood flowed to their brains. 12 hours prior to the test, the participants only consumed water and stopped vaping, smoking and exercising. After a mediated dilation test (FMD), Dr Boidin found that vapers and smokers had damaged the artery walls so they could no longer dilate to allow blood to flow through. Blood flow in both groups was also found to be at a similar level, making them at a higher risk of developing cognitive dysfunction. It is believed that the damage is due to the inflammation caused by nicotine, as well as the metals and chemicals found in vapes, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine. Dr Boidin said: "When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can't expect nothing to happen." He continued: "What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers. "At the beginning (of the study) I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking. You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don't think it's too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Dr Boidin believes that all vapes should be taken off this market, with only doctors being able to prescribe them. He said: "The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same. "I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time. We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don't act now we will see a health emergency in the next ten, 15 years." Labour MP Rachael Maskell has called for tighter restrictions to be placed on vapes. She said: "This study adds to the body of evidence that vaping can cause significant harm to a person. The government should take stricter measures in ensuring that vapes are only accessible to people who currently smoke as a smoking cessation intervention." However Dr Marina Murphy, who is the scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, dismissed the study. She said: "Millions of people have been using vaping products safely for many years. All the available data suggests that vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I've studied effects of vaping - heart disease, organ failure and dementia'
Dr Maxime Boidin has just concluded the world's first controlled study into the long-term effects of vaping at Manchester Metropolitan University, and says Britain is sleepwalking into a "health emergency" after seeing for himself the damage e-cigs are doing to vapers' bodies The expert leading the world's first controlled study into the long-term effects of vaping says he's pleased the government has banned single-use vapes - but says much more needs to be done to avert a looming " health emergency". Dr Maxime Boidin, Senior Lecturer in Cardiac Rehab at Manchester Metropolitan University, has spent the last two years monitoring a group of vapers, comparing their health to groups of non-vapers and cigarette smokers. And he says he has been shocked at the damage he's seen in vapers' arteries - an almost certain sign of future serious cardiovascular problems and even organ failure. He concludes that vaping may be more dangerous to the body than cigarettes - putting long-term users at risk of serious illness, including dementia and heart disease. Dr Boidin, who will present the findings of his two-year study at Manchester Metropolitan University at a sport science conference in Rimini, Italy, in July, said the ban on disposable vapes which comes into effect tomorrow is a "step in the right direction" - but believes all vapes should be banned rom shops and only available on prescription. He told the Mirror: "These products primarily target younger individuals, whereas older adults tend to use refillable options. From a health perspective, the ban should reduce access among the younger population, as refillable vapes are generally more expensive and less accessible. "From an environmental standpoint, we frequently see single-use vapes - and their packaging - littering pavements.. "In the end, the ban is a step in the right direction, but it represents only a small part of the broader educational and cultural change that's needed." The move to outlaw disposable vapes follows mounting concern over the rise in teen vaping. Starting from tomorrow, it will be illegal for businesses in the UK to sell or supply the vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, and covers both in-store and online sales.. Inhaling nicotine vapour from E-cigarettes has been described by the NHS as 'substantially less harmful than smoking' and is considered a safer way for people to give up smoking But Dr Boidin believes the health threat to vapers is even worse, because of how much harder it is to control. He adds: 'Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable.' Monitoring the health of different groups of volunteers, he was shocked to find that the arteries in both vapers and smokers suffer similar levels of damage - a sign of future cardiovascular problems as arteries narrow restricting the flow of blood to vital organs. During the study at the university's Institute of Sport, participants - aged between 18 to 45, with an average age of 27 and similar levels of fitness and physical activity - were given regular stress tests to measure the elasticity of their blood vessels and the speed of blood flow to their brains. For 12 hours prior to testing, they consumed only water and desisted from vaping, smoking and exercise. According to Dr Boidin, the mediated dilation (FMD) test, in which a cuff is placed on the participant's arm and inflated to restrict the blood flow, before being released to measure how much the artery expands as more blood is passed through it, produced the starkest results. In both smokers and vapers the test achieved a flat reading, signalling damaged artery walls that can no longer dilate - an almost certain sign of future serious cardiovascular problems. Further tests proved that the blood flow in smokers and vapers is similarly impaired, making them at risk of developing cognitive dysfunction, including dementia. Dr Boidin, senior lecturer in cardiac rehabilitation, believes the damage is due to inflammation caused by nicotine, as well as the metals and chemicals found in vapes, which include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine. Substances in the chemical flavourings such as carbonyl compound are known to cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to artery inner wall damage and cell death. He says: 'When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can't expect nothing to happen.' Shocked by his own findings, he adds: 'What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers. 'At the beginning (of the study) I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking. You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don't think it's too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth.' Vaping use in the UK has exploded since the first electronic cigarettes arrived here in 2005. There are now 5.1million people aged 16 or over in Britain - about one in ten - using vapes, according to figures last year from the Office for National Statistics. Vaping rates were highest among those aged 16 to 24, at 15.8%. One million people in England now vape, despite never having been regular smokers, a seven-fold increase in three years, according to a University College London study published in The Lancet Public Health Journal. And, despite recent vaping scares, like the death this year of Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, aged 46, who months earlier revealed he'd had to be revived after suffering respiratory failure caused by excessive vaping, Public Health England is still advising that 'vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking'. Many will have been convinced that taking up vaping won't be prejudicial to their health, thanks to oft-repeated advice including from Public Health England which states that 'vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking'. The agency, however, admits that 'evidence is mostly limited to short and medium term effects and studies assessing longer term vaping are necessary.' That advice has not changed despite recent scares, including the tragic death this year of Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, aged 46, who months earlier revealed how he had to be revived after suffering respiratory failure caused by excessive vaping. Other shocking cases have emerged of collapsed lungs, fainting or vomiting ominous green liquid, linked to heavy vaping. Dr Boidin says he also has evidence that vaping impairs people's levels of fitness, even in young vapers. He believes vaping can actually be more dangerous than smoking because it's much harder to know when to stop. 'Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. But Dr Boidin says all vapes should only be available on prescription in Britain, to avoid a 'health emergency.' He says: 'The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same. I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time. 'We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don't act now we will see a health emergency in the next ten, 15 years.' Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central who has called for tighter restrictions on vapes, says: 'This study adds to the body of evidence that vaping can cause significant harm to a person. The government should take stricter measures in ensuring that vapes are only accessible to people who currently smoke as a smoking cessation intervention.' But Dr Marina Murphy, scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, dismissed the study's findings, saying: 'Millions of people have been using vaping products safely for many years. All the available data suggests that vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Vaping's sickening side effects as study shows it's 'even worse than smoking'
The Manchester Metropolitan University study into the long-term effects of vaping comes as a government ban on single-use vapes comes into force As the government's ban on single-use vapes comes into force, new research has cast fresh doubts on their safety - with a bombshell study warning e-cigs may actually be more dangerous to people's long term health than cigarettes. The move to outlaw disposable vapes follows mounting concern over the rise in teen vaping. Starting from tomorrow, it will be illegal for businesses in the UK to sell or supply the vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, and covers both in-store and online sales.. But leading cardiac rehabilitation expert Dr Maxime Boidin, who conducted the world 's first controlled study into the long-term effects of vaping, says e-cigs are so harmful the restrictions on their sales should go much further, and cover refillable vapes too. Dr Boidin will present the findings of his two-year study at Manchester Metropolitan University at a sport science conference in Rimini, Italy, in July. But, as revealed exclusively by the Mirror, his research already shows that vaping may pose more risks to health that traditional cigarettes, increasing the risk of dementia, heart disease, and organ failure for long-term users. Inhaling nicotine vapour from E-cigarettes has been described by the NHS as 'substantially less harmful than smoking' and is considered a safer way for people to give up smoking. But Dr Boidin's work may change the accepted health advice and lead to more calls for a blanket ban, with vapes available on prescription only. Monitoring the health of different groups of volunteers, he was shocked to find that the arteries in both vapers and smokers suffer similar levels of damage - a sign of future cardiovascular problems as arteries narrow restricting the flow of blood to vital organs. Speaking to the Mirror, Dr Boidin said tomorrow's ban on disposable vapes is a "step in the right direction" which will help make vapes less accessible for teenagers and reduce the effects on the environment. He said: "These products primarily target younger individuals, whereas older adults tend to use refillable options. From a health perspective, the ban should reduce access among the younger population, as refillable vapes are generally more expensive and less accessible. "From an environmental standpoint, we frequently see single-use vapes - and their packaging - littering pavements.. In the end, the ban is a step in the right direction, but it represents only a small part of the broader educational and cultural change that's needed." During the study at the university's Institute of Sport, participants - aged between 18 to 45, with an average age of 27 and similar levels of fitness and physical activity - were given regular stress tests to measure the elasticity of their blood vessels and the speed of blood flow to their brains. For 12 hours prior to testing, they consumed only water and desisted from vaping, smoking and exercise. According to Dr Boidin, the mediated dilation (FMD) test, in which a cuff is placed on the participant's arm and inflated to restrict the blood flow, before being released to measure how much the artery expands as more blood is passed through it, produced the starkest results. If you can't see the poll, click here Smokers and vapers achieved a flat reading, signalling damaged artery walls that can no longer dilate - an almost certain sign of future serious cardiovascular problems. Further tests proved that the blood flow in smokers and vapers is similarly impaired, making them at risk of developing cognitive dysfunction, including dementia. Dr Boidin, senior lecturer in cardiac rehabilitation, believes the damage is due to inflammation caused by nicotine, as well as the metals and chemicals found in vapes, which include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine. Substances in the chemical flavourings such as carbonyl compound are known to cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to artery inner wall damage and cell death. He says: 'When you put this mixture of metals and chemicals into your body you can't expect nothing to happen.' Shocked by his own findings, he adds: 'What we have found is the dangers for someone who keeps vaping are no different from smokers. 'At the beginning (of the study) I also believed that vaping was more beneficial than smoking. You see a lot more people vaping these days because they don't think it's too bad. Many will be horrified to know the truth.' Vaping use in the UK has exploded since the first electronic cigarettes arrived here in 2005. There are now 5.1million people aged 16 or over in Britain - about one in ten - using vapes, according to figures last year from the Office for National Statistics. Vaping rates were highest among those aged 16 to 24, at 15.8%. One million people in England now vape, despite never having been regular smokers, a seven-fold increase in three years, according to a University College London study published in The Lancet Public Health Journal. And, despite recent vaping scares, like the death this year of Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, aged 46, who months earlier revealed he'd had to be revived after suffering respiratory failure caused by excessive vaping, Public Health England is still advising that 'vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking'. Other shocking cases have emerged of collapsed lungs, fainting or vomiting ominous green liquid, linked to heavy vaping. Dr Boidin, whose study results will be published soon, says he has evidence that levels of fitness, even in young vapers, can be impaired. One of the study volunteers Adam Petrulevic, a 25-year-old masters student studying strength and conditioning at the university, says he vapes 'without stopping'. 'I never really smoked, but I started vaping two years ago,' he says. 'I always thought it was much less harmful than smoking. 'I take a puff every few minutes and only stop when I go to sleep. A 500-puff vape used to last me a few days but now it's not even a day. Now I'm on 3,500-puff vapes which should be more than a week, but I finish them in three days.' A volunteer known only as Marine, 33, started vaping three years ago to wean herself off smoking and uses a heated tobacco device. She says: 'I didn't smoke in the house but now I vape all day long. I decided to take part in the study because I wanted to know what it was doing to me. I've noticed that I'm out of breath more, I feel that it's not so good for my health.' Both volunteers were alarmed by Dr Boidin's negative findings. Adam says: 'It's definitely an incentive for me to stop.' Many will have been convinced that taking up vaping won't be prejudicial to their health, thanks to oft-repeated advice including from Public Health England which states that 'vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking'. The agency, however, admits that 'evidence is mostly limited to short and medium term effects and studies assessing longer term vaping are necessary.' That advice has not changed despite recent scares, including the tragic death this year of Hollyoaks star Paul Danan, aged 46, who months earlier revealed how he had to be revived after suffering respiratory failure caused by excessive vaping. Other shocking cases have emerged of collapsed lungs, fainting or vomiting ominous green liquid, linked to heavy vaping. Dr Boidin says he also has evidence that vaping impairs people's levels of fitness, even in young vapers. He believes vaping can actually be more dangerous than smoking because it's much harder to know when to stop. 'Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. But with vapes you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. Marine adds:'I'm going to quit. I never expected vapes to be as bad as cigarettes.' The Government has announced that disposable vapes - colourfully packaged devices that come in candy-like flavours and have been blamed for an increase in teenage users - will be banned from June. But Dr Boidin says all vapes should only be available on prescription in Britain, to avoid a 'health emergency.' He says: 'The only benefit of vaping is to help people quit smoking, but if they keep vaping the result is going to be the same. I think doctors should be able to prescribe vapes for a certain time, so they could be used as a transition tool, but only for a short time. 'We now know the long-term effects of vaping, and if we don't act now we will see a health emergency in the next ten, 15 years.' Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central who has called for tighter restrictions on vapes, says: 'This study adds to the body of evidence that vaping can cause significant harm to a person. The government should take stricter measures in ensuring that vapes are only accessible to people who currently smoke as a smoking cessation intervention.' But Dr Marina Murphy, scientific spokesperson for the UK Vaping Industry Association, dismissed the study's findings, saying: 'Millions of people have been using vaping products safely for many years. All the available data suggests that vapes are unlikely to exceed 5% of the health risks associated with cigarettes.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manufacturers to benefit from digital strategies partnership
Cumbria's small and medium-sized manufacturers are set to benefit from a new partnership between Made Smarter and two leading universities. The University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University will help offer a programme to help companies develop vital digital strategies. The initiative, titled 'Leading Digital Transformation' (LDT), is part of a larger government-driven plan to boost digital adoption across the North West's manufacturing sector. The programme is fully funded and will support 40 additional SME manufacturers in the coming year, many of them based in Cumbria. Made Smarter has provided support to over 100 participants over the past six years, helping them adopt and implement advanced technologies across fields such as aerospace, food, and precision engineering. The success and positive impact of the initiative has motivated its expansion, enabling it to benefit even more manufacturers. Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist, said: "The Leading Digital Transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses. "This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs. "By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we're enabling meaningful change and long-term success." The fast-track programme equips business owners and senior managers with the knowledge needed to instigate digital change within their establishments. They will learn about developing bespoke digital strategies and implementing advanced technologies within their operations. It also teaches participants about the cultural shift required for successful transformation. This requires team engagement and stakeholder alignment around innovation goals. The three-month delivery will take place through a blended learning method. This includes face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies, and visits to technology demonstrators at both of the collaborating universities. Participants are set to explore the University of Salford's NERIC (North of England Robotics Innovation Centre), a specialist robotics and automation facility. They will also tour Manchester Met's PrintCity, a 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre, and the newly launched Robotics Living Lab. The initiative has received praise from across the board. Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, and leader of their cohort, said: "Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford's reputation for delivering impactful, world-class business leadership development. "We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys." Manchester Metropolitan University also echoed these sentiments. Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director at Manchester Metropolitan University's Centre for Enterprise, said: "Being on board for another year delivering the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the region. "Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across their organisations, means we are helping to secure the region's economic strengths for years to come. "Partnering with our colleagues at the University of Salford means we can support even more businesses." Since 2019, Made Smarter has assisted over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West through expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, and workforce development opportunities. Registration for the next round of the LDT programme is now open.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Our tips to boost productivity and your career prospects
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MORE than a QUARTER of businesses believe productivity has declined over the past five years. UK output now lags behind the US, Germany and France — but could the answer be boosting staff skills, not their workload? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 More than a QUARTER of businesses believe productivity has declined over the past five years 3 Margaret Hyde has used learning at work to progress from being a shorthand typist to a senior university lecturer Credit: Supplied Learning at Work Week, which began on Monday, is an annual event to help organisations build learning into their workplace. In a new Open University study, 42 per cent of bosses blame the ongoing skills shortage as the biggest bar to work rate. Boosting employees' learning improves company performance and makes it easier for people to climb the career ladder. Viren Patel, head of Employers and Partnerships at The Open University, said: 'Increasing productivity isn't about working employees harder for longer or recruiting more staff. 'It's about embedding employee wellbeing, development of skills, technology and equality, diversity and inclusion. Improved productivity will not only benefit businesses and the wider economy but also work towards improving employees' experiences.' Margaret Hyde, from, Ashton- Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, has used learning at work to progress from being a shorthand typist to a senior university lecturer. Now a marketing tutor at Professional Academy, which provides in-company training programmes, the 67-year-old said: 'When I started out, I never dreamed I would achieve what I have. 'Over the years, I have worked my way up to become a public relations manager, later becoming a senior lecturer in marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University before taking voluntary severance and joining Professional Academy as a part-time tutor two years ago. 'I achieved this through lifelong learning, including studying a Business Studies degree in an evening class over a five-year period while working full-time. 'At the same time, I achieved my Chartered Institute of Marketing postgraduate diploma and earned a masters degree in strategic marketing, again while working. New workers' right rules will just mean firms hiring fewer people say Julia Hartley-Brewer 'At 52, I left my job to study a full-time healthcare PhD and on completion, I was employed by Manchester Metropolitan University as a senior lecturer. 'A few months ago, I acquired a Masters of Fine Art in Creative Writing and have written a novel. 'Lifelong learning can open up so many opportunities, both professionally and on a personal level.' Led nationally by the Campaign for Learning, Learning at Work Week offers a chance to connect with colleagues. Workers can discuss what they feel they need to progress or be more efficient with their line manager and HR department. Workplaces of all sizes and types are taking part, from multinationals, charities and SMEs to public sector organisations and government departments. Julia Wright, national director at Campaign for Learning, said: 'To get on in work and in life, we all need to learn throughout our lives — whether it's through formal education or wider activities. 'The workplace remains one of the most important and recognised contexts for developing ourselves. 'That's why employers are so crucial in promoting the importance of lifelong learning.' Sophie Muirhead is learning and development chief at Horizon Leisure, one of the firms taking part. She said: 'We're running a schedule of activities across multiple sites, including sign language classes, stress management webinars, team-building, CPR training, wellbeing walks and fun sessions like UV dodgeball. 'Learning at Work Week allows different teams, departments and levels across the business to share their skills and deliver learning opportunities together.' See OUR TOP TIPS 1. USE OpenLearn, the Open University's free online learning platform. It offers 900 free courses, ranging from one to 24 hours in length. 2. Set up a LinkedIn profile or update your current one. Network with people in your sector and look for relevant courses on LinkedIn Learning. 3. Ask your HR department what professional courses it offers. You may have a 'learning budget' you can use each year on training, as part of your employment package. 4. Does your organisation provide career coaching? Even a one-hour session with a professionally-trained coach can help you. 5. Consider becoming a mentor for others at work. Reverse mentoring sees more junior employees mentor senior staff and everyone learns in the process. Mental health support ONE in seven workers has suffered from poor mental health in the past year, according to reports. So how can bosses best support staff? Sarah McIntosh, of Mental Health First Aid England, shares her advice. 3 Sarah McIntosh, of Mental Health First Aid England, shares her advice Credit: Supplied 1) MAKE MENTAL HEALTH PART OF YOUR STRATEGY: Mental health and wellbeing should never be a tick-box exercise – they must be embedded across the whole organisation to create lasting impact. This includes strong leadership commitment, clear policies and access to professional support. 2) LEAD FROM THE TOP: Those who speak openly about mental health send a powerful message – wellbeing matters here. When leadership actively champions mental health it helps break down stigma and build a more connected, psychologically safe workplace culture. 3) MAKE INCLUSION A PRIORITY: Mental health support must be inclusive, accessible and representative. Ensure there is diversity across support networks including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, role level and lived experience, as well as understanding different cultural and individual approaches to mental health. 4) PRIORITISE MANAGER TRAINING: Bosses have a huge impact on the success of their teams. Equipping managers with the confidence to navigate conversations about mental health, performance and individual needs will help to create an environment where team members feel supported. 5) BUILD CONNECTION INTO DAILY WORKING LIFE: One in five UK staff experience workplace loneliness. Small things, such as encouraging catch-ups, celebrating wins or hosting wellbeing moments can increase belonging. 6) INVEST IN A VISIBLE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER: Simply training mental health first aiders isn't enough – without boundaries, support and structure around them, they can feel underused. Employers should offer regular refresher sessions and recognise the value they bring. A grape chance RAISE your glass to a job in the booming British wine industry. Currently taking place for the first time, National Wine Careers Week aims to uncork thousands of job opportunities. The sector supports 413,000 jobs, with more than 1,000 vineyards nationwide. The hectarage that has been planted is up by 123 per cent in just ten years. As well as jobs in wine production, from grape growing and winemaking to importing, the week highlights transferable roles such as marketing, HR, accountancy, quality control, investment and logistics. Jeremy Kerswell, principal of Plumpton College, said: 'Ultimately, we want to showcase that wine isn't just for drinking, but for working in too.' See JOB SPOT EE is recruiting for retail advisers and store managers nationwide. Search at SAKS Hairdressers has positions for stylists, apprentices and beauty therapists. See Skills and study MAKING time for schoolwork as well as work experience can be tough, so Aldi has introduced a virtual work experience programme to support young people into retail careers. Open to students aged 13 and over, the free online course – created in partnership with Springpod – is designed to build skills and introduce young people to the wide range of careers available in retail – from warehouse and store jobs to office-based roles. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to enhance their CVs or future applications. The budget chain has already had 2,000 pupils sign-up. Find out more information at
