Environment
Watch – Poor social housing is making peoples’ mental health problems worse
On the back of the publication of the Green Paper, a major study by Mind emphasises need for Government to ensure mental health is at the heart of social housing policy A study by Mind, the mental health charity, has found that one in three (33 per cent) people with mental health problems living in social housing is dissatisfied with where they live. Social housing is provided by local authorities, housing associations or charities to people affected by issues such as...
London’s streets to be closed to give disadvantaged children a place to play
An organisation which offers disadvantaged children and communities across London the best free play opportunities and the chance to come together, has just been awarded over £380,000 of National Lottery funding to transform more streets into temporary play zones. The funding from the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity across the UK, will enable London Play to develop sustainable play opportunities across the capital. This will be delivered through the simple act of temporarily – but regularly –...
Deep sea predators thrived as sea levels rose during the Jurassic Period those that survived in shallows became extinct
A study of fossilised teeth showed how reptiles adapted 150 million years ago to climate change
Over 31,000 London residents losing homes as council estates to be demolished
There is major concern amongst social housing tenants, as 118 sites are facing regeneration or are already in the process of redevelopment. The stark figures were revealed in a Freedom of Information request, as the UK’s stock of social housing plummets to its lowest level since records began. And a former head of the civil service warned that the housing crisis is making Britain ripe for exploitation by extremist politicians. Over 31,000 residents are affected by the changes, reports the BBC’s...
Shocking picture shows a fish trapped inside a piece of LEGO
The image was taken by Ian Jepson
Victory for Vegan Campaigners as Pets at Home Drops Kangaroo Meat
Animal welfare charity Viva! scores another victory in their long-standing kangaroo campaign as companion animal supplies retailer Pets at Home discontinues the sale of dog treats that contain kangaroo meat. Viva! contacted Pets at Home after an animal advocate reported seeing kangaroo meat dog treats on sale. Pets at Home CEO Peter Pritchard responded positively, confirming that as the treats do not meet their ethical standards, they would discontinue sales. Pets at Home stocked two variations of the 100 per...
Homeless people deliberately dissuaded from using healthcare services “as a cost saving exercise”
A large proportion of homeless people are living in daily physical pain and face difficulties accessing treatment, according to a study released today. The research comes as the new government strategy to end rough sleeping was released a week ago. Research from Groundswell, a charity working to support homeless people, found that 53% of homeless people were experiencing long-term pain conditions such as arthritis (23%), sciatica (14%), cluster headaches (12%) and chronic back pain (23%). Among the general population only...
Britain’s native wildlife under threat from pet snakes and lizards
Snakes, lizards, frogs and tortoises are becoming increasingly popular in Britain and other western countries
Watch – Brazen fly-tippers dump a MILE’S worth of rubbish along a single country lane
Huge piles of waste have been callously dumped along a 2,000 yard stretch of road in Sawley, Derbys.