Asian World November 2023

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Issue 177

SUNAK SUPPORTS ISRAEL O

n a quick visit to Tel Aviv, Rishi Sunak told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “We want you to win,” as a sign of British support for Israel. Sunak stated he “knew” Israel is “taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians” in response to Hamas’s strikes while standing next to Netanyahu during a televised speech... ...continued on page 9

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November 2023

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FROM SKILLS TRAINING TO INNOVATIVE PROJECTS

HEALTH CRISIS LOOMS IN GAZA

UK HOUSE PRICE INDEX ON THE RISE

SALMAN GRAINGER AND OFFICIALLY KATRINA OPENS £9M ARE BACK SUSTAINABLE WITH TIGER 3 SPORTPARK

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eople seeking careers in growing sectors such as green energy, digital and construction will be able to access improved skills training, helping the...

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ack of access to water is one of the biggest challenges in the humanitarian emergency in Gaza right now, and children face the greatest ealth risks...

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n England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 0.2% since July 2023. There has been no annual price change...

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EDITOR’S NOTE Hello readers and welcome back to the 154th edition of Asian World Newspaper! We hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe from the claws of the deadly pandemic, Covid-19. Ramadan 2021 is approaching soon and we understand that some of you may not be able to spend this holy month with your loved ones!

To cheer you up, we thought we should share some exciting news stories and something totally different to the usual covid-19 updates.

This month we focus on the protests that are happening in India and Bangladesh, turn to our global section to read the latest updates. We are also focusing on keeping a healthy lifestyle, especially as the lockdown has made some of us lazy! Turn to our health section to find out how you can keep a healthy lifestyle during lockdown. If you are somebody that loves watching movies on Amazon prime, then visit our glam section to see some of the new upcoming film releases. Also, don’t forget to look at our wrap edition by the wonderful Al Khair Foundation Charity, where you can see some of

the excellent work done by the charity itself. As you know the travel industry has faced many distributions due to the pandemic, why not read all about this in our travel section. Of course, this month we have provided some information on what to eat during Ramadan to ensure that we are looking after our health while we fast.

Whichever section you turn to, there is a story that is suitable for everyone, whether you are into sports, business, or you just like to read the news. So, pick up a copy of the West Midlands’s No.1 South Asian paper and make sure you leave no page unturned. Take a look at the rest of this issue NOW! And remember to stay safe and stay alert. For the latest and most exclusive advertisement offers for 2021, please don’t hesitate to Contact us on 0121 771 4545 or email: sales@asianworldnews. co.uk Have a great read!

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1.27

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1.15

1.18

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4.46

4.67

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86.42

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127.34

133.08

Bangladesh

95.67

101.02

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182.11

188.59

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NHS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO TELL PATIENTS ABOUT THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT GP PRACTICES

The support on offer for patients at their GP practice is expanding, thanks to thousands more healthcare staff working in local communities.

NHS England is raising awareness of the support available, following a survey that reveals that almost one third (31%) of South Asian people in England are unaware of the different options available to them at their GP practice.

More than 31,000 additional members of staff have been recruited into health and care roles at general practices across the country since 2019 – meaning an expanded team of health professionals are now available to help patients get the right care when they need it, in addition to seeing their GP or practice nurse.

The NHS in England’s new campaign highlights the support offered in community health teams, including pharmacists, mental health practitioners, paramedics, physios, and social prescribers who are now available in every part of the country.

A patient can always see their GP, but the NHS is training more than 7,500 staff to better assess the information patients provide about their need so they can be seen by the right health professional in the team or other local service. For example, if you have muscular pain, they will book you straight into see a physiotherapist.

Almost two in three (63%) South Asian people surveyed said they were happy to receive care from another health worker, recognising they didn’t always need to

see a GP. Professor Bola Owolabi, NHS Director of Healthcare Inequalities Improvement, said: “It’s vitally important that everyone understands that general practice is so much more than a GP. We know awareness is lower in South Asian communities and this campaign is an important step in helping people understand the full range of services that are now available, and in helping us to reduce healthcare inequalities.

“As a GP myself, with a host of different health care professionals working in my general practice team, I see firsthand how my patients benefit from the care and support they can provide – whether it’s exercises to help a muscle injury heal or help with a housing issue that is impacting mental health.”

Dr Sheetle Shah is an experienced GP working with a team of health professionals at her surgery in Croydon. She said: “Our reception team is specially trained to ask you the questions that will get you an appointment with the right health professional for your particular condition.

We know that a lot of people are used to seeing a GP for a wide variety of health concerns, but having a broader team of specialists has really helped our patients to feel reassured that they’re getting personalised advice and the best treatment for their individual situation. At our surgery we all work together as a team to

make sure you get the right support.”

Record numbers of people are seeking support from their family doctors but, with one in five GP appointments for non-medical reasons such as loneliness or seeking advice on housing or debts, the NHS wants to make sure that the right

convenient help is available.

To help explain the support available in the community, a new film has been released by NHS England, which sees three curious children go behind the scenes at a general practice to meet some of these professionals and learn more about how

they help patients get the care they need.

This will be followed later in the year by an animated film aimed at wider multicultural communities, explaining the roles of the various health professionals and translated into a range of languages, including Hindi, Panjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.

The primary care plan published by NHS England and Government earlier this year committed to offering people more convenient options to seek care including options to self-refer for conditions such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and hearing tests without seeing a GP. Kinal Vora is a clinical pharmacist at a GP practice in Wembley, London. Her work can include areas such as carrying our medication reviews for patients at the surgery who may have ongoing health problems. She says: “The work I do is a really good example of why you don’t always need to see a GP – someone like me can make sure that the medication you’re on is working, and suggest tweaks to it to keep you well.

Having a close-knit team of different health professionals makes our surgery work efficiently, so that each patient gets the care they need at the right time.”

To get help from your general practice, patients can get in touch using a form on their website, by phone or in person.

However you choose to contact them, your practice team will ensure you get the care you need.

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November 2023

NEW RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FACED BY OLDER NONCITIZENS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS

A study by experts at Aston University has been released as part of the UK’s Talk Money week (6-11 November), offering critical insights into the financial wellbeing of older noncitizens in the West Midlands. The study highlights their vulnerability to financial shocks due to limited access to social safety nets, including welfare support.

It showed that only a small number possessed an active pension, leaving many without a safety net for later life.

The research, conducted by the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing, found that noncitizens often resort to individualised and relational coping strategies to navigate their financial challenges.

Individualised strategies involve engaging in various forms of work to bolster financial security, albeit often in precarious work conditions.

Relational strategies entail relying on

family members or close friends for financial or other resources, though some noncitizens face additional cross-national financial responsibilities, exacerbating their financial vulnerabilities.

This research is part of an ongoing study into the financial and other precarities faced by older noncitizens.

Dr Katie Tonkiss, a senior lecturer in sociology and policy who led the project, said: “These strategies, while not unique to noncitizens, emerge as a direct response to their restricted access to welfare support due to their immigration status.

“Notably, noncitizens recognise that obtaining citizenship status could enhance their financial security, but the associated costs remain too high.

“This situation leaves them trapped in a precarious financial predicament, potentially worsening in their later years.

ALLERGEN-FREE BRAND CREATIVE NATURE FUNDRAISES FOR THE NATASHA ALLERGY RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Top 14 allergen-free brand Creative Nature has launched a festive fundraiser for The Natasha Foundation, which aims to prevent and eradicate allergic diseases, creating a world that is safe for everyone.

The company, which has its HQ in Surrey, will donate 15p from each brownie and banana bread baking mix sold in a Sainsbury’s store in the run-up to Christmas (until December 11).

The Natasha Foundation was set up by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse as a legacy to their teenage daughter Natasha, who died in 2016 as the result of a severe anaphylactic reaction to a sandwich she had eaten that had no allergen information on its packaging.

She was dangerously allergic to sesame seeds and, unbeknown to her, the sandwich contained them and there was no information about this on the packaging.

Creative Nature’s CEO, Julianne Ponan MBE, and her team have committed to offering a minimum of £1,500 from baking mix sales to support The Natasha Foundation’s work.

For Julianne, the issue of food allergies is very personal. She created the company following her own experiences of living with multiple food allergies and anaphylaxis. She was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List this year for her own campaigning and advocacy for those living with allergies.

Julianne said: “From my own experiences I know the importance of finding ways to raise awareness of, and the challenges of living with, food allergies.

“So, I’m really pleased to be supporting Nadim and Tanya and the vital work they are doing at the Foundation. Their story is one that no parent should have to endure

and I hope that the money raised from this donation will, in some small way, go some way towards their greater goal of eradicating food allergies for good.”

Julianne suffers from anaphylaxis to all nuts (including peanuts), some seeds and certain additives. Often struggling to find safe and nutritious food to eat, she created a range of free-from the top 14 allergens, and tasty and healthy snacks.

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse said of Creative Nature’s donation: “We are delighted that until Monday 11 December – Creative Nature will be donating 15p from every Creative Nature Banana Bread or Brownie Mix sold in Sainsbury’s to Natasha’s Foundation.

“The money raised will help us continue in our mission at Natasha’s Foundation to raise allergy education and awareness and through science, to #makeallergyhistory.

So please stop and shop in the Home Baking section of Sainsbury’s where you will find these products; then send us your

baking pics, we’d love to share them.”

Two years ago, as a result of the Foundation’s work, Natasha’s Law was introduced by the UK government that made it a legal requirement to display allergen information on all packaging of food prepacked for sale, sometimes called ‘on the go’ food.

The Foundation’s mission is to ‘bring about positive change by focusing on medical research, law and policies, educating and raising allergy awareness. We want to ensure the needs of people living with allergies are met in a meaningful way and to offer real hope that will change the lives of all those living with this life-threatening disease. *Photograph shows Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature with Creative Nature’s allergen-free baking mixes where some of the profits from sales in Sainsbury’s will be donated to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.

SAFARI PARK TREATS GUESTS TO A SPOOKTACULAR TIME From 21 October until 5 November, families will be able to meet Mitzy Monster, an adorable but cheeky monster character, who will be out and about for the first week, then will be hosting a brand-new show, from 28 October.

Mitzy’s Silly Science Show is a 20-minute, interactive, live show which includes some amazing experiments, jokes, dancing and lots of spooky fun.

Patch, the Park’s resident pumpkinheaded scarecrow character, will also be out and about for the duration of the event, greeting guests and having his picture taken with them.

Mitzy and Patch will be joined by their creators – the silly scientists, who will also be entertaining guests throughout the day.

PR and Events Officer, Bethan Davis, said, “We’re very excited that we have a new character joining us this year for Spooky Spectacular, alongside our much-loved popular character, Patch.

Mitzy has already spent a bit of time out and about, making sure all the pumpkins and Halloween theming are in place and she is gaining lots of attention and dishing out lots of cuddles and high-fives!

“As well as being able to meet Patch and Mitzy, we have a spooky trail that kids can take part in, to win a tasty treat.

There is also the chance to win a Rhino Lodge stay, if guests can find the mischievous dragons who have fled their nest! Additionally, we have hundreds of pumpkins making up our pumpkin patch photo points and on 28 and 29 October,

we’re open until 8pm, so guests can enjoy the rides and attractions in the dark!

We hope everyone has a spooktacular time with us.”

Children will be able to pick up a free spooky trail card, then search the Discovery Trail to locate the missing potion ingredients. Once complete, they can hand in their card to win a delicious treat.

Guests can also enter a photo competition for their chance to win an overnight stay in a Rhino Lodge for up to four people, by looking out for some mischievous dragons that have escaped.

Once the dragons have been found, guests can snap a picture with them and upload it to the Park’s Facebook Page to be entered into the prize draw. There will be many more opportunities to take seasonal photos at the pumpkin patch and the brand-new pumpkin pod photo point.

There is also the option to grab tickets for the Spooky VR Ride, to encounter ghastly ghouls, petrifying pumpkins and sinister scarecrows!

The event is also the last chance for guests to enjoy the rides, before the Adventure Theme Park closes for winter.

Spooky Spectacular is included in the admission charge and the best prices can be booked online in advance. Children under the age of three are free.

Adventure Theme Park rides and the VR Ride are charged extra. Admission includes a Free Return to visit again within six months, only when booking online in advance.

LOCAL 2-12

GLOBAL 13-15

BUSINESS 16-17

GLAM 18-20

WEDDINGS 21-22

HEALTH 23-24

FOOD 25-26

TECH 27

TRAVEL 28

MOTORING 29-30

SPORTS 31

November 2023

ILLEGAL VAPES AND TOBACCO SEIZED IN POLICE AND COUNCIL RAIDS IN SANDWELL

More than £20,000 worth of illegal vapes and tobacco were seized from two shops in Tipton in a joint operation by Sandwell Council and Sandwell Police.

As part of Sandwell’s Safer 6 campaign (#Safer6) and the police’s Operation Advance (#OpAdvance), officers raided the shops and found some of the offending items concealed in unusual places such as inside an extractor fan, in an oven and behind a specially adapted shelving unit.

Council trading standards and licensing officers joined with police for the raids last week, which show that illegal items will be found, even if people try to hide them. The two premises now face further investigation.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in vaping as an alternative to cigarettes over the past few years.

Originally aimed at those attempting to give up smoking, the bright colours and sweet

flavours are now worryingly attracting younger audiences.

So, it is essential store owners remain vigilant when selling these products.

“Illegal vapes, such as those seized during these visits, have an additional public health risk. They often have excessively high levels of nicotine, above the limits set by law and will not have been authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This makes them highly addictive and potentially harmful to a person’s health.

“This successful operation demonstrates our partnership commitment to protecting residents by cracking down on the sale of illegal products.

This work also helps protect law-abiding businesses from the sale of illegal goods which can create an unfair trading environment for the vast majority of businesses that always follow the rules and buy and sell legal products.’’

Liann Brookes-Smith, Sandwell’s Interim Director of Public Health, said: “Our hard

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work shows our strong commitment to stopping illegal tobacco and vapes in our area.

These products can harm our residents’ health, so it’s crucial we limit their availability.

“We understand that vapes following the law are much safer than smoking and can help reduce smoking rates.

However, illegal vapes are risky because they haven’t gone through safety tests and there are severe harms from such vapes. They can dispense too much nicotine, banned substances, or have large tanks encouraging over consumption of nicotine.

“Young people may use them because they’re cheap and sold where ID checks are not strict. Vaping isn’t for kids, we do not fully understand the longer term impacts from availability of high nicotine doses available from vaping. If you don’t smoke, you shouldn’t vape.”

If you suspect a retailer is selling illegal vapes or tobacco, email the council’s trading standards team at trading_ standards@sandwell.gov.uk

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November 2023

Project Solar UK, the nation’s leading installer and retailer of solar panels, has conducted research in Birmingham to uncover how residents have traditionally prepared their homes for the winter season. The findings reveal that Brummies are indeed exceptional planners, demonstrating their readiness for the chilly months ahead.

Among the various proactive measures taken by Birmingham residents aged 25-70 in preparing for winter, 37% of respondents highlighted the importance of bleeding radiators and ensuring they are working well.

Thirty-four per cent emphasised the significance of checking boiler pressure and scheduling servicing, while 32% opted for warmer duvets and had blankets at the ready to combat cold bursts. Other measures adopted by people in Birmingham included clearing gutters (23%), weatherproofing gardens (23%), draughtproofing windows and doors (28%), insulation checks (15%), plant care (20%), roof maintenance (14%), and the installation of solar panels (9%).

CEO of Project Solar UK, Simon Peat, commends Birmingham residents for their preparedness for winter, saying, “Our research showed that Birmingham residents put thought into planning and organisation when it comes to winter preparations. It’s inspiring to see such a high percentage taking steps to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient winter. As the coldest season approaches, it’s crucial to consider renewable energy sources like solar panels. Even in the colder months, solar panels can significantly reduce energy costs and minimise the environmental impact of heating your home.”

Simon also emphasises the importance of Project Solar UK’s commitment to providing valuable resources to Birmingham residents, saying, “We understand the challenges that winter can bring, especially when it comes to energy bills. Last winter, 67% of Brummies aged 25-70 struggled financially as a result of paying their energy bills, and 79%1 are worried about the bills for this winter. To help our community, we have created a free guide filled with hacks and tips on preparing your home for winter.

This guide is available on the Project Solar UK website, helping people in Birmingham to stay warm and comfortable in as cost-effective way as possible.”

Solar panels not only help reduce energy costs but also contribute to a sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the sun, even in the winter months, homeowners can generate clean and renewable electricity, reducing their carbon footprint and dependence on traditional energy sources.

PROJECT SOLAR UK SHINES A LIGHT ON BIRMINGHAM’S WINTER PREPAREDNESS AND THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY

SANDWELL VALLEY PRESENTED WITH PART OF PLATINUM JUBILEE SCULPTURE

Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Gurpreet Bhatia presented the Mayor of Sandwell Cllr Bill Gavan with a pot that was part of the Tree of Trees sculpture at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee The 21-metre “Tree of Trees” sculpture featuring 350 British native trees was created outside Buckingham Palace as a centrepiece of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations. The 350 trees were set in aluminium pots embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher.

After the Jubilee weekend, the trees and pots were separated and gifted to selected community groups and organisations, Sandwell Valley was recommended and selected for one of the pots for its dedicated work in tree planting and nature conservation.

Councillor Charn Singh Padda, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, Sharon Danks, Operations Supervisor for Sandwell Valley, and

Alex Beasley- Chargehand Gardener for the Kitchen Garden, accompanied the Mayor in receiving the pot from Gurpreet on behalf of Sandwell Valley.

The pot will be planted up and displayed at the Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre Kitchen Gardens, which is a visitor

site with planned education and outreach activity.

Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Bill Gavan said: “It’s wonderful that the work of the team at Sandwell Valley to keep our borough welcoming and green has been recognised by such a prestigious presentation.”

Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands Gurpreet Bhatia said: “I was delighted to present this Pot from the Tree of Trees to the team at Sandwell Valley Country Park, for their dedicated efforts in supporting and promoting environmental initiatives.”

LOCAL 2-12

GLOBAL 13-15

BUSINESS 16-17

GLAM 18-20

WEDDINGS 21-22

HEALTH 23-24

FOOD 25-26

TECH 27

TRAVEL 28

MOTORING 29-30

SPORTS 31

November 2023

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November 2023

PAW-SOME PUMPKIN PLAY FOR PARK’S BABIES

SKILLS TRAINING TO BE TRANSFORMED WITH INNOVATIVE PROJECTS For Sumatran tiger cub, Lestari, red panda cub, Lushan and meerkat pup, Lily, this is the first time they have experienced pumpkins and there were mixed reactions to the large, seasonal fruits!

Lushan and Lestari seemed to be very wary to start with, approaching the pumpkins with extreme caution and then retreating hastily, leaving their mothers to enjoy them instead.

Lily the meerkat pup however, had her paws straight on the prize, led by the rest of the mob, who were very excited to see this novel form of enrichment and frantically started to scratch and nibble at the tasty, orange flesh.

Katie McDonald, Research and Conservation Officer, explained, “We use enrichment to allow our animals to exhibit natural behaviours. This might be to give the animals different foraging opportunities, or sometimes it exercises muscles they might not always use. It may also increase exploration of the environment by using interesting scent trails.

“Novel objects such as pumpkins allow our animals to investigate something that looks, smells and feels different. Some species, like our meerkats can use their cognitive skills to find food inside them, whilst other animals such as our tigers, like to stalk and capture them! Enrichment is very important for our young, developing animals. They need varied environments to develop their movement and thinking skills, just like human babies, so it was great to see how each one reacted.”

For the red pandas, keepers hollowed out their pumpkin and filled it with bamboo, which was enjoyed

by Lushan’s mum, Mei Lin, whereas the meerkats’ was filled with wriggly meal worms.

As the Park is currently themed with hundreds of pumpkins for their Spooky Spectacular Halloween event, any surplus are donated to the animals, so the tiger keepers also offered Lestari a complete, uncarved pumpkin.

Presented in this way was an instant hit and the four-month-old cub ‘stalked’ the pumpkin before pouncing on it and attacking it with her tiny claws, teeth and feet!

She was also seen fiercely protecting her precious plaything from her mum, Dourga, who was warned off with a few playful pats to the face.

Guests to the Park may spot pumpkins in some of the other animal habitats, on the safari and in the pedestrianised areas, some of which make up spooky photo points for guests to snap a picture.

During Spooky Spectacular (running until 5 November), guests can take part in a trail to win a tasty treat, enter a competition to win a Rhino Lodge stay, meet Patch the pumpkin-headed scarecrow, or take part in a brand-new ‘silly science show’ with new mascot, Mitzy Monster (from 28 October).

Lestari, Lushan and Lily can be seen in the walk-through areas of the Park and along with Spooky Spectacular activities, are included in the admission charge. The best prices can be booked online in advance. Children under the age of three are free.

Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra. Admission includes a Free Return to visit again within six months, only when booking online in advance.

People seeking careers in growing sectors such as green energy, digital and construction will be able to access improved skills training, helping them secure good jobs closer to home.

More than £200 million has been announced to support colleges and universities to offer more training opportunities in key industries, such as the growing green sector. Investment is being targeted to address the specific skills needs of each region, which local businesses and employers have identified as priority sectors in their local skills improvement plans (LSIPs), giving them access to the skilled workforce they need to grow.

Demand for green skills is set to rise as the government works to create energy security and the UK heads towards net zero. The government’s net zero growth plan predicts that the transition to a green and sustainable future will support hundreds of thousands of exciting green job opportunities in areas such as heat pump installation and solar panel maintenance, electric vehicle manufacturing and environmental consultancy.

During green careers week (6 -11 November), the government is investing in a range of projects so communities can equip people with the green – as well as digital, construction and manufacturing – skills they need to futureproof the workforce.

The funding will also make sure more people can access higher technical qualifications – that sit between A level, T levels and degrees – to gain in demand skills including digital, health care and engineering as an alternative to a traditional three-year degree.

HTQs are designed in close collaboration with employers, so they equip students with the skills they need to go onto further study or straight into a good job.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan

said: This investment is about boosting local industries, building people’s skills and ultimately futureproofing our economy and the career prospects of the next generation.

Our local skills projects will bring together regional organisations, businesses and education providers to respond to the specific needs of employers, building an increasingly skilled workforce and growing local economies.

Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.

MidKent College in Kent has been awarded funding to build a new training facility to provide hands-on experience in retrofit energy efficiency measures, renewable and sustainable energy solutions. The new courses will cover a range of areas including thermal imaging, aerial survey and mapping and will utilise virtual reality capabilities to develop simulated engineering challenges, construction processes and techniques, supporting people to gain the skills needed to launch green careers.

Simon Cook, Principal and CEO at MidKent College said: We’re thrilled that construction and building services businesses across Kent & Medway will benefit from this investment in retrofit technology and training. We know from our conversations with employers that growing skills for sustainable construction practices and improving the energy efficiency of existing housing stock are priorities for the sector here in the Southeast.

We’re incredibly proud that this new facility will work seamlessly with our

Home Energy Centre and Sustainable Construction Skills Factory at the heart of our Maidstone campus, and alongside our own efforts to make the campus carbon neutral by 2030.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Businesses are crying out for more people with technical skills to fill the great jobs we have today and new ones in the developing green economy.

It’s vital that everyone can access the training they need locally to grasp these opportunities.

Business-led LSIPs are setting out the skills needs and opportunities, and this new funding will ensure the right training solutions are put in place.

As part of the government’s work to support more people to gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers, the British Chambers of Commerce and other employer representative organisations were commissioned to lead work to develop local skills improvement plans, published in the summer, so the training on offer better meets the current and future skills needs of local areas.

The investment in local areas announced today is just one way the government is boosting skills, alongside a huge range of other high-quality programmes including T levels, free courses for jobs and skills bootcamps.

More than 40,000 people started a skills bootcamp in the last financial year, exceeding the government’s ambitious target. skills bootcamps are free courses lasting up to 16 weeks, with an offer of a job interview on completion.

They are available across the country in a wide range of in demand subjects, including heat pump engineering and electric vehicle maintenance, and are another example of how the government is helping get more people into green careers.

LOCAL 2-12

GLOBAL 13-15

BUSINESS 16-17

GLAM 18-20

WEDDINGS 21-22

HEALTH 23-24

FOOD 25-26

TECH 27

TRAVEL 28

MOTORING 29-30

SPORTS 31

November 2023

SUNAK SUPPORTS ISRAEL

Front cover story cont’d...

Arriving in Israel, the British prime minister began a two-day tour of the war-torn Middle East. He met with Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “I’m proud to stand with you in Israel’s darkest hour as your friend; we will stand with you in solidarity, we will stand with your people, and we want you to win,” Sunak said to Netanyahu following the meeting.

In addition, Sunak sent the “deep condolences of the British people” for the many deaths caused by the attacks.

“We’re looking to get more support to people as quickly as we can, and we’re increasing our aid to the region,” Sunak continued. The Prime Minister emphasised that the United Kingdom backs Israel’s right to self-defence “in line with international law,” adding, “I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians,” contrasting this with Hamas terrorists who “seek to put civilians in harm’s way.”

One day before Sunak’s visit US President Joe Biden’s also visited Israel. After his trip, Biden stated that it seemed,

from what he observed, that the fatal explosion at the Gaza hospital was done by “the other team.”

Israel has one of the worlds most powerful militaries, funded by more than $3.8bn of military aid annually from the US. The UK has also given its full backing to Israel. The two states have a thriving arms trade between themselves. Recent research shows British made military equipment was used by Israeli forces during last months airstrikes on Gaza.

During the last month, Israel’s retaliatory military offensive against Gaza the Ministry of Health has revealed that over 10,000 Palestinians—more than 4,000 of them children—have died in Gaza over the course of the last month. Children, women, and the elderly make up more over two thirds of the Palestinians who have been murdered in Gaza since October 7.

The monthly tally of Palestinian child fatalities in Gaza greatly surpasses the yearly total of child fatalities in conflict areas worldwide since 2019.

Approximately 1,300 children are

among the thousands of Palestinians who remain under rubble yet; the majority are thought to be dead. Over the same time period, about 24,000 Palestinians were also hurt in Gaza; many of them are in severe condition, and the hospital infrastructure in Gaza has failed, making it impossible to provide care for them.

In large UK cities, there have been massive protests over the last few weekends.

Marching in London and other UK cities, tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanded a stop to Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza. Protesters gathered at Oxford Circus, many of them holding placards that read “Free Palestine” and waved Palestinian

flags, and then made their way to Downing Street, the official address of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. There were chants directed at the US and UK governments for their support of Israel.

About 100,000 people, according to the police, gathered in the capital’s streets, waving banners and flags and calling for an end to the bombardment.

Protesters holding signs that read “Free Palestine, end Israeli occupation” and “Gaza, stop the massacre” congregated close to the Golden Jubilee Bridge.

People began chanting “Stop arming Israel” over a sound system. “We are all Palestinian” and “Stop bombing Gaza.” “From the river to the sea” is a chant that some members of the crowd

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used to refer to the area between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman had previously urged police chiefs to consider interpreting this chant as a “expression of a violent desire to see Israel erased from the world”.

The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and other activists contest this, saying the slogan refers to “the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice”.

Protests also took place in Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and other cities.

Elsewhere in the UK, thousands attended a pro-Palestinian rally outside Manchester’s Central Library at St Peter’s Square. About 3,000 protesters gathered in Belfast City Centre for a rally which walked along Royal Avenue to City Hall. A sea of Palestinian flags could be seen in Glasgow, with thousands gathering in George Square in the heart of the city calling for an immediate ceasefire. Some of the crowd clambered onto statues and monuments.

NEXT GENERATION OF CLEAN AIR LEADERS GROWS STRONG AT BIRMINGHAM

Growing numbers of future environmental leaders are coming to the University of Birmingham as the McCall McBain Clean Air Fellows programme goes from strength to strength.

Five young environmental scientists –from the UK, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are pursuing a master’s degree in Air Pollution Management and Control as McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellows.

The Clean Air Fund and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation launched the Fellowship last year with a first cohort of three students.

Designed by academics who are worldleading in their field, the programme identifies individuals who can demonstrate a strong rationale for studying air pollution and can commit to tackling the problem through their career choice after they graduate.

The Fellows for the programme’s second year are: • Albinota Nuredini – North Macedonia • Bujar Rexhepi – Kosovo • Farzaneh Jajarmi – UK • Lucy Stevens – UK • Vlera Ismaili – North Macedonia As part of their studies, the students attended a masterclass with Professor Nicola Spence, Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer and Head of the National Plant Protection Organisation.

Professor Spence CBE, who is an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham and a Director of Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), commented: “I really enjoyed talking to the group about the impor-

tance of scientific research and evidence in policymaking.”

Professor Francis Pope, from the University of Birmingham’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, is one of the team of experts who established the unique study programme and commented: “The University of Birmingham is passionate about clean air – we’re at the forefront of research on the causes and effects of air pollution upon human health across the United Kingdom and across the globe.

“We’re delighted to have grown the number of Fellowships, which are the first of their kind in the UK. They are already proving invaluable in setting the next generation of clean air leaders on a career path that can only benefit the planet; young scientists with the tools to understand and unlock the threats of air pollution and climate change.”

Designed by academics who are worldleading in their field, the programme takes an interdisciplinary approach, utilising expertise across departments for a holistic understanding of air pollution and its effects. Birmingham has over 100 researchers studying clean air from across its five colleges. The campus operates state-of-the-art pollution research facilities, which have been commissioned for several seminal air pollution studies.

Albinota Nuredini commented: “North Macedonia has many problems with air pollution, especially in my home city of Kicevo, where coal mining causes health issues. I have come to Birmingham to learn more about air pollution before retuning home to work with

government and play my part in improving the city’s environment.”

Bujar Rexhepi commented: “Kosovo is one of the most polluted countries in Europe and the course at Birmingham will help me to understand the key strategies that could be used to reduce air pollution and improve public health outcomes in my homeland. Thanks to the Fellowship, I plan to shift the focus of my work from assessing health effects to designing sustainable solutions that will reduce air pollution and human exposure to it.”

Lucy Stevens, from Northamptonshire, in the UK added: “I picked this course because it’s unique and I became passionate about learning how to deal with air pollution when I was studying for my Geography degree at Birmingham and writing dissertation on the relationship between air pollution and meteorology.”

The Fellows will pursue a master’s

We’re delighted to have grown the number of Fellowships, which are the first of their kind in the UK. They are already proving invaluable in setting the next generation of clean air leaders on a career path that can only benefit the planet; young scientists with the tools to understand and unlock the threats of air pollution and climate change.

Professor Francis Pope – University of Birmingham

degree in Air Pollution Management and Control and can commit to tackling the problem through their career choice after they graduate.

Sean Maguire, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Clean Air Fund, commented: “The Clean Air Fund is proud to support the next generation of leaders for the clean air movement.

The successful first year of the McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellowship demonstrates the impact of this investment, with all three students returning to their hometowns to improve the air quality in their communities.”

The University of Birmingham is at the forefront of research on the causes and effects of air pollution upon human health across the United Kingdom and globally. The course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Air Quality Management.

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November 2023

GOVERNMENT DRIVE TO PHASE OUT SMOKING AND TACKLE YOUTH VAPING ATTRACTS LARGE RESPONSE

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“

I want to build a brighter future for our children, which means taking the necessary decisions for the long-term interests of our country.

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Over 12,000 responses have been received as part of the government’s consultation on plans to create a smokefree generation and crack down on youth vaping – the most significant public health intervention in a generation.

The Prime Minister recently announced plans to introduce a historic new law to stop children who turn 14 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes in England. He also set out the government’s concerns about the worrying rise in vaping among children and announced a public consultation on plans to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children.

Bolstering efforts to phase out smoking, £70 million has today been allocated by the government for local stop smoking services and support in every local authority in England. This is more than double the current funding available for these services.

Stop smoking services and support provide one-to-one and group stop smoking sessions, access to accurate information and advice, as well as easy and affordable access to quit aids like skin patches, inhalators, nasal and mouth spray, chewing gum and lozenges.

Someone quitting before turning 30 could add 10 years to their life and, if a smoker can quit smoking for 28 days, they are 5 times more likely to quit permanently. This new funding will support around 360,000 people to quit smoking.

It will be ring-fenced specifically for stop smoking services and the local allocations have been calculated to ensure local authorities with the highest smoking rates receive additional weighted funding.

Smoking is a deadly habit, so we are making the biggest single public health intervention in a generation to stop our kids from ever being able to buy a cigarette. This will protect their health both now and in future – saving tens of thousands of lives and saving the NHS billions of pounds.

Alongside the final funding allocations, the government has issued guidance to local authorities – in partnership with the Local Government Association.

The guidance highlights how this funding should be used to build capacity in local areas to help more people quit, link smokers to the most effective interventions and also support existing support schemes like Swap to Stop. The Swap to Stop scheme is the first of its kind in the world and offers a million smokers across England a free vaping starter kit.

Acknowledging the importance of putting the next generation first and saving lives, on 7 November 2023, His Majesty King Charles III set out plans for the government to introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in this Parliamentary session.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: Smoking kills tens of thousands of people every single year. That’s why we’re working at pace to introduce this historic legislation which will protect the next generation, prevent our children from starting smoking and improve our

nation’s health.

We’ve also announced funding allocations for every single area in England to support local stop smoking services and support, which are proven to significantly improve someone’s chances of quitting for good. The increased new investment of £70 million per year will double current funding for such services and will help save countless lives up and down the country.

Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: Smoking is highly addictive and causes multiple diseases including heart disease, cancers, dementia and stroke.

The response to the consultation shows people care strongly about this issue. If passed, the bill will help ensure the next generation is smoke free and the additional funding will help current smokers stop, preventing major future harm.

The live public consultation – which closes on Wednesday 6 December – also details proposals to prevent underage and illicit sales of tobacco and vapes, with plans to introduce on-thespot fines for underage sales. The consultation is open to anyone, of any age, in the UK to share their experiences and opinions and help shape future policy on vaping and smoking.

The Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, last week visited Salford City Council to meet local councillors, public health leaders and Trading Standards officers where he discussed work being carried out in the region to seize illicit vapes. He was also shown 2 shipping containers full of seized products.

Illicit vapes can contain unknown ingredients and higher levels of nicotine, and are often made easily available to children. Over 2 million illicit vapes were seized across England by Trading Standards from 2022 to 2023.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister also announced £30 million to further support agencies such as local trading standards, HMRC and Border Force to take action to stop underage sales and

tackle the import of illicit tobacco and vaping products at the border.

Councillor David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said: Council cessation services are vitally important in helping smokers to quit. It is good news that they are seeing additional funding which will help to transform the health outcomes of people across the country.

We believe this is a progressive piece of legislation that would undoubtedly impact on smoking prevalence, and ultimately reduce rates of smoking-related disease.

The goal of a smokefree generation no longer seems out of reach and we want to work with government and others to achieve this.

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: ASH congratulates the government for paving the way in the King’s Speech for a ground-breaking bill to create a smokefree generation to be introduced to Parliament imminently.

No parent, whether they smoke themselves or not, wants their children to grow up to become smokers, which is why the smokefree generation policy is so strongly supported by the public.

We will do all we can, working in lockstep with the health community, to ensure that the legislation is passed before the end of this Parliament.

Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: Smoking rates fall with decisive action from leaders: that’s why we support the UK government’s commitment to changing the age of sale of tobacco announced in the King’s Speech today. We call on MPs from all parties to support the legislation.

I’ve never met anyone who wants their child to take up smoking. Cancer Research UK estimates that there are around 885,000 16 to 24 year olds smoking in the UK today. The recent-

ly announced funding can help those smoking to quit, but this proposed legislation could stop the next generation ever becoming addicted to tobacco.

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: The bill is historic. Smoking remains the biggest cause of lung disease deaths in the UK. I’m delighted that children today may never legally be able to buy cigarettes and will therefore be protected from developing lung conditions caused by a deadly addiction to tobacco.

These smokefree plans will free future generations from the pernicious grasp of tobacco addiction, which kills 76,000 people every year. It’s also encouraging to see more than 12,000 responses submitted by the public on the government’s proposal for a smokefree generation, making it clear the public care strongly about this issue. And with a recent YouGov survey showing 71% of people support this bill, there is clearly public backing to create a better and brighter future for our children.

The government’s approach and commitment to creating the first smokefree generation is extremely welcome, but now it must give this bill enough time to be passed before the next general election. With two-thirds of smokers saying they started before 18, many of our children face a lifetime trapped in an expensive and deadly addiction if this cycle isn’t broken.

Proposals being consulted on include: making it an offence for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to be sold tobacco products restricting the flavours and descriptions of vapes so that vape flavours are no longer targeted at children – we want to ensure this is done in a way that continues to support adult smokers to switch to vapes regulating point-of-sale displays in retail outlets so that vapes are kept out of sight from children and away from products that appeal to them, such as sweets considering restricting the sale of disposable vapes, which are clearly linked to the rise in vaping in children. These products are not only attractive to children but also incredibly harmful to the environment regulating vape packaging and product presentation, ensuring that neither the device nor its packaging is targeted to children considering restricting the sale of disposable vapes, which are clearly linked to the rise in vaping in children. These products are not only attractive to children but also incredibly harmful to the environment exploring further restrictions for nonnicotine vapes and other nicotine consumer products such as nicotine pouches exploring whether increasing the price of vapes will reduce the number of young people using them introducing new powers for local authorities to issue on-the-spot fines (fixed penalty notices) to enforce age-of-sale legislation of tobacco products and vapes

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WEDDINGS 21-22

HEALTH 23-24

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them leave their homes. Action Against Hunger reminds all parties that it is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render objects useless that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including drinking water facilities and supplies.

In the last two weeks alone, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that 74 families, comprising 545 people, have been forcibly relocated from 13 communities in Area C of the West Bank due to escalating violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers.

The situation in the West Bank requires continued humanitarian support. Action Against Hunger is responding to the vital needs of the population.

Our staff are also affected by restrictions on movement imposed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, which prevent our access to communities.

Protecting humanitarian personnel and their programs from all forms of violence is key to protecting civilians. All parties to conflict must strictly adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, the protection of civilian infrastructure and the safe access of humanitarian materials and goods.

November 2023

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ACTION AGAINST HUNGER WARNS THAT THE RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT IN THE WEST BANK IS SEVERELY AFFECTING PEOPLE’S ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND GOODS Action Against Hunger is deeply concerned about the multiple closures and restrictions on movement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

The closures prevent Palestinian communities from accessing essential services such as markets to buy food, fodder for their animals, and medicines.

“Due to the closure of all entrances to our village, we are unable to meet our basic food needs, and many families have been subsisting on bread and tea alone for days,” says Farid Burqan, head of the Bireen village council.

The closures are also preventing children from going to school and humanitarian workers, including Action Against Hunger staff, from carrying out their regular work and delivering humanitarian aid. Alternative ways of delivering aid are complex.

Action Against Hunger is also deeply concerned about the unprecedented escalation of Israeli settler violence that is forcing the Palestinian population of the West Bank – more than half of the displaced are children – from their homes.

With all eyes on Gaza, this violence is going unnoticed.

Communities tell Action Against Hunger that settlers are destroying their water tanks and cutting off their water supplies in an attempt to make

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November 2023

BOOST TO UK-INDONESIA LOW-CARBON COOPERATION AS MINISTER VISITS JAKARTA The UK and Indonesia are set to extend collaboration on low carbon development until 2027, as Minister Trevelyan announces the second phase of UK support to the Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) on a visit to Indonesia. The Minister will announce new funding alongside Indonesian Minister for National Development Planning Suharso Monoarfa. The commitment affirms the UK’s record of support for climate action and sustainable growth in the IndoPacific.

Ahead of the visit, Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: Indonesia’s thriving economy and capacity for innovation bring ever greater opportunities for our two countries to work together, from trade and investment to science and tech cooperation.

The LCDI will ensure Indonesia’s economic growth is sustainable and resilient against the impacts of climate change, delivering benefits for people in the UK, Indonesia and across the Indo-Pacific.

The Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI) is a flagship Indonesian government policy aiming to reduce emissions and promote sustainable growth and development. The first phase of UK support, launched in

QATAR CHARITY DISTRIBUTES URGENT AID TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE AFGHANISTAN EARTHQUAKE 2017, saw the inclusion of climate targets within the country’s development planning for the first time. Now, new funding will enable further training and capability building to develop sciencebased policy and provide grants to pilot innovative low-carbon technologies.

The visit by Minister Trevelyan follows sustained UK engagement with Indonesia during its ASEAN Presidency year, including visits by Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart in August and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in July.

During the visit, the minister will meet Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pa-

hala Mansury for discussions on global and regional security, and Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut to discuss economic cooperation and progress under the JETP. She will also meet ASEAN Secretary General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, to reaffirm the UK’s respect for ASEAN centrality and commitment to its role as a Dialogue Partner.

Finally, the minister will visit sports charity Inspire Indonesia to learn about their work educating teenagers on the importance of gender equality and the harms of sexual and gender-based violence.

Qatar Charity began distributing food baskets to those affected by the earthquake that struck Afghanistan recently, and this came in conjunction with the launch of its “Help Afghanistan” campaign to show solidarity with the Afghan people and help those affected by the earthquake and provide them with urgent relief aid.

The campaign aims to provide tents and treatment supplies for the injured, as well as food and other necessary and urgent needs. the earthquake reached 6.5 on the Richter scale in the west of the country, resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of people. An-

other major earthquake that occurred on October 11 in the north of Herat caused a state of panic among the population and left hundreds wounded. It was reported that 90% of the victims in the series of earthquakes that struck western Afghanistan were women and children.

In this context, Engineer Khaled Al-Yafei, Director of the Emergency and Relief Department at Qatar Charity, said: “Qatar Charity has begun distributing the food aid to those affected by the Afghanistan earthquake as part of its urgent humanitarian response to alleviate their human suffering.”

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BUSINESS 16-17

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WEDDINGS 21-22

HEALTH 23-24

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November 2023

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November 2023

LEADING LONDON DISCRIMINATION LAWYER SAYS HOME SECRETARY IS WRONG AS CARRYING THE PALESTINIANFLAG A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT! Leading discrimination lawyer, Yasin Patel firmly asserts that the right to free speech includes the ability to criticise government actions and express views on matters of moral concern.

He emphasises, “The mere display of the Palestinian flag does not equate to supporting Hamas; it signifies support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to secure basic human rights and the right to live in the internationally recognised state of Palestine.”

Drawing on the example of Nelson Mandela, who was unjustly labelled a terrorist by international governments for decades while fighting against an oppressive regime, Patel underscores the importance of supporting the Palestinian people in their quest for basic human rights. He makes a Carrying the resounding distinction, stating, “Hamas is not synonymous Palestinian flag is a with Palestine, and Palestine symbol of solidarity with is not synonymous with Hamas.” the Palestinian people’s Yasin Patel’s response to legitimate struggle for basic the Home Secretary’s letter underscores the delicate balhuman rights and their right ance between addressing seto live in the curity concerns and upholding the fundamental rights of recognised state free speech and expression, as of Palestine enshrined in international human rights conventions. He advocates for a measured approach that respects the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

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ACTION AGAINST HUNGER HOLDS GALA TO RAISE LIFESAVING FUNDS, HONORS ACTRESS KRISTIN DAVIS, RITAH KABANYORO AND AVERY DENNISON CORP With one in ten people around the world going hungry, Action Against Hunger will hold a gala tonight to raise lifesaving funds and honor champions of the cause. Actress Kristin Davis will receive Action Against Hunger’s Humanitarian Award for her longstanding advocacy for social justice causes, notably her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Avery Dennison will be recognized with the Corporate ImpactAward, and Ritah Kabanyoro, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in Uganda, will receive the 2023 Action Against Hunger Leadership Award.

“I am excited to lend my voice to this event and support Action Against Hunger’s innovative efforts to prevent hunger and save lives,” said Kristin Davis. “As a GoodwilI Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, I have seen the desperate need of people

and urgent need for food and all the basics and I appreciate that Action Against Hunger is working to promote gender equity, particularly in places where women tend to eat last and least. I’m deeply touched by how far Action Against Hunger goes to save lives, treat malnourished mothers and children, and improve food security amidst some of the world’s most challenging crises.”

The funds raised will support Action Against Hunger’s efforts to innovate sustainable solutions to malnutrition and prevent hunger for 28 million people across 55 countries.

Individual donations are critical: Action Against Hunger’s 2023 Hunger Funding Gap analysis revealed a 53% gap between funding requests for hunger-related programs and the global response from institutional donors.

“90% of Americans agree that food is a basic human right, yet as many as 783 million people around the world go to bed hungry every night.

That’s why we so deeply appreciate that Kristin Davis consistently uses her public platform to shine a

light on suffering around the world and the role each of us can play in helping to end it,” said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, Action Against Hunger’s CEO. “We also are extremely pleased to recognize our own Ritah Kabanyoro, who leads innovative programs that improve lives and livelihoods and dramatically change outcomes for women and refugees in Uganda.”

The event will be hosted by CNN’s Zain Asher, with guests including fashion designer Kay Unger and actresses Sarita Choudhury and Karen Pittman.

The gala will provide attendees the chance to learn more about the ways that global hunger is deeply interrelated to other urgent issues such as the climate crisis and conflict. It also will feature live music and a live auction.

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HEALTH 23-24

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HEALTH CRISIS LOOMS IN GAZA DUE TO INADEQUATE WATER AND SANITATION Lack of access to water is one of the biggest challenges in the humanitarian emergency in Gaza right now, and children face the greatest health risks.

Action Against Hunger staff warn that overcrowded displacement shelters are close to the breaking point, as thousands of people accessing the shelters also face inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. One such shelter is currently supporting more than 24,000 people – with 60 percent of children there affected by diarrhea.

People are also resorting to open defecation. This is a health crisis on the brink of explosion.

The United Nations estimates that there is less than one gallon of water per person each day for the 2.3 million people living in Gaza, half of whom are children, who are most at risk from water shortages and diarrheal infections – a leading cause of child mortality globally. This limited amount of water is likely to decrease by the day as supplies and fuel used to make water drinkable in desalination plants become even more scarce.

“Faced with this impossible situation, many Gazan families are resorting to non-drinking water sources, such as agricultural wells.

This puts them at imminent risk of dehydration and even an outbreak

of infectious diseases such as cholera, “said Chiara Saccardi, Action Against Hunger’s Officer in the Middle East. “Such an epidemic, if it happens, would make this serious crisis an even bigger problem.”

Gaza is still facing a blackout and has been without electricity for more than a week, affecting basic services such as water, sanitation, and access to food. Action Against Hunger is prepared to distribute basic short-term supplies such as water, food, hygiene products, diapers, blankets, and mattresses, but in the absence of a ceasefire and the continuing blockade, this is proving challenging.

“We are urgently calling for a ceasefire and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to ensure that aid gets to where it is needed the most,” said Saccardi.

Action Against Hunger has been working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories since 2002 and began operating in Gaza in 2005. Our work includes activities to improve the clean water supply throughout Gaza, especially in health centers; to increase food production by supporting farmers in cultivation techniques and greenhouse construction; and to provide employment training to young people and women to help them find jobs and start businesses.

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November 2023

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THE UK SPACE AGENCY IS UNLOCKING SPACE FOR BUSINESS

Global satellite services currently support activity that contributes £370 billion to the UK economy, which is around 17.7% of our GDP. As the cost of accessing space continues to fall and the pace of innovation increases, a greater number of businesses now have the opportunity to harness the advantages offered by satellites through enhanced imagery, connectivity and navigation capabilities.

Unlocking Space for Business is an 18-month programme designed to bring these untapped benefits to hundreds of new organisations across the UK, focused on the leading transport and logistics and financial services sectors.

Opportunity areas can include using satellite imagery to improve the measurement of climate variables and verification of customer insurance claims after extreme weather events, satellite position and navigation to support location tracking and enabling the movement of people and satellite connectivity to help crew and passengers keep in touch with operators and families on shore.

Unlocking Space for Business will provide workshops, networking events, learning and development sessions, and online resources to support companies in their understanding of what satellite data and services can mean for them as well as offering the opportunity to bid for a share of up to £6 million UK Space Agency funding later this year to help launch innovative pilot projects, data procurement or partnerships.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: Unlocking Space for Business will champion the use of space and help tackle barriers facing organisations that have not traditionally used satellite data or services. This will help catalyse further investment into our growing space sector and deliver greater benefits for businesses, people, and the environment.

This is just one of the ways we’re working to deliver the goal set out in the National Space Strategy to

build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, developing new skills and creating jobs.

Satellite data and services have the ability to unlock and deliver new revenue growth opportunities, operational efficiencies, improved customer experiences and ESG benefits for organisations.

Unlocking Space for Business will connect leading data suppliers, technology integrators, insight providers and end-users to encourage the development and adoption of innovative solutions using satellite data and services.

Delivery of the project is being supported by PwC, a leader in human-led, tech powered business transformation, and the Satellite Applications Catapult, a leader in bringing space-based services to market.

Faye Melly, Delivery Partner at PwC, said: Businesses today face significant challenges which demand innovative solutions. The to-do list can range from driving operational efficiencies and strengthening customer experience, through to taking action to drive towards Net Zero. In all of these areas space can play a pivotal role.

Unlocking Space for Business gives UK firms the opportunity to

realise the benefits of satellite data and services, and we’re proud and excited to be supporting the delivery of this programme for the UK Space Agency, in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult.

Organisations can register their interest to get involved with the project and keep up to date with planned activities including Insight and Networking Events, Exploration Workshops and learning and development sessions ahead of the funding call opening later in the year.

Lucy Edge, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO at the Satellite Applications Catapult, said: We’re excited to launch Unlocking Space for Business today.

By bringing together key players in the satellite industry, integrators and end users, we’ll make it easier for businesses to access the business-critical data they did not even know was available to them.

We’ll also connect companies with government funding sources to test out pilot projects using satellite tech.

Satellite services drive innovation in all businesses and will boost the bottom line. By building up these partnerships and support systems, we aim to accelerate the adoption

of satellite solutions across the private sector.

Unlocking Space for Business is part of the UK Space Agency’s Inspiration Programme, directly

delivering the National Space Strategy (NSS) goal to use space to deliver for UK citizens and the world by increasing public awareness of the critical role spacebased assets play in our daily lives, emphasising how they can be leveraged to enable business benefits such as improving public services and combating challenges such as the climate emergency.

Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG), said: Major ports and the wider maritime sector are at the forefront of the technological revolution and satellite services has the potential to play a key role in driving even greater efficiencies, safety and the growth of international trade through our British ports.

We will continue to work closely with the UK Space Agency to ensure that our major ports, which collectively handle 75% of the UK’s port volumes, can continue to lead as a sector in utilising innovative solutions using satellite

technology.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce, said: The contribution of the space technology sector to the UK economy cannot be underestimated, both in terms of revenue generated and the nurturing of innovative, high-tech skills and talent.

It’s great to see this new initiative looking to spread the benefits of satellite services much more widely across the economy. The British Chamber of Commerce’s Digital Revolution challenge is also focussed on improving business productivity through better awareness and take up of new technologies.

With greener industries set to be a key sector going forward, the potential to unlock further growth through this initiative, by reducing costs and increasing access to new, relevant data is immense

UK HOUSE PRICE INDEX England In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 0.2% since July 2023.

There has been no annual price change, taking the average property value to £309,616.

The regional data for England indicates that: • the North East experienced the greatest monthly rise with a movement of 1.3%

• the East of England saw the lowest monthly price growth, with a fall of -0.7% • the North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 3.6% • the East of England saw the lowest annual price growth, with a fall of -1.6%

UK house prices UK house prices increased by 0.2% in the year to August 2023, down from 0.7% in July 2023.

On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average UK house prices increased by 0.3% between July 2023 and August 2023, compared with an increase of 0.8% during the same period 12 months ago.

The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in August 2023, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 87,010. This is 15.6% lower than 12 months ago (August 2022). Between July 2023 and August 2023, UK transactions increased by 1.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

House price growth was highest in the North East where prices increased by 3.6% in the 12 months to August 2023. The East of England was the English region with the lowest annual inflation, where prices decreased by 1.6% in the 12 months to August 2023.

See the economic statement.

The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

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November 2023

NEW INNOVATION CHALLENGE LAUNCHED TO TACKLE BIAS IN AI SYSTEMS

UK companies can apply for up to £400,000 in government investment from today to fund innovative new solutions which tackle bias and discrimination in AI systems. The competition will look to support up to three ground-breaking homegrown solutions, with successful bids securing a funding boost of up to £130,000 each.

It comes ahead of the UK hosting the world’s first major AI Safety Summit to consider how to best manage the risks posed by AI while harnessing the opportunities in the best long-term interest of the British people.

The first round of submissions to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology’s Fairness Innovation Challenge, delivered through the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, will nurture the development of new approaches to ensure fairness underpins the development of AI models.

The challenge will tackle the threats of bias and discrimination by encouraging new approaches which will see participants building a wider social context into the development of their models from the off.

Fairness in AI systems is one of the government’s key principles for AI, as set out in the AI Regulation White Paper. AI is a powerful tool for good, presenting near limitless opportunities to grow the global economy and deliver better public services.

In the UK, the NHS is already trialling

AI to help clinicians identify cases of breast cancer, and the technology offers enormous potential to develop new drugs and treatments, and help us tackle pressing global challenges like climate change.

These opportunities though cannot be realised without first addressing risks, in this instance tackling bias and discrimination.

Minister for AI, Viscount Camrose, said: The opportunities presented by AI are enormous, but to fully realise its benefits we need to tackle its risks.

This funding puts British talent at the forefront of making AI safer, fairer, and trustworthy. By making sure AI models do not reflect bias found in the world, we can not only make AI less potentially harmful, but ensure the AI developments of tomorrow reflect the diversity of the communities they will help to serve.

While there are a number of technical bias audit tools on the market, many of these are developed in the United States, and although companies can use these tools to check for potential biases in their systems, they often fail to fit alongside UK laws and regulations. The challenge will promote a new UK-led approach which puts the social and cultural context at the heart of how AI systems are developed, alongside wider technical considerations.

The Challenge will focus on two areas.

First, a new partnership with King’s College London will offer participants from across the UK’s AI sector the chance to

work on potential bias in their generative AI model. The model, developed with Health Data Research UK with the support of NHS AI Lab, is trained on the anonymised records of more than 10 million patients to predict possible health outcomes.

Second, is a call for ‘open use cases’. Applicants can propose new solutions which tackle discrimination in their own unique models and areas of focus, including tackling fraud, building new law enforcement AI tools, or helping employers build fairer systems which will help analyse and shortlist candidates during recruitment.

Companies currently face a range of challenges in tackling AI bias, including insufficient access to data on demographics,

and ensuring potential solutions meet legal requirements. The CDEI are working in close partnership with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to deliver this Challenge. This partnership allows participants to tap into the expertise of regulators to ensure their solutions marry up with data protection and equality legislation.

Stephen Almond, Executive Director of Technology, Innovation and Enterprise at the ICO, said: The ICO is committed to realising the potential of AI for the whole of society, ensuring that organisations develop AI systems without unwanted bias.

We’re looking forward to supporting the organisations involved in the Fairness

Challenge with the aim of mitigating the risks of discrimination in AI development and use.

The challenge will also offer companies guidance on how assurance techniques can be applied in practice to AI systems to achieve fairer outcomes. Assurance techniques are methods and processes which are used to verify and ensure systems and solutions meet certain standards, including those related to fairness.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: Without careful design and proper regulation, AI systems have the potential to disadvantage protected groups, such as people from ethnic minority backgrounds and disabled people.

Tech developers and suppliers have a responsibility to ensure that the AI systems do not discriminate.

Public authorities also have a legal obligation under the Public Sector Equality Duty to understand the risk of discrimination with AI, as well as its capacity for mitigating bias and its potential to support people with protected characteristics.

The Fairness Innovation Challenge will be instrumental in supporting the development of solutions to mitigate bias and discrimination in AI, ensuring that the technology of the future is used for the good of all. I wish all participants the best of luck in the challenge.

The Fairness Innovation Challenge closes for submissions at 11am on Wednesday 13th December, with successful applicants notified of their selection on 30th January, 2024.

ASIAN-OWNED RETAILER ESCENTUAL GROWS SALES BY 30% TO £30 MILLION AS MORE PREMIUM BEAUTY USERS GO ONLINE FOR THEIR FAVOURITE PRODUCTS

Asian-owned retailer Escentual has grown sales by 30% to £30 million as more premium beauty users go online for their favourite products.

Business is booming for the Cardiffbased ecommerce brand started 23 years ago by entrepreneur Rakesh Aggarwal in his parents’ garage and now dubbed the ‘Amazon of online beauty’.

Online premium beauty sales amount to up to 40% of the market in the UK, compared to only around 25% in other countries; Aggarwal says a key part of Escentual’s success is a Welsh base with an excellent pool of talented staff from Cardiff’s two world class universities.

He spoke about business success with Escentual on the Retales Podcast from Brightpearl by Sage which features unique and captivating stories of ecommerce retailers Aggarwal said that Escentual’s revenues had grown from £23 million in 2020 to £30 million currently and that customer loyalty was the key to its success.

He said: “We specialise in a very specific part of the beauty market which we describe as selective beauty – the very premium end. It’s a space with quite high barriers to entry because the brands are very protective of their imagery and are very careful about their choice of the ‘last mile’ retailer.”

Escentual’s core customers are aged 22 to 36 and are largely young professionals who enjoy the convenience of online shopping with a respected specialist

brand.

The online beauty market has evolved so much over the last two decades and Aggarwal says they are ‘pro consumers’ – very well informed and responsive to social media highlighting new trends.

It is why the premium online beauty market in the UK is so much bigger than in other countries where customers are much more loyal to individual brands.

Escentual was such an early ecommerce start-up in the beauty industry that Rakesh wrote the code himself for its first website while studying for masters in business administration at Cardiff University.

He started by offering premium beauty brands to customers who could not access them locally because a department store did not serve them.

He now has 93 staff, up 52% on five years

ago, at the headquarters in Vanguard Way, Cardiff, and he now sees himself as a ‘glue’ filling in the gaps between the teams, ‘holding it all together’.

He is very proud of Escentual’s #SunPoverty campaign which has so far provided over 50 thousand free sunscreens to hardup families and is also campaigning for the scrapping of VAT on sunscreen products.

With even supermarket own brand sunscreen costing as much as £10 a bottle, Rakesh is keen to educate children as young as possible about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of using protection from an early age.

He said: “Most preventable skin cancers have their origins before the age of 18 so it is vital to start that whole process of protection early. It has been a brilliant campaign which we have run over several years.”

Aggarwal is very proud of his Welsh roots. His father Raj Aggarwal OBE owned a chain of pharmacies in Wales and is now India’s honorary consul in Wales – helping to create links between Welsh and Indian business.

Rakesh inherited his father’s entrepreneurial gene and forged ahead with his own online business in his home city of Cardiff.

Talking to the Retales podcast, Aggarwal said: “We have such a huge talent pool from the local universities. Most of our temporary workers are students and they have fed into other parts of the business after they have graduated. We have given

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people that trust and ownership early in their careers.”

Aggarwal is currently updating his technology and he stresses that efficient stock control has been crucial to his success.

He said: “We have a big focus on operational efficiency in warehousing, order management and shipping integrations.

The ability to receive an order, process it and then pick, pack and dispatch it all within between 20 and 40 minutes is crucial for us.”

Around 40% of Escentual’s orders are from existing customers who are rewarded with discounts through the loyalty scheme where they can earn points to redeem against future purchases.

He explained: “This has been an increasing focus over the last few years and it’s been really popular with our audience.”

Aggarwal said that investing in public relations has been a good way to acquire new customers as well as using in-house experts to build trust in the brand.

Looking to the future, Aggarwal called for a level playing field so that all retailers could compete fairly.

He said: “I would ask that brands such as Amazon who are able, through their structures, to move their monies and profits to different lower-cost jurisdictions and therefore gain an unfair advantage over competitors are subject to the same playing field as everyone else.”

SATRANGA FROM ANIMAL OUT NOW! PAGE 22

SALMAN AND KATRINA BACK IN TIGER3 PAGE 20

OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “PILPITA” PAGE 22

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November 2023

MURDER, MUSIC AND MYSTERY

COLLIDE IN CRIME SAGA, WHO KILLED MOOSE WALA?

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Sriram Raghavan mentored Matchbox Shots, the production house renowned for cinematic gems like Andhadhun, Monica O My Darling and Scoop, has acquired the rights to the gripping book, Who Killed Moosewala? The Spiralling Story Of Violence In Punjab, authored by crime journalist and Deputy Editor of The Tribune, Chandigarh, Jupinderjit Singh. This literary revelation peels back the layers of the enigmatic Punjabi music industry, offering a spine-chilling account of crime, fame and tragedy in the life of Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, famously known as Sidhu Moosewala.

The book delves into the ominous influence of drugs and the eruption of violence driven by gangsters’ growing dominance in Punjab. The narrative is more than just a mystery; it paints a comprehensive picture of the dark underbelly of an industry often glamorised but rarely understood.

Sidhu Moosewala, an iconic figure in the international Punjabi music scene, transformed from Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu into an artist whose lyrics and themes resonated deeply with the global youth. His work was not without controversy; it delved into raw, unfiltered issues, making him a voice for many. However, his rise to fame was tragically cut short and Who Killed Moosewala? attempts to uncover the truth behind this shocking event.

Jupinderjit Singh stated, “The moment the book was published there was a lot of interest from various production houses. I was really impressed with the kind of work Matchbox Shots is producing and I am thrilled that they have taken the rights to the book to develop it further.”

Sarita Patil of Matchbox Shots shared her perspective on the project, emphasising the connection between the music industry and gang wars in Punjab. She stated, “We have always found the macabre relationship between the music industry and gang wars in Punjab extremely intriguing.

With Jupinderjit’s book, Who Killed Moosewala?, we know we have a strong backbone for our story.”

The project, led by Dikssha Jyote Routray of Matchbox Shots, promises to be more than a movie or series; it’s a testament to the complexity of human existence and the forces that shape the world. “The story is an intricate interplay of crime, fame and music in Punjab, a narrative that demands contemplation and understanding,” says Dikssha Jyote Routray.

AW Facts Did you know?

Raj Kapoor’s ‘Mera Naam Joker’ was the first Hindi movie to have not one but two intervals

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November 2023

SALMAN AND KATRINA ARE BACK WITH A PARTY TRACK, LEKE PRABHU KA NAAM FROM TIGER 3 .

The trailer of Tiger 3 was instantly lapped up by audiences and now the makers are gearing up to take the excitement higher by unveiling the first song, ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’ which will drop on Monday.

The first song is a dance number sung by Arijit Singh and Nikhita Gandhi featuring Salman and Katrina Kaif, the second song is a romantic track that will touch the hearts of audiences and fans alike!

Director Maneesh Sharma reveals, “We can’t wait for Leke Prabhu Ka Naam to drop next week! Katrina’s ethereal beauty and the chemistry between the two make it the perfect formula to have everyone dancing!

We had a lot of fun filming in Cappadocia, Turkey, and this will be another huge dance chartbuster to add to the already enviable list of successes that Salman and Katrina have had together.”

Tiger 3 is set to release this year on November 12, Sunday!

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November 2023

CAMILO PREMIERES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “PALPITA” ALONGSIDE PUNJABI MUSIC STAR DILJIT DOSANJH International artist and five-time Latin GRAMMY® winner and three-time GRAMMY® nominee Camilo premiered the official video for his latest single “PALPITA“ on YouTube, a collaboration with Punjabi music star Diljit Dosanjh.

The video, directed by Jon Primo, who has directed videos for global music artists like Nicki Minaj, Diddy and Doja Cat to name a few, has been shot on the outskirts of Los Angeles, is as unique as “PALPITA“ itself, with both artists performing in the middle of a desert, displaying an aesthetic that seamlessly complements the fusion of rhythms, cultures, and messages contained in the song.

In “PALPITA“, released on August 31st and already available on all digital platforms, Camilo once again validates that music has the power to unite, touch hearts, and create connections among people regardless of language.

Born in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, the Latin superstar Camilo said about this unique collaboration: “I have always felt a fascination for Indian culture and its traditions. I had the chance to go once and fell in love with it. Years later, I noticed what’s happening with Punjabi music and how artists like Diljit, are crossing over and sharing their music,

culture, and sound worldwide. I’ve admired Diljit for a long time, long before this collaboration came to me, so it was an incredible surprise to see it all come to life. Working with him in the studio was a valuable learning experience because I had the chance to truly see and feel his huge heart, the richness of his melodies, his kindness, and the one of his team.

This song makes me very proud, not just because we did it but what it means in my career and what we are building between his country and mine.”

The fusion of Spanish and Punjabi has been so powerful that the song has already garnered over 11 million views in just one month since its release.

In addition to this release, Colombian singer, musician and songwriter Camilo is working on his upcoming record production with another music release to be announced soon as well as he will be participating at the Los 40 Music Awards on 3rd December in Madrid, Spain, which recognises the best in Spanish and international music of 2023.

SATRANGA FROM ANIMAL OUT NOW!

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s actionthriller film Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol and Triptii Dimri, is one of the most highly anticipated movies of this year. After dropping the first track of the song Hua Main, the makers have released the second song Satranga.

The song features Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna celebrating Karva Chauth but then seen having a

fight. They go through a rollercoaster of emotion and face love and heartbreak. The song is sung by Arijit Singh, composed by Shreyas Puranik and the lyrics have been penned by Siddhartha-Garima.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Animal releases on 1st December, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, distributed in the UK by AA Films.

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A QUARTER OF BRITISH LINE MANAGERS ADMIT “SHOCK” WHEN STAFF REPORT MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS AT WORK

Perspectus Global and Comms Agency DAPS have collaborated on a newly released White Paper, reflecting on menopause in the workplace in 2023, observing midlife women from different cultures, the benefits they bring to an organisation and the challenges they face.

The White Paper includes comments from a range of experts, as well as brand new research, surveying women of Britain and their employers.

The research found that: • 19 percent of people (a quarter of men and 12 percent of women) admit that they have no knowledge at all about menopause • 21 percent of men and one in 10 women even have no idea when women might start menopause.

• One in five of all 18-to-24-year-olds are unaware of what the symptoms of menopause might be.

• 61 percent of women over 45 agree that “menopausal” is often used in an insulting or pejorative manner.

• Nearly half (49 percent) of women aged 45 and over would not feel comfortable talking to a line manager about menopausal symptoms.

The study found that only 37 percent of managers have been offered training around menopause – this results in some unacceptable responses from bosses. When these managers were confronted with people who told them they were suffering menopause symptoms, 27 percent admitted they were shocked, a quarter

didn’t know what to do, 16 percent thought they were being lied to, 9 percent thought the complainant was making a fuss about nothing and 8 percent ignored them. 47 percent of women said they did not feel supported during their menopause.

Some expert insights below: Nina Kuypers, Founder of Black Women in Menopause: ” Recognising the intersectionality of menopause and race/ethnicity contributes to building an inclusive workplace. Challenges for Black women in menopause in the workplace are multifactorial from gender, race, and age to identify a few. These challenges can manifest in various ways for example: Lack of Representation: Black women may often find themselves in workplaces with limited representation, both in terms of gender and race. This lack of representation can make it more challenging to have their specific needs and experiences acknowledged and addressed.

Stigma and Stereotypes: Black women, like many women, may face stigma and stereotypes related to menopause. This can include misconceptions about their abilities, emotional stability, or productivity during this life stage.

Cultural Factors: The experience of menopause and attitudes towards it can vary among different cultural and ethnic groups. Some Black women may have unique cultural beliefs and practices related to menopause that influence their experience.

Economic Disparities: Black women may be more likely to work in low-wage jobs without

access to comprehensive healthcare benefits or the flexibility needed to manage menopause symptoms.

Microaggressions and Discrimination: Black women may encounter bias and prejudice in the workplace, which can exacerbate stress and negatively impact their mental and emotional well-being.

Work-Life Balance: Balancing work responsibilities with managing menopause symptoms can be challenging. Fatigue, hot flashes, and other symptoms may affect productivity and well-being if workplaces do not offer flexible work arrangements.

Communication Barriers: Effective communication about menopause needs and challenges may be impeded by a lack of understanding or open dialogue in the workplace.

Dr Rachel Taylor, Neuroscientist: ” If we are serious about making a difference to those who are going through menopause, we have to accept that there is no one menopause. Each woman experiences her menopause with her own individual challenges. Each woman experiences her menopause with her own individual challenges. There may be socially acceptable symptoms, or unique symptoms, either way, she should be supported so that she feels empowered and valued, able to use all the wisdom, experience and skills that she has accumulated throughout her life. “ Claire Lowson, Founder of Supermenopause: ” Our society sexualises women when they are still girls and discards them at their

most powerful. With an ageing population, poor female representation at board level, and a gaping hole in the workforce, this is as financially ludicrous as it is sexist and ageist.”

Pat Duckworth, Founder of Smarter Menopause: ” Menopause is not an illness, it’s a natural phase of a woman’s life.”

Emma Freivogel, Founder, Radical Recruit: “Menopause doesn’t discriminate, but the workplace often does. For menopausal women navigating intersecting disadvantages, such as race, disability, or gender identity, the challenges can be especially daunting. When unsupportive employers are thrown into the mix, the world of work becomes nearly impossible to navigate. To champion inclusivity, employers should take proactive steps by adopting an intersectional approach, addressing the unique challenges faced by women with multiple minoritised identities, revising their policies with a focus on women’s needs, ensuring culturally competent support is readily available within their organisations, and providing education to raise awareness of the challenges that their menopausal colleagues encounter.”

While women have some protection for their menopause from the Equalities Act 2010, which means that discrimination on grounds of sex, disability or age is illegal, making menopause a protected characteristic, alongside others such as pregnancy, would be a big step forward.

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GOVERNMENT TO INVEST £30 MILLION IN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR NHS Patients across the country will benefit from a £30 million government investment in innovative medical technology (medtech) which will help ease pressures on the NHS this winter and could include the expansion of 3D checks that speed up cancer tests and novel logistics solutions such as the use of drones.

Available to each region in England, ICSs – organisations that come together in local areas to deliver joined up health and social care services – can now bid for funding to invest in the latest technology that can help cut waiting lists, speed up diagnosis and deliver new and improved ways to

treat patients.

Depending on local need, ICSs could use the funding to expand virtual wards, allowing more patients to receive the care they need at home, freeing up hospital beds.

Over 9,800 virtual ward beds have already been created, and the NHS is on track to meet its target and deliver 10,000 ahead of winter.

ICSs could also invest in wearable medical devices for use by patients at home, to aid diagnosis and management of numerous chronic conditions – these devices allow the monitoring of vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heartbeat and blood pressure. Alternatively, investing in digital 3D and other

imaging technology could bolster diagnostic tests, supporting the NHS to detect and treat cancer and other serious illnesses earlier.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: It is vital that clinicians have access to the latest technology to save

EARLIER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ANNOUNCED FOR THOUSANDS NATIONWIDE

Thousands of children and young people will receive earlier mental health treatment in a move to help save lives and ensure fewer youngsters reach crisis point, through early support hubs across the country.

The government is making nearly £5 million available to provide earlier, open-access mental health intervention at 10 hubs in community locations.

The drop-in centres offer mental health support and advice to local young people who will not need a referral by a doctor or school. They will not even need an appointment. Services provided include group work, counselling, psychological therapies, specialist advice and signposting to information and other services.

Around 50% of mental health conditions are established by the time a child reaches the age of 14, and 75% by the age of 24. However, access to early support can prevent infants, children and young adults from developing enduring conditions that can have devastating long-term impacts on their lives and life chances, as well as the lives of their loved ones.

Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: To parents across the nation – I want to

assure you we’re working to get your children that vital early support. Our funding will help hubs to hire counsellors, youth workers and other local experts. It comes on top of an extra £2.3 billion a year to transform NHS mental health services and help millions of people.

I’d like to thank Dr Alex George and campaigners for their efforts highlighting the importance of early intervention in mental health. This funding can help to avoid tragic waits and save lives.

The hubs are open to those aged 11 to 25 years old, and importantly they are for anyone who may not meet the threshold to receive NHS support. Youngsters going through the trauma of worry, anxiety or stress will have a physical space to go to when their problems first emerge.

A network of roughly 60 early support hubs currently exists across the country.

They are run by a range of local services including volunteer organisations, local NHS trusts and local authorities.

The £4.92 million will enable 10 existing hubs to expand their current services locally and employ new staff like counsellors or youth workers. The 10 hubs benefiting from the funding will be an-

nounced in due course.

The government’s Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr Alex George, said: Early intervention in mental health is paramount, and today’s announcement of additional funding for early support hubs across the country is a milestone to be celebrated.

No child or young person experiencing trauma should reach crisis point, and nobody should endure the enormous tragedy of losing a loved one to mental illness. We have to make sure the support is there as early as possible.

That is why I will keep working with the government to ensure every child and young adult knows they have somewhere to go when they feel lost, overwhelmed or down.

Early support hubs also offer advice on wider issues which may affect a young person’s mental health, including sexual health, exam worries, jobs, drugs, alcohol and financial worries.

Alongside the pilots, an evaluation of how the funding has benefited local children and young people will be conducted by the government. This will ensure our young people are receiving the best possible care and also further strengthen the evidence base for early intervention and prevention support.

Fund the Hubs campaign group, comprising The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Black Thrive Global, Centre for Mental Health, The Children’s Society, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, Mind, Youth Access, and YoungMinds, said: The government’s announcement to provide additional support for 10 existing early support hubs recognises the vital role these community services play in bringing mental health support and advice to young people.

With now over a million referrals to children and young people’s mental health services every year, we know that

services are struggling to keep up with demand. Early intervention services are desperately needed across the country and will make a huge difference to many young people who are struggling with their mental health.

Tens of thousands of young people have fought hard to fund the hubs. These spaces will mean that young people can get support for their mental health as soon as they need it, rather than waiting months and sometimes years for help. In the context young people are navigating, this additional funding for services is worth celebrating. We welcome this step in the right direction and hope that more hubs will be funded in the future, so every young person in every community can access the support they provide.

Vital progress is being made to support more children and young people with their mental health, regardless of background or location, with investment in NHS mental health services continuing to increase each year from almost £11 billion in 2015 to 2016 to almost £16 billion in 2022 to 2023.

An additional £2.3 billion of funding a year by March 2024 is being used to expand and transform services, so an extra 2 million people can get mental health support. This includes an extra 345,000 children and young people who will be able to access NHS-funded mental health support.

Support in school is also important, which is why the government is continuing to roll out mental health support teams to schools and colleges in England. There are currently around 400 mental health support teams in place across England, covering over 3 million children or around 35% of pupils in schools and colleges, and we’re extending coverage to at least 50% of pupils in England by the end of March 2025.

staff time, deliver high quality care and help cut waiting lists – one of the government’s top 5 priorities.

This investment will see the latest tech innovations rolled out across the NHS. From virtual ward beds to wearable medical devices, patients will be better supported, and we will ease pressures on hospitals this winter.

We’re preparing for this winter earlier than ever before, including delivering thousands more hospital beds and hundreds of new ambulances.

NHS interim National Director of Transformation, Dr Vin Diwakar, said: The NHS’s world-leading ability to adopt new technology has already helped more than 210,000 patients be treated in their own homes through the rollout of virtual wards, and this new funding will allow the health service to adopt more innovations that improve patient care and reduce pressure on wider services.

Local NHS areas known as integrated care systems can now submit bids to the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to access the funds so they can roll out the technology.

Earlier this year, the government published its medical technology strategy, which set out steps to ensure patients can access safe, effective and innovative technology through the NHS. This builds on the £21 million artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostics fund, which aims to improve access to the latest AI technology to diagnose and treat patients more quickly. NHS trusts were invited to bid for funding to accelerate the rollout of the most promising AI imaging and decision support tools to help diagnose patients more quickly for conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart conditions.

The new funding comes on top of a series of other measures the government is taking to support the NHS this winter. In September, an additional £200 million was invested in the health service to boost resilience and help patients get the care they need as quickly as possible in the coming months. The Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, announced in January, also committed to deliver 5,000 additional permanent, fully staffed hospital beds, 10,000 virtual ward beds and 800 new ambulances, backed by £1 billion.

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ASIAN WORLD’S KITCHEN

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Talented Chef crafting Fusion Cuisine:

Chef Lynn Daniella Hoffmann Chef Lynn Daniella Hoffmann is a talented chef who was born in Canada and has Hungarian, Romanian, and Portuguese ancestry. She was brought up in Portugal and completed her final year of high school in the UK. Her family moved back to Canada after the Portuguese revolution and graduated from Concordia University with a double degree in Fine Art and Graphic design. She had a very long double career in the investment industry as well as her own freelance design company.

She is a Content Creator on Instagram:

jump_into_my_kitchen

A Chef Creator on the Gronda app:

Lynn Daniella Hoffmann

Q.) Which cuisine do you prepare?

Chef Lynn: My food is renowned for being “fusion cuisine,” since it is a synthesis of several cultures as a result of my travels and passion for trying out new recipes and culinary styles.

Q.) When you were 18 years old, what motivated you to write a cookbook?

Chef Lynn: I used to work in a big office and bring my own prepared meals, which many of my coworkers found impressive due to their appearance. My first cookbook, “Recipes for my Friends,” was inspired by that.

Q.) Describe the cuisines of Portugal and Hungary.

Chef Lynn: I grew up learning about Hungarian cuisine from my late mother, which is a blend of sophisticated and hearty dishes from the plains that have been inspired by many other civilizations over the ages.

Deep, rich tastes made with charcuterie, game meats, and their renowned “paprika.” Amazing sweets that reflected both their personal and the Austrian empire.

Portuguese food has been greatly influenced by many different cultures, and as a maritime nation, it is rich in fish and seafood dishes. Prepared simply (mainly on a grill) to retain the sea’s flavours. Amazing agriculture and hearty meals are the hallmarks of inland Portugal. Their “Black Pork,” which is akin to the Spanish “Porco Iberico,” is particularly well-known.

Q.) What makes your meal unique?

Chef Lynn: My food is “fusion” and innovative since

I blend other cultural cuisines into it and I don’t often make the same meals twice. Since of this, my creations are always surprising and full of new flavours!

Because I have experience with sculpture in my early years, my plating design is entirely original and “sculptural.”

Q.) It’s amazing how colourful your food looks.

For what reason, exactly?

Chef Lynn: Being an artist (painter, sculptor, designer, photographer), I have a strong visual sense. A platter ought to have appealing hues, textures, flavours, and aromas.

Q.) What was the proudest moment of your culinary career?

Chef Lynn: I had two really proud experiences. The first was a few years ago, when I opened “Saveurs du Jour,” a private house restaurant (Flavours of the Day). It quickly gained a lot of success, and I had a great time entertaining visitors, wowing them with my food, and getting to know amazing people. My rise to fame on Instagram with my brand “Jump Into My Kitchen” was, and continues to be, my second source of pride. I am often asked for guidance, coaching, and instruction by other chefs. I founded a worldwide chef club two years ago with the goal of inspiring people and bringing together chefs from all around the world for enjoyable, non-competitive cooking challenges.

Q.) What motivates you to cook?

Chef Lynn: I am motivated primarily by my inner drive to encourage people, whether they be professional or home chefs, kids or young adults, etc., to cook and be creative.

Q.) Which cuisine, Canadian, Hungarian, or Portuguese, do you find most interesting and why?

Chef Lynn: Actually, none of those: Asian food is what I find most fascinating and heavily influences my cooking. Asian food has so many different aspects and customs.

Q.) Any suggestions for aspiring chefs?

Chef Lynn: Definitely! Be creative. Experiment with flavours and textures. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Ask many questions and reach out to other Chefs. Without a doubt, my mantra is “Don’t be afraid to break the culinary rules”.

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November 2023

A FUSION OF FLAVOURS A fusion of flavour, artistry, and heritage, Tilda announces their limited-edition collaboration with Natasha Kumar for over 50 years, Tilda has been a renowned brand synonymous with superior quality and long-standing heritage. Tilda has mastered the delicate art of perfecting rice elevating every dining moment into a cherished memory. It is driven by a profound passion for cultural exploration, an integral part of Tilda’s brand identity. This dedication extends beyond the plate, as they reimagine not only the quality they offer, but also the very essence of how these treasures is elegantly presented. This autumn, Tilda takes immense pride in announcing the launch of their limited-edition 2kg tin in collaboration with British Indian artist, Natasha Kumar. A celebration of food, culture and colours of the sub-continent, Natasha’s design sets twirling dancers, vibrant drummers, and a fanfare of trumpeters against a background of deep pinks, daring blues and elegant Mughal architecture. The drummers symbolise the pulsating heart of Tilda and the design resonates with the rhythm of everyday. As a brand renowned for excellence, it has always strived to bring more than just culinary delights to the table. With a rich heritage that spans generations, Tilda embodies a commitment to quality, authenticity, and the cel-

Sandwell Council has reopened the café at the Sandwell Valley crematorium.

The reopening follows feedback received from visitors, families attending services and other stakeholders who have missed the café which unfortunately had to close when the former tenant decided not to renew their lease after more than ten years. Coffee Crèm will now be run by the council’s bereavement services catering team and will be open six days a week serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and breakfasts.

While it was closed the facility was completely redecorated with a new kitchen area, flooring, furniture and state of the art coffee machine.

Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, Councillor Syeda Khatun, said:

“

Having spoken to families attending services and other visitors, it’s wonderful to be able to reopen a space that allows people to get together to talk about loved ones, perhaps just to sit and remember or have a quiet moment to themselves in a welcoming and understanding space.

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ebration of diverse cultures. As Natasha Kumar beautifully puts it, “This collaboration with Tilda is one of taste, a blend of flavour and art, aimed at making every grain of rice part of a shared cultural experience.’’ Natasha Kumar’s own identity traces her lineage of art and culture. She comes from a family of fine figurative painters on her English side and draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of her Indian side. Collaboration with Tilda on this exclusive tin has only broadened that celebration of family and cultural kinship which defines her work. Scheduled to make its debut this October, the limited-edition tin will be available through selected retail stores across the UK. Unveil the tin to immerse yourself in this cultural experience! On the launch of this limited-edition tin, Anna Beheshti from Tilda said, ‘’This collaboration with Natasha Kumar is a perfect blend of traditions and food. Here at Tilda, we believe that art, music, and cultures are key anchors of the diverse cultures we have been celebrating in the UK for more than 50 years, much like how rice has been the heart of innumerable dinner tables. Moreover, this marks the initial step in the exciting journey of crafting a fusion of flavours and art for Tilda. Watch this space for more.’’

SANDWELL COUNCIL REOPENS COFFEE CRÈM

“

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November 2023

HOW TO MAKE KUNAFA Ingredients: • • • • • • •

Vermicelli: 2 packets Khoya: 175 grams Rabri: 175 grams Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup Butter: 250 grams melted Sugar: 1 cup Water: 1 cup

Method 1. Cook water and sugar together in a pan; check if syrup gets thicker and ready, remove from the pan.

2. Break vermicelli thin and small.

3. Put vermicelli in a bowl, add butter and mix either with spoon or with hands.

4. Now take the dish in which you are going to make kunafa, spread a layer of vermicelli inside.

5. Press vermicelli well while putting its layer. Then place a layer of khoya, then layer of rabri and then layer of mozzarella cheese (sliced or grated).

6. Now place another layer of vermicelli on the top.

Press to set vermicelli precisely.

7. Now bake it in an already heated oven (180 deg) for 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Once vermicelli starts becoming brown, turn the upper grill stove on for 2 to 3 minutes so that vermicelli gets browned from top as well.

9. Once it starts turning brown, remove from oven and pour the syrup you prepared in first step. Spread sugar syrup across the baked vermicelli.

10. Delicious Kunafa is ready to serve.

11. Cut into pieces and serve hot.

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ASTON UNIVERSITY HELPS TO INCREASE NUMBER OF WOMEN ENGINEERS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Aston University is helping to increase the number of women engineers across the globe.

The University has welcomed three new early academic fellows as part of the British Council scholarships for women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The scheme was set up to help women from the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, western Balkans, central Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and Turkey.

According to data from the UN Scientific Education and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019 fewer than 30 percent of researchers worldwide were women and only 30 percent of female students select STEM-related fields in higher education.

The three fellows’ research will be based within Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) where they will also receive industrial mentoring and be offered an industrial placement.

Their areas of specialism cover food industry and agriculture processes, advanced lasers for health and life science, environmental monitoring and wearable devices within healthcare.

Photo caption (left-right): Shen Omar Nur Alia (Malaysia), Nguyen Minh Ngoc (Vietnam) and Pham Thi Hong (Vietnam) Professor Sergei Turitsyn, director of AIPT said: “According to the recent EngineeringUK report only 16.5% of those working in engineering roles in UK are women. In many other parts of the world proportion is even less.

“We in AiPT are trying not just to say

the right words about lack of female engineers, but contribute to changing this. AiPT is trying to embrace diversity and create an inclusive environment where academics, industry, post-doctoral researchers, visiting fellows and PhD students cooperate to overcome major scientific challenges in a creative

and collegial atmosphere.

“We have a great team of researchers with a balance of strong industry expertise and top academic experience who will guide and mentor the fellows.

“We believe that our work contributes to the University’s new 2030 strategy by increasing our capacity for

sustained excellence and impact in science, technology and enterprise taking into accounts various aspects of diversity and inclusion.”

In 2022 Aston University became the second UK university to have an engineering department awarded Athena Swan Gold which recognises a commitment to advancing the careers of women and promoting gender equality.

The three new fellows are Nguyen Minh Ngoc and Pham Thi Hong from Vietnam and Shen Omar Nur Alia from Malaysia who have PhDs in STEM subjects.

Minh said: “I was delighted when I found out I had been chosen to be an academic fellow as part of the British Council scholarships for women in science, medical technology, engineering and maths.

“AiPT is one of the world’s leading photonics research centres so for us three to have the opportunity to be part of the team at Aston University is an enviable achievement.

“I can’t wait to start the next 12 months of my career here in Birmingham.”

The three will be supervised by Professor Edik Rafailov, Professor David Webb and Professor Misha Sumetsky.

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SAUDIA BECAME THE FIRST AIRLINE TO FLY INTO RED SEA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

By: Rida Khan (Aviation Author) The first airline to fly out of Red Sea International Airport is Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the country’s flag carrier. SAUDIA has signed a memorandum of agreement with Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the two most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations in the world, Red Sea and Amaala, as well as daa International, the operator of Red Sea International (RSI) airport.

Red Sea International Airport, which is approximately 15 km inland from the Red Sea coast, started development in

the year 2021. Foster+Partners and architecture studio Jacob worked together to create an outstanding design. Along with the opening of the first three resorts at the Red Sea area, RSI is slated to make its debut this year. When it first opens, there will be domestic flights to and from Riyadh and subsequently Jeddah; international flights will be added starting in 2024.

When the Red Sea International Airport’s first phase is completed in 2030, thirteen other hotels will also be operational.

The area will have 50 resorts, with a total of 8000 hotel rooms

and more than 1000 residential buildings spread among 22 islands and 6 inland areas. Luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and recreational facilities are also included in the destination.

John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global said, “In 2016 His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman set out a vision for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A vision for a thriving country, one that was recognized as a global hub where people from all around the world come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality and nature.”

Red Sea Global won’t simply be filled with joy as the first commercial flight touches down at Red Sea International. Making that goal a reality will mark a significant turning point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Therefore, it is appropriate that the Kingdom’s national airline, SAUDIA, will depart from our destination first.

In accordance with the contract, SAUDIA will start providing regularly scheduled services to and from RSI. It offers a framework for three organizations to conduct joint research on the usage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and lower carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) at Red Sea International Airport. The use of electric vertical take-off

and landing jets (eVTOL) to lessen emissions from air travel to the Red Sea will also be assessed.

Mr. Nicholas Cole CEO of daa International said, “Red Sea International is a new gateway for travelers to experience the wonders of Saudi Arabia.

Bringing our unmatched airport management expertise we will work with RSG and SAUDIA to ensure RSI delivers a truly unique experience for all who pass through it.”

Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA said, “Today’s agreement marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s aviation history. As wings of Vision 2030, SAUDIA’S contribution is to be an enabler in attaining giga

projects targets, and our involvement as the first airline to operate from and to Red Sea International airport is a source of pride for us all. This agreement will strengthen our position in the Kingdom and allow us to collaborate with RSG and daa International to boost tourism and enhance the country’s standing within international aviation.”

In addition to continuing to oversee airport operations, daai will collaborate with SAUDIA on a number of tasks, including allocating counters and gates.

SAUDIA flights will connect travelers from around the world to the stunning Red Sea.

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November 2023

MOTORING COURT ORDERS SCRAP SITE TO BE CLEARED AFTER INVESTIGATION

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DRIVING IN THE DARK? WAKE UP TO THE RISKS OF DRIVING TIRED, SAYS GEM

Two former directors of a liquidated Teesside company have been ordered to clear their illegal scrap site of hundreds of vehicles following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

Brothers Yusuf Mohammed, 48, and Munir Mohammed, 58, both of Phoenix Sidings in Stockton-On-Tees, both pleaded guilty to two offences of operating an illegal scrap yard when they appeared at Teesside Crown Court on 18 September.

They were directors of a now liquidated Jap Parts Ltd,a scrap vehicle site which became a fire risk. They continued to operate despite the demise of the company and the loss of its environmental permit, and failed to engage with Environment Agency officers during a lengthy investigation.

They were both ordered to pay £1,591 in fines and costs, and given a remediation order to clear the site of all of the remaining scrap vehicles.

Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: • The storage and dismantling of scrap vehicles is strictly regulated because of the pollution risks of hazardous liquid such as oil, fuel and break fluids, as well as batteries.

• Dismantling must be done using methods to reduce the risk to the environment, and the waste stored pending

recovery or disposal. Operators must have an environmental permit to carry out these activities.

• This was a lengthy investigation by our officers where the defendants were non compliant and I’m pleased there is now a court order in place to ensure the clearance of the site once and for all.

Reports of illegal scrap storage The court heard that the brothers owned two areas of land next to each other at Stockton-On-Tees, at Britannia Road and Phoenix Sidings – near to the railway line, homes and businesses. Their company, Jap Parts Ltd had an environmental permit in place to run a scrap vehicle site on the Phoenix Sidings land.

In July 2019, Environment Agency officers attended the site after receiving reports of illegal scrap vehicle storage.

The Phoenix Sidings site was full with vehicles, while the Britannia Road site, for which there was no permit, also had about 40 scrap vehicles stored on it.

Enquiries revealed that Jap Parts Ltd was in liquidation and had stopped trading in November 2014. The brothers had set up a new company, Jap Parts (North) Ltd, which did not have an environmental permit for activity on either site. Yusif Mohammed confirmed the new company started trading in December 2014, with the vehicle stock transferring to the new

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company.

The investigation also revealed that no scrap vehicles had left the site between 2013 and 2018, meaning the terms of the original permit – which stated vehicles must not be kept for more than three years – had been breached.

The Environment Agency asked the brothers for an action plan to clear the scrap vehicles from both sites.

In September the same year, Environment Agency officers met the brothers on site. Officers could see around 300 scrap vehicles. Officers raised concerns about the fire risk as many of the vehicles had not been de-polluted – where the hazardous liquids such as fuel and oil are removed and stored safely for disposal.

The brothers were told to clear the site by the end of September.

The defendants said they thought the permit for Jap Parts Ltd would move to their new company, but they were told this was not the case.

Between September 2019 and the summer of 2021 the Environment Agency sent a number of statutory notices requiring the defendants to provide more information about waste transfer, storage and clearing the site, and also a request for them to attend for an interview under caution – all of these were ignored.

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Road crashes caused by tired drivers are occurring every day on our roads and motorways, according to road safety and breakdown recovery organisation GEM Motoring Assist. But by good journey planning and taking regular breaks, drivers can minimise the risk of a fatigue-related collision.

GEM is concerned that too many drivers choose to ignore the Highway Code’s advice on taking breaks1, with the result that their ability to concentrate and focus is reduced. At this time of year, as many of us adjust to darker afternoons and more night-time road journeys, the risks of a fatigue-related incident are raised. On a motorway this can have catastrophic consequences.

GEM road safety adviser James Luckhurst says: “No one falls asleep without any prior warning2, and dangerous levels of fatigue come only after a series of early warning signs. So we should take action on a journey if we find ourselves yawning a lot, or blinking or experiencing an initial drop in our ability to concentrate.

“Many crashes occur because of the urge to press on, to get home or to reach a destination that might be just a couple of hours away… but if it’s late in the day and we’ve been driving for a long time, then the risk of a collision increases the longer we stay driving.

“Being a safer driver means being physically and mentally prepared to drive. Ensuring you are well-rested helps you remain alert. This maximises your chance of identifying and

responding to hazards earlier, allowing you more time to react.

“We urge every driver on a long journey to follow the Highway Code advice and take a proper break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles of driving.”

GEM offers the following advice for avoiding the risks associated with fatigue: • Give yourself the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep – preferably every night and certainly before you need to make a road journey.

• Understand that a sleep deficit of just a couple of hours can lead to irritability and can also increase someone’s likelihood to take irrational risks.

• For driving, fatigue is a serious risk, so don’t begin a long journey if you’re already tired.

• Ensure the cabin environment is pleasant but not too warm. Removing overcoats and other bulky items of clothing is another good way to ensure you stay comfortable.

• If you feel sleepy while driving, then stop as soon as it’s safe. Resting and drinking some coffee offers a possible short-term fix.

• If you’re stopping for a rest at a motorway service area, make sure you know the maximum permitted length of stay. If you need longer to rest then pay for your parking rather than risk a hefty fine.

• If you’re really tired, the only proper cure for sleepiness is a proper sleep.

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DAME KATHERINE GRAINGER OFFICIALLY OPENS £9M SUSTAINABLE SPORTPARK EXPANSION ON LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY SCIENCE AND ENTERPRISE PARK

Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of UK Sport and one of Britain’s most decorated female Olympians of all time and the first British woman to win medals at five successive Olympic Games, has officially opened SportPark Pavilion 4 on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).

On Thursday 26 October, more than 80 guests including senior representatives from across the sports sector, national and regional economic development partners, the University community, and project team gathered to celebrate the opening of the £9m expansion of SportPark.

SportPark Pavilion 4 is Loughborough University’s first Passivhaus development which is widely regarded as the most challenging energy efficiency and comfort standards in the world.

Designed by David Morley Architects, the original architects of SportPark which opened in 2010, and built by Henry Brothers Construction, it will soon receive an International Green Apple Award for Sustainable Development, Building and Construction and Carbon Reduction. There are only 5

Passivhaus Certified office buildings in the UK, and SportPark Pavilion 4 is a strong contender for a podium position in performance terms.

Dame Katherine Grainger said: “SportPark’s vision was to inspire and connect people from different organisations, united by the same energy, passion and belief that through sport, we can do better, we can be better, and we can achieve extraordinary things.

It’s wonderful to be part of that community at Loughborough, where chance introductions and conversations can produce exciting, unpredictable, and incredible results.

SportPark Pavilion 4 continues to build on this vision. It’s a stunning building.

But what will make it really fly is the people who inhabit it, their creativity and collaboration. I’m very optimistic for what the future will bring.”

Relocating its headquarters from London to SportPark in 2021, UK AntiDoping (UKAD) is SportPark Pavilion 4’s anchor tenant, occupying the entire third floor. Philip Bunt, UKAD’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted with the results of the move.

We chose Loughborough University because it is the leading sports university in the country, with far more sports bodies based here than elsewhere.

We wanted to get closer to them. And working in partnership with the University gives us the opportunity to influence how students understand sport integrity.”

Alex Owen, Chief Financial Officer of Loughborough University and executive lead for the development of LUSEP, said: “SportPark Pavilion 4 has been superb team effort which sets the benchmark for the sustainable development of the University campus.

SportPark’s expansion will further strengthen the vibrant ecosystem, enabling us to welcome even more sports organisations and businesses seeking to collaborate with LUSEP’s wider innovation community, the University’s world-leading sport-related research capabilities, facilities, performance base and living lab of athletes.

And together, we can drive forward new research in the University’s strategic theme areas, sport, health and wellbeing, vibrant and inclusive communi-

ties and climate change and net zero.”

These partnerships allow us to drive innovation and change faster and with more impact, as well as creating new jobs, boosting the regional economy, and providing more opportunities for our students.”

Andy Reed OBE, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership chair said: “Funding support for SportPark Pavilion 4 has helped to deliver a superb building that is also highly sustainable – a key pillar of the regional economic growth strategy.

“The investment has created jobs and brought further leading sports organisations to base themselves here in Loughborough, adding to its reputation for collaboration and innovation.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chair of Loughborough Town Deal Board, said: “Loughborough is synonymous with elite sport and that’s why the Town Deal Board was keen to support this project.

“SportPark is an outstanding asset to have in the town and it brings many benefits to the local economy and communities. The Town Deal Board is al-

ready delivering for Loughborough, and this is another outstanding project which has brought investment into the area.”

SportPark Pavilion 4 is delivered by the LLEP as part of the Getting Building Fund. Funds were designated for investment in local, shovel-ready infrastructure projects to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the country. The LLEP was allocated £20m, supporting the SportPark expansion with £6m.

Further funding has been provided through the University’s Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project which received £2.5m from the Government’s Towns Fund via Loughborough Town Deal. The project aims to build on the town’s reputation for sporting excellence and harness that knowledge for the good of residents.

The Town Deal is backing 11 projects worth over £40m of investment to Loughborough.