CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES
SEPTEMBER 2026
The broadcasting world mourns the passing of the legend, Dervan Malcolm Page 26
0121 Festival bringing the very best of Jamaica
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Celebrating the unparalled Legacy of Dolly Parton
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Meet Deirdre Labassiere The woman shaping lives through critical thinking
Page 2 The Phoenix Newspaper July 2026
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NEWS
Britain’s State of Preparedness in Light of Changing Climate Patterns B
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by Dr Tony Talburt: Senior Lecturer and Author in African Diaspora Politics and History As I recently made two overseas trips by aeroplane and looked down on the once ‘green and pleasant land’ of England, it was shocking to see the extent of the vast swathes of dry and brown land caused by weeks of hot dry weather. From all accounts this dramatic weather pattern of prolonged hot dry spells is not a one-off situation but likely to be a recurring feature of British weather and long-term climate pattern. The key question is to what extent are people prepared to adjust or make changes in response to what the climate experts regard as conclusive evidence of climate change in Britain?
While some claim there is no such thing as climate change, history tells us the earth’s climate has always been changing. The government’s ‘Environment Agency Report’ (February and March 2026) claimed, earlier this year, that although the month of March had been relatively dry for much of England, with the east, south-east and southwest England receiving around half the rainfall we would expect with 5 days left in the month, and the north-west being the only region to have already received above average rainfall for the month. England had received 67% of the long-term average (LTA) for March. River flows on 24 March at three-quarters of nationally reported sites were considered normal for the time of year.
However, by August of this year, the ‘Guardian Newspaper’ (August 2) declared that half of the England and the whole of Wales were officially in drought in July and looked set to continue for weeks to come. Both parts of England and Wales have been at the heart of wildfires which have left farmers and wildlife running out of water. The dry spell has resulted in the River Thames recording its lowest ever level. Furthermore, the met Office predicts that by 2070 the hot summers will make the country about 6 degrees Celsius hotter and 60% drier than 1990.
Whether we like it or disagree with the views of the weather and climate experts, it certainly appears the British long term weather pattern is not the same as a few decades ago and we might need to start making small but consistent lifestyle changes in response to these. East Anglia Byways suggests at least three ways to tackle this changing situation. The first is to install rain butts to collect rainwater and store some of this in receptacles for watering plants.
They also suggest placing a bucket in the shower to collect water and reuse this to flush the toilet. A second suggestion is to run the dishwasher only when it is full and take shorter showers. A third suggestion is to avoid running the tap when brushing your teeth and only turn on the tap when it is needed. As far-fetched as some of these ideas might seem
if small changes or suggestions are promoted and pushed in schools, the next generation could be incorporating some of these as part of their normal lifestyle. Preparing for change is better than being caught out. If the recent wildfires in Britain are anything to go by, perhaps we can no longer consider these as far away problems, but something much closer to home.
Page 3 - The Phoenix Newspaper July 2026
www.thephoenixnewspaper.comFEATURE NEWS Clouded yellow colious croceous
JamaicanTurkish fusion providing flavour and vibes in London pub
An original Jamaican-Turkish fusion residency has opened up in a Peckham pub, and it already feels like it was always meant to be here, writes Myfanwy FlemingJones… Jurkish, created by Peckhamborn Nazli Ramadan, brings a vibe as full of life and as diverse as the community surrounding it — complete with honey-infused cocktails brewed to complement every plate. A proud South Londoner Nazli attended Sydenham School in Lewisham and launched Jurkish at John the Unicorn on Rye Lane after the success of her pop-up JUMBI in nearby Copeland Par Tom Gosnell (founder) and Cameron McKenzie-Wilde (Sales & Marketing Director) at John the Unicorn. She’s been putting a creative spin on J
I am always going to be the biggest champion of how overlooked the little pockets of South London are,” she said. “The culture that South London has brought to London and the whole world — the art, food and energy. We are bold, brazen and honest people.” The menu reflects exactly that spirit. Steaming plates of curry goat manti sit alongside hot and cold mezze, Jurkish grill, cornmeal crème brûlée and pistachio brownies. Nazli has also partnered with Gosnells to create the Jurkish ‘nectars’ — naturally brewed honey beers ranging from £6 to £13 with the raspberry hibiscus and honey and ginger varieties pairing particularly well with the manti. Small plates start at £4, mains around £15, and there’s a £5 jerk wrap lunch deal worth catching this April. Jurkish is open weekdays 12–9 and weekends 12–10, with festival appearances lined up at On the Rise, Crystal Palace events and Meatopia. A brunch menu could also be on the way – so keep your eyes on their Instagram stories to stay up to date. For Nazli, staying local was never really a question. “Being from Peckham, there’s such a strong sense of community. “From the guy running the car park to the woman selling seamoss under the bridge. Where else would I be?” Let’s restore the moth’s reputation: Unfortunately, for many years moths have had an undeservedly poor reputation. The commonly held view is that moths are brown, drab, boring and eat your clothes. Nothing could be further from the truth but, because they are largely nocturnal creatures, we tend not to encounter them very often so our view of them is often coloured by the opinions of others.
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Health
Five years as one hospice! Over a century of care! Let’s restore the moth’s reputation: Unfortunately, for many years moths have had an undeservedly poor reputation. The commonly held view is that moths are brown, drab, boring and eat your clothes. Nothing could be further from the truth but, because they are largely nocturnal creatures, we tend not to encounter them very often so our view of them is often coloured by the opinions of others.
Birmingham Hospice is celebrating five years as one hospice this week after two historic hospices merged in 2021, expanding on the specialist palliative and end of life care the two organisations delivered to people across the city for over 100 years. The organisation was formed in 2021 when two hospices with more than a century of care between them came together; John Taylor Hospice in Erdington and Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park. It later rebranded as Birmingham Hospice, bringing its services together under one name while continuing its shared commitment to compassionate, specialist care. Over the past last five years, the hospice’s Inpatient Units (IPUs) at Selly Park and Erdington have welcomed over 1,790 patients, providing expert care, comfort and support when it is needed most.
Former nurse Fiona Place, 55, has personal experience of what Birmingham Hospice does. She spent her working life caring for others, having worked for the NHS since she was 17. But her life changed overnight when she was diagnosed with cancer and told she would need palliative care. “I went to see the oncologist and was told by doctors that there was nothing else they could do, and they referred me to Birmingham Hospice,” said Fiona
“I’ve got great support from family and friends, but my diagnosis was definitely a shock to the system. I had to retire from nursing because of the pain caused by the tumour.” Fiona was first supported at home by Clinical Nurse Specialists from Birmingham Hospice’s Community Team, who provided expert advice, symptom management and reassurance.
When she became too unwell to remain there, Fiona spent several weeks in hospital before moving to Birmingham Hospice’s Erdington Inpatient Unit, where the team has been helping to manage her pain and make her more comfortable. Her care has also extended beyond managing her symptoms. Following a lengthy period in bed, physiotherapists from the hospice’s Therapies Team have been helping Fiona rebuild her strength and regain some independence.
“Everyone’s so lovely here and they have time to talk to you. Everyone treats the patients with respect and care.” Despite having spent much of her life working within the NHS, being cared for by the hospice has given Fiona a new perspective. “You always think cancer will never happen to you, but it has, and I have to deal with it. “Birmingham Hospice helps you to come to terms with it and to cope with it as best you can. I’ve worked for the NHS since I was 17 but it’s opened my eyes to what is available for people.” As Birmingham Hospice marks five years since the merger, Fiona’s story is a reminder of why that care matters.
Behind the numbers are thousands of individual stories and moments where compassion and specialist care can make an extraordinary difference. For more than a century, the hospice has been part of Birmingham’s story and its dedicated staff have been there for local people and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments. The five-year anniversary will also be marked through a series of fundraising activities across the city, with the hospice’s fundraising team taking on the ‘Big Five Challenge Shop Tour’, running 70 miles over three days to visit all 27 of its retail shops, while businesses joined the ‘Big Five City Centre Cycle Challenge’ on 26 August. You can show your support for the hospice and the care they provide by making a donation online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/big5
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BREAKING NEWS
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Feature
Meet Deirdre LaBassiere – The woman shaping lives through critical thinking By: Howard Leader Deirdre LaBassiere is a woman who shaped her own life through critical thinking and has used her lived experience to improve the lives of others through her inspirational approach to governance in both the corporate-private sector and the public sector. Deirdre read law before dedicating her career to the principles of governance, assurance, and risk management. She is a Fellow of the Lunar Society and has served in senior governance roles across NHS Trusts, housing associations, and national charities. She also chairs the Legacy Centre of Excellence, Europe’s largest Black-owned cultural centre, and WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), a Birmingham-based charity supporting women affected by domestic abuse, poverty, and systemic barriers.
Governance has been the bedrock of the work that Deirdre has pursued throughout her life. She told us: “For me, governance is ultimately about the quality of the decisions we make and the culture and the values that sit behind those decisions. “Corporate decisions don’t stay in the board room, they impact employees, customers, tenants, communities, families, and can affect people’s lives in ways that those that those sitting around the board table never experience.” Compliance may be the limit of governance conversations in some board rooms, but Deirdre is passionate about moving the conversation beyond mere compliance to much broader concerns. She said: “Considering questions like: where is the humanity in governance? “Where is the courage? Where is the understanding of the people that are affected by our decisions and what legacy we are creating through the decisions we make today, all ultimately led me to develop what I call ‘Governance With Soul.’ There is an ethical dimension to good governance.
It is an important distinction because governance gives us that architecture for decision making. It gives us that authority, that accountability, that scrutiny, that transparency, the ethics that has people asking “what are we using that architecture to achieve?” This is important because an organisation can follow technical processes and still come to a decision that is unfair or harmful, or inconsistent with its stated values. So, for me, governance needs us to ask not only “is this decision lawful and have we followed the correct process?” but “are we doing the right thing? Is it fair? “Who does it benefit? Who does it burden? Whose voice was not heard and can we actually stand behind the consequences of this decision?” For some in business and in public bodies this approach may be pushing the boundaries, but Deirdre gives a practical example of where Governance with Soul has proved her point. She said: “Take the NHS. There was a 13-year-old girl, Martha, and she had passed away.
“The family had had concerns about her deterioration prior to her death which they felt had not been adequately acted upon. The subsequent governance response was to create a formal escalation mechanism so that patients, families, carers and staff could request an independent review report if they believed that any deterioration had not been addressed and I think we can now see the human impact of this. After Martha’s Rule was introduced, NHS England reported some 15,000 calls under this rule resulting in changes to treatment in some 3000 cases. “To me that says that the early-evidence initiative saves lives. So, if anybody asks me if good governance really changes people’s lives, I would point to the decision to adopt Martha’s Rule.” Deirdre’s Governance with Soul theories were forged in the crucible of the challenges of her early adult life. As a young woman Deirdre knew a period of hardship when she found herself left without a home looking after her young daughter, but bringing order to that situation became the bedrock of her subsequent thinking about business, state organisations and even Britain’s place in the world. Her daughter Annissa has inherited her mother’s energy and ability to grapple with global issues and they have recently collaborated in the making of a documentary film examining The Future of the Commonwealth. Deirdre believes that a crucial opportunity is in danger of being missed. She said: “We need to be truthful about our history.
“Some of the Commonwealth economic relationships “Some of the Commonwealth economic relationships existed within the colonial system, particularly in the earlier period, and within an economy sustained by enslavement, so we can’t look back nostalgically and pretend that everything about those relationships was good. But right now, given that these relationships do exist, we can ask ourselves what we can build together today on the basis of equality, equity, mutual respect and shared prosperity.” There are 56 member countries in the Commonwealth, home to a third of the world’s population, representing extraordinary diversity. This, Deirdre believes, means the Commonwealth a unique shared asset. She said: “We have young populations, we have natural resources, we have intellectual capital, we have cultural capital, we have entrepreneurial talent and I genuinely wonder why we have not translated that enormous network of relationships into meaningful opportunities for ordinary people and ordinary businesses. “I mean, where are the Commonwealth supply chains? Where are the stronger business to business networks? Where are the opportunities deliberately connecting SMEs in Birmingham with entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and in Africa and in India or in the Pacific? “All of this would help so much in terms of building on the potential that we have.” For Deirdre, once more, this comes back to her themes of governance and legacy as she lends a powerful voice to the group which believes in the potential of a modern Commonwealth. She said: “We need to encompass the Commonwealth relational-infrastructure and govern the infrastructure better so that the benefits are more widely shared. more widely shared.
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“I mean, imagine a stronger collaboration around AI and technology and creative industries, education, renewables, climate resilience and food security. There is so much that is relevant to the next generation and, for me, that comes back to legacy because we inherited a Commonwealth from a particular history. We can’t change that history, but we can decide what we do with those relationships now. “And if we can do that, if we can transform the inheritance of empire into a partnership of equals, and if we can do that economically, culturally and socially, then I believe that the Commonwealth has an enormously important role to play.” But, is Britain wary of that level of engagement as a result of a collective national embarrassment about the inheritance and the rumble of discussion about reparations? Deirdre said: “I think embarrassment might be at the root of it and there could well be people carrying guilt or at least being told that they should carry guilt. “You know stewardship requires us to acknowledge what we have inherited - the good and the difficult. Understanding requires us to know the history rather than sanitise it. And legacy asks us what we are going to leave to the next generation. I think we actually need to go beyond reparation to restoration of the Commonwealth.”
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“Corporate decisions “Corporate decisions don’t don’t stay stay in in the the board room, board room, they they impact impact employees, employees, customers, tenants, customers, tenants, communities, communities, families, and families, and can can affect affect people’s people’s lives lives in in ways that ways that those those that that those those sitting sitting around the around the board board table table never never experience. experience.
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Feature
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NEWS
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TRIBUTE
Celebrating the unparalleled legacy of Dolly Parton ADolly Parton's legacy will always be based on her unparalleled love, compassion, and resilience. The entrepreneurial country music icon and woman of impeccable excellence, who sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote over 3,000 songs in a career that spanned six decades. As one of 12 children, the ‘queen of country’ was raised in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and was famous for her unstoppable work ethic, whether it was her music, philanthropy, acting, writing or business career - with a unique style that was unapologetically bold! From being "dirt poor" to world stardom – and eventually Glastonbury - no-one did it like Dolly! “To thine own self be true,” was her lifelong mantra. You just couldn’t help but love her …just for being her true self. Dolly famously decline her own induction into music’s ‘Hall of Fame’, but eventually accept the nomination and used it to inspire her 2023 rock album ‘Rockstar.’ But, as well as being the world’s greatest country musician icon, actress, storyteller and businessperson, she was also far more at home with her philanthropic work – like funding medical research that led to one of the first Covid-19 vaccines, and donating to wildfire victims. Her ‘Imagination Library’ has helped millions of children learn to read by sending out free books in a programme that was inspired by her father who couldn't read or write. "I think deep down inside, my daddy was prouder of the library than he even was of my career," she wrote. She then established her non-profit ‘Dollywood Foundation’, to help bolster children's education - by sending out books and often going directly to the grass roots, where it can really make a difference, fast. "I'm kind of addicted to the feeling of giving," she once said. t
When the late Whitney Houston covered her ‘I Will Always Love You’, she revealed that the royalties she got from that went into supporting the Black community in her home town: “I bought a property in Nashville mostly for local Black families and people who lived around there,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘This is the perfect place for me to be,’ considering it was through Whitney.” She also donated millions to paediatric infectious disease research, food and grocery programmes, assistance for Hurricane Helene victims and women's health services. When the pandemic swept the world in 2020, she created the ‘Dolly Parton Covid-19 Research Fund’ in her home state (Tennessee), which provided seed money for research that led to the Moderna vaccine, leading to her ‘Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy’ award, in 2022. "I just give from my heart," she said. "I just see a need and if I can fill it, then I will." She recently had to cancel her Las Vegas residency shows due to "health challenges", with her cited long issues with kidney stones. Even then, she told fans she was staying busy with her Broadway musical, proving, even when unwell, she was still focused on her career. Following her passing, aged 80, in a statement, the Dollywood Foundation said: "Our team, our local programme partners, and every operational partner who helps make this programme possible each month are heartbroken at the loss of our founder, Dolly Parton.” Elsewhere, actress Julia Roberts, who co-starred with the legend in the 1989 film ‘Steel Magnolias’, called her "a magical and joyous human”, whilst fellow music icon, Dionne Warwick, said: "I will certainly miss her laughter, jokes and her being,” her close friends, the Jackson family (Michael, Janet et al) said they were deeply saddened by the death of the "incomparable" Dolly Parton. A true entrepreneur, woman of excellence and global legend, there will never be another Dolly Parton!
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FEATURE
Leisure centre shortlisted for uk active Awards Northfield Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for the Regional Public Leisure Centre of the Year award at the 2026 ‘ukactive Awards’, recognising its outstanding contribution to improving health, wellbeing and community inclusion across South Birmingham. The national awards celebrate the very best leisure facilities and organisations from across the UK, highlighting centres that are delivering exceptional experiences while creating lasting social impact in their communities.
]Since opening in 2018, Northfield Leisure Centre has become a thriving community hub, welcoming thousands of residents every week and providing accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active. The centre has seen membership grow by more than 8% over the past 18 months and now supports more than 3,000 swim school learners annually. A key factor in the centre's success has been its commitment to breaking down barriers to participation. Through Birmingham City Council's BeActive scheme,
Northfield generates more than 5,000 visits every month from non-members, giving local residents free access to activities that support healthier lifestyles. Northfield also works closely with organisations including Mencap, NHS services and local GP practices to support people living with long-term health conditions through rehabilitation and exercise programmes, including cardiac rehabilitation. Innovation has also played an important role in Northfield's development.
The introduction of Project Wade, which aligns swimming lessons with Swim England stage criteria, has improved progression and retention within its popular swim school programme. Mark Reynolds, Contract Manager for Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), which operates the centre in partnership with Serco Leisure, said:
"Being named a finalist at the ukactive Awards is fantastic recognition for everyone at Northfield Leisure Centre. The team works tirelessly to ensure the centre is welcoming, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the local community. From supporting people to become more active for the first time, to helping individuals improve their health and confidence,
the impact being created at Northfield extends far beyond the leisure centre walls. We are extremely proud to see their achievements recognised on a national stage." Looking to the future, Northfield Leisure Centre is continuing to expand its community reach through new initiatives including Les Mills Virtual classes, enhanced partnerships with local healthcare providers, improved accessibility through AccessAble, and the continued delivery of free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes for children and families. The winners of the 2026 ukactive Awards will be announced later this year at a ceremony taking place at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, with Northfield Leisure Centre representing the city as one of the leading public leisure facilities in the region In partnership with Serco Leisure, BCLT operates ten leisure facilities across the city on behalf of Birmingham City Council.
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NEWS
History made as Nigeria's first female fighter pilot takes to the skies Meet Flight Lieutenant One leading African Kafayat Sanni — Nigeria’sacademic, Olufemi first-ever female fighter pilot,Ajibola, was full of praise, who just proved once againsaying on social media: why she is an absolute force in“Congratulations to you. African aviation! We celebrate your At the prestigious Ghanaexcellent achievement, Armed Forces Command andFlight Lieutenant Kafayat Staff College (GAFCSC)Sanni. graduation in Accra, she completely dominated by“You have chosen a very winning the ‘Best Alliedtough path in life to keep Student (Top internationalyour nation safe. We pray officer)’ and ‘Best Assistantfor your safety in the line Commandant Paper (Topof your duty. research & strategy honours)’. From making history in 2019“Celebrating you reminds as the first woman to flyus of the late Tolulope Again, combat jets for the NigerianArotile. Air Force to training the nextcongratulations to you!! generation of aviators as an Leading barrister, Grace instructor pilot, her journey Okafor, was also full of defines excellence, grit, and praise: “Congratulations barrier-breaking leadership. Flt Lt Sanni,” she said. An inspiration to young women across Africa and the “May the complete wider world, she is proving to protection of Almighty be a true pride of the nation!God be with you during She is not the first femalethe course of your duty.” pilot. What about Tolulope Arotile who was murdered due to her bravery and brutal shelling of bokoharam during BUHARI govt t
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NEWS
Prof. Arday death still sending shockwaves through universities … and beyond! When he was appointed as professor of sociology of education, in 2023, Jason Arday became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge, with the university publicly celebrated his background. His appointment drew worldwide attention. But, in July 2026, questions about the quality of his academic research became a major issue in some quarters. These included an allegation that parts of his first major piece of research, a PhD awarded by Liverpool John Moores University, were plagiarised. Liverpool John Moores University stood by the quality of the research, with Prof. Arday suggesting that any mistakes in attribution were due to his autism. Newspapers dissected Mr. Arday's previous work while at Durham and Glasgow universities, and on social media, academics were divided between those publicly championing the Black autistic academic and those who said his work did not withstand analysis. Rows about research rarely break through into national debate but this was Cambridge, an elite university whose history and reputation has been built on excellence in research, original thinking and academic integrity. For many academics, including many at Cambridge, robust scrutiny of the integrity of research is a red line. Pro. Arday was a celebrity academic known as much for the remarkable life story he told, of an autistic child who didn't speak until 11, or learn to read and write until 18. He had to clarify that £5m raised for charity had been as part of a group effort, and that a 600 mile running challenge had taken twice as long as originally claimed. He said the "relentless accusations" had taken a "profound toll" on him and his family - suggesting they had been racially motivated.
In the immediate aftermath of his death, his family said Arday had been subjected to a "campaign of misinformation" that was too much for this "gentle man". Others think that he attracted so much scrutiny because he was a black man in a prominent position. Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said Arday was the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn't have faced. “His death was a tragedy, but once again it should be a wakeup call for all of us," he said. There has been deep unease among some academics of colour who feel the ferocity of the debate was due to Arday being a young Black academic, with Professor of Black Studies Kehinde Andrews, a friend of Prof. Arday, said, in the wake of his death: "This is not just something that has happened in the past two weeks, we've seen the stories, this goes back three and a half years. "The very day he got the position at Cambridge he had a Freedom of Information request asking about his credentials. He had all the right-wing people in America and the UK writing in to see if he was credible. Some people didn't believe a Black man should be in that position at Cambridge. The University of Cambridge initially robustly defended Arday then announced an investigation into his appointment and tenure amid growing disquiet. In 2023, as an elite university which had been criticised for a lack of diversity, Cambridge had been keen to make some high-profile non-white appointments. “The level of harassment he suffered and the racism he was subjected to, has been sickening,” said Dr Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union. “It must be investigated." For the University of Cambridge now there will be the difficult task of holding together an academic community divided and shocked by the controversy and now the death of Jason Arday.
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Tribute
In memory of Christopher John Hawkins The family of Christopher John Hawkins would like to thank everyone for attending his funeral, following his recent passing. The dedicated and loving husband and father, he was married to his dear wife Sandra for 60 years – and they planned to be together “FOREVER!” An always giving neighbour, one said of him: “I will never forget his love and care for anyone who knew him. “Chris was one of the kindest human beings one could ever get to know. A man with a big heart, I will always remember when he brought me a roast dinner when I was sick and always looked out for me. “A man with a big heart, he was one of the kindest human beings one could ever get to know, such as when, I remember, he brought me a roast dinner when I was sick and always looked out for me. And that’s just one of his “trunk load” of gestures he performed – for all his neighbours. “I will never forget him.” Chris also leaves behind his three ever loving sons Lee Wayne and Kirk To all his family members he’s gone but never forgotten. God bless his soul forever and always! Sunrise 30th February 1947- Sunset 19th June 2026.
“Reach the people that need to see you”
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The broadcasting world mourns the passing of the legend, Dervan Malcolm The broadcasting world has been mourning the passing of true Jamaican veteran, Dervan Malcolm a longstanding fixture on the country’s Power 106 FM. In a career of more than three decades, his death was announced by the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, following a period of illness. Having spent over 30 years with the leading radio station, a distinguished career saw him serve as a news presenter, news editor, sportscaster, talk-show producer and executive producer of programming
A student and head boy at Calabar High School, in Kingston, his journey into broadcasting started at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Festival of the Performing Arts, which would open doors for his entry into media. Reading his first newscast - on Power 106 FM (which later became part of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group) – in 1993, by 2007, Dervan became host and producer of the current affairs programme, ‘Both Sides of the Story’,
education and advocacy, whilst reflecting on what he described as his “mission to educate, empower, enlighten and encourage entrepreneurship”. He hosted ‘The Jamaican Diaspora Live Online,’ a programme which focused on issues affecting Jamaicans living overseas and conducted numerous live broadcasts from Jamaican diaspora communities worldwide. Beyond that, his journalism and community work earned him several accolades, including the ‘Diaspora Ambassador in Media Award’ from the New Yorkbased Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations.
He was also recognised by the City of Los Angeles and the Jamaica Awareness Association of California and received the ‘Bickle Award’ from Team Jamaica Bickle, in recognition of his dedication to highlighting issues affecting the Jamaican diaspora. In addition, in 2014, Malcolm was recognised by the City of Los Angeles and the Jamaica Awareness Association of California for his contributions to the Jamaican community, whilst, beyond broadcasting, he was a noted advocate for road safety and child protection, using his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting Jamaicans at home and abroad.
The country’s Shadow Minister of Culture, Creative Industries and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, MP and fellow Calabar old boy, said: “Dervan (Malcolm) was blessed with a powerful, silky voice, but his gift went far beyond the quality of his voice. “He was poised, controlled and
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totally unruffled behind the microphone, with a signature style that was unmistakably Dervan Malcolm.” His leaves behind a legacy of journalism, advocacy and public service that is unrivalled … worldwide!
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Malcolm was recognised by the City of Los Angeles and the Jamaica Awareness Association of California for his contributions to the Jamaican community, whilst, beyond broadcasting, he was a noted advocate for road safety and child protection, using his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting Jamaicans at home and abroad.
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Summit schools take part in inspiring Invictus Games experience
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ASchools and colleges across the West Midlands are being encouraged to register their interest in a new free education programme inspired by the Invictus Games, helping young people explore resilience, inclusion and determination through engaging curriculum resources. Project Inspire, the Schools Engagement Programme has been developed by The Education Exchange West Midlands, which is overseen by a group of professional partners consisting of CEOs and leaders from across the region, in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham
Ahead of the programme launch, young people from schools across the West Midlands, including Summer Hill School, Equitas Academies Trust, Cockshut Hill School and Ninestiles, an Academy, were at a special Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, One Year to Go event at the NEC this month. During the morning, the children met Captain Lee Hazard MBE Director Special Projects for Invictus Games Birmingham, delivered a powerful PSHE themed assembly exploring resilience, courage and the inspirational stories behind the Invictus movement.
They also heard about his experiences in the Royal Navy and the values that underpin the Invictus Games, before taking part in a range of interactive activities including pickleball, military team challenges, emergency first aid and target shooting. The event gave young people an opportunity to experience firsthand the teamwork opportunities that the education programme aims to bring into classrooms across the region, ahead of Birmingham hosting the Invictus Games in 2027. Launching in September 2026, the Schools Engagement Programme, Project Inspire has been created by teachers, for teachers, and offers ready-touse resources for learners from Early Years through to Sixth Form, including adapted materials for SEND settings.
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Designed around the inspiring stories and values of the Invictus Games, the resources bring learning to life across a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, STEM, Art, Performing Arts, PE and PSHE. Schools and colleges taking part will also have opportunities to engage with competitions, recognition awards and activities linked to the Games ahead of Birmingham hosting the international event in July 2027. The Invictus Games support the recovery of wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans through the power of adaptive sport, celebrating resilience, courage and the determination to overcome adversity.
Vince Green, CEO of Summit Learning Trust and Professional Partner of The Education Exchange West Midlands, said: "The values that sit at the heart of the Invictus Games, resilience, inclusion, teamwork and courage, are values we want every child and young person to experience and understand. “This programme provides schools and colleges with a brilliant opportunity to bring those values to life through meaningful learning across the curriculum. The resources have been designed by teachers, are completely free and ready to use. I would encourage schools across the region to register their interest and become part of what promises to be a truly inspiring educational legacy." Captain Lee Hazard MBE MStJ KHP Royal Navy, Director of Special Projects for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: "The Invictus Games are about far more than sport.
They are about resilience, recovery, determination and finding purpose in the face of adversity. Through this programme we want young people to be inspired by those stories while supporting teachers with engaging, curriculum-aligned resources that can make a real difference in the classroom." The Schools Engagement Programme launches in early September 2026 and will remain available throughout the lead-up to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. Schools, colleges and trusts can register their interest from September via the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 website.
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What next following A-levels, T-levels, BTecs and other vocational results? Results for A-levels, T-levels, BTecs and other vocational qualifications came out at a time when all eyes were on what teenagers decide to do next. With universities keen to get them through the door, as they grapple with their finances, they know that every filled seat in a lecture hall came with tuition fee funding. Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, meanwhile, wants to carve out clear routes into technical jobs that can rival the well-established path of Alevels and a university degree. For teenagers, considerations about the immediate and long-term cost of university, as well as the
availability of other options, are all in the mix. About 40% of 18-year-olds in England receive A-levels every summer, and this year top A-level results across the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland have risen for a third year running - overall, 28.5% of grades were marked at A* or A, up from 28.3% last year. The results were still much lower than in 2020 and 2021, when exams were cancelled and results were based on teachers' assessments. After that, there was a concerted effort to bring them back down. Grading in England returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 – prompting a big fall in top grades – while Wales and Northern Ireland followed suit in 2024. The proportion of top grades across the three nations combined has been slightly creeping up since that drop in 2023.
and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) - with more than ever getting into their first choice. The steepest growth has been in acceptances to what Ucas calls "higher tariff" universities. These are the most selective institutions, like those in the Russell Group, who have taken on 5.5% more UK 18-year-olds than last year, with many still advertising courses in Clearing. Nick Hillman, chief executive of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said: “A fall in the number of postgraduate international students had freed up resources for universities to teach more UK undergraduates.”
The Russell Group stressed that its members would only admit students who show evidence of being able to succeed. Jo Saxton, chief executive of Ucas, said: “The sheer amount of courses listed in Clearing meant teenagers could still go to university this autumn if that's what they would like to do". T-levels are among the 300,000 grades for vocational and technical qualifications this year. While the raw number of 18-year-olds getting into their first choice has risen, there are more of them in the population than in previous years - and the actual percentage of 18-year-old offer-holders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland getting into their first choice has fallen from 82% to 79%.
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HEALTH
India Gen Z market now in global overdrive Earlier this year, American luxury cosmetics maker Estée Lauder fully acquired the homegrown ayurvedic company Forest Essentials. France's L'Oréal Group followed in June, picking up a majority stake in digital personal care brand Innovist. And Unilever has made at least four beauty investments in the country through its venture capital arm in the last couple of years. Founded at the turn of the millennium in a garage in the Himalayan foothills by entrepreneur Mira Kulkarni (pic) Forest Essentials has grown from a fledgling startup into a billion-dollar company with a global presence over the last two decades. Its rise mirrors the explosive growth being witnessed of the country's beauty industry, which was valued at about $23bn (£17.08bn) in 2025 but is expected to nearly double in size to $40bn by the end of this decade, growing at twice the rate of the country's GDP and the broader retail market. Rising spending power in Asia's thirdlargest economy is partly driving this boom, according to experts. India's per capita income crossed $2,000 in 2019, a threshold beyond which discretionary spending tends to grow exponentially, according to Redseer, a business consultancy. And by 2030, some 155 million households are expected to earn more than $9,500 annually, providing a further tailwind to growth. "Historically we've underspent on beauty because there was just no purchasing power for anything other than the very basic stuff - such as all-purpose soap or face powder," Kushal Bhatnagar, a partner at Redseer, said.
"But now, along with more spending power, there is improved access, distribution and product education." The pandemic also proved to be a major game-changer for the industry, according to Vaishali Gupta, whose two beauty ventures have witnessed breakneck expansion since their launches during Covid. She co-founded the vegan skincare company Hyphen with Bollywood star Kriti Sanon in 2023 and also runs mCaffeine which makes scrubs, washes and lotions and calls itself India's first caffeinated personal care brand. "Indian consumers had access to beauty and skincare education they'd never had before - such as what was trending in Korea or Europe, or what specific ingredients could do for brightening or acne control," Gupta said. "That knowledge base created a consumer who knew exactly what they wanted. And that's really where the boom in Indian skincare began." In the past year Gupta's brands have grown their top line by 100% and she anticipates strong double-digit growth going forward. "This is a structural growth story - and we're just at the beginning of what this market can become," Gupta said. It is no surprise then, that a host of Bollywood stars from Deepika Padukone to Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty of Big Brother fame - have also jumped on the bandwagon and launched skincare companies in recent years. The growth in customers is coming from all corners of the country and isn't restricted to big cities. What's also striking, according to Gupta, is that the Gen Z is driving it, spending roughly double what millennials did on skincare and personal care. Data from Wamartbacked Flipkart, India's largest e-commerce platform corroborates this. Some 56% of its beauty and personal care shoppers are Gen Z, with 70% of them discovering the products they buy through social media. Going forward, the consumer is only likely to become more sophisticated as the market grows from here. And the next leg of growth will be driven by niche brands innovating with specific ingredients, dermatologistbacked products and a focus on skin nutrition, say experts.
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Page 28 The Phoenix Newspaper April 2026
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FASHION I HOSPITALITY I ENTREPRENUERS I TALENT W W W.ST R E E TC R E D M AG A Z I N E .C O M
APRIL 2026
JAMAICA 0121
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Feature
0121 Festival again bringing out the very best of Jamaica …in the centre of Birmingham The Jamaica 0121 Festival returned to the centre of Birmingham, as hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate 64 years of independence for the much-revered Caribbean enclave that’s growing global love that just has now bounds. During this year’s family-friendly outdoor event in Victoria Square, in the centre of the city’s beating heart - which it does every year – it just proved again that “we little but we Talawa” – in every sense of that famed saying. Once again celebrating Jamaica’s rich cultural experience, live music, DJs, food drink and health and awareness stalls, with live music, a wide array of demonstrations was the order of this extended weekend, as its vibrancy highlighted the country’s influence in Birmingham’s (and the wider world’s) diversity. This year’s outdoor event, whose sponsors and supporters included VM Group, Noir Rose Group, V Television, eventmen, Miracle, Supligen and snsg, featuring live music, performing artist and special guest speakers – including headliners Nadine Sutherland, Kofi, Audrea Scott, Junior Giscombe, Peter Spence, Yahmesha Mcleod, Gabbidon & Band, plus Maxwell D, with supporting artists like J Written, Dennis Lloyd, Alyshia Warren, Annette B, Rickeal : Andrea Rhoom, Sister Angie, Patricia DC, Wassifa, Xtac 4x4, Gemini Don, Pay As Go, Luv Music, One Ras, Father Hovis, Immortal Sound, Stone Heart, Host G Man, Mr Cee, Ranking Bev, Sandra B and Dondeman.
A fully immersive family event, it was again the ultimate weekend, where Birmingham gathered as one to celebrate the very best of Jamaica …in the Square, with VM Group’s Chief Diaspora Markets Officer, Leighton Smith, describing his annual pilgrimage, from the main London office, as “one I look forward to than almost any other event of its kind in the UK. “The VM Group’s Birmingham office means so much to us in the UK,” he said. And that’s why, as shown every year, they remain steadfast in supporting the Jamaican diaspora, anywhere they are, in the UK.
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Feature
THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER MARCH 2026. Page 28 The Phoenix Newspaper July 2026
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FEATURE
In conversation with Dee Burrowes. DONT LET THE YEAR SLIP AWAY September 1st arrives quietly yet it carries a powerful reminder that we are approaching the final quarter of the year. Somewhere between the resolutions made in January and the reality of today, life happened. Plans changed. Opportunities were missed. Unexpected doors opened. Some dreams were delayed, while others quietly disappeared beneath the weight of everyday responsibilities. There are no fireworks announcing its arrival. No grand celebrations. No countdown in crowded streets. For many of us, September carries a significance that January sometimes loses after the excitement of a new year has faded. It is a gentle but undeniable reminder that time is moving. We are approaching the final quarter of the year. Somewhere between the optimism of January and the reality of September, life happened. The plans we carefully wrote down may have changed. The goals we confidently announced may still be sitting unfinished. Opportunities we expected may never have arrived, while unexpected doors opened in places we never thought to look. Some relationships grew stronger. Others faded. Some of us experienced joy we could never have predicted, while others faced challenges they never imagined having to endure. And perhaps that is the most important thing to remember as September begins that life rarely follows the script we write for it.
At the beginning of every year, there is a collective enthusiasm for becoming a new person. We set resolutions. We create vision boards. We promise ourselves that this will be the year we finally change our habits, improve our finances, start the business, travel more, lose weight, write the book, leave the job, find love or become the person we believe we are capable of becoming. January makes everything feel possible. But then February arrives. March follows. Bills still need paying. Families still need caring for. Work becomes demanding. Health challenges emerge. Unexpected responsibilities take over. Motivation fades. Fear creeps in. Before we realise it, we are looking at the calendar and wondering how September arrived so quickly. There is something about this time of year that invites reflection. Perhaps it is the changing season. Perhaps it is the memory of returning to school and beginning again. Or perhaps it is simply because September reminds us that another year is gradually moving towards its conclusion. And with that realisation often comes pressure. Why does everyone else seem to be succeeding while I am still trying to figure things out? But perhaps we are asking ourselves the wrong ones. Perhaps the question should not simply be, “What have I achieved this year?” Because achievement is not always visible. Not every victory comes with an award, a promotion, a photograph or applause. Sometimes it is simply surviving a season you genuinely did not believe you would get through. The moments when someone questioned everything they believed about themselves. We compare our ordinary days with somebody else's carefully selected highlights. We assume that because another person appears to be moving quickly, we must somehow be standing still. But life is not a race with a universal finish line. There is no expiry date on possibility. And yet, time is still precious. That is the paradox of September. There are still months left. There are still opportunities to begin. It begins with one decision. One phone call. One application. One conversation. One uncomfortable step. One moment of courage. The final quarter of the year does not have to be about desperately trying to complete everything on an unrealistic list. Perhaps it should be about becoming more intentional. As we approach the final quarter perhaps this is the moment to pause and remove some of the unnecessary pressure we place upon ourselves. Growing older and becoming wiser sometimes means having the courage to admit that what we once wanted is no longer what we want now. There is no shame in changing direction. A detour is not always a failure. The danger of living on autopilot is that we can arrive at the end of a year wondering where the time went.
Waiting to feel ready. Waiting for permission. Waiting for somebody to believe in us. Waiting for circumstances to become perfect. That does not mean making reckless decisions or believing that every dream will happen overnight. It means recognising that small actions matter. A life can change gradually. One healthier decision can become a new routine. One introduction can become an opportunity. One idea can become a business. One honest conversation can change a relationship. One act of courage can alter the direction of an entire life. We are often searching for dramatic transformation while overlooking the quiet power of consistency. Return to the dreams you abandoned because life became difficult. Or perhaps it is time to let some things go completely. There is freedom in recognising what no longer belongs. As the final months of the year approach perhaps the most powerful thing we can do is travel lighter. Let go of unnecessary guilt. Release the need to compete. Stop measuring your life against someone else's timeline. Forgive yourself for what you did not know then. Forgive yourself for the opportunities you missed. Forgive yourself for the decisions you made while trying to survive. You did the best you could with the person you were and the information you had at the time. We cannot rewrite the conversations we wish had gone differently. But we can decide what we do with today. There is still room for growth. Still room for joy. Still room for courage. Still room for change. Perhaps that is the most important thing of all. There is no requirement to end the year exhausted simply because you feel you have something to prove. Success is not always about doing more. Sometimes success is learning to live better. To be present. To appreciate the ordinary moments. To protect your peace. As September 1st arrives and the final quarter of the year slowly approaches, perhaps we should resist the temptation to panic about everything we have not yet achieved. Instead, let us pause. Let us reflect. Let us be honest about what matters. Let us celebrate the progress nobody saw. And let us remember that a year does not have to end perfectly to have been meaningful. There is still time to write a different chapter. There is still time to begin again. There is still time to become more intentional about the life you are living. The calendar is moving. The seasons are changing. And yes, another year is gradually slipping away. But so are you. Moving, learning, becoming and evolving with every experience. So before this year becomes another chapter you look back on and wish you had written differently, ask yourself one simple question: What is still possible if I decide that the story is not over? The answer may surprise you.
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AZUZA STREET
Religions for Peace convenes Global Faith Leaders meeting in Mauritius Bhai Sahib Prof Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Spiritual Leader of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Chair of the Nishkam Civic Association joined more than 100 religious leaders from around the world at the Religions for Peace 2026 International Council Meeting in Mauritius, convened under the theme “Forging Pathways for Shared Sacred Flourishing.” The International Council Meeting brought together faith leaders to share experiences, address major global challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing peace, human dignity, ethical leadership, and sustainable development. Opening the Council Meeting, His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, highlighted the importance of faith-based engagement in addressing contemporary challenges. “I have no doubt that this conference will engage in frank and fruitful exchanges, on the role of sacred values and virtues, in promoting ethical conduct, and elevating human dignity … for Shared Sacred Flourishing — and come up with valuable, practical recommendations for further enhancing interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and promote collective action towards unity, peace, and harmony among our people and humanity at large.”
Reflecting on the significance of religious cooperation, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon and Co-Moderator of Religions for Peace, stated: “Whether Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, men, or women, of every tradition, (one) is able to recognise the one next to him as a brother or a sister. It is not a matter concerning naive syncretism. “The pluralism of religious expressions is natural; it is legitimate, and exactly within this pluralism we are all called to seek with sincerity, not with diplomatic politeness, those common points, which lead peoples into true communion.” The meeting also featured thematic dialogues on global priorities including ethical
frameworks for artificial intelligence, climate change, conflict, debt, multilateralism, youth leadership, and the role of women of faith. During the closing prayers on the opening day, Bhai Sahib Prof. Mohinder Singh OBE KSG offered the following prayer: “God, our loving divine Creator, please listen to our collective prayer. As we gather here in Mauritius to discuss Shared Sacred Flourishing, guide us to have inner change, proceeding outer change, seeking your timeless wisdom, to nurture our minds and hearts, to become bearers of hope, compassion, and wisdom, in a world seeking peace and harmony. Empower us to uphold what is good, right, and just; to honour both human rights and human responsibilities; to forgive
econcile, and serve those most in need. “Shared Sacred Flourishing, acknowledging that the true human flourishing is rooted in the spiritual dimension of life, help us to cultivate the same to the benefit of whole people and future generations. Guide us to confront and overcome the forces that diminish human dignity and honour, i.e. ignorance, ego, greed, fear, hatred, and the desire for domination.
The participation of Bhai Sahib Prof. Mohinder Singh reflects his continuing commitment to fostering interfaith understanding, shared values, and collaborative action in service of peace, justice, and human flourishing. A presentation on ‘Religions for Peace’ Europe was delivered by Rev. Dr. Maria
Leppäkari, Reverend Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan, and the Holy Land, Reverend, Archdiocese of Turku, Finland; Secretary General, ‘Religions for Peace’ Europe.
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Adoption England Adoption England awards awards £87,000 through £87,000 through Community Community Development Fund Development Fund Adoption England awards £87,000 through Community Development Fund Following the success of the first cohort, Adoption England is delighted to continue the Community Development Fund for 2026/27, supporting community-led initiatives that aim to make a meaningful difference to people affected by adoption. The fund aims to empower organisations and groups with lived experience of adoption to develop ideas, strengthen communities and provide valuable support that reflects the real needs of adopted people, adoptive families and young people. They received a fantastic response from passionate organisations and community groups across the country, all sharing our commitment to improving adoption support and creating opportunities for people to feel connected, understood and supported. With a total budget of up to £87,000, the 2026/27 fund will support successful applicants to develop and grow community projects that provide vital support across adoption communities. Each funded project has been selected because it aligns with the aims of the Adoption England Strategy and demonstrates the potential to create positive change. This year, we received 37 applications and are pleased to have awarded funding to successful organisations. As part of our commitment to supporting these organisations beyond the funding itself, one of our next steps will be to establish a network and buddy system for successful bidders. This will create opportunities for organisations to share learning, exchange ideas, overcome challenges together and build stronger connections across the adoption community. The successful projects are: Adoption Academy – South West (Parenting From Hostility to Harmony) Providing online training, peer support and practical tools for adopters experiencing significant challenges with their children’s behaviour. Through webinars, a buddy scheme and peer networks, the project will help families strengthen relationships, build confidence and improve wellbeing. Beacon Family Services – West Midlands / National (Walking with Families) A peer-led support community offering regular online support, specialist support for adoptive fathers, and trauma-informed approaches to help families navigate challenges, strengthen relationships and feel less alone. Breaks For Families – Lincs & East Midlands (National Forest Activity Pathways Break) A three-day activity break bringing adoptive families together through shared experiences, helping young people and parents build friendships, confidence and a sense of community through specialist activities including animal care and cycling. CAPS – Cumbria Adoption Peer Support – North West (CAPS Launch and First Year) Creating a peer-led support community for adoptive parents across Cumbria, offering support from approval through to adoption and beyond through buddy schemes, peer groups and family meet-ups. Connective Family – South East (Connective Parenting Support Group) Providing weekly trauma-informed and neurodiversity-friendly support groups for adoptive parents, helping families access early support, build confidence and reduce isolation, particularly for newer adopters and solo adopters. Creating Adoption Networks – South East (Let’s Camp) A peer-support camping programme offering families a safe and understanding environment to relax, build relationships and share experiences. Through activities, shared meals, ongoing support and follow-up events, families can create lasting connections. DAWTA CIC – North West (DAWTA CIC Connections) Creating opportunities for transracial adoptees and fostered adults to connect, express themselves and share experiences through a range of wellbeing and cultural activities including dance, music, cooking, singing and creative writing. Farm Friends – South East (Farm Friends) A peer-led community supporting adoptive families through mentor training and animal-based family sessions. The programme will help children and young people build friendships, confidence, belonging and positive relationships through shared experiences. How To Be Adopted – London and National (Free Yoga For Adoptees) A 20-week trauma-informed yoga programme supporting the wellbeing and emotional regulation of adopted adults through free in-person sessions in London and online sessions available across the UK. It Takes A Village (ITAV) – North West (Global Majority & Transracial Adoption Project [GM & TRA]) Strengthening peer support for Global Majority and Transracial Adoptive families through online groups, family events, cultural workshops, specialist training and community-led networks. Jenna Blair Yoga Wellbeing Centre – West Midlands and National (Gentle Yoga for Adoptive Parents) Offering free gentle yoga sessions for adoptive parents, both online and in person, to support wellbeing, reduce stress and create opportunities for connection and self-care. MAA – Movement for an Adoption Apology – London / National (MAA Regional Meetings) Creating safe and welcoming spaces for birth parents, families and adoptees affected by historic forced adoption to share experiences, build connections and access peer support. Parenting Special Children – London (Let’s Get Creative) An adoptive parent-led programme offering therapeutic art, music and creative activities for adopted children and young people, alongside peer support opportunities for parents. Proud 2 b Parents – North West (Families Through Adoption) A peer-led support programme for LGBT+ adopters, prospective adopters and their families, providing meet-ups, digital support, online networks and advocacy throughout the adoption journey. Seaglass Collective – Yorkshire and Humber (Creative Parent Programme) A series of creative workshops exclusively for adoptive parents, offering opportunities to learn new skills while building connections, accessing peer support and taking time for self-care. Team Dandelion CIC – South East (Team Dandelion – A Parent Support Hub) Monthly support hubs providing adoptive parents with peer support, advice and access to specialist professionals. The project will strengthen family resilience through support around areas such as behaviour, attachment, school challenges and parental wellbeing. The Belay Foundation – North West (Building a Network of Disability Benefit Mentors) Training adopter mentors to support families navigating disability benefit applications, helping adoptive families access guidance and practical support from people with lived experience. The Hub & Altrincham Baptist Church – North West (Paddington’s Youth Activity Group) A trauma-informed youth group for adopted and care-experienced young people aged 12–17, creating opportunities to build friendships, confidence and social skills in a safe and supportive environment. The Olive Hut – North West (Rise) A trauma-informed mentoring and peer support programme for adopted young people aged 11–16, combining one-to-one mentoring with group activities to build confidence, connection and wellbeing. The Wild Adoptees CIC – West Midlands (Wild Adoptee Retreat) A three-day residential retreat for adult adoptees combining nature-based wellbeing activities, trauma-informed workshops and peer support to reduce isolation, explore identity and strengthen connections. Thriving Adoptees (Simon Benn Limited) – Yorkshire and Humber (Thriving Together: A Support & Learning Community for Adopted People, Adopters and Birth Parents) A co-designed peer support project bringing together adopted people, adopters and birth parents through online gatherings that build understanding, reduce isolation and create meaningful connections. We Are Family – National (The Teens and Tweens Support Programme [for Adoptive Parents]) Providing ongoing peer support, community activities and practical resources for adoptive parents of children and young people aged 9–25+, helping families feel connected, confident and supported.
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Summer holiday season 'almost 10 out of 10' says holiday park owner
A holiday park owner has said the weather this summer helped boost bookings in a season that had been "almost 10 out of 10". Jon Hyatt, of Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay said 2026, had been 'building from January", after quieter years for the industry in 2024 and 2025. Sally Everton, of tourism organisation Visit Devon, said this year had been a "mixed bag" but coastal holiday locations had benefitted from the sunshine. The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions said its members had given "mixed reviews" of the year, with some reporting lower visitor numbers as holidaymakers opted for "beach days over attraction days". Hyatt said it had been a fantastic summer for his holiday park in north Cornwall. "This summer has got to be close to 10 out of 10 in terms of the weather and the bookings we've seen," he said. Hyatt said the park had just opened an indoor activity centre which it hoped would boost visitor numbers outside the main holiday season. The project cost about £3m and was part funded by the government, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Everton said the 2026 season so far had been "seven out of ten" in Devon. "We may have had heatwaves but we've also had cost of living pressures, with people being very careful about how they are spending their money," she said. Everton added families feeling the financial squeeze may have "chosen to go to the beach and take a picnic, rather than spending in cafes". Roger Sell (pic), who is managing director of River Dart Country Park near Ashburton, said it had been a brilliant year for the attraction with visitor numbers up on 2025. "We're up on day visitors, the campsite is up and we're seeing an increase in last minute bookings too," he said. The park, which has about 70,000 visitors a year, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. But Sell, who is also chair of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions, said other attractions had given "mixed reviews" of the 2026 season.
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"Some attractions have slight increases in visitors, some are saying it's slightly down on footfall but nearly all are saying the visitor spend is up," he said. "It's all been weather related." Sian Ripley from Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard, said its income had increased 20% year-on-year, with visitors numbers up 10% so far in 2026. "It's absolutely amazing, everywhere you go on site you just see people and they all have smiles on their faces and that's all you can ask for." Nick Reynolds, owner of Paradise Park in Hayle, said numbers were "a bit down on last year, after a difficult year for a lot of attractions". He believed more tourists favoured going to the beach this summer, but said it had found better footfall "when the weather was slightly cooler".
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Afghan women's football team reunite 8,000 miles away despite being banned at home Ahe changing room was busy with footballers going through their pre-match routines, with some stretch and tighten their boots, others embrace. "Be strong as always because we are representing Afghan women," says midfielder Fatima Haidari to fellow members of Afghan Women United – as applause erupted in the room where an Afghan flag hung and a patriotic song was played. As the women sang along some struggled to hold back tears. The 23-player squad, selected from Afghan players now living abroad, travelled to New Zealand for a training camp and to play two unofficial friendly games against the Cook Islands. It was the first time they had been together since football governing body - Fifa - ruled that they could represent their country in official matches in the future. Previously, they would have needed the approval of the Afghanistan Football Federation - which wasn’t possible under the Taliban imposing wide-ranging restrictions on women and girls, including barring them from secondary school and university, most professions and organised sport. The country's national women's team members were among those evacuated and resettled in countries including Australia, the UK and Portugal. t
Thanks to Fifa's ruling, it can now try to qualify for international competitions such as the Olympics and World Cup. 23-year-ols Manozh Noori, for one, though, knew her older brother would disapprove so she tried to reduce the risk of being recognised by wearing a face covering – over six years, she won league titles, national championships and individual awards. Eventually her success became impossible to hide. "I was so scared," she recalls. When the Taliban took over in 2021, Noori decided to flee, but first she buried her football medals and trophies in the garden of her family home. More than four years later, they remain there. "One day I will go back and dig them out," she says, briefly smiling at the thought. "Football helped me get my mum and sister out of Afghanistan," she says. Two years after she moved to Australia and established herself as a football player, she was able to bring them over as well, with her sister able to study again - even though her brother didn't want them playing sports, he always supported their education. The game in Auckland turned out to be unforgiving, with a single goal in the first match handing the Cook Islands a 1-0 victory. Three days later, despite the Afghan team's best efforts, the Cook Islands win again, this time 3-0. Yet for the players, those matches represented something far more significant than two defeats. A return to the pitch and proof that despite exile, separation from their families and years of uncertainty, Afghanistan's women footballers refused to disappear.
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