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Empowering Resilience: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Facial Disfigurement and Rediscovering Self-Worth

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Empowering Resilience: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Facial Disfigurement and Rediscovering Self-Worth

Coping with a sudden facial disfigurement can be an immensely challenging journey, impacting one’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Whether the disfigurement is due to an accident, illness, or other causes, it can trigger a range of complex emotions such as shock, grief, anger, and anxiety. However, with time, support, and effective coping strategies, individuals can learn to adapt and reclaim their sense of self-worth and confidence.

Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge and accept your feelings about the disfigurement. It’s natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions, including sadness and frustration. Allow yourself to grieve for the loss of your former appearance and the changes you’re facing. Suppressing these emotions can lead to further distress and hinder the coping process.

Seek Support

Seeking support from loved ones, friends, or a therapist is essential in navigating this challenging period. Talking about your feelings with trusted individuals can provide emotional validation and comfort. Additionally, joining support groups or online communities for individuals with similar experiences can offer a sense of belonging and understanding.

Practice Self Compassion

Practicing self-compassion and cultivating a positive mindset are vital components of coping with facial disfigurement. Remind yourself that your worth is not solely determined by your appearance. Focus on your inner strengths, talents, and qualities that make you unique and valuable as a person. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether it’s pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practicing self-care rituals.

Explore Coping Strategies

Exploring adaptive strategies to manage social interactions and potential stigma is another important aspect of coping with facial disfigurement. Educate others about your condition if you feel comfortable, dispelling misconceptions and fostering empathy. Set boundaries with individuals who make insensitive or hurtful remarks, prioritizing your emotional well-being. Surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you are beyond physical appearance.

Research Potential Options

Exploring cosmetic options or reconstructive surgery, if feasible and desired, can empower individuals to regain a sense of control over their appearance and enhance self-confidence. However, it’s essential to approach these decisions with realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of potential risks and benefits.

Focus on What You Can Control

Expanding your focus on what you can control is a fundamental aspect of coping with a sudden facial disfigurement. When faced with a significant change in your appearance, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by a sense of loss and uncertainty. However, redirecting your attention to the aspects of your life that you have agency over can empower you to navigate this challenging journey with resilience and determination.

Mindset

One key area where you can exert control is your mindset. While you may not be able to change the physical aspects of your disfigurement, you can choose how you perceive and respond to it. Adopting a proactive and adaptive mindset involves reframing negative thoughts and focusing on the opportunities for growth and self-discovery that this experience may present.

Personal Growth

Whether it’s pursuing educational or career goals, exploring creative outlets, or volunteering for causes that resonate with you, focusing on your passions and interests can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond your physical appearance.

Adaptive Strategies

Consider exploring adaptive strategies to manage practical challenges related to your disfigurement. This may involve learning new techniques for tasks such as applying makeup or styling your hair, finding clothing or accessories that make you feel comfortable and confident, or utilizing assistive devices or technology to enhance your daily functioning.

Seek Professional Help

Expanding your approach to seeking professional help involves considering various avenues that can support you in coping with a sudden facial disfigurement. Counselors and legal advisors can both play integral roles in addressing the emotional and practical aspects of your situation.

Counselors

Counselors specializing in body image issues and trauma can provide invaluable support in navigating the emotional challenges associated with facial disfigurement. These professionals are trained to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings, process your experiences, and develop coping strategies. 

Through techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, counselors can help you challenge negative thought patterns, build resilience, and cultivate self-compassion. Additionally, group therapy or support groups specifically tailored to individuals with facial differences can offer a sense of community and validation, fostering healing and personal growth.

Legal Advisors

Seeking legal advice for an accident claim is a crucial step in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages you have sustained. 

It’s essential to seek the advice of accident claims solicitors in the UK who specialise in personal injury law and who can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the claims process.

Personalized Advice

Legal advisors experienced in handling accident claims can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, assess the strength of your case, and determine the potential value of your claim based on factors such as the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Advocate

One of the primary roles of a legal advisor in an accident claim is to advocate on your behalf and negotiate with insurance companies or other parties involved. Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, so having a knowledgeable legal representative can level the playing field and ensure that your interests are protected. 

Your legal advisor can handle communication with insurers, gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.

Court Representation

In cases where a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your legal advisor can represent you in court proceedings. They can prepare and present your case effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf to secure a favorable outcome. Throughout the litigation process, your legal advisor will provide guidance and support, keeping you informed of developments and advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

Procedural Advice

Additionally, legal advisors can provide guidance on related legal matters, such as navigating disability benefits or pursuing compensation for long-term medical care or rehabilitation services. They can also advise you on any time limitations or procedural requirements associated with filing an accident claim, ensuring that you meet deadlines and fulfill legal obligations in a timely manner.

Overall, seeking legal advice for an accident claim is essential for protecting your rights, navigating the complexities of the legal system, and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses. By enlisting the support of a skilled and experienced legal professional, you can focus on your recovery while having confidence that your legal interests are in capable hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coping with a sudden facial disfigurement requires patience, self-compassion, and a multifaceted approach that encompasses emotional expression, social support, positive mindset, and professional guidance. While the journey may be challenging, it’s possible to cultivate resilience and embrace a fulfilling life beyond physical appearance. Remember that you are more than your external features, and your worth lies in the richness of your character and spirit.

Bahrain Grand Prix 2024: Formula One race preview, how to watch and predictions

Harry Carr
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Bahrain Grand Prix 2024: Formula One race preview, how to watch and predictions

The big story

Formula One fans haven’t exactly been short of major storylines during the offseason.

In early February, Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting world with his announcement that he will join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, having activated a break clause in the two-year contract extension he signed with Mercedes just six months earlier.

On Saturday, Hamilton will begin his final season with Mercedes, the team that has helped him capture six of his seven world championships. How they will handle his impending departure is perhaps the most intriguing question ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Read our other F1 news stories here:
Hamilton hopes Horner verdict portrays sport in good light
Carlos Sainz to take time over next move after losing Ferrari seat to Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton: Red Bull ‘in the distance’ despite Mercedes improvements

While Hamilton has talked up Mercedes’ improvements to the W15, they remain some way off possessing a championship-winning car, and mid-season developments will surely prioritise George Russell’s needs as the team prepare for a future without Hamilton.

The 39-year-old thus looks unlikely to test the dominance of Red Bull and Max Verstappen consistently this term, but a race win after two painful seasons without one will be his primary aim.

Hamilton’s five previous victories in Bahrain are more than any other driver has managed. What he would give for a sixth to kickstart his long Mercedes farewell.

The subplots

While Hamilton’s move will be a major talking point all year, the other big question on the lips of F1 fans is who, if anyone, can challenge the Red Bulls?

Red Bull won 21 of the 22 races on the calendar last year, only falling short in Singapore. Verstappen provided a record-breaking 19 of those victories, and after looking a cut above in pre-season testing, he appears a shoo-in to capture his fourth drivers’ championship in 2024.

With the Christian Horner now concluded and the team principal cleared of displaying inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague, they can now focus fully on on-track matters.

In the final year before regulation changes come in, who is best placed to take wins off Verstappen? Team-mate Sergio Perez is the obvious answer as he looks to put himself in the shop window ahead of his contract expiring, but McLaren might also fancy their chances.

Indeed, five of Lando Norris’ seven podium finishes last year came within the final eight races, while Oscar Piastri joined him in the top three in Japan and Qatar.

Team principal Andrea Stella recently said McLaren are “optimistic” they can overcome Red Bull in certain conditions.

Following their impressive growth over the second half of 2023, Bahrain will be a huge test of McLaren’s ambitions; Norris slipped from P11 to last among the classified runners at the 2023 curtain-raiser as the team battled reliability issues, while Piastri was forced to retire.

McLaren will hope they got this year’s hiccups out of the way during pre-season testing last week, with Norris near the top of the timesheets during days one and two before he fell away on the final day.

The track

The Bahrain Grand Prix celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Having first appeared on the calendar in 2004, the race has been run in every subsequent season except for 2011, when it was postponed then abandoned due to the Bahraini uprising. In 2022, the event’s contract was renewed through 2036.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is the sole survivor from the 2004 race, which was also the first grand prix to be held in the Middle East.

The Bahrain International Circuit has used the same 5.4-kilometre layout since 2012 and is known as a medium downforce track. Drivers will have to contend with strong winds – particularly through practice and qualifying – as well as the fluctuations in temperature that come with a desert grand prix.

The track did host three days of pre-season testing last week, though fans should not read too much into lap times from those sessions as teams try out different testing programs.

Ferrari and Mercedes are expected to be considerably faster than last week, with the latter using testing as a way to assess the porpoising issues which have hampered them in recent years.

What they said

Verstappen on whether other teams had closed the gap to Red Bull:

“Time will tell if the others are fast or not, or if we are fast enough. Bahrain is one particular track and there are lots of different tracks on the calendar where we have to perform.

“In general, it’s better not to think about it. We’ll wake up, get to the track, see the result – if it’s good or bad, it’s not going to change anything. That’s how I approach it.”

Hamilton on approaching his final year with Mercedes:

“Nothing really changes. I was back at the factory on Monday. It’s full attack, everyone is all hands on deck.

“I’ve been with this team for such a long time. There’s so much love within the team and I still, and always will, love this team. It will be, or it is, emotional. Every week will be emotional.”

Norris on McLaren’s prospects for 2024:

“We have a rough idea of where we are at but we don’t know where we stand. It’s clear there is a top two [Red Bull and Ferrari] then a bunch behind with Mercedes, Aston Martin and us.

“We’re in a much better position than last year and that’s the most important thing.”

When and how to watch

F1 fans in the UK will be able to watch every race of 2024 on Sky Sports F1 or via the Sky Go app. The full schedule for the race weekend is as below.

Full schedule (all times UK)

Thursday 29th February:

First practice 11:30

Second practice 15:00

Friday 1st March:

Third practice 12:30

Qualifying 16:00

Saturday 2nd March:

Race 15:00

Predictions

There will be one common theme running through everyone’s pre-season predictions: Verstappen is expected to be clear at the top. The reigning world champion had real trouble on this track two years ago, failing to finish as Perez took the win, but for now, the onus is on the rest of the grid to prove they can challenge him.

Behind Verstappen, though, there should be an interesting battle for a podium finish. While much is expected of Norris this year, we’re backing Hamilton to outshine the Ferraris and start the season in the top three.

Further down the field, look out for Daniel Ricciardo, now driving for Red Bull’s sister team RB. He is fancied to emerge as a contender to take Perez’s seat for 2025, and RB’s car looked quick in testing.

Christian Horner insists Red Bull unity has ‘never been stronger’

Jon Fisher
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Christian Horner insists Red Bull unity has ‘never been stronger’

Christian Horner insists unity within the Red Bull team has “never been stronger”.

Team principal Horner was yesterday cleared of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague following an independent investigation, allowing him to focus on the season’s first grand prix in Bahrain this weekend.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Horner cleared of wrongdoing
Ronaaldo handed one-match ban for obscene gesture
Constitution Hill to be re-scoped on Friday with Cheltenham participation still under threat

The 50-year-old told Sky Sports News: “I’m pleased that the process is over [but] I can’t comment about it.  

“We’re here very much to focus now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles. The process has been conducted and concluded.”

Horner has enjoyed huge success with Red Bull, leading them to 13 world titles – six World Constructors’ Championships and seven World Drivers’ Championships – since taking up the principal role in 2005.

He was also the mastermind of Red Bull’s record-breaking 2023 season in which they won 21 of 22 races as Max Verstappen claimed his third world title.

There have been suggestions the investigation, which has dominated the Formula One agenda since coming to light on February 5, has damaged morale within the Red Bull camp, but Horner says that is not true.

He added: “I’m pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team focused on the season ahead.

“Within the team it [morale] has never been stronger.”

Verstappen also said yesterday the issue had not affected his on-track performance.

The Dutchman, speaking before the verdict was announced, said: “It doesn’t. I’m very focused on just the performance of the car and myself.

“It’s a whole team effort that everyone has to stick together and work to more success, so that’s why it’s important to get everything resolved.”

The North West climbs to seventh in PwC’s Women in Work Index

Helen Greaney
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The North West climbs to seventh in PwC’s Women in Work Index

The North West has moved from eighth to seventh place in the Women in Work Index.

This report by PwC assesses progress made towards achieving gender equality at work across 33 Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) countries as well as the UK’s 12 regions and nations.

Data shows that although the North West’s gender pay gap has increased year on year from 12.9 per cent in 2021 to 13.3 per cent in 2022, the region is still ahead of the UK’s overall pay gap of 14.5 per cent, as well as the average OECD pay gap of 13.5 per cent.

In the regional Index for female participation rate, the North West ranks ninth. This is the proportion of women of working age (15 to 64) who either have a job or are seeking work, and eighth when measured on the gap in the male and female labour force participation rates.

Despite the UK slipping four places to 17th on the OECD Index – the largest annual fall in rankings experienced by any OECD country this year – nine of the UK’s 12 nations and regions improved their scores on the UK regional Index compared with last year, with Scotland topping the list for the first time.

Susie Holmes, place & purpose lead and financial services leader for the North, (pictured) said: “The Women in Work index is a crucial piece of research and, as a woman working and living in the North, it’s fantastic to see that the North West is making progress in the rankings.

“It’s always been difficult for the North as a region to close the gap with other areas of the UK due to the prominence of typically male dominated industries, such as manufacturing and STEM fields, but there are a number of incredible initiatives across the North, like She Leads for Legacy and TechSheCan that are doing fantastic work in bringing businesses and policy makers together, and highlighting the issues facing gender pay disparity.

“We’re extremely proud to support important programmes like these, alongside our own gender inclusion networks in the North, to help future proof careers for women.”

The ‘gender pay penalty’ in the UK

The report finds that, even after accounting for a range of pay-determining factors, women still earn almost a tenth less than men on average in the UK.

This ‘gender pay penalty’ worsens with age, with women between the ages of 46 and 65 experiencing more than twice the gender pay penalty than that of women between 16 and 30 years.

A woman entering the workforce faces a pay penalty of around 5.2 per cent on average but this widens to nearly 13 per cent as her career unfolds. The report highlights the ‘motherhood penalty’, with women taking on an unequal share of childcare responsibilities, as a key driver.

This is compounded by men often having more time available to perform so-called ‘greedy jobs’, which demand unpredictable and longer hours and tend to be more highly paid.

In addition, women between 46 and 65 are also likely to be impacted by health conditions and the menopause, which may require them to take more time off work, potentially affecting their career progression.

Married women and those in higher income brackets also face a hit to their earnings when compared with men with similar personal and professional backgrounds – for example, people living in the same area and working in the same industry.

Ian Elliott, chief people officer at PwC UK, said: “Our analysis is a timely reminder that employers have to look at all the factors that contribute to pay gaps. Alongside transparent and robust gender pay gap reporting, it’s also vital that health and wellbeing resources are accessible and the workplace is an empowering place for employees experiencing the menopause and other health conditions.”

If women no longer faced a gender pay penalty, the total increase in women’s earnings in the UK could be up to £55 billion every year. Moreover, it could also encourage more women to join or rejoin the workforce – a 5 per cent increase in the total number of women in employment could boost UK GDP by up to £125 billion every year

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal forward handed one-game ban for obscene gesture

Jon Fisher
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal forward handed one-game ban for obscene gesture

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a one-match ban for making an obscene gesture towards Al Shabab fans on Sunday.

The incident took place after Al Nasser’s 3-2 win with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward cupping his ear and thrusting his elbow in front of his pelvic area.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Horner cleared of wrongdoing
Manchester derby will be different to Luton rout – Guardiola
Constitution Hill to be re-scoped on Friday with Cheltenham participation still under threat

The Al Shabab fans were believed to be chanting for Ronaldo’s career-long rival Lionel Messi at the time.

Ronaldo, who was also fined £6,300, will miss Al Nassr’s game with Al Hazem today as they try to claw back a seven-point deficit to Pro League leaders Al Hilal.

It is not the first time Ronaldo has appeared to be irritated by Messi chants. In April 2023, he grabbed his genitals in the direction of Al Hilal fans but escaped sanction after his club claimed he was indicating he had a groin injury.

Indie Ridge Digital and Sanity Join Forces to Advance Content Solutions for Professional Services

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Indie Ridge Digital and Sanity Join Forces to Advance Content Solutions for Professional Services

Indie Ridge Digital, esteemed for its expertise in creating high-performance websites for the professional services sector, is embarking on a strategic partnership with Sanity, a leader in the content management system landscape, slated to begin in 2024. This partnership is a continuation of Indie Ridge’s dedication to improving digital content strategies, following a fruitful partnership with Passle in 2023 that significantly enhanced the firm’s capabilities in delivering expert content and thought leadership for its clientele.

With the collaboration with Sanity, Indie Ridge is set to revolutionise content management practices. Sanity’s platform, celebrated for its flexible editing interfaces and its scalable, open-source Studio, promises to bring unprecedented efficiency to content operations. This initiative is expected to redefine professional services firms’ content creation, management, and distribution strategies, ensuring they lead in digital innovation.

“Indie Ridge is the ideal partner to bring Sanity’s advanced CMS capabilities to professional service firms,” Dan Gershfield, Head of Partnerships EMEA, commented. “Together, we aim to transform the digital landscape for these firms, enabling them to produce thought leadership content that stands out.”

This collaborative effort between Indie Ridge, Sanity, and Passle signifies a comprehensive approach to enabling firms to swiftly produce and share engaging content through fast-loading web platforms, thereby achieving superior search engine placements. This method transcends the limitations of traditional web designs, promoting the development of compelling thought leadership content.

Mike Chapman, Managing Director at Indie Ridge, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating: “The integration of Sanity into our suite of partnerships, alongside our continued work with Passle, represents a pivotal advancement in our mission. We are on course to set new benchmarks in digital content creation, optimisation, and distribution, ensuring our clients achieve unparalleled digital presence and engagement.”

To discover more about the innovative digital solutions offered by Indie Ridge Digital and the benefits of its strategic partnerships, please visit www.indieridge.com.

Phoenix Building Systems Launches Innovative Breeze Range for Modular Buildings

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Phoenix Building Systems Launches Innovative Breeze Range for Modular Buildings

In a significant development for the modular building sector, Phoenix Building Systems introduced its Breeze range in January 2024, aimed at streamlining the process for schools and businesses in need of modular solutions. The Breeze 1 range is particularly tailored for the educational sector, offering schools the opportunity to easily acquire or rent superior modular classrooms directly from a renowned manufacturer.

The Breeze collection has been meticulously designed to meet the specific requirements of educational settings, providing scalable and multi-level options to ensure a perfect fit for any educational institution. Additionally, the range boasts an array of customisation features, allowing for a cohesive aesthetic with existing school facilities.

The Breeze 2 range extends the same convenience and adaptability to the business sector, offering modular office spaces that cater to a variety of organisational needs.

“Our modular classrooms have been tried and tested. The pre-designed, environmentally friendly, ready-to-order classroom buildings are fit for any school. This makes the buying process a BREEZE.” -Michael Taylor, Managing Director.

Phoenix Building Systems has also revamped its online presence with a new website that enhances the customer journey through intuitive navigation and enriched content, including images and case studies. A standout feature is the augmented reality Breeze 1 classroom, which users can explore through a QR code on the website, providing a tangible sense of the space before purchase.

“Scanning the QR code gives you a real opportunity to immerse yourself in your new modular building and get a real feeling for it before you buy.” -Michael Taylor, Managing Director.

The introduction of the Breeze range marks a pivotal moment in offering efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly modular solutions to the educational and business sectors. This innovation underscores Phoenix Building Systems’ commitment to excellence and ease of service.

Established in 2003 and operating from Hull across the UK, Phoenix Building Systems is a leading provider of modular building solutions, serving both public and private sectors with unwavering dedication to quality and service. The Breeze range is the latest testament to their ongoing commitment to simplifying the provision of modular buildings.

‘Neighbourly nudges’ Influences Spark Green Energy Transformation in Homes

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‘Neighbourly nudges’ Influences Spark Green Energy Transformation in Homes

The trend towards eco-friendly home choices is on the up, driven by a growing sense of community pride in renewable energy, despite obstacles like limited understanding and insufficient government advocacy slowing wider uptake.

The era of coveting new cars or the surge in pet acquisitions during the pandemic has been eclipsed by the sway neighbours hold over each other regarding home enhancements and eco-conscious living. Insights unveiled today by Solar Together highlight the significant role of neighbourly interactions and perceptions towards renewable energy.

Recent findings indicate that a substantial portion of the British populace, over one-third, are significantly swayed by their neighbours towards adopting greener lifestyles, with nearly 40% open to home improvements following a neighbour’s upgrade or installation. Furthermore, over a quarter of respondents prefer or would opt for residing in communities known for their green ethos, showcasing a preference for renewable energy solutions like solar panels.

Despite this, the research also points to a quieter side, with 28% of Britons not engaging with their neighbours. Yet, among those who do, nearly 10% find themselves discussing environmental issues more than five years ago, with 20% willing to consult their neighbours on renewable energy options for their homes. Notably, economic concerns are becoming a predominant topic of conversation, engaging over 40% of the population in discussions, often over the garden fence.

Adam Parvez, Behavioural Science Specialist at iChoosr, which is behind the Solar Together group purchasing initiatives, states, “Our new research shows the power of social influence and community dynamics in fostering sustainable behaviours. Individuals look to their peers for cues on how to act, especially in areas where they may feel uncertain or seek validation.

“The findings build on previous research that found one of the biggest predictors of getting solar panels was if your neighbour also had them – and, in particular, if existing installations are highly visible. Understanding and harnessing these behavioural drivers will not only drive adoption of renewable energy – facilitating a shift towards more sustainable living – but also build stronger, more environmentally conscious communities in the process.”

However, despite 44% expressing a desire for increased self-reliance, complexities and misunderstandings regarding the financial aspects of renewable energy installations deter homeowners. The impending General Election further muddies the waters, with a considerable fraction of the populace unclear on the Government’s stance and strategies on environmental matters, with a third unaware of the current UK Energy Secretary.

George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, comments, “The rising cost-of-living and shakeup in the energy market over the past couple of years have shifted perceptions and attitudes – and as a result rising numbers of homeowners are looking for renewable energy sources to cut costs and be more eco-conscious. And, as we can see, more of us are now leaning over the garden fence to ask for neighbourly advice on how to make the switch.”

The survey also uncovers that nearly a quarter of respondents are more inclined to adopt a fitness regimen upon witnessing their neighbours doing the same, though neighbourly influence appears less persuasive in decisions like pet ownership or new car purchases, at 15% and 7% respectively. Cosmetic enhancements and family expansion rank low in terms of neighbourly influence, at 1% and 5%.

iChoosr’s collaboration with councils has propelled the Solar Together programme to success across the UK, culminating in over 30,000 solar panel installations anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 630,000 tonnes over the next quarter-century.

Avensure reports record year with 30% revenue rise and £4 million EBITDA

Helen Greaney
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Avensure reports record year with 30% revenue rise and £4 million EBITDA

Avensure has reported a record financial year, with a 30% increase in revenue and an EBITDA of more than £4million.

Its performance makes it the fastest growing HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety outsourcing business in the UK, winning more than 1,500 new clients in 2023.

Avensure also made a major £1m investment in bespoke software last year, launching PeopleCloud; a cloud-based HR and Health and Safety management system.

It also invested heavily in its team taking on over 20 new hires, including health & safety experts and senior HR professionals with commercially business-minded support. Its growing team has launched a comprehensive immigration service to support clients with overseas workers and complications surrounding recruitment and care compliance.

2024 will see the business build further on its investment in technology, with new features making PeopleCloud the most comprehensive HR and health and safety management system in the UK.

Chris Garner, managing director of Avensure, said: “2023 was a fantastic year for Avensure, with a significant increase in sales revenue & strong client retention figures. We’ve brought some fantastic people on board to support our clients across the UK and continued to focus on innovation, which very much underpins these results.

“We’re fast becoming a one-stop-shop for advice on everything from HR and health and safety through to wellbeing, care, immigration, and employee support programmes.

“The next twelve months will see us building further on the £1m investment in PeopleCloud, while launching a range of new products and services – it’s a really exciting time for the business and our team.”

Headquartered in Manchester, Avensure advises businesses across the UK and in range of sectors, from start-ups and SMEs through to large organisations like NHS 111, Vodafone, RSPCA and Age UK.

Its team provides expert knowledge, supporting businesses in handling any HR and Health and Safety challenges, including tribunal support representation.

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity announces presenter Matty White as official ambassador

Helen Greaney
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Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity announces presenter Matty White as official ambassador

Matty White (pictured) is well known on the Manchester scene as a presenter, podcaster and foodie champion.

Now, for the first time ever, he’s spoken candidly about his past experiences of homelessness as he becomes an official ambassador for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

Matty has notched up an impressive list of career achievements to date, having produced and presented on stations including BBC Radio Manchester, 5 Live, 6 Music and XS Manchester, as well as featuring in regular slots for the likes of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch and Manchester’s Finest.

His warm demeanor has helped rack up millions of views across his videos profiling Greater Manchester’s best eating spots. But it hasn’t always been so peachy.

Having grown up in the Midlands, Matty experienced homelessness from age 16 – a period he describes as exhausting and relentless. Now 47 and having carved out a successful career and homelife, he’s in a place to champion and support the type of services that helped him turn things around.

Sofa surfing

He said: “I was sofa surfing at first but then I was sleeping in train stations, on benches, in photo booths. At one point I was kipping in a battered yellow mini metro that had been abandoned for years at the back of a pub.

“One of the lowest moments was trying desperately to sleep under a tarpaulin on rubble at the end of train platform, having just been moved on from a photobooth. I was just hit by an overwhelming sense of failure and fear and it came out in tears. You’re hearing drunk people having fun with their mates and you feel like you’re just on the outside. With nowhere to go and no place of safety, I just walked and walked to try and put off the need to sleep, it was exhausting and relentless.

“I’ve only ever really spoke to my wife about it all, but I’m at place in my life where I can acknowledge the experience, recognise what got me out and hopefully be part of the change.”

It was thanks to charities that Matty eventually found temporary accommodation. They supported him to get his own place, get it furnished and find ‘hard graft’ jobs to get a stable income, which he says marked the beginning of the end of his struggle. He eventually went back to college and relocated to Manchester to study media.

Advocate

Now, he’s flying the flag for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity as an ambassador, joining a diverse line-up of champions, supporting fundraising and advocating for the charity’s mission to end homelessness and the need for rough sleeping in Greater Manchester.

With the charity’s second gala dinner just around the corner (Thursday 7 March at New Century), a Greater Manchester-wide pub quiz in the pipeline, and the return of the charity bus pull inside Manchester Central in August, there are lots of fundraisers to get involved in.

Matty’s busier than ever, with new videos hitting his YouTube channel and a second series of his podcast ‘Fodder’ in the works as well as new live events. But with growing teenage sons, he often thinks back to his own late-teen experience and how it shaped him.

“I pulled myself out of a bad place with the help of people and charities that were there. I don’t know where my life would have gone without them. So people know, when I stand up and champion the cause, it really means something to me.

“But there’s still work to be done, still those who need help and young people in particular who, sadly, are starting out on the same journey I did. People have really got behind the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and their fundraising initiatives, which are making tangible differences to help rebuild peoples’ lives. I’ll be doing my bit to tell the charity’s story and bang the drum for change.”

Fresh off the back of the DJ Battle between Mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram – which raised over £25,000 – the charity has a stacked schedule of events for the year ahead.

Recruiting

They’re actively recruiting more ambassadors too, drawing from a diverse range of businesses, sectors, leadership levels and experiences to raise the profile of the Greater Manchester mission.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, chief executive at the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to have Matty on board as ambassador. He’s a massive champion of the hospitality sector across Greater Manchester, who’ve done so much already to support us in our mission to end homelessness in the region. We feel very honoured that his first move as an ambassador has been to speak candidly, for the first time, about his own experience of homelessness and the role that charities played in his life.

“A big part of what we do is breaking the stigma attached to homelessness. With his work in TV, radio and online, Matty feels to many like a friendly face or voice they recognise. For them to hear about what he went through is really powerful and demonstrates the very real difference donations make to people at the time when they need it most.”

The charity’s flagship ‘A Bed Every Night’ campaign has helped tackle homelessness across the region ever since its peak in 2017. Since 2020 it’s helped nearly 6,000 people, with 2,910 people supported in the last year alone. Currently, there are 658 people in A Bed Every Night who would otherwise be at risk of rough sleeping.

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