Eating disorders are on the rise in the UK.  Young people in particular are at risk.  This is something that we’ve been saying here for quite some time now. It gives us no satisfaction to report that the latest research – published this autumn – backs up our long-held assertion. Published in the journal BMJ...Read More

Social media and its impact on mental health is a topic that we’ve covered before on our blog. The link between the two is – in our opinion – beyond question. On this, not everyone is in agreement. Indeed, certain studies have concluded that time spent on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram does not have a...Read More

Please note — this isn’t a political post. It does emanate from a politician, granted. But this is not about Parliament or parties or point scoring.  It’s about young people, it’s about underlining issues and it’s about striving to address them. That being the case, we’re not going to name the politician in question (or...Read More

“Children these days are stuck. They stay at home and stare at a screen. They’re not off their phones – ever.” – Norman Williams, 72. Grandfather of 17. **** Pressure to achieve at school. Pressure to fit in. Pressure to have the latest gadgets and devices. Pressure to conform. Bullied at school and at home...Read More

Confession time: Love Island 2019. We’re not watching it. In this, it seems, we’re in the minority, for since it returned to ITV, social media in particular has been awash with all the latest updates, details and drama. It isn’t our cup of tea, that much is clear, but our intention is not to deride. ...Read More

In Hexham, not too far from our base here at CPUK, there lives a lady. Her name is Vicki Dillon. She has Parkinson’s disease. She was diagnosed at a young age – just 35 – back in 2007. Twelve years on, Vicki has just taken part in a pioneering drug trial and appeared on a...Read More

MMR isn’t associated with autism; this is very strong scientific evidence – new study. ‘It is understandable that some parents are uncertain and concerned given the anti-vaccine stories on the internet. However, the science is clear, there is no link.’ Statens Serum Institut study, Copenhagen.   (Dr Anders Peter Hviid et al).  It’s a subject...Read More

‘Screen addiction is causing toddlers to lose delicate co-ordination skills such as those needed to tie their shoelaces, new research suggests. A study of 2,400 children found that more screen time was linked to lower scores in “milestone tests” of co-ordination, as well as communication, problem-solving and social skills.’ (Source: Daily Telegraph, 28/01/2019). There have...Read More

‘Publicising methods of how to take your own life is just as irresponsible as publishing hate videos and terrorism videos. It’s the same thing; it leads to death and it leads to death that is preventable’. Jackie Doyle-Price, Minister for Suicide Prevention (source: Daily Telegraph, 23/12/2018). Jackie Doyle-Price, Britain’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention, has...Read More