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

Christmas is coming. It seems to get earlier and earlier but there can be no question that it’s right around the corner. This means pressure and expectation for, and upon, all involved. For those responsible for organising the gifts, this can often be a difficult time. How much to spend, what to buy, what is...Read More

Mental health is talked about more these days – it seems – than it ever has been before. It has a prominent place on the news agenda and is a subject now considered much less taboo. In the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, among others, mental health can boast high-profile advocates, whose efforts continue to...Read More

The idea that what one wants to happen, can happen. This is hope defined. Quite literally; for this is a meaning that came direct from our office dictionary. Hope is such an important resource for mental health. For those who seek out our help, young people and adults alike, it is often in short supply....Read More

Trending on Twitter in recent times has been the hashtag #ChoosePsychiatry. It’s linked to a carefully-constructed campaign that the Royal College of Psychiatrists devised in order to shine a light on the specialism and persuade more doctors to do just that: To choose Psychiatry. It’s something that got us thinking. Thinking about our own background(s)....Read More