
Men's group aims to 'break mental health stigma'
"Initially I was unsure, but I went along anyway. I realised there were other people similar to myself and no one judged me," he said.After retiring from his job, the couple sold their London home and relocated to East Sussex. Mr Wallis worked with Scott Johnson, founder of TPBC, and started an Eastbourne weekly walk group in April. Mr Johnson, from south London, said so far 15 people have signed up to be regular members.
Since TPBC's launch in 2020, more than 500 men take part in its weekly walks and drop-in sessions across London.He said: "The groups have grown so much and it's only getting busier. We've had people across the country asking if there's a group near them."Mr Johnson started TPBC after undergoing family issues and, due to the stress, he turned to gambling and alcohol.
When Mr Johnson researched mental health groups, he said he could not find one that suited him. "There were many groups where people sit in a circle and talk about their problems," he said. "I felt intimidated by that so I started up TPBC. Men talk more freely in more casual settings and they can form strong bonds."To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, Mr Johnson and co-founder Ed Gibson are undertaking an 85-mile (136km) walk from Deal Pier to Eastbourne Pier on Thursday."We are walking to raise funds so TPBC can create more safe spaces for men to share their mental health experiences and find support," Mr Johnson said.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line.
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BBC News
15 hours ago
- BBC News
Hospital worker arrested over assault of patient in Northampton
A member of staff at a psychiatric hospital has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a Police said a woman, from Northampton, was arrested on suspicion of assault and ill-treatment or wilful neglect following an incident on 29 June and has been released on bail. St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton, which is used by the NHS, said it had suspended a number of staff and launched an investigation into the hospital said it was "taking urgent steps to reinforce high-quality care across all wards" after NHS England restricted new referrals to the hospital. A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives are investigating a report of an assault which is alleged to have taken place at St Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, on 29 June.""Due to the vulnerability of the victim in this case, officers conducting inquiries as part of this investigation have been in contact with the CQC and local safeguarding leads," they added. St Andrew's Healthcare is a charity that cares for people with complex mental health hospital cares for about 600 patients and employs more than 4,000 people across four locations. Restricted referrals The CQC said it had carried out an inspection of inpatient services at the hospital on 11 July. A spokesman for the regulator said: "As a result, CQC took action requiring [St Andrew's Healthcare] to make immediate, specific improvements around safety. "They are being monitored closely to make sure this happens, and a report containing the full findings from the inspection will be published on CQC's website when the usual quality assurance processes have been completed," they added. NHS England said St Andrew's Healthcare looked after patients with "very complex mental health needs from all over the UK". "The safety of patients is our first priority and commissioners working together with the CQC have restricted referrals to St Andrew's Northampton site," it England said it had "taken immediate action together with St Andrew's to ensure the charity keeps patients safe, meets contractual obligations, and prioritises a targeted programme of support which operates in line with CQC requirements". Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


The Independent
16 hours ago
- The Independent
Expert warns not to use these two cleansing bestsellers after a lash lift
Nothing quite compares to the feeling of a fresh lash lift. You look (and feel) bright eyed, and your make-up appears half way there before you've even had your morning coffee. Typically, a lash lift will last between six and eight weeks but, something you might not know, is that every product you apply – from your cleanser to your mascara – has an effect on its longevity. If you've never had a lash lift – also known as LVL (length, volume and lift) – the process involves pushing the eyelashes up and around a silicone shield before applying a lifting balm which breaks down the structure of the hair. After this, a fixing solution is used to set the lashes and, often, a tint is also applied for a bolder finish. The full treatment usually takes an hour and, when you've expended that much time and money (anywhere from £30 to £100), you want to make the most of it. So I spoke to expert lash artist, Emmy Clayton, to discover how we can use our skincare and make-up to ensure a resilient and long-lasting lift and curl. Meet the expert Emmy Clayton, also known as Emmy Creates, is a lash and brow artist with 14 years of experience. Trained by Aussie lash and brow brand Elleebana, she now trains new artists and has worked on behind-the-scenes glam for numerous beauty campaigns, such as YSL and L'Oréal Paris. Not to mention she has a long list of celebrity clientele, including Made in Chelsea 's Sophie Habboo and Lottie Moss. Cleansers to avoid after a lash lift According to Clayton, the key to mastering proper lash care is to think of it like hair. 'Conditioner is great, but too much weighs it down,' she explains. This means that certain oil-rich formulas can accelerate the speed at which your lifted curl begins to relax, especially when combined with additional elements like steam and heat. With this in mind, Clayton tells us which cleansers she might avoid post-lift, plus the ones she loves for a safe lash wash and scrub-free eye make-up removal. While Clayton sings the praises of the cult Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm (£49, for non-lifted lashes, complimenting how it 'leaves the skin feeling nourished', she advises that regular use around the eye area can gradually soften the curl of treated lashes, because of the balm's elderberry and starflower oils. Similarly, while the Body Shop's camomile sumptuous make-up cleansing butter (£13, is 'seriously effective', Clayon suggests steering clear with lifted lashes given how it's 'rich in shea butter and multiple plant oils'. It's worth noting that oils aren't inherently bad for the lashes, but continuous use of them can be. As Clayton puts it, the use of oils in our skincare routine (think: thick eye creams and, as above, cleansing balms) won't prompt a full lash lift reversal, but rather a gradual curl drop. The specific culprits? 'Excessive amounts of heavy oils like castor or coconut, combined with heat or steam,' she says. Lash lift-suitable cleansers Thankfully, with the beauty industry growing exponentially, there are plenty of alternatives to suit every skin type and budget. Clayton hails the Glossier milky oil dual-phase waterproof make-up remover (£18, as her go-to, as it 'removes eye make-up (even waterproof mascara) without the need for rubbing or soaking the lashes in heavy oil'. If you're looking for something more affordable, she also recommends the L'Oréal Paris eye and lip express make-up remover (£5.30, Clayton applauds how 'it doesn't leave behind a thick oily residue, making it a great everyday option post-lash lift'. Lastly, Vichy's purete thermale waterproof eye make-up remover (£6.96, is a great option if you suffer sensitivity around the eyes or wear contacts, as it uses conditioning arginine and thermal spring water to keep things effective yet irritation-free. 'It's loved for its lightweight feel and is a reliable post-lift option that doesn't compromise results,' Clayton says. Why has my lash lift gone wrong? It's not just cleansers that can effect your lash lift results. if you've ever suffered crumpled or kinked lashes just a few days or weeks after your treatment, 'it likely comes down to how the treatment was done,' claims Clayton. She lists four factors at play here: Shield size: 'A common reason for lashes bending during grow-out is when your tech uses a shield that's too small to create a super-dramatic curl,' says Clayton. While she acknowledges the initial appeal of this method, she adds that 'most lashes grow pretty straight, so when new growth comes in, it doesn't tend to follow the exaggerated 90-degree angle of the fresh lift, leading to that 'L-shaped' kink or bend where the natural growth meets the lifted lash.' Lash length and thickness: A consequence of natural hair growth cycles and one that's outside your lash tech's control, Clayton explains that not all lashes are the same length or thickness, as some are baby lashes that haven't fully grown out. 'If those get caught up and lifted with the longer ones they can sometimes crumple or curl unevenly as they grow out,' she explains. Lash mapping: 'Every lash map I do is tailored, not just for the lift, but for the best grow-out possible,' states Clayton. Lash mapping refers to the customising of shields, and the placement of the lashes and lifting/fixing solutions. Elaborating on this, Clayton recommends asking your lash artist if they have multiple shield styles. 'When it's done right, your lift should grow out soft and seamless, not spiky or kinked,' she says. Damage prevention: The first 48 hours following a lash lift are crucial. With this in mind, Clayton flags that 'sleeping face-down can crumple or bend your lashes.' Her solution? Switching to a silk pillowcase and using a 3D contoured sleep mask. Specifically, she recommends Drowsy's silk pillowcase (£59, and lash cocoon eye mask (£79, What mascara can you use with a lash lift? If everything from your cleanser to your pillowcase can effect the longevity of a lash lift, then a mascara – which gets in-between and all around the lashes – undoubtedly has a part to play. For many people, getting a lash lift and tint bypasses the need for mascara. However, if you like to keep your eye make-up dramatic, you'll be pleased to know there are plenty of LVL-approved options. 'This mascara is my number one obsession,' confesses Clayton, referring to Glossier's lash slick lift and lengthening mascara (£20, 'I love the brush, I love the finish and it just works perfectly with a lash lift as there's no clumping, no heaviness, and it removes so easily without compromising the curl.' Alternatively, Victoria Beckham's future lash (£32, is another great option that's been designed with lash health in mind. Clayton likes how it uses panthenol to strengthen and 'removes cleanly with just warm water.' No risk of dragging or lash fall-out. What mascara should you avoid? When it comes to which mascaras to avoid after having a lash lift, their compatibility will largely depend on how easy they are to remove. While Too Faced's better than sex mascara (£28, is a great pick if you're after volume and impact, Clayton says it can be 'a bit too much for lifted lashes'. 'The formula is quite thick and tends to clump, which can take away from that clean, defined curl,' she explains. 'It also has a tendency to flake and needs a good bit of effort to remove, which isn't ideal post-lift.' Similarly, Clayton loves Benefit's they're real! lengthening mascara (£27, on natural lashes owing to its intense staying power but it's one she recommends avoiding if you've recently had an LVL. 'It's a bit of a mission to remove,' she says 'which often means more rubbing than you'd like'.


Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Telegraph
Row over BBC presenter's scheme for trans access to school lavatories
A BBC presenter has provoked a row over a scheme to help transgender people access lavatories in schools. Dr Ronx Ikharia, a 'black, queer, transmasculine, non-binary' medical doctor who has hosted children's shows for the BBC, is behind the new 'trans allyship' scheme. It will distribute bright yellow 'trans allies' badges to schools which state 'Safe With Me'. Those wearing the badges will be expected to help 'accompany trans+ people to their preferred facilities if asked'. This is to counteract the alleged threat to transgender people posed by April's Supreme Court ruling, the doctor said in an online fundraiser for the badge scheme. Transgender access to single-sex toilet facilities has become a matter of law after the ruling that biological sex, and not self-identified gender, is what legally allows access to women's spaces. Now Dr Ikharia has said the ruling 'means trans+ people may be forced into spaces where they don't feel safe', adding: 'Toilets are one of the most dangerous of these spaces.' However, the campaign has prompted criticism from campaigners who have pushed against the granting of access to women's spaces. Helen Joyce, the director of advocacy at the human rights charity Sex Matters, told The Telegraph: 'This campaign is a safeguarding catastrophe. Asking children to approach adult strangers and take responsibility for their safety in toilet facilities puts children at obvious and serious risk. 'As for adults wearing 'safe with me' badges that children are supposed to believe, it's hard to think of a more irresponsible idea. ''Safe' isn't something a person can identify as, and adult strangers who signal to children that they are 'safe' are a safeguarding red flag. 'Any organisation involved in distributing these badges is either extremely naive or is willing to undermine safeguarding. Dr Ronx is a well-known children's entertainer, and her responsibility for the campaign raises serious questions. 'We will be raising this campaign as a safeguarding issue with Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary.' In addition to escorting people to their facilities of choice, badge-wearers will also be expected to commit to 'active allyship' and 'trans+ safety, dignity and joy'. Dr Ikharia, who fronted the CBBC show Operation Ouch, hopes to roll out the badges in schools, and also 'shops, offices and public spaces' across the UK with the intention of encouraging 'safe' access to toilets. The doctor has cited personal experience of the issue, writing: 'As a transmasculine, non-binary person, I've faced abuse, exclusion and humiliation in public toilets. 'I've skipped water to avoid them. I've begged shops to let me use their facilities. I've run into disabled toilets and out again, heart racing. I've needed friends to accompany me, just to feel safe.' Dr Ikharia's new scheme has raised more than £10,000 on the crowdfunding site Go Fund Me and was officially launched this week in London. Last year, Dr Ikharia, who was last publicly listed as working at the Homerton University Hospital in Hackney, took part in a protest outside the Royal College of General Practitioners in London, where medical professionals had been discussing the dangers of prescribing drugs to children to help them transition. Dr Ikharia has worked for the BBC since that protest and appeared on Operation Ouch as recently as March, according to iPlayer. The exposure of children to the concepts of multiple genders and the ability to move between genders has proven controversial for a number of organisations. An audit of publishers recently found that toddlers are being targeted with 'sparkly' books that present a positive vision of being transgender. Sex Matters and SEEN in Publishing, another campaign group, found the belief that being a woman can be independent of biological sex had become 'dominant' in the industry. The Scouts have been encouraged to use gender-neutral language and to drop the terms 'mum and dad', with members encouraged to guide children through a card game called 'Pronoun Pairs', which has been devised as a way of teaching them about gender identity.