Latest news with #Dinah
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
'I applied for PIP three times and it was gruelling and horrific'
A woman who has applied for personal independence payments (PIP) three times fears proposed benefits by the UK Government will have a "harrowing" impact on the most vulnerable North Wales families. Dinah, from Colwyn Bay, has launched a petition urging her local Labour MP, Gill German, who represents Clwyd North, to vote against her government's plan to cut £5billion from the welfare budget. The changes are due to be introduced this week before being voted on before the end of the month. Dinah, who asked for her surname not to be published, is one of tens of thousands of people who now fear their lives could be severely affected by the cost-cutting measures. Dinah, 29, has endured mental health problems since childhood including PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and depression, since childhood. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox She explained her own experience of applying for the payment which gives financial support to people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions. Dinah, who does work, described the assessment process as 'gruelling and horrific' requiring her to share extremely personal details, even relating to showering, washing, and toilet needs. She added: "If the proposed changes to welfare benefits go through, I will have absolutely no chance of getting PIP under the new scoring criteria. "I do work, but I struggle to make ends meet as a single adult with no family support - I struggle to afford my rent and bills, and I have to occasionally rely on food banks. I have been suicidal in the past due to historical trauma and financial stress. 'PIP would enable me to afford specialised therapy that will enable me to not only stay healthy and able to work, but to sustain me and prevent my mental health from spiralling.' She added: 'Over the past few weeks, I've been out meeting fellow residents of Clwyd North, listening to their stories, raising awareness of the proposed welfare cuts, and collecting signatures for a petition I will be delivering to MP Gill German. 'I spoke recently with Gill, sharing my own story and that of other local PIP claimants, and she told me she intends to vote for these proposals with no plans for any replacement support to speak of. The DWP's own impact assessment suggests that 400,000 households, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into poverty as a result of the cuts. Other independent experts put this figure even higher. 'Some of the stories I've heard from local people have been harrowing, including from homeless people and seriously mentally and physically disabled people who literally rely on PIP to survive. Every single person I've spoken to opposes the cuts. These changes are going to impact our society's most vulnerable, and it's absolutely crystal clear that local constituents do not support them.' Clwyd North MP Gill German defended the government's bid to cut the welfare bill. She said: 'Our health and disability benefits system and employment support system needs urgent reform. Since our Pathways to Work Green Paper was published in March, I have engaged extensively on this with constituents as well as national and local organisations in this field, including person-roundtable events in Clwyd North and through work as a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee. 'These have informed my representations to government ministers and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. I will continue to work with government on this important issue.' Conwy County Council's carers' champion Cheryl Carlisle said had been contacted by many residents distressed by the Government's proposals.
Daily Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Dinah Sta Ana leads with compassion to serve Filipino community
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Kingdom of Bahrain, it had profound implications on the nation's health, as well as its economy. In the midst of such uncertainty and tribulation, Dinah Sta Ana, a 65-year-old leader of the Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN) women's group in Bahrain, stood above the challenge and surpassed expectations by becoming a shining light of hope. She went the extra mile in rendering aid to expatriates regardless of class and status including her fellow countrymen. Dinah's commitment to offering support to the needy amidst such trying situations put her on the forefront of community action be it distributing food packs, providing much-needed things, or simply listening to lend an ear, she displayed extraordinary empathy and leadership. Her services not only added beauty to the daily lives of many but also infused the oneness and defiance to the community at a time when they needed it the most. Her selfless deed relieved a hard situation, and her commitment to assisting others was clear. Philanthropy The crisis sent Dinah surfing on a tide of philanthropy, exercising her charitable bicep during economic hard times. She directed her activities towards supporting Filipino contract workers in industries most affected by the crisis, among them tourism and hospitality. These were beauticians, barbers, hotel staff, waitresses, gym trainers, and massage therapists, all of whom were severely impacted by the crisis. Recognizing their struggles, Dinah took action to provide assistance, ensuring that these workers received the support they needed to navigate difficult times. Commitment Her commitment to uplifting those who were most affected demonstrated her deep empathy and understanding of the community's needs. The sense of accomplishment that she felt while distributing goods to our fellow kababayans at the height of the pandemic was overwhelming. 'I feel good about it whether in small ways or great ones it is the effort that is fulfilling, I was overcome with emotions and I found tears in my eyes. There is a spirituality in what I did that has taken me over completely,' Dinah related. Personal capacity Through her personal capacity, she donated financial assistance to overseas workers for their air tickets who have not been fortunate enough to find good employment and took the last resort of having to go back to our country penniless. Dinah quietly worked behind the scenes, selflessly helping those in need and generously giving her personal resources without seeking recognition or fanfare. Unlike others who often broadcast their contributions to the community, Dinah preferred to operate in humility, focusing on the impact of her actions rather than the accolades.
Identity
13-06-2025
- General
- Identity
National Pet Day: Must-Follow Accounts Supporting Pet Causes
Not everyone may be aware of National Pet Day, which coincides April 11th, and serves as a day to advocate for the rights and well-being of pets globally. But the real question is: Are we truly doing enough? Sadly, stray animals face growing dangers every day, not only struggling to survive on the streets, but also facing abuse from humans. If this day serves as a reminder of anything, it's the imminent need to raise awareness about animal rights and the importance of supporting those working on the ground to protect them. Here are a few powerful accounts using their platforms to advocate for pets, spread awareness, and lead rescue efforts. Backstreet Paws The name alone drags at your heart. Not a shelter in the traditional sense but a call for every home to become one. This account puts stray animal rescue at the very top of its priorities, answering every call for help with heart and urgency. Clooper Studios It's definitely more than just a pet photography studio. Dinah, the founder of Clooper Studios, has chosen to use her platform in the most meaningful way possible. While her love for dogs shines through her photography, it's her commitment to giving a voice to pets in need of a home that truly completes the picture of how to use your influence for a good cause. Another Box of Kittens As her bio says, 'The best pets are free!' and she truly lives by it. This account is a great example of street animal advocacy, encouraging people to rescue strays and push for real, lasting change.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dear Abby: I took care of my late wife, but now my in-laws don't want me dating
DEAR ABBY: I lost my wife of 20 years four months ago after a prolonged illness. I retired at 62 and became her primary caretaker. The job of caretaker is endless and stressful, and yet rewarding. A female friend of many years ('Dinah') came to the memorial. I grieved, attended Grief Share and read articles about grief. I experience grief every day and will for my whole life. Recently, Dinah and I began spending time together, including worship. For clarification, we have never been intimate and won't be until our wedding night (if that ever happens). The difficulty is how my late wife's family have reacted. They are becoming more and more distant. I don't feel I'm doing anything wrong. Others have said, 'You should wait for at least a year.' My financial planner and I spoke about not making any major financial decisions for a while, but what is this 'one year' thing? — READY IN TENNESSEE DEAR READY: The 'one year thing' is the same as the suggestion your financial planner offered. The reasoning is that after one loses a spouse, the widower is often emotionally vulnerable. Out of loneliness, some have made hasty decisions in their romantic lives that they later regret. While it isn't wrong that you are dating, your former in-laws may be upset that you started so soon after your wife's death and regard it as 'disrespectful' to her memory. What they may not have taken into account is that your grieving started while you were taking care of your wife rather than after her death. DEAR ABBY: My brother has been married for 25 years to 'Gayle,' who has alienated herself and their family from everyone, including her own siblings, our siblings and the rest of our family as well. She limits when, where and with whom he can spend time. Gayle nearly always has a nasty comment or barb and picks someone to fight with at every family gathering. Rather than deal with this, my family and our siblings' families have distanced ourselves, which is especially sad because my brother and Gayle have college-aged children with whom we enjoy spending time. Abby, something happened recently that makes me wonder if it's time for someone to intervene. My brother has an increasing number of false memories about things that never happened in his life — particularly ones in which he has supposedly been grievously wronged by me. Please share some advice. — MISSING MY BROTHER IN NEW ENGLAND DEAR MISSING: The topic of false memories is not one about which I am knowledgeable enough to comment. I do, however, know they happen sometimes as people age. Your brother may be experiencing symptoms of dementia and should be examined physically and neurologically by his doctor. Discuss this with the rest of your siblings in the hope that if ALL of you suggest this to your brother's wife and adult children, it may get through to her. But don't count on it if she has worked during their entire marriage to isolate him from all of you. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Toronto Sun
09-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
DEAR ABBY: Widower being told to take his time after wife's passing
A widower isn't sure why people have advised him to wait a year before starting a new relationship. Photo by stock photo / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. DEAR ABBY: I lost my wife of 20 years four months ago after a prolonged illness. I retired at 62 and became her primary caretaker. The job of caretaker is endless and stressful, and yet rewarding. A female friend of many years ('Dinah') came to the memorial. I grieved, attended Grief Share and read articles about grief. I experience grief every day and will for my whole life. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Recently, Dinah and I began spending time together, including worship. For clarification, we have never been intimate and won't be until our wedding night (if that ever happens). The difficulty is how my late wife's family have reacted . They are becoming more and more distant. I don't feel I'm doing anything wrong. Others have said, 'You should wait for at least a year.' My financial planner and I spoke about not making any major financial decisions for a while, but what is this 'one year' thing? — READY IN TENNESSEE DEAR READY: The 'one year thing' is the same as the suggestion your financial planner offered. The reasoning is that after one loses a spouse, the widower is often emotionally vulnerable. Out of loneliness, some have made hasty decisions in their romantic lives that they later regret. While it isn't wrong that you are dating, your former in-laws may be upset that you started so soon after your wife's death and regard it as 'disrespectful' to her memory. What they may not have taken into account is that your grieving started while you were taking care of your wife rather than after her death. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. DEAR ABBY: My brother has been married for 25 years to 'Gayle,' who has alienated herself and their family from everyone, including her own siblings, our siblings and the rest of our family as well. She limits when, where and with whom he can spend time. Gayle nearly always has a nasty comment or barb and picks someone to fight with at every family gathering. Rather than deal with this, my family and our siblings' families have distanced ourselves, which is especially sad because my brother and Gayle have college-aged children with whom we enjoy spending time. Abby, something happened recently that makes me wonder if it's time for someone to intervene. My brother has an increasing number of false memories about things that never happened in his life — particularly ones in which he has supposedly been grievously wronged by me. Please share some advice . — MISSING MY BROTHER IN NEW ENGLAND This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. DEAR MISSING: The topic of false memories is not one about which I am knowledgeable enough to comment. I do, however, know they happen sometimes as people age. Your brother may be experiencing symptoms of dementia and should be examined physically and neurologically by his doctor. Discuss this with the rest of your siblings in the hope that if ALL of you suggest this to your brother's wife and adult children, it may get through to her. But don't count on it if she has worked during their entire marriage to isolate him from all of you. — Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
