Latest news with #EDS
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
More than 100,000 people sign Scope's petition against government disability cut
Volunteers from learning disability charity Scope today handed a petition to the government with the voices of 100,0000 people opposing the cuts to welfare and PIP. Today, members of the charity gathered at Downing Street after receiving the backing of people across the UK and the disabled community. In March, Labour announced plans to save £5bn a year by overhauling the welfare system, plans which have been called 'barbaric' by campaigners. Volunteers for the charity included Rachel Batton, 53, from Cardiff, who, if the government papers are given the green light, her PIP cuts would be halved. She told Metro she was 'really scared' about the future and in 'constant stress waiting on tenterhooks' awaiting what cuts the government is going to make. Rachel has classical type EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). EDS impacts Rachel by causing joint and muscle pain, easy bruising, frequent dislocations, and severe fatigue. She also has Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which further affects her mobility and fatigue. She said she felt 'resilient' but that there was a 'black cloud' over her everyday. She said: 'You feel like you're walking through treacle, just because your symptoms are getting worse and things and your pain is getting significantly worse. 'I can't remember a time when my pain was as bad as this, because I'm stressing about it every single day.' Rachel receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the enhanced rate for daily living and the standard rate for mobility. Without PIP, Rachel would not be able to afford to manage the extra costs she is faced with. It's like, it feels like this is a tick box exercise, and the decision has already been made, and they're not going to change their mind but we've got to try.' 'It's like, it feels like this is a tick box exercise, and the decision has already been made, and they're not going to change their mind but we've got to try.' Rachel has a number of disability related extra costs and the amount of money she is about to receive from the government is going to be halved, she said. She needs frequent hot baths and consistent heating to manage her symptoms. Fatigue and mobility issues make food preparation difficult, so she relied on more expensive pre-cut ingredients and ready meals Scope said in the petition: 'Needing more financial support is not a choice. Disabled people often live in pain and in fear of losing vital support. 'After years of rising prices, many disabled people are already on the brink. Cutting disability benefits will deal another catastrophic blow to disabled people's lives.' Jessica Leigh, campaigns manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: 'We're here to urge the government to drop these catastrophic plans to rip billions from the welfare budget. 'Life costs a lot more when you're disabled, and these cuts will have a devastating effect on disabled people's health, ability to live independently or work, as in Rachel's case. 'Without PIP, she won't be able to afford the things she needs to manage her conditions and the pain which comes with them, meaning she could no longer be able to work. 'The government must listen to disabled people and change course.' Last year, Scope research found that on average, disabled households need an additional £1,010 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households. If you want to find out more information about the petition visit: Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Jamie Vardy next club odds: Striker will be in demand after leaving Leicester and could head north of the border MORE: 'Monster' 18ft python rescued along with three others after being found dumped in woods MORE: Astrid & Miyu launch unmissable summer sale on jewellery for a limited time only
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Undermines Regional Powers To Protect Coastal Biodiversity
The Environmental Defence Society opposes the Government's decision to press ahead with amendments to the Resource Management Act that severely curtail the ability of regional councils to manage the impacts of fishing on coastal marine biodiversity. 'This is a direct attack on the ability of local communities to safeguard their coastal environments,' said EDS Chief Operating Officer Shay Schlaepfer. 'It gives the fishing industry a long runway to continue destructive practices in areas that should be protected. It is a win for commercial fishing interests and a loss for indigenous biodiversity. 'The changes effectively mean that regional councils will have to jump through onerous procedural hoops, secure the concurrence of the Ministry for Primary Industries, and wait until the full plan process has concluded before any controls on fishing that seek to maintain indigenous biodiversity can take effect. 'EDS submitted strongly against these changes, arguing they would substantially weaken councils' ability to manage the effects of fishing, including habitat destruction and ecosystem degradation, and consequently constrain their ability to fulfil statutory functions to maintain indigenous marine biodiversity. 'There is already well-established law on the ability of regional councils to impose controls on fishing. The sensible thing would have been to codify this law to provide clarity and certainty. Instead, the Government has chosen to upend that careful legal balance by introducing unnecessary barriers that will make it much harder for councils to act. 'New Zealand's marine environment is under increasing pressure, and the Government's approach makes it harder, not easier, to safeguard our coastal ecosystems. 'EDS will continue to advocate for a resource management system that properly protects indigenous marine biodiversity,' concluded Ms Schlaepfer. Environmental Defence Society EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence. Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes. EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement. EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference. EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross launches flexible unparalleled health plan for those 50+
New Retiree Plan offers guaranteed acceptance, comprehensive drug and travel benefits with 36 customizable coverage combinations to reflect the changing retirement landscape. SASKATOON, SK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the residents of Saskatchewan retire, many are left navigating a new chapter without the security of health insurance. Rising healthcare costs and changing wellness needs make retiring confidently more complicated than ever. In response to the need for accessible health plan solutions that can fit any health and financial situation and evolve with you as your needs change with age, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new Retiree Plan, providing extensive flexible health and travel benefits for individuals 50 and older. "Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either," says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "With unparalleled flexibility our new Retiree Plan adapts seamlessly to diverse health needs and financial situations and removes barriers to access by eliminating health questionnaires that exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. We're proud to empower retirees with a plan that supports their well-being every step of the way, through innovative services like virtual care, preventative wellness programs, comprehensive coverage and a commitment to providing benefits that support holistic, proactive healthcare." Why this matters now With 135,000 Saskatchewan residents approaching retirement in the next five years, the transition from workplace benefits to a strong personal health plan is key. People are living longer, managing complex health needs, and expecting more from their health plan. For rural retirees, access is everything. Our plans come with embedded virtual care, 24/7 navigation and support that meets you where you are. What makes the Retiree Plan different Unlike traditional products, Saskatchewan Blue Cross' new plan offers ultimate flexibility, including: Expanded travel protection – up to 65 days per trip, with $5 million in out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical coverage. No medical questionnaires or exclusions for pre-existing conditions – you're covered regardless of your health or prescription medications 36 plan combinations across three tiers (Basic, Classic and Enhanced) – allowing you to match your health and financial needs, with the option to adjust as needed*. Expansive drug coverage, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) medications – plus smoking cessation supports and more. Robust health practitioner and extended benefits coverage – including annual eye exams, physiotherapy, counselling and more. Virtual care on demand – providing unlimited access to Nurse Practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one visit. Enhanced mental wellness support – up to 20 counselling sessions with unlimited cases through Homewood Health's Individual Assistance Program (IAP). Life Smart Coaching and preventative wellness – including Health Risk Assessments, nutrition, financial planning and more. Optional dental coverage – the ability to tailor coverage and opt out, offering flexibility for those eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ongoing plan flexibility – with the option to increase your coverage at any time or decrease after two years*. Built for Saskatchewan, by Saskatchewan As a not-for-profit organization trusted by generations, Saskatchewan Blue Cross understands and integrates with provincial health programs, ensuring you get the maximum value from your benefits plan and government plans you're eligible for.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A look at City's record-breaking four PL2 titles
Earlier this month, Ben Wilkinson's Elite Development Squad etched the Academy's name in the history book by becoming the first club to win four Premier League 2 titles. And not just a record-breaking four, but four trophy lifts in five seasons, which included a recent restructuring of the competition's format. Advertisement To mark this moment in the Club's history, we take a look back on the four titles and what makes each one special… 2020/21 – THE FIRST OF FOUR In the old format of the Premier League 2, the champion was decided after 24 Gameweeks. City's closest race for the title dated back to 2016/17 when we finished second behind Everton. But in 2020/21, our first title win, City cruised to the title in outstanding fashion, securing the league summit with two games left to play. Our young boys in blue won 17, drew five and lost two games to total 56 points en route to the trophy. City boasted a goal difference of 49 thanks to our 79 strikes versus 30 conceded. Advertisement WATCH: Crowning glory for City's EDS Aged 18, Liam Delap scored an impressive 24 goals in 20 appearances, which would see him earn the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award when the curtain fell on the campaign. Tommy Doyle topped the assist chart with 10 in 18 matches, with Cole Palmer also tallying impressive numbers at 19 years old. He scored 13 and assisted six in 16 games. In his debut season in charge, Enzo Maresca's EDS side went on a 17-game unbeaten run to complete the season as City leapfrogged Liverpool, Chelsea and Derby County after a tight start to the campaign. And this campaign's success would be the catalyst for more to come… 2021/22 – BACK-TO-BACK Looking to defend the title for the first time in the Club's history, the team undoubtedly rose to the occasion. Advertisement Also, in his debut campaign as EDS Lead Coach, Brian Barry-Murphy led the squad to City's second PL2 title. With 16 wins, six draws and four defeats, our young boys in blue topped the table with 54 points with second-place West Ham totalling 48. WATCH: Watch City's EDS squad lift the PL2 trophy! Leading the way for City in front of goal was James McAtee who bagged 18 in 23 games. And Oscar Bobb totalled the second highest number of assists in the league, teeing up his team-mates 10 times in 26 appearances. Goalkeepers Cieran Slicker and Mikki van Sas helped City remain solid at the back as they kept five and four respective clean sheets. Advertisement What perhaps made this title win so special was the togetherness of the squad, with every player leaving their mark on the trophy lift. 24 players scored or assisted in City's second PL2 triumph. 2022/23 – HISTORIC THREE-PEAT In the final campaign of the previous PL2 format, City claimed the title for a third successive season, becoming the first Club to achieve the feat. And Barry-Murphy also became the first City coach to win two Premier League 2 titles. Another young squad was ready to take centre stage and find ways in which to better the previous two seasons, if at all possible. They broke City's previous record tally, reaching 59 points from 18 wins, five draws and three defeats. Advertisement Our EDS scored a staggering 80 goals in 26 games, averaging three per game, and conceded just 31 for a goal difference of 49. Carlos Forbs couldn't stop scoring goals, completing the campaign with 21 in 24 appearances. And wasn't shy of teeing up his team-mates too with 11 assists to boast 32 goal involvements. At 18 years old, Adedire Mebude also enjoyed finding the back of the opposition's net, scoring 11 goals as he featured in every PL2 game. He also totalled 13 assists, but topping the chart was Oscar Bobb in his second season with the EDS with 16. Mikki van Sas was once again a formidable force in goal, keeping seven clean sheets from 15 games, all vital as City closed in on the third title. Advertisement Whilst silverware isn't at the top of the priority list, the environment of pushing for a historic title and being chased by talented teams just below created a vital learning experience for our young boys in blue. And they did hold their nerve, lifting the title in April 2023 to be the final team to win the PL2 in its old format. 2024/25 – REACHING NEW HEIGHTS Debut seasons for Lead Coaches continue to show a positive success rate. In his first campaign in charge of the EDS, Wilkinson led our young boys in blue to the record-breaking fourth title earlier this month. After a season of adjusting to the new PL2 format, City's squad, whilst still the youngest in the competition, was ever so slightly older and more mature than the campaign prior. Advertisement WATCH: Watch: City EDS lift the Premier League 2 trophy! And that proved a key part in our journey to success with Wilkinson's side showing resilience on a handful of occasions, clawing back 10 points from losing positions in the league phase. For the first part of the season, City led the charge for the league title, winning 15 games out of 20 to set a new points record of 47. Our boys in blue found the back of the net 61 times, with Divin Mubama bagging the most (11), to average just over three a game. At the other end of the pitch, City were also just as strong. Wilkinson's squad conceded just 23 and totalled seven clean sheets to boast more impressive numbers. Advertisement Helping City shut out our opponents was Jahmai Simpson-Pusey who was named the PL2 Player of the Season, following in the footsteps In the new format, City then progressed to the play-offs for the first time since the competition's restructure. And it was no easy route to further silverware. An extra-time win over Liverpool was followed by another extra-time win over Arsenal. One step away from the final City welcomed our rivals Manchester United to the Joie Stadium. A comfortable 2-0 win saw us progress where we faced Southampton in the last game of the season. And another 2-0 win completed a fantastic season for the EDS as we became PL2 champions.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon
CHELSEA'S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week. But even 4 Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaoke 4 Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumph Mikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League. He told SunSport: 'We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves. 'That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together. 'They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.' Read More on Chelsea Most of Enzo Maresca's squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month. A singalong is not Mikel's idea of fun to toast victory. He said: 'Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn't have been that. It would have gone full on.' New Most read in Football **** LIAM DELAP is the When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands - but anyone who had watched Manchester City's EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca. Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so. From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left. Nicolas Jackson has - all things considered - been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box. Delap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace - which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle. 4 However, it's likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca's style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market. Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too. It wasn't always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap's movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease. We've seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult. When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season. **** IT'S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th. The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris. The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist. They join Chelsea's group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca's men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24. Chelsea fans wonder 'What if?' Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues' head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job. Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead. Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who "made several demands" during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place. Fast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build - an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best. In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia. Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite. The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals. It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons. 4 Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined Chelsea **** SECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season. A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge. The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent. The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a "premier membership" which can be purchased for priority access to tickets. In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least. Fans online reacted, and weren't happy at all, with one fan claiming, 'Premium membership LOL like I'm not ripped off enough as it is.' While another fumed: 'A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don't.' **** JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph. The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits. Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham's Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel. But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again. **** JT was back at a Chelsea European final - and again not on the pitch! The club's legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands. Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 - only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for Surely that's more than a coincidence?
