Latest news with #vulnerablegroups
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
UK Heat Wave Could Claim Nearly 600 Lives This Week, Experts Warn
Scientists have warned the elderly and other vulnerable groups in the UK are at risk of heat-related deaths this weekend, as a new study shows recent high temperatures could claim 570 lives in just over four days. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London published on Saturday a real-time analysis calculating the number of heat-related deaths expected from Thursday to Sunday.
The Independent
a day ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Brits set to endure sleepless night amid heatwave
Warm temperatures could lead to the UK experiencing its first 'tropical night' of the year. A tropical night is where overnight temperatures do not drop below 20C; this could happen on Friday. Scientists indicate that the chance of UK temperatures exceeding 40C has increased significantly, and is now 20 times more likely than in the 1960s due to climate change. Amber heat-health alerts are in effect for all of England until 9am on Monday, with people asked to take precautions out in the warm weather. The health alerts suggest potential significant impacts on health and social care services, including a possible rise in deaths among vulnerable groups and increased demand for health services.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Some people with learning disabilities struggling to access banking
Some adults with learning disabilities could be raising their risk of financial harm due to struggles to access banking services, a report has warned. Informal workarounds are being used to help some people with a learning disability to get by financially, including handing over Pins to others and allowing family members to impersonate them on the phone. The research was published by Project Nemo – a not-for-profit campaign for disability inclusion in banking and financial technology – and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society. Around a third (32%) of adults with a learning disability who took part in the research did not have their own bank account. Some of those who took part in the research said they struggle with passwords or logins, or find it difficult to talk to bank staff, or find security checks hard to complete. The report also argued that the general shift away from payments made using coins and banknotes may have left vulnerable people behind. The report recommended that financial technology developers and financial services providers should include clear and simple language in banking features, with visual explanations where possible. The ability to intercept 'risky' purchases could also help to bolster people's independence, the report said. Features for products should include savings pots, a calm mode to reduce overwhelm, and wearable alternatives to payment cards, researchers suggested. Researchers carried out in-depth interviews as well as a survey of more than 1,600 people who identified as having a characteristic of vulnerability. Kris Foster, co-founder of Project Nemo, urged banks to 'break down the existing barriers'. Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability and accessibility, said: 'Everyone deserves to manage their money with confidence, dignity and independence.' Jon Sparkes, chief executive of charity Mencap, said: 'People with a learning disability tell us that they can struggle to make payments safely because of complex banking systems, inaccessible payment options and a lack of 'easy read' information. 'Because of these barriers, many worry about being more vulnerable to financial abuse and not being able to spend their money in the way they want to. Project Nemo's work is a hugely important step towards ensuring the 1.5 million people with a learning disability across the UK can make their financial choices safely and independently.' A spokesperson for trade body UK Finance said: 'The banking and finance industry is committed to helping all customers. Firms offer a range of services to help support customers with learning disabilities, and we encourage people to contact their bank to discuss the options available. The industry also works with various third sector organisations to help them understand challenges customers face and improve accessibility. 'To ensure cash access is still available for all, customers are able to withdraw and deposit money in banking hubs and post offices across the UK.' UK Finance also released a report on Thursday into progress made by banks following the introduction of the Disability Finance Code for Entrepreneurship (DFCE) in December 2024, which aims to improve the entrepreneurial landscape for people with disabilities. The code sets out commitments to further widen opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs, including providing people with accessible and practical support, such as mentoring and networking events. The report said banks' initiatives include establishing specific teams dedicated to disability inclusion, with a focus on tracking and supporting people who identify as having a disability.
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The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘I feel like an expensive pet': Independent readers open up on the human cost of disability cuts
As Labour faces mounting backlash over plans to cut disability benefits, dozens of Independent readers have voiced fear, anger and despair over what they see as a betrayal of society's most vulnerable. Their comments reveal the human cost behind the headlines: carers facing destitution, disabled people fearing the loss of their last shred of financial independence, and a pervasive feeling that the reforms are not about support, but punishment. Several readers spoke of lifelong conditions that make work impossible, and how benefit cuts would not help them back into employment, only into poverty. Others warned that the reforms are economically short-sighted, creating more strain on the NHS, social services and unpaid carers. Beyond practical concerns, many touched on the emotional toll of feeling vilified, dismissed or forgotten by politicians and the general public. Here's what you had to say: It's not just PIP cuts! It's not just PIP cuts! It's the cuts to the Universal Credit Health Element and Carer's Element too that many will lose. Those who work part-time and do not claim PIP will lose out, and those who have paid in, getting contribution-based benefits, will be thrown under the bus by unemployment insurance, limited to six or 12 months, because they may have a partner, when normally they would claim in their own right. These issues are not being talked about. Disabled people in all these situations will lose massively and Labour have learnt nothing from the deaths of claimants under the Tories. They know and have heard the evidence, criticised the Tories for being cruel, yet they think this is acceptable. This is not about helping people into work; it is punishing them for being unable to do so! The Force Grinding existence of poverty I have fibromyalgia and many other chronic long-term conditions, and those 14 years under the Tories forced unnecessary austerity and cruel, draconian DWP cuts to the most vulnerable people in society, many with lifelong chronic health conditions, making work impossible, and no employer would give us a second look. Those years of horrific treatment by the DWP, constant demonisation and vilification in the media and press, being made to feel like a criminal for just being alive, although it is more like a grinding existence of poverty and constant scapegoating – which feels like a form of abuse via proxy, designed to wear us down until we are broken and prone to taking our own lives… I've been there! That this isn't a national scandal on the level of the Infected Blood, Post Office Horizon, Windrush etc., is utterly shameful. But for decades, the disabled and chronically long-term sick amongst us have been treated as a drain on society – thus our plight is swept under the carpet and our lives deemed of no value. The Tories were 'stealth culling' us for years, but I never thought I'd see the day that Labour would carry through their callous policies. RedRocket68 Insulting assessments Simply cutting benefits across the board isn't the way to deal with this. There is undoubtedly misuse in the system, like in all systems, and that's why there needs to be a workable structure in place to address this. Nothing here can or ever will be foolproof! The severely disabled and their carers need support, and not to be living in fear that they won't be able to survive. Anyone who's cared for someone knows what a hard, unrelenting job it is – often 24/7. Some of those making these assessments seem to be oblivious as to what disability means for those who can never get away from it. Insulting questions, which lead to people saying they can manage things they can't, are just a small example of what people are faced with in these so-called 'assessments'. Often disabled people face more challenges than most can imagine or are even interested in. Those who do get jobs face the daily challenge of getting there – especially if they're dependent on a wheelchair. There's no quick fix for this, and slashing vital payments certainly isn't one! Ambigirls These cuts will break people None of the arguments the government is using stand up to scrutiny; there's no evidence which supports the cuts. The majority of the impact of disability is hidden outside people's close circle, especially intimate, embarrassing, and financial issues. People do not realise how bad things are, or how a lack of support can destroy you. These cuts will BREAK people. Cuts will also negatively impact the economy and cause higher dependency and increased costs to the NHS and local services in the medium to long term. KittyKat They've already cut mine by 36% Not badly so, but I'm disabled and have lived with not only the endless threat of losing my benefits – I have had them slashed (36%) and halted altogether. I wonder how far this has gone toward the destruction of my health, and yet there are many far worse off than myself. TomSnout We are where we are Unfortunately, the government does not have a time machine to go back and change decisions that some people may not like. We are where we are now. And where we are now is even higher taxes than the current record, to pay for even higher benefits spending, which, again, is already at a record (all in real terms). Mark Constant cycle of torture It's not about 'people who can work, should'. Realistically, no employer will jump at the chance to employ a disabled person – and if they do, it'll be a constant cycle of torture for the worst affected, who will be forced – and it is forced—into work they cannot do. In six months or less, they'll have worsened in health and require the services of occupational health. And what is occupational health going to tell them? Quit! Resign! You can't work after all! This welfare reform needs total scrapping. VIMS2022 Universal Credit won't help carers There will be many carers left destitute because the benefit system doesn't allow them to claim any other benefits. Universal Credit doesn't cover someone who's unable to work due to caring responsibilities. They will get nothing! Everlasting I've been waiting five years I would love nothing more than to walk again. But this is my fifth year of waiting. In case you're thinking I can't be so bad, I have severe end-stage arthritis. What bone I have left is twisting. I'm pretty darn sure I'm not the only one. Cynicalme A vendetta against the most vulnerable Having attended the consultations into the green paper, I witnessed so many who were terrified of how the cuts would rob them of their hard-fought careers. A warning for those calling for an end to disability support: these measures only save a pittance, so expect more cuts. If they can stoop low enough to give the most vulnerable a good kicking, then nothing will stop them going after pensioners next, who are the biggest slice, by over half, of the welfare bill after all. TalkingSense Easy targets PIP isn't awarded because of your ability to work or not. Why cut PIP? To save money and pretend that those who have disabilities don't have them anymore. And we are the easiest ones to target. Starmer has calculated that the 'grey vote' will be useful in the next general election, and voters will be upset if their granny and grandad die from cold. Children have voting parents and will grow up to be voters. But the disabled? Nah. Sub-humans without a voice. As I said, easy targets. News for him: disabled people also have loved ones who are voters, and we are voters too. I am about to be a grey voter, and I have a disability. Labour won't be getting my vote ever again. LizzieM I feel like an expensive pet I'm disabled. My partner works. I can't claim any benefits due to her income. PIP is therefore my only source of income and independence. It allows me to get to my own appointments, and it pays for my prescriptions, eye tests, and dental care (not that it covers this—I haven't seen a dentist in years due to the cost). PIP also makes me marginally less of a burden on my partner, as I can pay for my own prescriptions and even pick them up or get them delivered. To remove this money will drive me into poverty, make me rely more on my partner, and cost her more money. This will put pressure on our already strained relationship, as I will feel like an expensive pet, rather than a valued human being. It is cruel, vindictive and callous. I would have expected this from the Conservatives after the minefield they created throughout austerity, but for a Labour government to penalise disabled people in such a manner is bordering on political insanity – and the very definition of cruelty. Silvafox Why do they always pick on us? My husband is disabled, paralysed, uses a wheelchair – only one side of his body works. Due to other health issues, he can't have a motorised wheelchair, so we have a manual one. I take him where he has to go. He is so stressed by all of this that his condition is worse. Why does the government always pick on people who cannot defend themselves? It happens all the time. Bonniebell Employers won't take the risk The problem with DWP trying to engage disabled individuals in finding suitable work leaves a lot to be desired. Employers are more reluctant to take on disabled people on the grounds that they have to look after them. They consider disabled people as cheap labour, and the cost of employing them far outweighs the benefits. There is a pool of people who have no skills, and that is disadvantageous, not to mention that disabled people have no history or record of having worked for a considerable time. Kingdaniel Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day's top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click 'log in' or 'register' in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Yellow heat health alert issued for 7 parts of England as Met Office warns of 30C heatwave
TEMPERATURES are set to soar above 30C in parts of England by the end of this week - and health chiefs have warned of potential "serious health outcomes". A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for seven regions of the country in preparation for this week's sizzling temperatures. 2 2 The following areas will be under the alert between midday on Thursday and 6pm on Sunday: Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East England, the South East, the South West and London. A yellow alert is the lowest, behind amber and red, on the UKHSA's system, but warns of a possible rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Younger age groups could also be affected. Temperatures in many parts of the UK will range between 25C and 30C, but places like London could see temperatures reach as high as 33C. The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976. Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time. The UKHSA added an increase in demand for health services by vulnerable people is also likely. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun." He added that for people with vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours, it's important to check in on them and ensure they're aware of the forecasts - and are following he necessary advice. Almost all the affected areas have been given a risk score of 10 out of a possible 16, which indicates "significant impacts are possible" due to the high temperatures. Skin cancer symptoms you should NEVER ignore, with Dr Philippa Kaye Yorkshire and the Humber has been given a score of seven, meaning only minor impacts are likely. The main risks posed by a very hot weather are dehydration (not drinking enough water) and overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart of breathing. A little rain has been forecast throughout the period, and there may be some isolated thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures are expected to fizzle out into next week, but Southern parts of the UK may remain very warm. This year's first heat health alert was issued on June 11th. Will it be a heatwave? A heatwave in the UK is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days, with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature thresholds. Across the north and west of the UK this is 25C, and across Greater London and the Home Counties, 28C. Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist, said: "By the beginning of the weekend we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places. "While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday, heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales." How to stay safe in hot weather WHILE many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe: keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include: tiredness weakness feeling faint headache muscle cramps feeling or being sick heavy sweating intense third Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Common symptoms of heatstroke include: confusion lack of co-ordination fast heartbeat fast breathing or shortness of breath hot skin that is not sweating seizures Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down. Source:
