The UK Government's plans to reduce welfare benefits have been criticized by disability advocates after a budget watchdog revealed that proposed cuts would save less than expected. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed further reductions in disability benefits, including halving health-related Universal Credit payments for new claimants and freezing them until 2030. The changes are expected to affect around 3 million families and 800,000 claimants, with Maddy Alexander-Grout, a mother of two with multiple disabilities, warning that the cuts will put pressure on the NHS, charities, and increase suicide rates and homelessness.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14538641/Spring-Statement-case-studies-welfare-cuts-Rachel-Reeves.htmlA recent survey by Randstad found that 40% of UK tech workers quit their jobs last year due to inflexible working conditions, including return to office mandates and long hours. The study of over 2,500 tech workers revealed that two in five respondents left their jobs because of hardline policies imposed by employers. Many remote workers reported feeling a stronger sense of community with colleagues under flexible arrangements, and 68% would trust their employer more if they were given more leniency on work hours, intensity, and remote working. Industry burnout is a significant issue, with 73% of IT workers feeling burnt out or stressed due to heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and lack of resources.
https://www.techradar.com/pro/inflexible-work-policies-are-pushing-tech-workers-to-quitZach Drew, founder of Level Up, has spoken out about his personal journey from hitting rock bottom to recovery, highlighting the importance of seeking help and support. Drew, who has been sober for 10 years, emphasizes that "rock bottom" is a turning point where change can occur. He encourages those struggling with mental health issues or addiction in Saskatoon to reach out to available services and programs, citing the presence of supportive people willing to lend a hand.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11099233/shaping-saskatchewan-zach-drew/Left-wing demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street ahead of the Spring Statement, protesting against benefits cuts and holding signs such as "Cuts kill" and "Welfare not warfare". Charities like Mind and Scope reported a surge in calls to their advice pages following the announcement, with some people indicating they felt suicidal due to the potential loss of support. Experts warned that further welfare cuts could risk lives, citing substantial evidence from 2010 that social security cuts have harmed the health of the UK population.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14538555/Rachel-Reeves-announces-welfare-cuts-watchdog-judges-Chancellors-previous-benefits-squeeze-announced-week-worth-billions-thought.htmlA federal court in Georgia has allowed four children to proceed with a proposed class action lawsuit against state officials alleging they were denied adequate mental health care through Georgia's Medicaid program. The children claim they didn't receive legally required health screenings and weren't provided with appropriate home- or community-based care, despite being eligible for the services.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/class-action/georgia-children-advance-medicaid-suit-over-mental-health-careThe Harris County Sheriff's Office is prioritizing the mental health of its deputies amid a challenging period, recognizing the importance of creating an environment where officers feel comfortable seeking help for mental health struggles. The department is leveraging various resources, including counseling services and employee assistance programs, to support its personnel.
https://www.ibtimes.sg/shocking-four-law-enforcement-officers-die-by-suicide-within-six-weeks-texas-sheriffs-office-79193Reality star Jax Cartwright opened up about his struggles with depression and cocaine addiction in a recent episode of her podcast, When Reality Hits. The 36-year-old, who recently ended his nearly five-year marriage to Brittany Cartwright, checked himself into rehab last summer as he navigated their divorce. The couple, who tied the knot in 2019, first met in 2015 on Vanderpump Rules and had a short-lived spinoff, Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14540513/Jax-Taylor-reveals-cocaine-Brittany-Cartwright-left.htmlA new mother's post-birth experience took a toll on her physical and mental health. She suffered from bladder issues for years after childbirth, which worsened due to repeated missed infections in her stitches requiring multiple courses of antibiotics. The antibiotics also affected her daughter's digestive system, causing her to stop breastfeeding temporarily. When she tried to resume breastfeeding, her milk supply dwindled. Additionally, the traumatic experience replayed itself in her mind, causing debilitating mental distress.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14540459/Giving-birth-left-utterly-broken-hallucinating-worse-realising-avoided-JO-CRUISE.htmlThe City of Phoenix has opened its largest housing facility, the Phoenix Navigation Center, a 280-bed center designed to provide immediate and transitional solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Located at 11 S. 71st Avenue, the center features three Sprung Structures, including women's and men's housing units, as well as a central navigation center with on-site wraparound services such as counseling, job training, and medical care. The facility offers non-congregate beds in converted shipping container shelters, secure storage for personal belongings, RV safe parking, and pet accommodations. According to Rachel Milne, director of the Office of Homeless Solutions, the center represents the city's commitment to providing more capacity and comprehensive services to address the rising number of unsheltered individuals.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sheltering-the-unhoused-sprung-center-helps-fight-homelessness-in-phoenix-302412566.html