Schools
By Josh Bell, Charities and Schools Correspondent Ashcombe School’s Superhero Day on Friday 13th February had some very special guests — and they didn’t need capes to impress. The Donate for Defib team attended alongside other emergency services to teach pupils vital life-saving skills in two engaging sessions.
Animals
By Animals Correspondent Cupid’s arrow has struck — at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth! This week, the sanctuary’s four-legged residents were treated to heart-shaped Valentine’s enrichment treats, carefully crafted by their devoted grooms. Sculpted willow hearts were packed with strawberries, carrots, bananas and watermelon, giving the
People
By Community Correspondent Yvonne Martin experienced a powerful sense of coming full circle when she moved into Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe in 2023. The Home now stands on the very site where the 90-year-old once worked as a teenager — and where she first met the
Community
By Community Correspondent Blakelands Lodge Care Home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, opens its doors each week for its much-loved Chatty Café—a warm and welcoming community event aimed at tackling loneliness and fostering connections. Held every Tuesday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the care home’
People
By Health and Education Correspondent A devastating motorbike accident in Iceland almost ended EmmaLucy Cole’s career — but the determined PhD student from Taunton refused to let it beat her. EmmaLucy, who had just finished the second year of her English Literature doctorate, suffered post-concussion syndrome after the accident.
Animals
By Animals Correspondent Two tiny ponies rescued just days before Christmas are now thriving — thanks to the tireless care of the team at World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm near Blackpool. Buddy, a chestnut colt, and Bauble, a piebald, were discovered in December in a dangerous state — underweight, infested with
Charities
By Charities Correspondent Hundreds of pounds worth of baby essentials have been handed to struggling families in West Norfolk — thanks to a generous local charity stepping in when it matters most. The Paragon Charitable Foundation has delivered a huge bundle of vital baby items to Baby Basics West Norfolk — marking
Health
By Health Correspondent Bookworms, language lovers and lifelong learners could be giving their brains a powerful edge against Alzheimer’s, a major new study suggests. Researchers found people who regularly stretched their minds — from childhood right through old age — developed Alzheimer’s up to five years later than those who
Community
By Community Correspondent A former horse box has been given a new lease of life — and it’s now saving lives. Thanks to materials donated by Ariel Plastics, the humble trailer has been transformed into a fully functioning ambulance that can be hitched up to a ‘blue light’ tractor and
Schools
By Schools Correspondent Oldmixon Primary School, part of the Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN), has shared the outcomes of its recent Ofsted inspection, confirming what families already know: this is a school where children feel safe, are welcomed as individuals, and are given the foundations to thrive. The inspection on
Education
By Education Correspondent A new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) in Secondary Mathematics is helping tackle the national shortage of maths teachers by offering a paid, debt-free route into the profession. Students at the University of Staffordshire are among the first in the country to take part. The programme lets
Charities
By Charities Correspondent A local running challenge is taking place in support of SUDC UK, in memory of Liam Shepherd, who tragically and unexpectedly died in his sleep in 2021. Although Liam was very young, he made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He is remembered as a
Charities
By Charities Correspondent UK prosthetics charity STAND has opened a new rehabilitation centre in The Gambia, bringing vital prosthetic and rehabilitation services closer to amputees living in rural communities. The new facility represents a major step forward in improving access to prosthetic legs and ongoing care. STAND supplies refurbished prosthetic
Schools
By Schools Correspondent Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) marked a major milestone this week with the launch of its first-ever ELAN Spelling Bee, bringing together pupils from all nine ELAN primary schools for a celebratory grand final. Children from Banwell, Bournville, Locking, Mead Vale, Mendip Green, Milton Park, Oldmixon,
Animals
By Conservation Correspondent Beavers are set to return to more rivers in South West England after Natural England approved two new licensed release projects, marking a major step forward for nature recovery. The decision follows the first licensed release of wild Eurasian beavers in Dorset last year, after a landmark
Mental Health
By Mental Health Correspondent This Children’s Mental Health Week, M&S and YoungMinds announce a major milestone in their partnership to support young people’s mental health. Having originally pledged to raise £5 million over three years, the partners have surpassed expectations - raising an incredible £5.5 million