Things you didn’t know about blood cancer:1.Blood cancers are the third most common cause of cancer death in the UK. 2.At any one time there are around 2,000 people in the UK in need of a stem cell transplant.

A new nationwide heart health check programme launches today, aiming to testup to 100,000 workers for risk indicators of cardiovascular disease, with follow-up information and supportprovided by Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy. The first-of-its-kind initiative by an online pharmacy aims to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease inthe workplace.

The UK's expected housing market recovery has stalled, with upward inflation, political instability and stubbornly high borrowing costs creating the most uncertain conditions seen in years, according to a leading property expert At the start of 2026, economists and industry figures widely expected falling inflation and lower interest rates to trigger a steady rebound in the property market.

UK inflation eased more sharply than expected last month, falling to 2.8% in the year to April from 3.3% in March, but economists have cautioned that the respite for hard-pressed households would prove fleeting as the inflationary aftershock from the conflict in the Middle East continues to build.

The Ben Kinsella Trust has announced that Knife Crime Awareness Week 2026 will take place from 18 to 24 May alongside National Police Chiefs’ Council Sceptre Week, combining policing, prevention and community action in a coordinated effort to tackle knife crime.

King's Speech did not address pensioner poverty says Independent Age Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “The King’s Speech did not go far enough in addressing pensioner poverty.

37% of grassroots youth music projects have considered closing due to funding pressures Over two-thirds (67%) unable to meet demand from young people More than 33,500 young people are currently on waiting lists for grassroots music projects Nearly 40% expect their financial position to worsen in the next 12 months Youth Music has raised £1 million through its Rescue the Roots campaign, but warns the sector remains under severe strain

The Church of England in Lancashire is playing a key role in this year’s Christian Aid Week, with the Bishop of Blackburn and a county priest appearing in separate videos during the campaign on the charity’s social channels, to encourage donations. There will be campaign content on Christian Aid’s channels every day from May 10-16, for what is Britain’s longest-running fundraising week.

74% of carers in employment say being able to work supports their wellbeing, offering a break from caring, boosting confidence and social contact Despite this, nearly half (47%) of carers who are employees are considering cutting their working hours or giving up work altogether. Giving up work to care can also have a significant financial impact New research from Carers UK examines the ‘tipping point’ at which unpaid carers feel that they have no choice but to give up work to care

This week (4-10 May) marks Deaf Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of deafness while celebrating the UK’s deaf community. This year, the National Deaf Children’s Society is highlighting the early signs of deafness in children and reassuring families that support is available from the very start. Deafness isn’t always obvious.

Nurofen’s Gender Pain Gap Index Report finds more than half (53%) of women felt their pain was ignored or dismissed, rising to nearly three quarters (73%) among women aged 18-24.

The RSPCA has labelled today (1 May) an “historic day for pet ownership” as a new law comes into force that will give more people than ever before in England the opportunity to own an animal. Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties - without providing a justifiable reason.

TransPennine Express (TPE) is helping customers start their journeys with greater confidence by introducing new Passenger Assistance meeting points at stations across its network. The new meeting points provided by the train operator are clear, easy-to-find spaces where customers can meet a member of staff ready to help.

The Cumberland Building Society has launched a major listening initiative that puts communities at the heart of its future strategy. Starting in May, the region’s largest building society is going on the road to speak to the people of our region, giving them the opportunity to share their views on what they want and what matters most to them.

The Network of Pakistani Organisations (NPO) UK has welcomed the passing of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which officially becomes law, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing efforts to tackle smoking and protect public health.

Demand has surged at a residential lettings agency in the north east as private landlords seek expert help to navigate the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act. Xenia Lettings, based in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, has seen a tenfold rise in instructions from property owners since the start of 2026 and has expanded its footprint to include Tyneside and County Durham, as well as Wearside.

Art, design and creative students from across England, Scotland, and Wales have the chance to showcase their talents, with the opportunity to design the official posters for the historic 2027 Grand Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

Voters without ID have just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at the upcoming May local elections in England. To vote at a polling station, voters must present an accepted form of photo ID. A Voter Authority Certificate is a free form of ID available to anyone who does not have another accepted form of ID or prefers not to use it.

Bestselling crime writers Clare Mackintosh, Vaseem Khan and C.L. Taylor have joined forces with the banking industry’s Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to create a trilogy of original short stories designed to protect the public from scams