In the UK, more than 35,000 deaths are attributed to cold-related illnesses each year, this is equivalent to more than 96 preventable deaths per day. For older people, freezing temperatures and cold weather present significant risks, especially amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Primary schools and groups are being called to take part in this year’s Reindeer Run to raise vital funds for Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. The Reindeer Run is returning for its fifth year this festive season with participants invited to fundraise by running, skipping, dancing or galloping in reindeer antlers around their school hall, playground, or playing field.

The For Baby’s Sake Trust has launched its 2025 Christmas campaign, Safe for Christmas, Secure for Life, calling on people to donate to help protect babies from the harm of domestic abuse in the North East.

Making arrangements for the care of children over the Christmas period as a separated parent can feel daunting, and without a court order specifying where children should live or spend time during school holidays or special occasions, disagreements can quickly arise. There are however, several ways to ease the pressure and reduce any potential conflict.

I recently attended a gallery, where one of my paintings was one of the entries in the exhibition. At the launch evening, I realised that not all artists immerse themselves in colour. The subject matter may determine the medium and palette they use, yet a lot seemed to be the artist's own personal style as the main factor. One artist used pen and ink.

The Norse god, Skadi, may have brought the snow and ice down to Viking-age Coppergate, but the 10th century inhabitants are promising a very warm welcome to visitors making winter trips to JORVIK Viking Centre in York – where sub-zero temperatures are forecast to stay until February!

Foodforthebrain.org, the UK’s Alzheimer’s prevention charity, has been selected by Innovate UK, the Government’s research and innovation agency, to develop and then roll-out to the NHS a reliable test to help identify those at risk of dementia.

Jones Myers has further expanded its esteemed Children’s Team with the appointment of Solicitor Laura Sargeant, who brings sixteen years’ experience in family law. Passionate about working in family law since her mid-teens, Laura’s specialisms include adoption, child arrangement orders and child protection orders.

This November, charitable social enterprise GLL will be offering more opportunities for wellbeing in its 'Better' leisure centres and libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Over 200 'Better' venues will be opening their doors to the public, offering a range of free activities and taster sessions to encourage people to stay fit and well during the colder months.

I feel I may be contradicting myself today in this latest article. I usually encourage young artists to be free with their art and not be restricted by topics and themes. However, I realise that sometimes when faced with a blank piece of paper or a canvas a word suggestion can be helpful. This is speaking from experience.

This Men's Health Awareness Month (that starts today, Mental Health Expert Noel McDermott looks at the importance of father-son relationships and how to strengthen these familial bonds. By investing in the mental and emotional health of men and boys, he believes we can build healthier families and communities.

Kidz Bop is a global phenomenon. Having started a quarter of a century ago, their list of notable alumni includes Zendaya, Ross Lynch, Becky G, Olivia Holt and Fin Argus. Their success is so huge that they have generated over 4.5 billion streams and have grown from just the American group to boasting numerous international offshoots.

There are some spectacular bonfires and firework displays across Cumbria around November 5, the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’s attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. An organised display is safer, cheaper and much more fun than doing fireworks at home. And the best way to get to the display is by Stagecoach bus.

School can be a stressful environment for many children and the Autumn half term is the perfect opportunity to rest, reset and re-connect. We can support our family’s mental health all year round, but half term is the ideal time to reconnect as a family, boost our mood together and make deeper connections.

For those looking for a family day out this October half term, The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, home of the iconic Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese, is serving up cheesy fun, delicious dining and a range of family-friendly activities. As the UK’s flagship cheese experience, Wensleydale Creamery offers plenty to keep families entertained.

Jones Myers niche family law firm continues to be an acknowledged leader in its field following another Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2026 legal guide.

Halloween's popularity in the UK has been rapidly rising in recent years. Though as a child, I recall Halloween being a slight thing; it was really just a case of putting on a costume and knocking on my closest neighbours' doors. If we had three or four other children knock on our doors, then that was something major. Nowadays, it is massive.

Chester Zoo has revealed a raft of new additions will join its Christmas lights festival - and organisers are promising this year’s trail will be its “brightest ever.” The national conservation zoo has again teamed up with entertainment giants Sony Music to deliver this year’s Lanterns and Light spectacle - which has developed into one of the North West’s biggest and longest running festive lig…

When I heard this expression recently, I immediately thought of the 10cc band. Singing it in my head, I couldn't quite recall the lyrics, so I asked Mr Google and found they were very appropriate as to what I had in mind for this next article. I have always believed that art should be just that.

A 12-year-old has enjoyed a journey of a lifetime with a trip alongside a driver in the cab of an LNER Azuma train. Joseph Strek won the experience after his entry for a special ‘Design the train of the Future’ children’s art competition clinched first prize.

The St John Save a Life September campaign is back again in 2025 and this year St Johns are aiming to teach at least 300,000 people vital lifesaving skills through public demos, online videos and first aid advice like this column.

Two days of music, games, crafts and community-based conservation will take place at Nature Fest on September 13 and 14. Set in the zoo’s nature reserve, there will be hands-on activities, workshops, talks and performances, including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.