A new report has warned that neurodivergent children placed in temporary accommodation are often subjected to conditions “comparable to torture.” The report, entitled ‘It’s like torture: Life in Temporary Accommodation for Neurodivergent Children and their Families’ was based on a UK-wide call for evidence and forms part of the Sensory Lives Project. Supported by...
NSPCC receives thousands of reports of child neglect
The NSPCC has revealed that its Helpline received thousands of reports from people worried about child neglect last year. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the charity helpline received 4,515 contacts from neighbours and community members who were worried about suspected child neglect. Most concerningly, nearly half of these reports (49%) were serious enough...
Consultation launched on social media safety for children
The government has launched a consultation on children’s social media use as part of a raft of new measures to make children safer online. Aiming to deliver a safer ‘digital childhood’, the government has opened a “swift, 3-month consultation” on a range of proposed measures to help ensure children have a healthy relationship with...
Childline launches new campaign to support youth mental health
Childline has launched a new campaign to support positive youth mental health and encourage device-free time. The free and confidential helpline for children said that mental health concerns accounted for more than half of all counselling sessions they delivered to children and young people last year. They delivered almost 83,000 counselling sessions on the...
SEND in the UK: A System Under Pressure
The conversation around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the UK has reached a critical point. Families, schools, health services and local authorities are all feeling the strain of a system that many (including government ministers themselves) have described as “on its knees”. This free guide includes: Statistics on SEND in the UK...
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training through an approved NHS Framework
First Response Training (FRT) are pleased to be awarded a place on the Training and Development Services framework delivered by the NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub. We are an approved provider of Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via this framework, which provides a fully compliant, pre-approved route to market for all NHS organisations, part or fully government funded organisations and blue-light...
Mental Health Act 2025 to put patients ‘back in control’
The landmark Mental Health Bill has received Royal Assent, meaning it is now law, and will finally modernise outdated mental health legislation. The government says the new Mental Health Act 2025 will ensure that patients with severe mental illness will be better protected and receive better care and support. The Mental Health Act 1983...
New finger-prick test could indicate Alzheimer’s risk
A new finger-prick blood test could be used to assess a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The test is being assessed in an international trial involving 1,000 volunteers aged over 60 across the UK, US and Canada. It aims to detect biomarkers in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form...
Skills for Care campaign urges care workers to keep learning
Once again, Skills for Care have kicked off the New Year with their annual spotlight on learning and development, the Keep Learning campaign. Running throughout January and February, the 2026 spotlight campaign is focused on the message of ‘Keep learning to build your future,’ and explores the pivotal role of learning and development in...
First autistic Barbie doll launches to mixed reaction
Toy giant Mattel have launched their first autistic Barbie in a bid to improve “representation and inclusion,” but the doll has been met with a mixed reaction. Launched on Monday 12th January 2026, Mattel’s first autistic Barbie was created in collaboration with US charity the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and research included testing...
Social Prescribing: Connecting Communities to Better Mental Health
The recent UK Health and Social Care Committee report highlighted gaps and opportunities in community mental health services. One approach is gaining renewed attention: social prescribing. Understanding this model is crucial to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for people with mental health conditions. Read our free guide, including: What is Social...
Health and safety statistics show ‘workplace health challenges persist’
The latest workplace health and safety statistics have served to highlight that “workplace health challenges persist,” in Great Britain. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which publishes the annual summary of workplace health and safety statistics for Great Britain, has highlighted Britain’s leading health and safety record, but also cautioned that many health challenges...
12 Days of Inclusive Christmas
The Christmas season is full of joyful celebration and tradition, but it can also bring sensory overwhelm, social pressure, and executive-function challenges for many people, including neurodivergent individuals. This short guide shares twelve simple, evidence-informed ideas to help make the festive period more inclusive for everyone. Small adjustments can make a big difference, whether...
Employment and Learning Disabilities: Mayfield Review
Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review revealed significant findings around employment and learning disabilities. Contents: Key Statistics Barriers to Employment What Works: Key Actions for Employers Why This Matters What the UK Government Can Do Training Courses Available...
IOSH report sets out roadmap to ‘Fixing sick Britain’
A recent report from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) sets out a plan for healthier, more productive workplaces. IOSH’s Fixing sick Britain whitepaper draws on the expertise of the UK’s foremost occupational health organisations and experts to address how to get people back to work by applying good occupational health and...