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Yearly Archives: 2023

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The Golding family is growing!

Congratulations are in order for Henry Golding and his wife Liv Lo as they have welcomed their second child into the world. The couple are already proud parents to a 2-year-old daughter named Lyla.

The Crazy Rich Asians actor announced the wonderful news on social media, revealing that they had welcomed the birth of their second daughter. 

Taking to Instagram, Henry and Liv shared a joint video from Liv’s labour to their followers. 

They captioned the post, “The journey of childbirth is full of its ups and downs, but glorious none the other”.

Sharing more details about her birth story on her website FitSphere, Liv revealed her and Henry’s baby girl is named Florence Likan Golding.

Explaining that her birth story was ‘not what was expected’ Liv detailed how she experienced heavy bleeding and was admitted to hospital for observation.

“The nurses knew I wanted a vaginal birth, but were worried about my bleeding. At 4 cm dilated I got an epidural, but things didn’t calm down as expected. I suddenly had a fever and the baby started to go into distress”.

“The team started prepping the OR for an emergency C-section and rushed to get me antibiotics, but in the meantime, I went from 4-10 cm so quickly that there was no time for that plan”.

“My doctor came in and said, luckily, that I had the option to push, but the baby would have to be born right away. Any mother with the threat of a C-section would do as I did. In 3 pushes Florence Likan Golding was born at 7lbs at 9:03 am on 9/9/23”.

The mum-of-two then opened up about breastfeeding her newborn “like a champ during the golden hour before we were whisked together to postpartum recovery”, until it was “during her second feed that Flo started to grunt”.

It was discovered that Florence had difficulties breathing due to having a ‘tacky’ heartbeat, so she was brought to the NICU.

After tests were run on the tot, doctors “discovered Florence had swallowed meconium while in my womb. It had developed into pneumonia and required a 10-day course of antibiotics”.

Liv was discharged from hospital after two days only to be readmitted because she had a fever and extreme pain in her ribs, which turned out to be a blood infection. 

After being treated for her infection and Florence recovered, the family returned home to settle into their new life as a family-of-four. 

“In this chapter, now 3 weeks out, I am so grateful to be able to take walks, pick up my 2.5-year-old again, and breastfeed fully. Healing from postpartum, a blood infection, becoming a mother of two, and breastfeeding at the same time was an intense experience that rebirthed me at the same time as my daughter Florence”.

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Paloma Faith has opened up about her mental health struggles after her break-up from husband Leyman Lahcine.

The pair tied the knot in 2017 and share two daughters together, aged five and two.

Paloma confirmed the news that they had separated in August after rumours that Leyman was being unfaithful to her were circulating. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paloma Faith (@palomafaith)

Now, in a candid discussion about mental health, the Only Love Can Hurt Like This singer has broken her silence on life since their split and shared an honest insight into their ‘harrowing’ break-up. 

Taking to Instagram to post a snap of herself to her 740K Instagram followers, Paloma explained, “It’s World Mental Health Day. It’s an important day for me because I think working on my mental health is as important as going to the gym”.

“Over this campaign I’m going to be making light and being tongue in cheek about one of the hardest, saddest things that has ever happened to me. Laughter and humour is my coping mechanism and with that perspective i can survive most things!”.

She continued, “But breaks ups are harrowing. Thinking about your mental health and that of your children and the person you spent so many years with is hard. I know none of us will ever be the same again”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paloma Faith (@palomafaith)

“The day to day reality of parenting alone is at times tragic. When your children are asleep , you sit alone and ponder your failures, wonder what you could have done better, and yes there is an irretrievable sadness in it that at times you feel will never go away”.

“It’s hard to reach out when you don’t know how and at times your own company is all you need. You have to push through , you have to get up in the morning, you have to try your best to give your children a great life and good memories and you have to understand the shape of your new relationship with their father”.

Paloma went on to say, “But know this, everything is in flux, happiness, joy, tragedy and sadness and we are all on this earth together to try to do our best. Sometimes a family changes shape but it can still be a family”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Paloma Faith (@palomafaith)

“For anyone doing it alone, or confused about where they ended up, I see you, I’m here and you are doing brilliantly being broken brave you”.

The 42-year-old added, “Today I’m supporting @MindCharity. Please consider giving them a follow and then clicking their link in bio to sign their petition to reform the Mental Health Act”.

Reflecting on her and Leyman’s split in a new interview with The Sun, Faith admitted, “I’ll never be perfect so if that’s what you want, go find someone else that you’ll cheat on. Be boring”.

“It’s never boring with me. Maybe annoying, maybe irritating, maybe stressful. But not boring”.

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The Gaiety Theatre has announced Cinderella, the most loved fairytale of them all, as this year's Gaiety Pantomime with performances announced for 26 November 2023 until 7 January 2024. Tickets from €21 (including booking fee and restoration levy) on sale now.

Bursting at the seams with Panto antics, song and dance, breathtaking costumes and mesmerising magic, this updated rags to riches tale will show us what dreams are really made of…and a dream isn't just a wish your heart makes. As always, true love finds a way and good conquers evil in this enchanting story, because there's no room for bullies at the ball.

So, if the shoe fits, then please join us for the biggest, the best and most magical Panto of them all, 'Cinderella' – celebrating '150' years of Panto at the Gaiety Theatre.

And don't forget, this is no ordinary Panto…It's the Gaiety Panto…!

The Gaiety Theatre has hosted the annual Christmas Panto each year since “Turk The Terrible” in 1873. Today, families come from far and wide to experience the Gaiety Christmas Panto and for many it has become as much a family Christmas tradition as Santa himself.

Booking Information

In Person: Gaiety Theatre Box Office South King Street, Dublin 2. Mon – Sat 11am – 6pm (subject to performance schedule)

Individual Bookings: www.ticketmaster.ie

Group Bookings 10 or more:  +353 (1) 646 8600 or groups@gaietytheatre.com

Accessible Bookings: +353 (1) 646 8600 (Press option 1)

Box Bookings: www.ticketmaster.ie

No service charges apply for transactions in person at the Gaiety Box Office but service charges apply to online bookings. For full range of ticket prices, charges and terms and conditions, visit ticketmaster.ie

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Leading Irish sunless tan brand, Lusso Tan, is thrilled to announce the launch of its exclusive gift sets for the holiday season ahead! Lusso Tan is the go-to tan for those looking for a natural looking, effortlessly smooth application and a sun-kissed glow this season. Famous for its three-step routine for a flawless and natural tan, Lussa Tan also introduces Winter Nights, the new collection designed for all skin tones with a unique formula and fragrance that will have people asking – what are you wearing? Lusso Tan’s gift sets and stocking fillers are available now from www.lussotan.com and in select pharmacies nationwide.

Winter Nights Love Your Skin Tanning Balm Ritual (RRP €50)

New to the Lusso Tan collection is the Winter Nights Love Your Skin Kit (RRP €50). No one will be complaining about a ‘fake tan smell’ with this product, as it is infused with deep scents of blackcurrant from sunny Corsica, bergamot from Italy, Calville Blanc apples from France, and Louisiana Birch. The set also includes the Winter Nights Tan Removing Bath Bomb. This bath bomb is packed full of ingredients, which will not only melt tan away from skin but will also rejuvenate the skin in the process. If removing tan in the shower is your preference, this kit also comes with the option of the Winter Nights Tan-Be-Gone Shower Bar, which combines essential oils and hydrating plant-based ingredients to leave skin tan-free and silky smooth.

For stubborn areas, the Bamboo Exfoliating Mitt helps to gently cleanse and remove dead skin cells making way for a fresh layer of tan. Help prolong the life of a sunless tan with the Winter Nights Moisturising Body Lotion, a luxuriously scented formula infused with zesty and peppery notes to leave skin smelling gorgeous and looking visibly radiant.

The Luxe Collection RRP €65

This gift set is for THE ultimate tan-lover. Designed to elevate the tanning experience to new heights, this set will help with prep, application, and aftercare. The Lusso Tan Primer has a silky-smooth formula that prepares the skin, creating the perfect canvas for an even and long-lasting colour. The award-winning Lusso Tan Tanning Mousse, (200ml, choose from rapid, medium, dark, and ultra dark), is a velvety mousse which delivers a deep, natural-looking tan with an effortlessly smooth application. The mousse is infused with nourishing ingredients to leave skin bronzed and beautifully hydrated.

To ensure the tan remains glowing over the festive period, the Luxe Collection also includes the Lusso Tan Daily Gradual. The lightweight formula of this product ensures a subtle, buildable glow while providing deep hydration for soft, supple skin. Not forgetting the tanning removal process, indulge in a moment of relaxation with the Lusso Tan Mini Bath Bombs, which create a soothing oasis for the senses, while gently removing all traces of sunless tan. Not forgetting the tools needed to create the perfectly even sunless glow, the Luxe Collection also features the Flawless Tanning Mitt to guarantee a streak-free, professional application, and the Exfoliating Mitt, an essential to gently polish and revitalise skin between applications. For the renowned tricky tan areas – face, hands, and feet – look no further than the Sunless Tanning Brush. Its ultra-soft bristles and ergonomic design allow for effortless blending and contouring, creating a stunning, airbrushed finish.

Stocking fillers

Winter Nights Tan Removing Bath Bomb RRP €11

Tan removal causing heartbreak and heartache? Not anymore!  Lusso Tan’s world-famous tan removing bath bomb now in a coveted Winter Nights scent. Not only will it do the hard work for you, but it is packed full of ingredients that restore, renew, and rejuvenate the skin. Giving the gift of tan removal and a relaxing bath moment, who wouldn’t want to wake up to this in their stocking?

Winter Nights Tan-Be-Gone Shower Bar RRP €16.50

This stocking filler cleanses, hydrates, and nourishes skin. The Lusso Tan-Be-Gone Shower Bar has been created to leave skin tan-free and velvety smooth in record time and is the ideal gift for those on the go who need a quick fix for tan removal.

All Lusso Tan products are cruelty-free, vegan friendly and made using organic products. They are formulated and designed to nourish, hydrate, and enhance the skin. Shop the full collection, along with the Christmas Gift sets, on www.lussotan.com and in selected pharmacies nationwide.

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Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a truly magical experience for all the family.

Craig Revel Horwood says: “I am super excited about taking on the iconic role of The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. She’s mean, green and wants those shoes! Aquaphobic and fab-u-lous…here I come!”

Craig Revel Horwood is a household name having appeared as a Judge on all 21 series of the hit BBC1 entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing. He also both directs and appears in the annual Strictly Come Dancing Live arena tour. He created the touring show Strictly Confidential, was Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars New Zealand and is currently Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia.

Craig started his career as a performer in musical theatre in his home country of Australia, moving to London to appear in many West End musicals including Miss Saigon and Crazy for You. After many years, he returned to the West End starring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, which he also twice successfully toured around the UK. He has starred in pantomime every year with roles including the Wicked Queen in Snow White, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.

Craig’s work as a director/choreographer has included productions of The Witches of Eastwick and Copacabana at the Watermill Theatre Newbury, Fiddler on the Roof on a national tour, Chess on tour in the UK and in Toronto, The Hot Mikado on a national tour, and in the West End: Sunset Boulevard, My One and Only and Spend, Spend, Spend, the last two of which were nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Choreography. Craig has also choreographed several musicals and operas in Europe and choreographed Paradise Moscow for Opera North and created work for the Ballet Boyz. In 2022, Craig directed and co-choreographed a new production of the musical Strictly Ballroom starring Kevin Clifton.

In 2012 Craig won the BBC2 series Maestro at the Opera, the final of which saw him conduct Act 2 of La Boheme at the Royal Opera House. He has also won Celebrity Masterchef and discovered his Australian roots in Who Do You Think You Are. In Summer 2021 Craig was seen travelling the UK with fellow Strictly Judge Bruno Tonioli on the ITV primetime show Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips and was revealed as ‘Knickerbocker Glory’ on ITV’s The Masked Dancer, reaching the semi-final. In 2022 Craig toured the UK in his solo show All Balls and Glitter and in 2023 Craig reprised the role of Miss Hannigan in the UK Tour of Annie. This Christmas, Craig will be playing the ‘Wicked Stepmother’ in Cinderella at the Wimbledon Theatre. Craig has three volumes of memoirs published, and his debut novel ‘Dances and Dreams on Diamond Street’ was published in 2020.

Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line) The Wizard of Oz has choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell, Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, casting by Debbie O’Brien, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props, and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.

The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd.

Event: The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2

Tickets: Tickets priced from €21.50 from www.ticketmaster.ie.

Dates: Tuesday 28 May to Saturday 8 June 2024

Further Information: www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

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Dare to face the unknown this Halloween? Brace yourself for an experience like no other. The Kraken Black Spiced and its enigmatic master – ‘the Beast’ to you and I – are set to unveil a one-of-a-kind pop-up ‘Trick’ or ‘Treat’ cocktail bar in Dublin. An array of startling tricks and tantalising treats will serve up either a night to remember or your worst fears realised. When you step into the realm of the Beast, nothing is guaranteed.

Mark your calendars for Friday 27 October, and be on high alert as the secret location tucked away on Dublin's Camden Street will be revealed. The Kraken's Trick or Treat Cocktail Bar will push your senses to the limits as you savour devilishly delicious cocktails and tempting treats from the deep, all while nervously scanning the shadows for lurking tricks.

Each 60-minute immersive experience will include access to The Kraken’s lair, 3 Kraken cocktails from the master mixologists of BAR 1661, canapés to tantalise your taste buds, beats from The Beast’s resident DJ and the unsettling feeling your luck could change at any minute. Without giving too much away, remember, the Beast is always watching!

The charismatic yet slightly unsettling proprietor of the bar, Marinus Kelby, will host the evening. A mischievous, enticing raconteur, he shall regale guests with tales of nautical near misses, cajole them with crafty challenges and guide them through his establishment. Kelby, and his Kraken Koncierge, will only allow 200 brave souls into his establishment so don’t miss out. Tickets are €15 and will go on sale on Monday 16 October at 12pm via The Kraken’s Instagram @KrakenRumIRL.

But fret not, if you aren’t one of the (un)lucky few to bag a ticket, you can host the ultimate at-home cocktail experience for your Halloween celebrations. Not typically known for its hospitality, The Beast has made an exception this October unveiling a formidable creation – two limited-edition premium bottled cocktails in collaboration with the legendary team at Craft Cocktails.  

‘The Kraken’s Trick’ is a darkly rich and smooth cocktail with Kraken Black Spiced, chocolate, caramel, charcoal and lime. And ‘The Kraken’s Treat’ is a bold cocktail with Kraken Black Spiced, cherry, vanilla and lemon.

Both cocktails are priced €12.50 for 200ml / €35 for 700ml bottles, they are available to purchase from www.craftcocktails.ie while stocks last. Or as long as The Beast deems it worthy.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dave Mulligan from Craft Cocktails said, “Here at Craft Cocktails, we love working with fun, no-nonsense brands and no one fits the brief better than the Kraken Black Spiced. This limited-edition range of flavours champions their signature style, and our team thoroughly enjoyed creating them.”

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Holly Willoughby has announced her departure from This Morning, after 14 years of presenting the show.

The 42-year-old had not appeared on the show since last Thursday, when she was pulled off air after an alleged plot to kidnap her.

On October 6, Essex police confirmed that they had charged 36-year-old Gavin Plumb, accusing him of incitement to commit rape, soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Now, just a few days after temporarily leaving This Morning, Holly has announced that she has departed for good.

The TV star took to social media earlier today to confirm her exit from the daytime show.

"I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," she began in her lengthy statement.

"To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you," she continued.

“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers,'" she quoted, referring to the show’s original presenting duo, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

"It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much," Holly concluded.

The mum-of-three’s departure from the show comes just five months after her former co-star Phillip Schofield announced he was stepping down from his role on This Morning.

In May, the 61-year-old confirmed he would no longer be working with ITV, after he admitted to having an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.

ITV have yet to reveal who will be filling Holly’s role on This Morning.

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Faye Winter has responded to claims that she has been getting ‘cosy’ with Sammy Root.

On Sunday night, the 2021 Love Island finalist and the reigning champion of the ITV series attended the Pride of Britain Awards.

After the ceremony, the reality stars were spotted waiting for a taxi together. In photographs obtained by The Sun, Sammy was seen putting his arm around Faye as she burst into laughter.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SAMMY ROOT (@sammyroot_)

The photos then led many to speculate that the pair have been getting to know one another romantically, during the same week that Sammy confirmed his breakup from co-star Jess Harding.

Faye has also been known to be single since February of this year, when she announced her split from her ex-boyfriend Teddy Soares.

However, leading on from her photos with Sammy, Faye has now taken the opportunity to shut down any relationship rumours.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Faye Winter (@faye__winter)

Taking to Instagram earlier today, the 28-year-old posted a comment to refute the speculation.

“Or I’m just saying goodbye to someone,” she penned, alongside a cry-laughing emoji.

“I’ll have a school register by the end of the year with the amount of people you have me ‘cosying up with’,” Faye added with sarcasm.

The speculation surrounding Faye and Sammy came just five days after he announced his split from fellow Love Island winner Jess.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SAMMY ROOT (@sammyroot_)

“We had a private conversation regarding our relationship but this was left up in the air as Jess is still away and we haven’t had a chance to speak in person,” he wrote at the time.

“I at least wanted a face to face conversation to see if our relationship could be saved and felt this would be the respectful way forward. We had the most incredible experience winning Love Island and I genuinely saw a future with Jess,” Sammy continued.

“I was committed and respectful to our relationship. Unfortunately things don’t always work out the way you’d hoped,” he concluded.

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Jill Scott has revealed she has finally started planning her wedding with her fiancée Shelley Unitt. 

The England football star who won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here last year, has admitted the pair “haven’t had the time” to plan their wedding up until now. 

Jill and Shelley announced their engagement back in March 2020 and now they are finally getting to organise their big day. 

Opening up to OK!, Jill revealed “I’m ready for some time off and spending it with my friends and family. But I do miss the game, I won’t lie”, when chatting about her career.

The 36-year-old then admitted that she and Shelley now have time for themselves to plan their wedding. 

“It’s been so busy that we’re like passing ships at times, but we’re definitely starting to think about what we want to do”.

“We’ve been engaged for nearly four years now, but with Covid and lockdown happening, we sort of lost momentum for a while”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shelly Unitt (@shellyunitt)

“But Shelly and I have finally been making some wedding plans and we’re definitely in the swing of things now”.

Chatting more about having to focus solely on football, Jill explained, “My life has been about football and pretty much nothing else. At first it was about fitting football into my life, but then the more professional I became, life had to fit around football”.

“I’ve had so many incredible experiences, like playing the finals at Wembley and my family travelling with me for the World Cup. But I’m now trying to find that balance between work and spending quality time with them”.

The midfielder added, “Family, friends… those special moments put life into perspective. I do feel bad at times, especially when I’ve had to miss out on important events. But I also know I have their support with everything and they’re so proud of what I’ve achieved”.

Jill and Shelly first met through Shelley’s sister, and Jill’s former teammate, Rachel Unitt, and have been an item for over six years. 

We can’t wait to hear more about the wedding they’re planning.

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Ronan Keating has paid tribute to his Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately on the 14th anniversary of his death. 

Stephen tragically passed away at the age of just 33 at his holiday home in Majorca in 2009, due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

To mark 14 years since Stephen’s death, Ronan took to social media to honour his bandmate with a moving tribute. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ronan Keating (@rokeating)

Taking to Instagram, Ronan shared a collection of photos within a video montage set to the band’s song Every Day I Love You. 

The pictures include throwback images of Keating and Gately with the rest of the group, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch, performing on stage and posing in photoshoots.

Ronan captioned the moving post, “Ah Brother how I miss you 14 years passed and it’s like you’re still here because of the music”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ronan Keating (@rokeating)

“I just imagine you are still in north london loving life. Hanging with Phil the butcher and pat the baker. I do wonder what you would make of it all today”.

He closed off by adding, “You had such a definite idea of what we are,who we are and when someone was a total waffler. Love ya Pal miss ya every day”.

Many Boyzone fans headed to the comments to share supportive messages with Ronan and the rest of the band. 

One fan wrote, “Thinking on you and and all the bzone men. Remember the memories. He was a happy soul”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ronan Keating (@rokeating)

“Beautiful soul with an amazing voice taken way to soon. Forever in our our heart Steo”, penned a second fan.

Another added, “14 years, never forgotten, sending love to all the Boyz and families”.

Blue band member Duncan James also commented to say, “Bless him. Big love to u Stephen. We all miss u”. 

Following Stephen’s death, Ronan, Keith, Mikey and Shane released their album Brother in 2010 as tribute to their fellow bandmate. 

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In observance of World Mental Health Day and in honour of Black History Month, Black Therapists Ireland is proud to announce the launch of a series of free support group sessions specifically tailored for individuals who have experienced or suffered from racism. These sessions are aimed at promoting mental well-being and fostering a safe space for healing and growth.

Sessions have already begun and will continue to take place every week throughout the month of October, coinciding with Black History Month. All sessions will be taking place online and will cover a range of topics, including coping strategies, self-care, and building resilience in the face of racism-related stressors. These sessions will be facilitated by experienced Black therapists who are dedicated to promoting mental health equity and empowerment within the Black community.

Ejiro Ogbevoen, CEO of Black Therapists Ireland

"As the CEO of Black Therapists Ireland, I firmly believe that addressing the mental health impact of racism is essential. Our organisation is dedicated to providing culturally competent support to the Black community, and these free support group sessions are a tangible step towards that mission," said Ejiro Ogbevoen, CEO of Black Therapists Ireland.

As an organisation committed to providing culturally competent mental health support, Black Therapists Ireland recognises the unique challenges that racism and discrimination can have on one's mental health. In response, we have organised these support groups to provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, connect with others who have faced similar challenges, and access professional guidance from qualified therapists.

Black Therapists Ireland is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community and ensuring that everyone has access to the support they need. We invite anyone who has been affected by racism to join us in these support group sessions and take a step towards healing and empowerment.

Sessions will take place every week throughout the month of October, coinciding with Black History Month.

Registration: Interested participants can register by visiting www.blacktherapistsireland.ie or by following the Calendly link www.calendly.com.

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A new study has argued that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) need to be labelled as ‘addictive’.

The report, which was recently published on The BMJ, took in 281 studies from 36 different countries. From their combined research, scientists from the US, Brazil and Spain have concluded that one in seven adults and one in eight children could be addicted to UPFs.

In terms of ‘addiction’, scientists explained that people who regularly eat UPFs can experience intense cravings, withdrawal struggles, and an inability to control intake. Addicted consumers will also continue to eat these foods despite obesity, poorer physical and mental health, and lower quality of life.

“There is converging and consistent support for the validity and clinical relevance of food addiction,” noted Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan.

Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, also said: “Given how prevalent these foods are – they make up 58% of calories consumed in the United States – there is so much we don’t know.”

The study’s authors then went on to explain the science behind the term ‘addictive’ for ultra-processed foods.

“Refined carbohydrates or fats evoke similar levels of extracellular dopamine in the brain striatum to those seen with addictive substances such as nicotine and alcohol,” they detailed.

“Based on these behavioural and biological parallels, foods that deliver high levels of refined carbohydrates or added fats are a strong candidate for an addictive substance,” they wrote.

At the end of the report, the study’s experts laid out their reasons for why they believe UPF packaging and advertising should state that it is ‘addictive’. 

“While further careful research is needed to determine the exact mechanism by which these foods trigger addictive responses, UPFs high in refined carbohydrates and fats are clearly consumed in addictive patterns and are leading to deleterious health outcomes,” they argued.

“Understanding of these foods as addictive could lead to novel approaches in the realm of social justice, clinical care, and policy approaches,” they concluded.

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