A new 24/7 mental health support service has been launched across Northamptonshire, offering free assistance via text message. By texting "IMATTER" to 85258, residents can connect with trained volunteers for confidential support, addressing issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

This initiative, known as SHOUT, is a collaboration between a local charity, Northamptonshire's two councils, and the county's Integrated Care Board (ICB). It aims to provide crucial help, particularly at a time when many people are struggling with their mental health due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The service allows people to text discreetly, as messages to SHOUT won’t appear on phone bills. Volunteers guide texters to a calmer state and help them create a plan to move forward, while also directing them to local support services for further assistance.

Local health leaders have welcomed the initiative, emphasising the importance of timely mental health support. Dr Janine Elson, Chief Medical Officer for Northamptonshire's ICB, encouraged anyone facing mental health challenges to use the service, which complements existing health and wellbeing resources available across the county.

A new Covid variant, XEC, has been identified and is starting to spread across several countries, including the UK, US, and Denmark, after it was first detected in Germany in June. Experts believe the variant has some mutations that may enhance its ability to spread, especially during the autumn months. Despite this, vaccines are still expected to provide protection against severe illness, according to scientists.

Health officials from the University College London, have noted that XEC may gain traction over the winter due to its slight transmission advantage. However, the vaccines, which have been updated to tackle recent variants, should remain effective in preventing serious cases. Eric Topol, from the Scripps Research Translational Institute, believes it may take a few months before XEC becomes widespread.

The symptoms associated with XEC are similar to previous strains, including fever, aches, fatigue, and a cough or sore throat. While most people recover within a few weeks, the new variant's potential impact is still being monitored.

In preparation for the colder months, the NHS is offering free Covid booster shots to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, those in clinical risk categories, and some healthcare workers. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and encourage eligible individuals to get vaccinated.

A ban on junk food advertising before 9pm on TV will be enforced from 1st October 2025, as confirmed by the government. The restrictions are aimed at reducing childhood obesity, with Labour also introducing a ban on paid-for online adverts. Initially proposed by the Conservative government in 2021, the measure was delayed giving industries time to adjust. Health Minister Andrew Gwynne emphasised that the restrictions would help protect children from being influenced by adverts for unhealthy foods.

The new rules are part of broader efforts to improve children's health. Labour’s manifesto also included a pledge to prohibit under-16s from purchasing high-caffeine energy drinks. Simon Dixon, head of policy at the Royal Society for Public Health, welcomed the ban, stating it is crucial for tackling childhood nutrition and supporting a healthier future for the next generation.

The restrictions will define unhealthy products based on their fat, salt, or sugar content. A two-stage approach will clarify which items fall under these rules, with specific exemptions for baby formula, medicinal drinks, and certain diet products. Additional guidance will be provided to businesses to ensure clarity on which products are affected.

The government will also hold a short consultation to determine how the restrictions apply to Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). While the ban is seen as a positive step, organisations like Impact on Urban Health urge further action to address junk food adverts in public spaces and on social media.

Sir Keir Starmer has criticised successive Conservative-led governments for leaving the NHS in a "broken" and "unforgivable" state. In a major interview, he pointed to austerity measures and the mishandling of the pandemic as key reasons for the current crisis. Starmer’s remarks come ahead of a report, which highlights severe issues, including long wait times, rising childhood obesity, and declining health outcomes for young people.

The report is expected to reveal that over 100,000 children waited more than six hours in A&E last year, with 800,000 on NHS waiting lists for treatment. It also highlights increasing rates of ADHD prescriptions and a rise in hospital admissions for eating disorders. The review criticises past reforms, particularly those from 2012, as "hopelessly misconceived."

Starmer stated that the report will offer a diagnosis of the problems to help shape future reforms. He stressed that only a Labour government could deliver the necessary changes, starting with plans to fund 40,000 out-of-hours appointments each week to reduce waiting lists.

However, Labour may soon face pressure to move beyond criticism of the Conservatives and demonstrate their own effectiveness in tackling NHS challenges. Starmer acknowledged the need for hard work and reforms, calling it a long-term process that Labour is committed to leading.

A new vaccination program is being rolled out across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to protect newborns and older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This follows a similar launch in Scotland. RSV is a common winter virus. It causes coughs and colds but can also lead to severe and potentially life-threatening respiratory issues. For the first time, the vaccine will be offered to pregnant women who are 28 weeks or more. It will also be available to elderly individuals aged 75 to 79.

Each year in England, around 20,000 babies are hospitalised due to RSV-related illnesses, with up to 30 fatalities. The virus is a leading cause of chest problems, such as bronchiolitis, in young children and contributes to thousands of pneumonia cases among the elderly. Medical experts stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for vulnerable infants, including those born prematurely or with existing health conditions.

The vaccine, called Abrysvo and developed by Pfizer, has shown significant effectiveness in reducing severe lung infections in infants during their first six months, lowering the risk by about 70%. Research indicates that this vaccination program could prevent thousands of hospitalisations and ease the burden on healthcare services during the winter months.

Health professionals are urging eligible groups, especially pregnant women, to get vaccinated. They believe this initiative could make a substantial difference in reducing RSV-related complications and pressures on emergency services this winter.