UK sees rise in suicides
2011 saw a significant rise in the number of people in the UK taking their own life, according to new figures. According to the Office for National Statistics, some 6,045 people committed suicide in 2011, up by 437 on the previous year. An average of 11.8 people per 100,000 population ended their lives in 2011, compared to 11.1 people in 2010. Men between the ages of 30 and 44 were most likely to take their own life. Figures from the ONS reveal that the rate of suicides among men in 2011 was the highest since 2002, with 4,552 men committing suicide. The suicide rate among women was far lower, with 1,493 women killing themselves in 2011. The average number of suicides among women fell across all age categories in the last three decades. The 2010 and 2011 figures among men brought an end to more than 10 years of falling suicide rates.
Pray: that the increasing numbers of suicides would cease and the causes be found. (Is.41:10)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/uk.sees.rise.in.suicides/31497.htm
UK retailers warned that 'Rana Plaza could happen again'
The President of the Bangledeshi National Garment Workers Federation has warned eight leading UK retailers that there could be a repeat of this year's Rana Plaza tragedy if they refuse to sign up to an international accord designed to protect Bangladeshi factory workers. Amirul Haque Amin, who is in the UK, addressed the Trades Union Congress Annual Conference this week, saying several high street names are still refusing to commit to the agreement that will make building inspections compulsory at Bangladeshi factories that supply fashion goods to UK stores. These brands include Matalan, River Island, Sports Direct/Republic, Jane Norman, Peacocks, Bench, Mexx and Bank Fashion. The TUC is asking consumers touched by the Dhaka tragedy to use social media to build pressure on the UK clothing brands that are refusing to sign up. The e-action allows consumers to write directly to the companies and tell them to support strengthening health and safety protection for Bangladeshi textile workers.
Pray: for all retailers to recognise their responsibility to the workers who supply them with goods and that they will all sign up to the accord. (Lev.25:53)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/19013
UK publics' Africa emergency donations exceed £15 million
Donations from the UK public to the Disasters Emergency Committee emergency appeal for people suffering from severe food shortages in East Africa have now exceeded £15 million. The worst drought in 60 years has killed cattle and devistated crops in parts of East Africa, creating a humanitarian emergency, with problems expected to be compounded by a poor harvest. The DEC East Africa Appeal in Britain has been presented by actors Jason Isaacs and Fay Ripley, actor and comedian Lenny Henry and broadcaster and journalist Kate Adie. Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee Brendan Gormley said: ‘The more money we raise, the more lives we can save in the short term, and the more help we can give people to rebuild their lives in the long term. It’s vital that people keep giving,’ he added. To make a donation to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal, visit www.dec.org.uk
Pray: for all those affected by this disaster, for those working to alleviate the suffering and for those who continue to donate to the appeal. (Ps.91:10)
UK hotel replaces bedside Bibles with 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
One British hotel manager has decided to chuck the Gideon Bibles traditionally stocked in guest rooms for copies of the racy novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ by British author E L James. Wayne Bartholomew, General Manager of Damson Dene Hotel, in Cumbria, says he got the idea to swap copies of the Holy Book for the otherwise unholy one after a discussion with fans on Facebook. ‘Fifty Shades of Grey' is all that people are talking about at the moment, but I know that some are too shy to buy it for themselves. I thought it would be a special treat for our guests to find it in their bedside cabinet and that includes the men. Some of the more than 3,200 followers on the Damson Dene Hotel's official Facebook page expressed disagreement with the change.
Pray: that this initiative will not be repeated by others and that those in disagreement would increase. (Ps.119: 37)
UK doctors forgo treatment
Thousands of practicing doctors in the UK have drinking problems and suffer from depression, several recent studies reported. They continue to treat patients because of a ‘culture of invincibility’ and ‘presenteeism,’ as well as a fear of exposure. A GMC report found that 98 per cent of 1,384 doctors who had underlying health concerns over the past five years were diagnosed with alcohol and substance abuse or mental health issues. While there is no evidence to suggest that ill doctors have harmed patients in their care, the study argued it is likely that they provide a ‘less good service.’ Dr Max Henderson from King’s College London’s Institute for Psychiatry said, ‘Doctors feel ashamed of being unwell and they don’t deal with illness well, they find it hard to exchange the doctor role for the patient role.’
Pray: for doctors suffering burnout, stress, and work-related pressures to find appropriate paths of treatment. (Pr.3:13-17)
More: http://rt.com/news/uk-work-henderson-health-157/
UK doctors agree to gender abortions
Women are being granted abortions after telling doctors their baby is the ‘wrong sex’, a national newspaper undercover investigation has revealed. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has reported the paper’s information to the Police and said carrying out an abortion on the grounds of gender alone is ‘morally repugnant’. The Chief Medical Officer is writing to all abortion clinics, NHS hospitals and Primary Care Trusts, to ‘remind them of their responsibilities and the requirements’ under abortion legislation. The Daily Telegraph’s investigation found three instances of doctors offering to arrange abortions after being told that the women did not want the baby because of its sex. In an editorial yesterday, the Telegraph said its investigation ‘raises a host of disturbing questions, adding ‘The investigation has also confirmed that abortion on demand, often dismissed as a myth, is in fact routine.’ It said that ‘the UK is developing an unenviable reputation for the commercialisation of abortion.
Pray: for an end to this unacceptable practice and for a firm response by the authorities. (Zec.8:5)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/video-uk-doctors-agree-to-gender-abortions/