Brits travelling to the popular holiday destinations this summer should have their wits about them for anti-tourism activists, as a number of tactics are being rolled out.

Tourists in Lanzarote have been hit with disruptive stunts, including gluing shut Airbnb key boxes and blocking access to popular beauty spots.

Videos shared on social media show campaigners applying strong adhesive to lock boxes used by holiday rental owners, potentially preventing arriving guests from accessing their accommodation.

The boxes, commonly attached to the outside of properties, contain keys that can be retrieved using a PIN code supplied by hosts.

In another protest, activists were filmed placing red-and-white tape and unofficial warning signs around tourist attractions, including paths leading to volcanic viewpoints, in an apparent attempt to discourage visitors.

Images circulating online also show stickers attached to holiday rental properties carrying messages such as: “Your tourism kills our land.”

Campaigners say they are drawing attention to what they see as the impact of mass tourism on local communities, particularly rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes for residents.

Some activists have also left notes on rental vehicles warning visitors that they are “contributing to our displacement”.

One message read: “By choosing this holiday home in our village, you are contributing to our displacement. We have nowhere to live. Travel responsibly. Don’t be complicit in this business.”

Graffiti carrying slogans including “Tourists go home” has also appeared in parts of the island.

The protests come amid record visitor numbers for Lanzarote. More than 400,000 travellers arrived from UK airports during the first three months of 2026, according to figures reported by local media.

Residents’ groups across Spain’s tourist hotspots have increasingly voiced concerns about the impact of short-term holiday rentals and growing visitor numbers on local housing markets.

Similar action has been reported elsewhere in Spain. Earlier this year, hundreds of Airbnb key boxes in Granada were allegedly glued shut during a coordinated protest against holiday lets.

Large-scale demonstrations against mass tourism took place across Spain last summer, with campaigners arguing that the growth of short-term rentals is making it increasingly difficult for local people to find affordable housing.

The firm holds a £238million contract to transfer inmates between jails, courts and hospitals and has already been fined around £4million over performance issues.

Under-fire Prisoner transport firm GEOAmey delivered inmates late to court more than 55,000 times in less than three years, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

The firm holds a £238million contract to transfer inmates between jails, courts and hospitals and has already been fined around £4million over performance issues.

However, new figures from the Scottish Prison Service, obtained by the Sunday Mail, show that between May 1, 2023, and February 28, 2026, the company was responsible for 55,593 prisoners being delivered late to court.

Late arrivals can lead to delays in criminal hearings, witnesses being left waiting for hours and huge taxpayer bills for wasted court time.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr MSP said: “These shocking figures lay bare the complete chaos in Scotland’s court system on the SNP’s watch.

“They are ultimately responsible for signing the hugely expensive contract with this company who are failing to ensure justice is delivered effectively.

“More than 55,000 late arrivals of prisoners to court is not a minor operational issue. It points to a system that is beyond breaking point.

“Neil Gray as the new SNP justice secretary must get a grip on this situation.”

Justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP added:“The scale of failure in the delivery of the prison transport contract has been staggering.

“When prisoner transfers run late, court time is wasted and justice delayed.

“Nobody wants to see victims, defendants or court staff put through the mill.

“I hope that the next firm charged with delivering this contract will perform better.”

The most up to date figures requested by the Sunday Mail last month show there were 11,020 late arrivals between May 2025 and February 28, 2026, with 3586 delays to court proceedings.

Between May 2024 and May 2025, there were 17,856 late arrivals, which led to 1142 court hearings being delayed.

The previous year saw 26,717 late arrivals and 2123 delays to court proceedings. GEOAmey reported revenues of £119.5million in 2024 and a pre-tax profit of £4.3million.

It was the sole bidder for the eight-year, £238million contract awarded in 2018 after Serco and G4S withdrew from the procurement process.

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Rival firm Mitie will take over next year when GEOAmey’s deal comes to an end. The decision follows longstanding concerns over GEOAmey’s performance.

The announcement came just weeks after 21-year-old Aaron Strachan slipped away from guards at Edinburgh High Court while awaiting sentence for abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl.

He was found near by a short time later.

In 2024, MD David Jones apologised for repeated failures in prisoner transportation, including inmates missing hospital appointments and funerals.

The former Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland later accused the company of breaching prisoners’ human rights.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “We remain focused on delivering a prisoner transport contract that meets the needs of those in our care, the wider justice system and Scotland as a whole.

“Since the recalibration of our contract with GEOAmey, with support from the Scottish Government, all agreed performance measures have been met and continue to be sustained, despite increasing prison population pressures.”

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A GEOAmey spokesperson said “Unfortunately, these figures are provided without context and do not reflect GEOAmey’s strong performance over the period quoted. The majority of delays included in these figures are for reasons outside of any service provider’s control; a point formally recognised by our justice sector partners and also in contract.

“Despite significant pressures across the justice sector, we are proud of the fact that we have outperformed contractual targets on court arrivals for the last 30 consecutive months.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has provided additional funding to better meet the needs of prisons, prisoners and the wider justice sector which has led to improved staff numbers and performance measures being met.”

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Harry Kane 7: Dropped deep to link play, spreading it wide to the danger man Rashford at most opportunities. Took his goal exceptionally well, benefitting from the runs off him in behind and the increased intent to whip deliveries in for him to attack. Just two touches in the Kiwi box, however, will be an alarming sight.

Manchester United’s summer transfer dealings are developing quickly as one potential decision could net Michael Carrick’s side a handy cash boost

Michael Carrick’s first summer as Manchester United manager is quickly turning into the club’s busiest in some years. World Cup 2026 threatens to delay proceedings but the club is already moving to ensure the competition won’t steal a march on their business.

It’s not just within Old Trafford that things are progressing in United’s favour, either. The club stands to benefit from one transfer set to take place far away from Manchester, which could yield some valuable returns for Carrick’s rebuild.

One target has also addressed rumours linking him with a move to United as the market heats up. Mirror Football breaks down the latest rumblings as another hectic summer of business awaits.

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Greenwood sale could net United £19m windfall

Two years on from his Old Trafford exit and Mason Greenwood’s next move looks set to earn United a lucrative return. Marseille paid £26.6million to sign the forward in the summer of 2024 and he could net his old club a similar figure should he join Fenerbahce as expected.

United agreed a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of Greenwood’s move to the south of France. And Les Olympiens are now reportedly seeking a minimum of £43m for the player, who was suspended by United and subsequently moved following allegations of sexual assault, which Greenwood strenuously denied with the charges later being dropped.

Much will depend on the outcome of this weekend’s presidential election, with Aziz Yildirim and Hakan Safi widely considered the two frontrunners. And Safi has even gone so far as to claim a four-year contract has already been agreed with Greenwood ready to be completed if he wins come Sunday, which would equate to a £19m payment for United.

“We have signed a four-year agreement with Mason Greenwood,” he said. “He has proven himself at the highest level of European football.

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“He has agreed to join Fenerbahce during the most valuable and productive years of his career. I said I would bring a star player. Today, I am experiencing the justified pride of keeping my promise.”

In a win-win for United, it’s reported former Fener president Yildirim will also press ahead in the bid to sign Greenwood if he reclaims his old role. That should give Carrick confidence the sell-on money will be in the club’s accounts at some stage this summer.

Greenwood has reportedly fed the rumours of a move himself after it was purported he followed Safi on Instagram. The outcome of Fenerbahce’s presidential vote on Sunday may therefore only act as a precursor to United receiving a healthy windfall in the coming weeks.

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Frenkie de Jong ‘very angry’ at rumours

Frenkie de Jong has described his anger after feeling like he was being urged to leave Barcelona and join United. Incessant rumours touted the Netherlands midfielder for a move to Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag took over in 2022, though De Jong weathered the storm and remains a reliable performer at the Camp Nou.

The non-stop speculation around a move to Manchester encouraged De Jong to cease communications with the media. That blackout only ended this year when he signed a new contract until 2029 and he’s spoken of his frustration at feeling pushed out of Barca in the past.

Quizzed about whether he blamed the media for failing to build more of a connection between him and the fans, he told SPORT: “A little, yes. That’s why I think I made a mistake by ceasing to speak to the press.

“There was a time when they pressured me to leave the club and there came a point when I was very angry and didn’t want to talk anymore. But that’s what I was saying before: people only hear opinions or things through the press and newspapers, and they don’t listen to you.”

De Jong went on to reference Barca’s frail financial situation in recent years as being a leading factor in why he was being linked with an exit: “Barca was in a bit of a difficult financial situation, and, well, there are always teams that call players to ask if they want to come or not.

“And I always said no. So there was no option. What happened that summer is that, even though I said no, some teams came to the club and offered money for me. And within Barca – not everyone, but some people – thought they were good offers and wanted to sell me.”

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Following major announcements for Resident Evil and Monster Hunter at Summer Game Fest, a reader explains why he thinks Capcom is doing so well at the moment.

I’ve just finished watching this year’s Summer Game Fest and the biggest takeaway I have is that Capcom’s run is not slowing down. They opened the show with Resident Evil Veronica and even by the end I think it was the most exciting thing shown. It wasn’t a bad show, with lots of interesting games, but thanks to leaks there were not many surprises and nothing was shown for long enough to really get a feel for it.

A remake of Code: Veronica leaked as well but nobody knew what it was going to be like, so it didn’t really matter. I didn’t even realise that’s what the trailer was for until they said the name Claire Redfield. I should’ve guessed though, not just because of the clues but the fact that their graphics have a certain look to them.

Even though Code: Veronica is a tricky game to remake, since it’s got lots of bits taken from the other games, I’m sure they’ll do a great job, given they’re not only on fire in general at the moment but doubly so when it comes to Resident Evil.

Before I go any further, I’m well aware that companies are not your friend and the only thing Capcom is interested in is money. But there’s clearly a world of difference between how they make that money and someone like EA or Activision or even Xbox. Capcom’s current evil plan for world domination is to… make high quality games, give gamers what they want, and experiment with new IP. Also, they haven’t laid off anyone in any great number, as far as I’m aware.

The plan is working better than they could ever have imagined and everyone is rushing to copy them. Oh no, wait… nobody is copying them at all. Well, that’s not quite true. Quite a few companies have got into remakes, because Capcom’s Resident Evil ones have been so successful. But things like Dead Space haven’t been as successful because the original game wasn’t as beloved and EA seemed to have expected it to sell a billion copies.

When it didn’t they instantly lost interest and that was it. Needless to say, they didn’t suddenly try making new IP or put a new emphasis on quality, but they did start laying people off for no particular reason.

It’s been obvious for a while now that Japanese publishers are handling the current gen very different to American companies, but I don’t think any publisher, including Nintendo, has had such an obvious focus on quality. Capcom aren’t magic, as they’ve had problems with Monster Hunter Wilds and personally I didn’t particularly like Dragon’s Dogma 2 much, but in this case I think it really is the thought that counts.

Capcom has realised they can make more money if their games are good, which you’d think was so obvious it’s pointless to say but I don’t think it’s obvious to some of these companies, especially the Americans one, at all. What do you think Activision started blaming when Call Of Duty sells started to drop?

All sorts of complicated excuses I expect, about targeting demographics and fine-tuning microtransaction prices. I’ll bet you anything no one just said, ‘Maybe we should just make sure the next one is good?

Unlike Capcom, I don’t think Nintendo is having a particularly good run at the moment, but their entire existence is down to one thing: they make good games. And no matter what happens in gaming, including them making dumb decisions or having dud consoles, that always ensures they survive.

But the thing that really separates Capcom from Nintendo is that Capcom is much more interested in trying out new IP and not caring if it doesn’t work out. Dragon’s Dogma, Exoprimal, Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess, Pragmata… only two of those were hits and yet they keep trying, whereas the only big budget new IP Nintendo has put out in the last generations is Splatoon.

Capcom is also a lot less nervous about bringing back old franchises that might not be popular. It takes Nintendo (or Sega or Bandai Namco, I’m not trying to single Nintendo out here but to me they’re the next closest to Capcom) ages to get around to bringing back an old series and when they do they make such a song and dance about it. Most companies would never bring back Onimusha, but Capcom is just getting on with it and doing it.

I don’t mean to glaze a company, and they’ll probably immediately prove me wrong and do something horrible now (I’m already worried about their attitude to AI) but this isn’t really about Capcom it’s about the idea that the best way to make money in gaming is to… make good games.

That’s been made to seem like a naïve and simplistic point of view, but Capcom is showing that it’s just good business sense.

By reader Monson

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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Employers are being urged to implement clear policies on staff time off, sickness absence, and flexible working as the World Cup approaches.

The conciliation service Acas has advised businesses to consider a more adaptable approach to allowing employees time off during the football tournament, which is set to kick off next Thursday.

Acas head of workplace advice Susan McGuigan said: “The World Cup is an exciting event for many football fans but staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.

“Many organisations need to maintain a certain staffing level to operate effectively. Bosses should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before kick-off to help ensure their businesses remain productive whilst keeping staff on side too.”

The World Cup takes place in Canada, Mexico and the USA between 11 June and 19 July.

Due to the time difference, match kick-offs in the UK will vary between 5pm and 5am, and Acas said workers may also be keen to watch or listen to the pre-match build-up.

Acas said employers may want to remind staff their sickness and attendance policies still apply during the World Cup.

Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely to be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.

One option is to have a more flexible working day, Acas said, allowing employees to start later or finish earlier and agree to make up the time.

Venus moves into Leo this week which, alongside Gemini season’s playful flirtiness, makes for one heck of a ‘relationship week’.

It’s all about attention, right? Whether you’re single or attached. We all crave to be seen — and love to see others too, no matter our age or status.

We are social animals, we feel attraction strongly, we enjoy mingling and looking and being looked at.

So, this week, be out and about, be busy, be social. You might be falling (deeper) in love. Let’s see what the tarot predicts for your relationship realm this week ahead

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: The Hermit

Meaning: Venus in Leo and Gemini season are both ‘attention seekers’, in a way, and Aries is kind of known for that too! So, weirdly, this week when everyone else is out showing off, you fee like going in the opposite direction and staying home, being in solitude, reflecting on your own selfhood, and keeping your own counsel.

This is a week to study, research, meditate, daydream, seek enlightenment, ask questions and find the answers. A major revelation or fresh spin on something is brewing, but you need peace and quiet to get there. And the journey will be as interesting as the final knowledgeable destination!

Look out for Virgos this week.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Death

Meaning: Transformation and renewal is on your agenda this week; a glow-up, an overhaul, a relationship reset, a fresh start, a shift in the habits and dynamics that underpin your inner circle or social life or family ties.

You are ready to make a big change in your relationship realm and this is the week to put it into action, I guess as everyone else’s minds is focused on what folk think of them and how well they get along. You have their attention, so say your piece, and make your change… and then let it ripple out and take effect. Expect the unexpected.

Look out for Scorpios this week.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: The Chariot

Meaning: As ever, there is movement in your relationship realm. You are CEO of your inner circle and social life, and you get to make the choices. Accept people as they are but also place them where they therefore belong.

Holidays, outings, trips and journeys are all means of getting closer to people, going on an adventure, seeing a new place together for the first time. Put some of that magic into the plans with folk you want to bond with. Go out together, explore, have a mini adventure. Be mindful and purposeful about who you spend time with. You are in control of this.

Look out for Cancers this week.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: Knight of Coins

Meaning: You get out what you put in. Relationships have to have balance. It can’t be one-sided or one way. Are there any bonds you’re upholding that feel unbalanced? You know what… they don’t deserve your efforts. Step back and see what happens. I bet nothing happens, because it was you doing all the work.

Put your efforts into people who return the energy. Those who comfort, check in, support, inspire, cheer you. Work hard at your relationships but pick the right ones. You’re shrewd and intuitive and you know when something isn’t quite right.

Look out for Earth signs this week — Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: Knight of Wands

Meaning: Venus in your sign means you’re centre stage and loving every moment. Flirtations, adventures and escapades are on the agenda. The Knight of Wands makes this a very spontaneous, larger than life, fun and dramatic week – a Leo masterclass in how to live well.

You juice every ounce of opportunity out of your days (and nights) and this week will bring you plenty of rewards. So, be the party starter, the initiator, the one who says yes and makes it happen. People never forget you, or how exciting you made their life feel. Go spread that magic!

Look out for other Fire signs this week — Leo, Aries, Sagittarius.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: The Devil

Meaning: Venus in Leo week, alongside tricksy Gemini, spells dangerous liaisons, secrecy, irresistible attractions and naughty escapades. Virgo, you may look innocent and serene, but underneath you’re a passionate and intense lover. Let this side of you out to play!

The Devil advises you to do what you want to do, no matter what others may think. You are the one who lives your life and pays the price and takes the experiences in. You don’t answer to anyone but your own conscience… and if that is peaceful then get on with whatever it is that stokes your desires and imagination this week. To hell with everyone else.

Look out for Capricorns this week.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Five of Swords

Meaning: When passions run high, like in a Venus in Leo week, it can stir up suppressed emotions, issues or disgruntlements that were never fully settled. You might run into some of that this week, so get ready to face it head on, get to the bottom of it and lance the boil once and for all!

Conflict and confrontation make you queasy but sometimes it has to be done. Don’t appease them, don’t fib to make it all better faster, don’t suppress your opinion or needs. Say your piece, listen to theirs, find common ground, work out a compromise or truce or even total resolution. You can do this.

Look out for other Air signs this week — Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: Strength

Meaning: Strength shows that you have weathered your relationship issues and challenges well, extracted wisdom and life lessons from each tribulation, and stand now a much shrewder and wiser partner/friend/colleague/ally/family member etc.

Share your knowledge. Give good counsel. Show support. Encourage someone who’s struggling. And if there are any niggles in your own zone, then tackle them this week in the best way possible. You have all the charisma, compassion and patience to heal, repair and improve anything that has felt faded or broken this year. Invest in the repair work, it’s worth it. You are strong, powerful and merciful. You know how to make things right.

Look out for Leos this week.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Ace of Cups

Meaning: Feels like a very powerful and romantic week for you, Sagittarius, with the potential of a love at first sight moment! If you’re single then be social. Lock eyes with ‘the one’ and step towards them; what you feel is real, the chemistry is genuine and mutual. This love could blossom into something eternal. If you’re attached, then arrange a date night that reflects the unique nature and dynamic and theming of your relationship, something personal and special.

Alternatively, if you’re happily single, invest in your friendships, pets, creativity and enjoyment of nature. Wonder at the world! Be wide-eyed at the pleasure and fun available to you, on your doorstep, whenever you choose it.

Look out for Water signs this week — Cancer, Pisces, Scorpio.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Nine of Wands

Meaning: You’ve felt worried about an issue in your relationship that feels a bit doom and gloom; maybe you’ve overthought it, maybe you’ve dwelt on the worst case scenarios. Capricorn, this is the week to address it. The Nine of Wands promises that this is not what you think and the resolution, or way through, is much swifter and easier than you fear.

A conversation is probably all it takes. A sharing of your worries and a genuine question of how they are doing. People have many other influences in their life, it’s likely nothing to do with you at all. So, ask the question, voice your fears, get this out of your head.

Look out for Fire signs this week — Leo, Aries, Sagittarius.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Ace of Swords

Meaning: Speak the truth. Say the words you’ve held back. Ask for honest feedback. Engage in direct dialogue and try to listen more than you speak. Seek to understand before doing anything.

The truth is the theme tune of your relationship landscape this week, and you’re always a transparent, honest person, so it’s likely you’re seeking reassurance or honesty from someone else. You deserve it too. So, probe and validate and discuss. Get to the bottom of things. Don’t shy away from hard truths or spiky conversations… ride through it to the other side, which is shared understanding and a new era.

Look out for Air signs this week — Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Eight of Swords

Meaning: Okay, the Eight of Swords is the card of projection and assumption. Seeing the world through a distorted lens. You’re thinking that you know what they’re thinking… but you are wrong. So stop trying to second guess your other half, or BFF, or ally, or inner circle, or boss.

You don’t know what they think and maybe never will! Either way, it’s not your issue. All you can do is focus on you. Let them be them. When you take this pressure off your shoulders, you will feel so so much better. Stop worrying about their opinions or unmet needs or issues. That’s on them.

Look out for Air signs this week — Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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Cáoileánn Conway describes living with constant rumination, fear and exhaustion from over-thinking – planning for worstcase scenarios before they happened, managing panic before simple interactions, and feeling drained by the constant anxiety

When Cáoileánn Conway picked up her phone and called Lifeline in the early hours of the morning, she didn’t know what to say – she just knew she couldn’t cope.

For a long time when growing up Caoileann, who is now a performance dietitian and social media personality, didn’t have the language to explain how she was feeling.

“When I was younger, mental health just wasn’t really a thing,” she says. “It wasn’t something we were even aware of or spoke about.”

At the time, Cáoileánn was 19 and struggling silently through her first year of university. What had started as feelings of anxiety in her teens had intensified, turning everyday interactions into overwhelming challenges.

“I would describe it as starting with anxiety and then moving more into a combination with depression, where I would feel numb but constantly worried at the same time,” she explains. “With anxiety you’re constantly worrying, constantly thinking ahead about all the worst possible scenarios – how am I going to get through today?”

She describes living with constant rumination, fear and exhaustion from over-thinking – planning for worstcase scenarios before they happened, managing panic before simple interactions, and feeling drained by the constant anxiety.

“I’d get into the car at the end of the day by myself and just feel absolutely exhausted. It was affecting absolutely everything – I didn’t want to go to uni, see friends, go to football training. I didn’t want to socialise much because I was trying to be a different person for each situation, but I didn’t even know who I actually was. It’s really exhausting when you’re constantly just troubleshooting. Which is probably hard to believe considering what I do for work now.

“I just wanted the thoughts to stop. I wasn’t suicidal, and I’m always really clear about that, as I’m so aware people go through much worse. I just knew I couldn’t keep living like this every day.”

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For years, Cáoileánn tried to manage these feelings largely on her own, but the night she called Lifeline was a turning point.

“It must have been about half twelve or one in the morning and I was scrolling through social media,” she recalls. “I was sitting in the middle of my bed, I couldn’t breathe and my thoughts were spiralling. I had never had a panic attack before and I didn’t know what to do. I just typed ‘Lifeline’ into Google and rang the number.”

Lifeline – available on 0808 808 8000 – is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline. Trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering free, confidential support to anyone in Northern Ireland feeling overwhelmed, distressed or unable to cope. Lifeline counsellors are experienced in working with suicide, self- harm, abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety and many other issues.

Cáoileánn remembers the moment the call connected: “This man answered. He had a really deep voice, and he was just so kind. He didn’t push me to explain anything. He just helped me breathe. He told me that in that moment, I was safe. That nothing was going to harm me right now. All I had to do was stay on the phone.”

For Cáoileánn, that reassurance made all the difference.

“When he asked what was wrong, I just kept saying ‘I don’t know how to make the thoughts stop.’ And that’s when he started giving me direction. For the first time, I felt like – oh my God – there are things I can do. There are solutions here.

“That was my catalyst to start getting more professional help. If I hadn’t got that help at that time, I would be a completely different person today.”

Kathy Owens from the Public Health Agency, who commissions the Lifeline service, says: “When someone phones Lifeline, they speak directly to a trained counsellor who introduces themselves and creates a calm, supportive space. Many callers don’t know exactly why they’ve called – and that’s okay.

“Lifeline uses a compassionate approach aimed at providing support and finding positive solutions, helping callers make sense of what they’re feeling and identify next steps.

“Cáoileánn’s experience highlights the power of just lifting the phone and starting a conversation, and shows that talking really helps.”

For Cáoileánn, support continued beyond the initial call. Where appropriate, Lifeline can provide follow-up calls or short-term crisis counselling, or helps connect people to other services that may further support their needs.

Cáoileánn was offered a sixweek counselling programme.

“Those six weeks were the start of everything,” she says. “It helped me realise I didn’t have to feel like that forever. That was the start.”

Now, Cáoileánn uses her platform ‘Be a Better You’ to talk not only about nutrition, but also openly about mental health. She believes mental wellbeing needs to be treated with the same care and consistency as physical health.

“I can teach you everything about nutrition, but if your mental health isn’t there, you will struggle to act on it. I always say mental health is like a muscle. The way I train five or six days a week physically, I have to do the same for my mental health. And if I stop, I could easily slip back into old ways.”

Her message to others is direct and grounded in experience.

“There’s absolutely nothing to lose, because what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked,” she says. “Unless I called Lifeline that time, I would never have known there were solutions.”

Lifeline is available 24/7, free of charge on 0808 808 8000, for anyone in Northern Ireland who needs support. Talking really helps. For more information on Lifeline visit www.lifelinehelpline.info.

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The reviewer raved that the food was ‘exceptional’

A Cambridge city restaurant has been described as serving “one of the most flavoursome meals” by a TikTok influencer. Little Petra, a traditional Jordanian restaurant in the Heart of Cambridge, has been highly commended by popular food reviewer, Alex Green.

Alex Green, a food influencer with more than 920,000 followers on TikTok, recently visited Little Petra on Hills Road. In the caption of his review, Alex wrote: “Trying an award winning Jordanian restaurant for the first time in Cambridge.” He said that he wanted to find out “is Jordanian food incredible or is it forgettable?”

The restaurant’s journey began in a small restaurant on Mill Road in Cambridge in April 2019, serving “wholesome traditional Jordanian meals”, according to the Little Petra website. In February 2023, the restaurant relocated to Hills Road, a larger space, so the team could increase the menu and cater for private functions.

The menu offers a range of options including a Jordanian moussaka, green beans and lamb, and a lamb shank. Alex ordered the marinated chicken from the menu which comes with rice and salad alongside mixed nuts and pomegranate. This costs £18.90, according to the menu.

To drink, Alex delved into a fresh orange juice which is priced at £5.95 and a traditional Bedouin tea for £5. When taste-testing the refreshments, he said that the orange juice was “so incredibly fresh and refreshing” and how the flavours of spices really come through when sipping the tea.

When Alex took his first bite into the meal, his eyes lit up as he said the flavours were “exceptional”. He added: “There is so much going on in my mouth”.

He continued: “The marinated chicken is unbelievable. The herbs, the spices, everything mixed together with that mixed nut on top. The flavours, I can’t even explain it. They are just tremendous.”

Mid-meal, the iconic food influencer said how this was “probably one of the most flavoursome meals I’ve ever had”. He ended the review by saying he “absolutely loves” trying new cuisines as “you never know what you can find”.

The Jordanian establishment has also received plenty of glowing reviews elsewhere. One customer wrote: “Wow, what a gem! The food was absolutely delicious, the portions were generous, and the service was warm.

“We especially loved the hummus with chicken and lamb — it was so good, we finished the entire plate even though the portion was huge for us!”

Another Google reviewer said: “Wow – what an amazing experience! We saw this restaurant recommended on a food website for where to eat in Cambridge and we are so so glad that we gave it a go. You can tell it’s well loved by the locals because it was completely full on a Wednesday night!”

It comes after reports suggested the royal sisters were likely to skip the wedding amid ongoing family scandals

The nation has been left stunned after Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie made a surprise appearance at Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s royal wedding this afternoon, June 6. The York sisters looked elegant as they made their way into the church alongside their husbands, where they were greeted at the entrance by Mike and Zara Tindall.

Their attendance has come as a shock, given earlier reports suggesting that while both sisters had received invitations, they were unlikely to show up. It had been widely suggested that the pair were keen not to cast a shadow over the special day amid the ongoing controversies surrounding the York family -particularly following the publication of the royal properties investigation earlier this week.

The damning document revealed that Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, pay no rent on their royal residences, with the bill instead being picked up by their uncle, the King – a revelation that has prompted considerable public backlash.

Their unexpected appearance also follows months of controversy surrounding their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and their mother, Sarah Ferguson and their friendship with late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Those scandals have resulted in their divorced parents losing both their royal titles and their Royal Lodge residences, despite Andrew consistently denying any wrongdoing and accusations, the Express reports.

Whether Beatrice and Eugenie remain on speaking terms with their parents – who were notably absent from today’s guest list – remains unclear.

Despite appearing visibly nervous, both sisters seemed genuinely pleased to be part of the happy family celebrations, with Beatrice seen holding hands with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Eugenie, who is heavily pregnant with her third child, also looked radiant in her navy blue dress.

The sisters are understood to share a close bond with their cousin Peter, who would undoubtedly have been keen for them to be there.

It comes after their father Andrew, was spotted on Thursday, June 4, driving his Land Rover near his home of Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate where he was photographed with a big purple mark around is eye.

The bruise is thought to be the result of a “non-serious medical condition”. The former Duke of York was reportedly inside a car with another man and a dog, in one of his few public sightings since a recent security incident at the Sandringham estate.

The situation is said to have taken place while Andrew was walking the late Queen’s corgis, which now remain in his care, when a stranger approached him near the estate shortly after 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 6, prompting alarm.

He is now expected to give evidence in court in July as part of proceedings against a man accused of threatening him close to his home on the Sandringham Estate. The defendant, Alex Jenkinson, 39, of no fixed address, faces two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.