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News and Insights

Meet the teams making a difference in their communities, and hear what they’re learning along the way.

Why I quit smoking: for my son, and for the years ahead
FeaturedABL News

Why I quit smoking: for my son, and for the years ahead

This Stoptober, Stuart Rogers, a 51-year-old lorry driver from Torbay, shares why he decided to quit, and what's kept him smokefree since. Stuart quit with support from Your Health Torbay's free stop smoking service.

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Record referrals show why early support cannot wait
ABL News

Record referrals show why early support cannot wait

When I last wrote about this, I described how our BeU Hubs teams work with children and young people long before they reach crisis point. Since then, the national picture has become harder to ignore. Referrals to children’s mental health services in England passed 1 million last year, and the most…

I am no longer a smoker, and I mean it
ABL News

I am no longer a smoker, and I mean it

This Stoptober, Dave McKelvey, 50, from Wirral, is sharing his journey to becoming smokefree in the hope it helps someone else take the first step. Dave, who works professionally in addiction recovery, quit smoking with support from ABL Wirral's free stop smoking service.

I told my son I was quitting for my grandchildren, and there was no going back
ABL News

I told my son I was quitting for my grandchildren, and there was no going back

This Stoptober, Jennifer Robinson, 54, from Wirral, is sharing how quitting smoking helped her become the grandmother she wanted to be. Jennifer quit with support from ABL Wirral's free stop smoking service.

It took me three tries to quit for good. Now I help others do the same
ABL News

It took me three tries to quit for good. Now I help others do the same

As part of our Stoptober series, we're sharing the story of Elaine McHarrie, a stop smoking advisor at Your Health Torbay. Elaine smoked for 40 years herself before becoming an advisor and believes that lived experience is exactly what makes the support she offers work.

‘Support where it matters most’: Jessie Bye shares the purpose fuelling Your Health Torbay
ABL News

‘Support where it matters most’: Jessie Bye shares the purpose fuelling Your Health Torbay

Reflecting on International Women’s Day 2026, Jessie Bye shares her path into public health and the people at the heart of Your Health Torbay.

‘We are who we want to be’: The belief powering Kirsty Johnston’s work with young people on the edge of care’
ABL News

‘We are who we want to be’: The belief powering Kirsty Johnston’s work with young people on the edge of care’

Marking International Women’s Day 2026, IPS Service Lead Kirsty Johnston reflects on how giving support, belief and stability can transform a young person’s future.

‘In giving, we receive’: How Denise Leslie, Chief Executive, drives ABL’s mission to eradicate health inequalities
ABL News

‘In giving, we receive’: How Denise Leslie, Chief Executive, drives ABL’s mission to eradicate health inequalities

Marking International Women’s Day 2026, Chief Executive Denise Leslie reflects on a simple idea that shapes ABL: understand the person before the problem.

‘Being believed is the starting point’: How lived experience, listening and leadership shape Lucy Leppington-Green’s work in autism services
ABL News

‘Being believed is the starting point’: How lived experience, listening and leadership shape Lucy Leppington-Green’s work in autism services

Ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, Head of Autism Services Lucy Leppington-Green reflects on the work of BeU Norfolk and BeU North Yorkshire, drawing on her lived experience as a parent and practitioner to show how acceptance, psychological…

‘You’re not on your own’: Penny Harvey on building confidence, community and lasting change across Oldham
ABL News

‘You’re not on your own’: Penny Harvey on building confidence, community and lasting change across Oldham

If you’d told me back in 2012 – when ABL was a tiny team in a Bolton office and I was one of a handful of lifestyle coaches – that one day I’d help lead a 40-strong integrated lifestyle service in Oldham, I don’t think I’d have believed you.

Liz Woodworth with ABL CEO Denise Leslie and stop smoking advisor.
ABL News

British Empire Medal (BEM) awarded to public health leader who helped 35,000 people to quit smoking

Elizabeth Woodworth, a long-serving smoking cessation expert at ABL Health, has received the prestigious honour in recognition of more than 30 years of leadership in respiratory health, tobacco control and improving outcomes for communities most…

ABL Health Gloucestershire team celebrating.
ABL News

ABL Health retains prestigious Investors in People accreditation

ABL Health has retained its Investors in People accreditation for a further three years, recognising its values-driven culture, commitment to staff development and inclusive, people-powered approach.

How we’re helping young people – long before they reach crisis point
ABL News

How we’re helping young people – long before they reach crisis point

Recent headlines have highlighted a growing concern: young people are at risk of being ‘pushed back into long waits’ for mental health support.

Listening with Heart
ABL News

Listening with Heart

When Olivia Hayes steps into a classroom of Year Six pupils, she carries more than a stack of resources and a PowerPoint deck.

Why Vitamin D deserves your attention
Expert Articles

Why Vitamin D deserves your attention

Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium and phosphate—two minerals that keep our bones, teeth, and muscles strong.

Black History Month Card with Smoking Advisor Johnsonbliss
ABL News

Celebrating Black History Month

With the theme for Black History Month 2025 being ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, we’re shining a light on some of the incredible people who make ABL Health’s purpose possible — by effecting positive change, improving lives, reducing health…

Lyn Shelton card
ABL News

Listening First

When Lyn Shelton talks about mental health, she speaks with the calm conviction of someone who has spent years listening deeply — not only to clients and colleagues, but to the quiet signals that tell us when something isn’t right.

Niamh Lovelock
ABL News

A Journey Across Oceans

“You can’t just walk in with your agenda. People need to feel heard.”

ABL win the ‘Business Purpose Before Profit Award’ at the British Business Excellence Awards!
ABL News

ABL win the ‘Business Purpose Before Profit Award’ at the British Business Excellence Awards!

This award recognises organisations that put purpose before profit, proving that ethics, integrity, and a social conscience not only make a difference but also drive sustainable success.

Jo Wilkins
ABL News

Community, Courage and Capturing Dreams

This summer, Jo Wilkins stood on the start line of the European Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Istanbul wearing the Team GB kit.

Mike Taylor
ABL News

Creating a Culture of Belonging

When Mike Taylor walked through the doors of ABL in July, he stepped into a role the organisation had never had before: Head of People and Culture.

Vicky Masters
ABL News

Empowering Change without Judgement

When you meet Vicky Masters, there’s an immediate sense of warmth. Her manner is calm, approachable and open — qualities that have become hallmarks of her leadership as Head of Service for Smoke Free Solihull, part of ABL Health.

Raz Mohammed
ABL News

How Belonging Shapes Reputation and Trust

When Raz Mohammed begins to describe his work, he doesn’t start with the scale of his responsibilities but with the lives transformed.

Supporting People to Belong in Healthier Futures
ABL News

Supporting People to Belong in Healthier Futures

For Tim Holmes, inclusivity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a lived experience that drives his work at ABL every day.

Spotlight on ADHD in Children and Young People
Expert Articles

Spotlight on ADHD in Children and Young People

As the new school year begins, many children feel a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Managing Exam Stress
Expert Articles

Managing Exam Stress

As exam season approaches, many young people experience stress and anxiety over their SATs, GCSEs, and A Levels.

Top Tips for parents/carers supporting their young person transitioning into secondary school
Expert Articles

Top Tips for parents/carers supporting their young person transitioning into secondary school

We understand how this time of change can provoke a wide range of emotions, from anxiety to excitement, nervousness to hope.

Insight Report published analysing asthma and respiratory illness of children and young people in Oldham
ABL News

Insight Report published analysing asthma and respiratory illness of children and young people in Oldham

A collaborative Insight Report has been published following a series of community focus groups delivered in Oldham, which examines positive and negative experiences and common areas for improvement in asthma treatment and management, alongside the…

BeU Notts Celebrates Ukrainian Language and Literature in Exciting Project
ABL News

BeU Notts Celebrates Ukrainian Language and Literature in Exciting Project

The Day of Ukrainian Language and Literature is a special yearly event that takes place on October 27.

Postponed Regulations on HFSS Food Adverts & Deals
ABL News

Postponed Regulations on HFSS Food Adverts & Deals

At ABL Health, we strive to empower individuals in making informed food choices that can contribute to a healthier and happier life.

Blindfolded woman colourful and vibrant
ABL News

Deafblind Awareness Week 2023: Delanie’s Experience – The Sighted’s Blindfold?

As a visually impaired young person, I navigate the world with a disability that isn’t immediately apparent.

Pilot launched in Oldham, Greater Manchester to support children, young people and families with asthma or respiratory illness and tackle health inequalities
ABL News

Pilot launched in Oldham, Greater Manchester to support children, young people and families with asthma or respiratory illness and tackle health inequalities

An innovative six-month pilot has launched at the Royal Oldham Hospital (ROH), with the aim of transforming services for children and young people living with asthma and related conditions as well as reduce avoidable harms caused by smoking or…

ABL ‘WELL’ Podcast: Ep1 – Compassion, Self-Compassion and Wellbeing
Expert Articles

ABL ‘WELL’ Podcast: Ep1 – Compassion, Self-Compassion and Wellbeing

Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and empathy for someone who is experiencing pain, suffering, or hardship.

IPS Team wearing green for mental health awareness week
ABL News

Lack of support for children and young people – Our IPS service is here to help

There has been a lot in the press and on the news about the lack of support available for children and young people, this article (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65531686) highlights one young person’s difficulties in receiving much-needed help…

ABL WELL Podcast. Peaceful woman with eyes closed in front of yellow background with white flowers.
ABL News

Welcome to the Vibrant World of ‘ABL WELL’: Our New Health and Wellness Podcast Journey

Hello, everyone! It’s time to jump on board our exciting new journey into health and wellness – welcome to ‘ABL WELL’.

The UK Government to provide free e-cigarettes to help smokers quit
ABL News

The UK Government to provide free e-cigarettes to help smokers quit

At ABL (A Better Life), we believe everyone has the right to good health, our aim is to support individuals and communities to lead healthier, happier lives.

Breast Feeding – The Facts
Expert Articles

Breast Feeding – The Facts

Breastfeeding is the single most positive thing you can do to protect you and your baby’s health.

Discover a Better Sleep Routine
Expert Articles

Discover a Better Sleep Routine

“Excellence comes when we balance quality with quantity” – Amit Ray

Government proposes new internet safety laws
ABL News

Government proposes new internet safety laws

The new ‘Bill’ will include significant changes to current UK laws increasing online protection for vulnerable people, including children and young people (CYP) by criminalising the encouragement of self-harm and the sharing of people’s intimate…

Growing Business Awards winner profile: ABL Health
ABL News

Growing Business Awards winner profile: ABL Health

This year’s winner of the Bridges Positive Impact Award has been a pioneer in community-driven, people-centred healthcare services, writes Bridges’ head of origination Kyle Bentwood.