Latest statistics released by mental health charity Mind indicate that around 1 in 6 people report experiencing a mental health problem like anxiety in any given week in England.
Having trouble getting to/remaining asleep at night is a commonly-linked issue to this.
If this rings true to you or someone you know, then we’ve discovered a weighted anti-anxiety therapy blanket on Amazon and if the recent reviews from those suffering with stress and anxiety are anything to go by, then it’s definitely worth checking out.
The jaymag Anti Anxiety Weighted Blanket offers “great all-natural sleep” by providing a stimulation called ‘Deep Touch Pressure’ – which is also known as the feeling of being hugged.
According to the product description on Amazon, the blanket “helps relieve anxiety, relax your mood, calm your body which promotes restful sleep [and] is ideal for anyone seeking a solution for loss of sleep and relaxation”.
Amazon / jaymag
It’s been described as a “wonderful sleep aid” and a “sense of security”.
As weighted blankets are designed to be approximately 10% of the average person’s weight, it also comes in a range of weight options – 6.8kg, 7kg and 9kg – which are suitable for children, teenagers and adults, and the price does increase the heavier the blanket is.
The blanket is made with “premium 100% cotton fabric with high-density stitches, creating a soft and breathable warmth” and a filler of “hypo-allergenic non-toxic glass beads brings you the cooling pressure sensation”. The same weight pressure is spread evenly across the blanket which is said to “embrace your body perfectly for peaceful sleeping, reading, relaxing or meditating”.
After continuous use of the blanket for 3-7 days, the added weight will typically no longer be noticeable, but the benefits will remain the same.
Amazon / jaymag
It’s retailing on Amazon at £62.99+ FREE delivery and it also has hundreds of positive reviews from plenty of satisfied customers over the years, so if you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth the buy or not, then it might be worth having a read of a few of those to help make your mind up.
It’s also listed as an Amazon’s Choice product too.
If a better nights sleep is what you’re after, then you can get your hands on the jaymag Anti Anxiety Weighted Blanket from Amazon here.
News
‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood
Emily Sergeant
An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.
The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council is hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.
It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.
The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.
The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.
As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.
“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.
“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”
The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre
Emily Sergeant
Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.
This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.
Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.
The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.
According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.
“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.
Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places
“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.
“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.
“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.
With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2020 
