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.
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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”.
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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.
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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
All Brewers Fayre and Beefeater locations across the UK are closing down
Danny Jones
It looks to be the end for not one but two of Britain’s best-known and long-running restaurant franchises, as Brewers Fayre and Beefeaters will be closing down all of their locations.
Dating back to the mid-1970s, there will soon be none left anywhere in the country
The pair of recognisable chains, owned by parent company Whitbread PLC – who also own Premier Inn, hence why they usually come as a joint package – have nearly 200 sites across the UK, but they are already in the process of a wholesale shutdown.
News of the impending closures first began circulating back in April, but now the process is said to be fully underway, with multiple Greater Manchester names on the chopping block.
A real shame all brewers fayres are closing down. As a member they’ve sent me a last free main. So enjoying a mixed grill pic.twitter.com/EIHMZ7LCvv
— Daniel Turner⚽️ 🏟️ 1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ (@puffpuff65) August 4, 2026
With roughly 3,800 staff set to be made unemployed as part of the major restructuring by Whitbread, the job cuts will see approximately 12% of their workforce laid off from a total of around 30,000.
One local duo due to face the music is the soon-to-close Stable Gate in Denton and Wheatlea Park in Wigan – both of which are Brewers Fayre branches.
89 of the brand’s boozers have been given until early September (some dates may vary) to shut up shop and hold not just their last orders, but their final dinner service full stop.
The rest of the venues closing next month are Beefeater pubs, including the Heaton Park one in Crumpsall, The Quay House at Salford Quays, and the Whitgate Inn over Oldham way.
As for others nearby, Macclesfield’s Springwood Park is also set to close.
The older of the two British mainstays is Beefeater, which was founded by Whitbread back in 1974 when they opened their first pub, The Halfway House, down in Enfield.
Brewers debuted up North in ’79, with a maiden watering hole called The Farmers Arms in Preston, before going on to open several locations around Lancashire and eventually nationwide.
Most of you will likely have visited or at the very least passed one of those food and drink spots in your time, and while they may be more associated with hotels and service stations these days, they still served as regular haunts for plenty of people who will no doubt be gutted to see them go.
Speaking of services, another big name is expanding further into the North West.
Police order two Oldham brothels to close following reports of ‘suspicious activity’ by neighbours
Emily Sergeant
Two properties in Oldham have been ordered to close after being identified as brothels.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that closure orders were granted by Tameside Magistrates’ Court at the end of last month following enforcement action by the Oldham neighbourhood policing teams working in collaboration with GMP’s legal team.
Officers received information from residents, councillors, and partner agencies regarding ‘suspicious activity’ linked to the addresses.
Some of the concerns included men arriving throughout the day and night, staying for short periods of time before leaving again, all causing significant distress to those living nearby – subsequently leading to police investigation.
First up, on Monday 27 July, neighbourhood officers attended an address on Balfour Street in relation to a concern for welfare, but upon entering the property, they identified a brothel operating at the address, and then, on the evening after (Tuesday 28 July), officers executed a Section 8 PACE warrant at an address on Miriam Street.
48-hour closure notices were authorised for both premises at first, but now following an application to the court, three-month closure orders have been granted.
It is now a criminal offence to enter or remain in either property during the period of the closure orders.
“These two premises had a significant impact on people living nearby, with men attending the addresses throughout the day and night and loitering outside neighbouring homes while waiting to enter,” commented Amie Whitehead, Neighbourhood Inspector for Oldham South & West at GMP.
“Residents told us this behaviour was causing considerable distress within the community and affecting their quality of life.
“We’ve responded to reports, worked with partners and gathered evidence to take enforcement action, and have now secured closure orders to prevent further criminality and protect the local community.
“I would like to thank residents who came forward with information, as community intelligence is vital in helping us identify and address this type of offending.”