Animal welfare charities are concerned the number of primates being kept as pets in ‘backyard Britain’ is on the rise as welfare complaints have increased three-fold in five years. An estimated 5,000 primates are being kept as pets up and down the UK - but new data suggests that many are suffering and not having vital social, dietary and environmental needs met.

The Ramblers is reminding people in the West Midlands to step out for Walk About this September - its biggest ever free nationwide walking event, offering a walk to suit everyone. The festival takes place from Saturday 3 September until Sunday 11 September. With over a thousand walks all over Britain, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from a short stroll in the park to a challenging hike up a mountain.

Dads! You may be at fault if your children lack imagination and creativity and find it hard to express themselves at playtime. Only 10% of UK dads really get down with the kids it seems. A survey conducted by Novotel hotels makes it clear that Dads across the UK need to up the ante at playtime and overcome that famous British reserve. Just one in ten get involved in imaginative play. In contrast one in three mums claim to have super powers including eyes in the back of their heads and the ability to see through walls with their x ray vision.

Training is being offered to organisations and individuals who may come into contact with someone at risk of suicide as part of a range of activities taking place in Wolverhampton around World Suicide Prevention Day. Delivered by PAPYRUS, a charity which aims to prevent suicide among young people, the 90-minute sessions will be held on Tuesday (6 September, 2016) at 10.30am and 2pm and will explore beliefs and ideas relating to suicide.

Keeping up with the chores, the bedtime routine – and the dreaded school run are among the most stressful things about parenthood, a study has found. A poll of 2,000 parents found the average mum and dad spend almost two hours a day feeling stressed, with mornings in particular proving a minefield for parents.  5 of the 10 top parent stresses start the moment we wake up, with 28% agreeing that getting the children out of the door for the school run and settling back into the flow of the morning routine post-holiday, are key parenthood stress triggers.

MedicAnimal’s Chief Veterinary Officer Andrew Bucher is reiterating calls for owners to clean up after their dogs. Launching today, ‘The Big Scoop’ led by The Dogs Trust and Keep Britain Tidy is urging Britain’s dog owners to ‘bag it, bin it’. Research shows Britain’s eight-million strong dog population, produce 1,000 tonnes of poo each day, costing councils in England and Wales £22 million per year to clean up.