As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a year that showed both the scale of hardship in the UK and the power of people coming together to change it.
Last year our network of food banks supported millions facing crisis, while continuing to push for the changes needed to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger.
None of this happened by chance. It happened because of the commitment, compassion and determination of our food banks, volunteers, partners and supporters across the country.
Now, we’re looking ahead. Because emergency food should never be the answer, and together, we can make even more change in 2026.
Health Secretary Neil Gray @neilcgray has welcomed the start of the new chickenpox routine childhood vaccination programme and encouraged parents or carers to take up this offer when called to appointments to give their children the very best protection.
Following a detailed review by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the UK’s independent expert group on vaccines, Public Health Scotland (PHS) has been working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to make some changes to Scotland’s childhood vaccination programme.
The changes, which began in July 2025, are based on the latest scientific evidence and are designed to ensure that children continue to have the best possible protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.
From January 2026, children will be offered a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine as part of the routine childhood schedule for the first time in Scotland.
JCVI’s recommendation is to offer a two-dose programme offering vaccination at 12 and 18 months of age, using the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.
Varicella vaccines have been seen to dramatically decrease the number of cases of chickenpox seen in childhood when used in other countries.
Dr Daniel Chandler, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS said: “Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease. While most cases of chickenpox in children are relatively mild, many children are unwell for several days and have to miss school or nursery as a result.
“In some cases, chickenpox can be more severe and can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections or other complications.
“The offer of the varicella vaccine is a welcome new addition to the routine childhood schedule and, as well as reducing the number of cases, will prevent more severe cases of chickenpox.”
Vaccination programmes are regularly reviewed to make sure that all children are offered the best protection against preventable diseases.
As new vaccines become available, or research shows that giving existing vaccines at different times improves protection, the programme will be changed.
Parents and carers will receive appointment invitations from local NHS immunisation teams and are encouraged to look out for them and bring their children for vaccination as scheduled.
As we enter the New Year reflecting on their well-being and setting intentions for the months ahead, a new analysis highlights a group starting the year under pressure:
36% of adults aged 30–49 reported high anxiety, highlighting a group entering the New Year under significant pressure.
Women report higher anxiety levels than men, suggesting persistent gender differences in wellbeing as 2026 begins.
Expert commentary and practical tips from Neil Gandecha, Manager of Foxholes Care Home, on staying connected and learning together, habits that can support wellbeing beyond the festive season and into the New Year.
As the New Year begins, data suggests many adults are starting 2026 feeling anxious rather than refreshed.
Experts at Foxholes Care Home analysed the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, which asked respondents to rate their anxiety, life satisfaction, and sense of purpose on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
Question: Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? Score 6 to 10 out of 10 (high levels of anxiety)
Anxiety levels were highest among adults aged 30 to 49, with 36% of respondents scoring 6 to 10.
16- to 29-year-olds came in close second, with 35%, followed by those aged 70 and over with 28%.
However, people aged between 50 and 69 reported the lowest levels of anxiety at just 26%, suggesting that in middle age, we feel less worried.
Meanwhile, women consistently reported slightly higher anxiety than men.
Question: Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? Score 6 to 10 out of 10 (high levels of anxiety)
Female 34
Male 29
The survey also found that the sense that life is worthwhile increases with age, rising from an average score of 6.9 out of 10 among younger adults to 7.9 out of 10 among those aged 70 and over.
Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile?
Life satisfaction was lowest among adults aged between 30 and 49, and highest among adults aged 70 and over.
Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?
The survey also found that women reported slightly higher scores for how worthwhile they find the things they do in life.
Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in your life are worthwhile?
This generational pattern may reflect differences in social connections, life experience, or coping strategies across age groups and genders.
Tips for Staying Connected in the New Year
As the festive season ends and routines return, many people may feel the effects of isolation or disconnection.
Neil Gandecha from Foxholes Care Home explains: “I see every day just how important it is to feel part of a community, especially during times when loneliness can intensify.
“Even small interactions, digital or in person, can make a big difference.”
Technology can be a powerful tool to maintain connection, support emotional well-being, and carry those habits into the New Year. Simple digital interactions such as video calls, group chats, or shared photos help people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.
Younger family members can often teach older relatives new apps or devices, strengthening bonds across generations. And traditional gestures, like a handwritten card or knocking on a neighbour’s door, remain just as impactful.
Practical Ways to Stay Connected
Video Calls -Use Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Teams to schedule weekly or special holiday catch-ups. Even a 10-minute chat counts.
Messaging and Group Chats -Send memes, voice notes, photos, or updates via WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord, or Snapchat. Group chats keep friends and family involved and engaged.
Share Photos and Memories -Use Google Photos, iCloud, or social media stories to exchange holiday moments. Old photos can spark nostalgia and conversation.
Watch or Play Together Online -Platforms like Netflix Party, Disney+ Group Watch, Twitch streams, or online games let friends and family enjoy activities together even when apart.
Send Digital Greetings -E-cards, personalised emails, or video messages add a personal touch when in-person visits aren’t possible.
Voice Notes and Texts – A short voice message often feels more personal than a text, helping loved ones feel heard and valued.
Collaborate on Digital Projects -Create shared playlists, digital scrapbooks, or TikTok trends for an interactive, fun connection.
Learn New Tech Together -Older adults can benefit from tutorials with younger family members, fostering skills and bonding.
Balance Digital and Personal Touches -Pair online interaction with handwritten cards, small gifts, or thoughtful messages to make connections warmer and more meaningful.
Neil concludes, “Technology can support togetherness, even when families aren’t physically close.
“But pairing digital touchpoints with traditional gestures like a handwritten card creates a stronger emotional impact as we enter the New Year.”
Survey data: Office for National Statistics, October 2025
More than 2 million UK households already plan not to turn their heating on at all this winter due to cost-of-living concerns, highlighting the ongoing financial strain many are facing when it comes to their winter bills.
Now, researchfrom the experts at Hillarys reveals a stark postcode divide in the cost of heating across the nation, with detached homes being the most expensive to heat.
And while location plays a role, Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Hillarys, says the way homes are used — from smart routines and soft furnishings to heat-trapping tricks — can significantly reduce bills this winter whilst keeping homes warm.
Small changes households can make in January
Building Form
Property Type
Average heatingcost per year (£)
Median heatingcost per year (£)
1.
Detached
House
1,974
1,417
2.
Detached
Maisonette
1,921
1,366
3.
Detached
Bungalow
1,752
1,503
4.
Detached
Park home
1,417
1,141
5.
Semi-Detached
House
1,376
1,133
In detached homes, small warmth-saving habits go a lot further
In the UK, the majority live in houses (78%), which are the least energy-efficient and most expensive property types to heat.This is because detached properties are exposed on all sides and lose heat faster, meaning detached houses in particular stand to benefit most from simple, warmth-retaining changes over the festive period.
Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Hillarys, has shared several easy tips which households can do ahead of January to keep warm and bills low, potentially saving up to £815:
Submit a manual meter reading and potentially save hundreds
“If you don’t have a smart meter, make sure to submit a reading before or on Thursday, the 1st of January, to ensure your bill accurately reflects your energy usage at the old rate. The majority of suppliers have a dedicated app or web form where you can submit readings, but be sure to give yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the exact process for your supplier ahead of the new year.
This will prevent your supplier from estimating your usage at the new, higher rate and stops you from being potentially overcharged. While there’s no specific, universal amount you’ll save from this step, as it depends entirely on your personal usage, avoiding a potentially inflated bill can save your household anywhere from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds.”
Bleed radiators and save as much as £450 in the winter
“Bleeding a radiator means releasing this trapped air from your central heating system to improve its efficiency, allowing hot water to circulate properly and heat your home evenly. This can save you around £2.26 per week per radiator in energy savings during the colder months, which is roughly £36 to £45 saved per radiator over four months.
In a typical household with 8-10 radiators, those savings can translate to as much as £450 saved on your energy bill over the winter.”
Thermal blinds could save you up to £240 per year
“Throughout the day, aim to keep curtains and blinds closed, as thick or lined curtains can reduce heat loss significantly. The key is using them smartly: open south-facing curtains for warmth from the sun, then close them at sunset to trap heat, forming an insulating barrier. Heavier fabrics and layered window dressings can help rooms hold onto warmth for longer, particularly in older properties.
A longer-term solution to maintaining heat inside is installing thermal blinds, such as Duette® blinds, which have a unique honeycomb structure.
Independent research at the University of Salford’s Energy House Labs has confirmed that Duette honeycomb blinds are highly effective at improving home energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through windows by up to 55%.
Honeycomb blinds have also been found to reduce whole-home energy use by around 4-17%, which, when applied to typical UK heating bills, could amount to potential annual savings of roughly £30 to £240 depending on the size of your home, insulation and usage.6”
Save up to £125 with DIY draught excluders
“Draught excluders are a great option, which are long, filled fabric tubes placed at the bottom of doors to prevent cold air from chilling the home. It’s estimated that draught-proofing windows and doors can save you up to £35 per year.
They can be purchased in most home furnishings stores, but to keep costs low ahead of January, they can also be made from items dotted around the home (and make for a fun crafty activity with the family!); by using rolled up towels or filling old jeans or curtains with heavy filling like rice, beans, or fabric scraps and sewing up the ends.”
A new £2 million pilot in England will see health visitors reach families facing barriers to vaccines, to ensure more children are protected
Government to bring vaccines to doorsteps of families who can’t make it to the doctor
New pilot will reach families facing barriers like travel costs, language difficulties or vaccine hesitancy
£2 million pilot aims to close gap in healthcare inequalities
Health visiting teams will offer vaccinations to children, providing a vital safety net for families who might otherwise miss out.
The new pilot targets families who’ve fallen through the cracks – including those not signed up with a GP, struggling with travel costs, childcare juggling, language barriers or other tough circumstances that stop them getting to the doctor.
By offering vaccinations during routine health visits, the pilot removes these obstacles and ensures more children can access life-saving protection.
Health visitors are specialist public health nurses who support families with children under five. They provide advice on healthy child development, feeding, and family health through regular home visits and clinic appointments.
The twelve pilot schemes will roll out from mid-January across five regions of England – London, the Midlands, North East & Yorkshire, North West, and South West – designed to boost uptake and protect children from preventable diseases.
While the scheme isn’t designed to replace your GP – families should continue to get vaccinated at their local surgery first – it supports families with children who’d otherwise slip through the net.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Every parent deserves the chance to protect their child from preventable diseases, but some families have a lot going on and that can mean they miss out.
“Health visitors are already trusted faces in communities across the country. By allowing them to offer vaccinations, we’re using the relationships and expertise that already exist to reach families who need support most.
“Fixing the NHS means tackling health inequalities head-on. By meeting families where they are, we’re not just boosting vaccination rates – we’re building a health service that works for everyone.”
The year-long trial will be evaluated before rolling it out across the country from 2027.
Health visitors on the pilot will get extra training to tackle tricky conversations with worried parents – including those who have doubts about vaccination – and to give vaccinations safely.
Struggling families will be identified by the NHS using GP records, health visitor notes and local databases.
The pilots form part of the commitment to ramp up vaccination programmes, with over 18 million flu vaccines delivered this autumn – hundreds of thousands more compared to this time last year – and over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.
The Westminster government is also investing in better digital services to help families track their child’s health and vaccinations. Through the new NHS App, parents will be able to monitor their children’s health using My Children – a 21st century digital alternative to the Red Book.
The pilot builds on the government’s commitment to Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes, which provide vital support for families during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life, including health visiting services and parenting support.
From 2 January 2026, children will receive the new MMRV vaccine, protecting against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in one vaccine. This replaces the current MMR vaccine, and offers protection against chickenpox for the first time while making vaccination simpler for families.
The UK government’s ‘Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated’ campaign also runs throughout the year to promote confidence in vaccination.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) yesterday (2 January 2026) approved zapomeran (Kostaive) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, for the immunisation of individuals aged 18 years of age and older.
Zapomeran is given as a single 0.5 mL booster dose by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. It contains a self-amplifying messenger RNA (sa-mRNA) which instructs the body’s cells to temporarily make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
This teaches the immune system to fight off the virus in the future.
Julian Beach, Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access at the MHRA, said: “Patient safety is our top priority.
“The approval of zapomeran (Kostaive) provides an alternative vaccine for use in adults to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2.
“As with all licensed medicines, we will continue to monitor its safety closely as it becomes more widely used.”
Very common side effects (which may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include pain or tenderness at the injection site, tiredness, chills, fever, muscle and joint pain, headache and dizziness. Most side effects are mild and disappear within a few days of vaccination.
A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), which will be published on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of zapomeran under close review.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
