Mike McCartney, the former Scaffold star and acclaimed photographer, has issued an open letter calling on the public to support All Together NOW!, Liverpool's free disability and health newspaper, as it celebrates its 21st anniversary. McCartney, a patron of the publication, described it as a lifeline for tens of thousands of vulnerable people.
In his letter, he wrote: "In today's chaotic world, when so many papers and magazines are going under, it's reassuring to hear that All Together NOW! is not only surviving, but celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. But it's not been easy with old supporters feeling the pinch and having to drop out. So, any HELP you can give them will be greatly appreciated this year . . . ANY help, particularly from old friends like Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the NHS."
He added: "So, if you see All Together NOW! (great Farm track that!) don't forget it's FREE and gives lots of disability news and features. Pick it up, read lots of interesting news and please give any help you can – however small (or BIG)."
A lifeline under pressure
McCartney, who also answered to "McFab" during his time with The Scaffold, signed off with a pun on the band's hit "Thank U Very Much". He has also produced a short film about the paper, which can be viewed online via Vimeo.
The appeal comes as the newspaper, like many community publications, faces financial strain with long-time donors reducing or ending their contributions. All Together NOW! provides free access to disability news, features, and information across the Liverpool City Region.
Stroke study uncovers treatment gap
In a separate development, health researchers are working to understand why one in three stroke survivors do not receive essential preventative medication. The consequences of missing out are severe: stroke survivors who stop taking these drugs are up to 15 times more likely to experience a second, often more disabling, stroke than someone who has never had one.
Treatment, including statins to reduce cholesterol and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, can cut the risk of a second stroke by as much as 66%. However, national research indicates that between 20% and 40% of eligible patients are not getting these prescriptions.
Barriers to vital medication
The University of Bradford is leading a new study to identify practical barriers to medication adherence. Early findings point to three major categories: communication difficulties, assumptions made by GPs and other clinicians, and cultural or language obstacles. The research has also revealed clear inequalities, with women and younger stroke survivors less likely to receive cholesterol-lowering medication after their first stroke.
Dr Alejandro González Aquines, who is involved in the study, said: "A second stroke can be devastating. The medications that help prevent it are well understood, safe, and widely available – but too many people still slip through the net. By understanding who is missing out and why, we can help health services close that gap."
Life-saving conversations
Dr Aquines stressed that the most important action for stroke survivors is to ask. He advised: "Ask your healthcare team whether you're receiving the full set of medicines recommended to reduce your risk of a second stroke. Ask specifically about blood pressure medication, cholesterol-lowering (statins), and blood thinners (anticoagulants) if you have been diagnosed with heart rhythm problems. And if you're not sure, ask again. These are life-saving conversations."
The study is supported by the NHS and charities including the Stroke Association and Different Strokes, both of which offer helplines for patients and families.
Fact file: stroke in the UK
- 240 people a day have a stroke in the UK.
- Stroke is a leading cause of disability.
- Survivors are 15 times more likely to have another stroke.
- Statins reduce the build-up of cholesterol in arteries.
- Anticoagulants help prevent life-threatening clots.
- Combined, they can cut second-stroke risk by up to two-thirds.
- Research shows 20-40% of eligible patients do not receive these medicines.
How carers can help
- Keep a medication diary or calendar.
- Attend follow-ups to support communication.
- Ask clinicians to explain decisions in plain language.
- Flag any changes in symptoms.
- For support, contact the Stroke Association on 0303 3033 100 or Different Strokes on 0345 130 7172.
For more information on All Together NOW!, visit its website or pick up a free copy across Merseyside. As McCartney might say: thank u very much for any help you can give.
