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Haggis, the internet-famous pygmy hippo calf at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo, has been introduced to dad Otto for the first time. After some inquisitive sniffs and playing, dad Otto and mum Gloria soon settled in for a nap, leaving Haggis free to have a sit in the sun. The pygmy hippo family are not living together full-time, but the wildlife conservation charity’s lucky visitors might catch them mixing under keeper supervision as part of ongoing efforts to familiarise the hippos. Since Haggis was born in October 2024, Otto has been living separately. This mimics the natural behaviours of pygmy hippos, where the mother takes responsibility for the care, protection and guidance of the calf. Photo: Haggis the hippo meeting dad Otto for the first time

Erica Davies in collaboration with George at Asda is proud to announce the launch of her first unisex kids range just in time for Spring Summer 2025. Erica Kids is a curated collection of 25 staple pieces and working alongside George at Asda, Erica has brought her eye for style and experience in struggling to dress her own 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, bridging the gap in the market for stylish but affordable children’s clothing. Designed to be worn by both girls and boys aged between 5-16 years old, the range includes loud and bold burst of statement shirts, mix and match co-ords and casually cool jerseys in an energetic palette of checkerboard pastels and LA inspired abstract prints. Worn oversized and with attitude, the range can be easily layered, transitioning with ease from sunny days to cooler summer nights. Speaking on the collection Erica said “As a mum buying clothes for a son and a daughter, I've always noticed the differences in what is available for them both. For girls, there are so many options, colour and prints. But for boys the choices are far more limited. And for older boys, it’s unfortunately always been a world of drab colours and little excitement." "I looked at the bright colours worn by the world’s top football teams and wanted to see more of that for our lads! This collection has been a ten-year in the making passion project and I am so thrilled to do it with George at Asda." “They have listened to my research, read all of the comments and messages I have received from parents along the way and brought my vision to life. This is a range that’s cool and colourful, with practicality and comfort at its core. And it is all designed to be mixed and matched, however you choose. Your style, worn your way - giving kids the chance to have fun with their clothes. And while we’re hoping the boys love it, every piece can be worn by the girls too - making hand-me-downs of your favourites! I am so excited to share this collection! I hope you love it.”

Local housebuilder Peter James Homes has joined Paralympian Libby Clegg MBE in supporting a running team aiming to raise £10k for The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC). Affectionately named ‘Wags on the Run’, the team of four runners are pounding the Nottinghamshire streets, in the run-up to the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27. The team’s fundraising journey has already included yoga and brunch sessions as well as a charity quiz night, which was supported by British Paralympic sprinter and tandem track cyclist, Libby Clegg, who came along as guest speaker. The team, which includes Polly Carr 26, Alicia Foulds 29, Jade South 28, and Emily Gamble 25, are all girlfriends of the players at the Nottingham Rugby Club. Peter James Homes, which has just launched its latest site, Hemlock Gate in Bramcote, has donated £250 to the fundraiser. The firm is also a lead sponsor of Nottingham Rugby Club. Polly Carr, 26, an events manager, said that they were motivated to fundraise for the cause after hearing a raft of incredibly inspirational stories about the resilience of the children helped by the charity. Having previously worked for a Yorkshire children’s charity, Polly said: “Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of the children involved, and hear some truly inspirational stories from the charity first hand." RSBC runs a family first service, working to help provide the best possible environment for children to grow, thrive and realise their potential. The charity provides a range of programmes and activities offered by the organisation, allowing blind children to develop their confidence and independence. Polly said: “As a team, we wanted to help support the children and their families in any way we can to live a life without limits. To be able to fundraise for RSBC whilst doing something we love, is a real honour.” Paralymipian Libby Clegg MBE, said: “I know from personal experience just how important the work that charities such as The Royal Society for Blind Children are and how difficult fundraising is at the moment. What Polly and the team are doing for a cause so close to my heart is amazing and I wish them the best of luck.” Training for the 26.2-mile race has been intense, with the ‘wags’ admitting that they had never previously run such a distance but said that they’d been kept going by their friendships and support. Training three times a week for well over a year, the team set a massive £10k target. Each runner aims to raise £2,500 which is enough to cover 12 months of support for a family to access the full range of RSBC services. They said: “It seemed like an impossible target when we started fundraising, but we are now £7,000 in and it seems more attainable - for some of the team, running a marathon is a life-long-dream. We are so grateful for all the support we have been given and thank Peter James Homes for their latest contribution which is edging us closer to our target.” Polly admits that she once hated running, but after challenging herself to run the Leeds half Marathon two years ago, fell in love with the sport. She said: “None of us have ever entered a full marathon, but we’ve all now run a 32 km practice run so we’re feeling confident.” To sponsor the ‘Wags on Tour’ team visit Polly, Alicia, Jade and Emily’s fundraiser for Royal Society for Blind Children is fundraising for Royal Society for Blind Children

Arco  announces its biggest ever launch of a wider, modernised brand portfolio: ‘Including PPE, hi-vis clothing, chemical protection, responsible choice workwear, fire resistant/arc clothing, working at height products and gloves.   Arco, the UK’s leading safety expert, has launched its most extensive range of safety products to date, bringing over 140 years of experience and expertise, to their PPE and workwear range.   The new range includes high-performance PPE, hi-vis clothing, chemical protection, responsible choice workwear, flame-resistant/arc flash garments, working at height products, and gloves – all designed, developed and tested by Arco, focused on compliance through quality, sustainability and ethical responsibility, the range is Arco made. Arco tested. Designed to exceed industry standards, by Arco experts, with performance, compliance and responsible manufacturing in mind.   The new range brings cost-effective safety equipment to customers without compromising on quality, included in the range:               Hi-vis range: visible and stylish with enhanced hardwearing materials. Chemical protection range: defends against chemicals, contaminants, and pathogens. FR/arc clothing: Flame resistant and safety tested, made with superior flash protection, yet comfortable for the wearer. Working at height: 15 expertly designed products that are lightweight, padded, and fully compliant. Gloves: Dextrous protective gloves, with touchscreen functionality to keep workers protected at all times. Responsible choice workwear: featuring Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled materials, this range offers ethical, durable, and traceable workwear without compromise.   All Arco products are designed to the highest of safety standards, surpassing basic industry criteria and are rigorously tested in the company’s independent UKAS and SATRA accredited Product Assurance Laboratory and backed by its unique five-step product assurance process. The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) found that between December 2023 and December 2024, only 10% of non-member products tested fully met compliance standards - underscoring the importance of trusted suppliers.[1]   Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at Arco, said: “At a time when non-compliant products are easier to purchase and harder to spot than ever before, workers need to be confident that what they’re purchasing will protect them. Our new range has been a cornerstone in our safety products offering, enabling customers to purchase all of the necessary items for their working environment at a competitive price, with the peace of mind that the products will keep them safe.   “Revitalising this portfolio with modernised, responsible and optimised safety equipment, designed and tested by Arco means that customers can be confident they are making the ethical, quality and compliant choice. Our commitment to workplace safety has never wavered and with over 140 years of safety experience woven into every product, customers can trust that they and their workers are in safe hands. When it comes to protecting your people, chance nothing.”   To support the launch, Arco is investing in national advertising across TV, digital streaming, outdoor media, radio, and paid social. The full range is also available to explore in person at the Arco Discovery Centre in Hull—offering a hands-on experience of Arco’s innovative approach to safety.   Visitors to the Health and Safety Event at Birmingham NEC (8th–10th April) had the opportunity to explore the new range first-hand. The launch was showcased at the event, giving attendees a preview of Arco’s latest innovations in compliant, high-performance safety products—backed by over a century of expertise.

There is something undeniably soothing about the simple act of tending to a garden. Whether it’s a sprawling countryside allotment or a collection of pots on a city balcony, gardening has quietly become one of the most rewarding pursuits of our time. And as more people reach for their trowels and watering cans, it’s becoming clear that the benefits of gardening stretch far beyond the promise of fresh blooms or home-grown vegetables. For a start, gardening offers an invaluable connection to nature, a relationship that many of us have found increasingly elusive in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. Spending time outdoors, hands in the soil, allows us to momentarily step away from screens and endless notifications. The natural rhythms of the seasons gently remind us to slow down, observe, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Watching seeds sprout, flowers unfold, and fruits ripen fosters a sense of wonder that no app can replicate. Beyond its restorative qualities, gardening is also remarkably good for our health. Physically, it provides a form of exercise that is both moderate and sustainable. Digging, planting, weeding, and carrying watering cans help build strength and flexibility, often without us even noticing the effort. For those who might shy away from the gym, the garden becomes a natural, enjoyable way to stay active. What’s more, time spent in sunlight helps boost vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and immunity. Equally important is the profound impact gardening can have on mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that gardening can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with many people finding comfort in the repetitive, mindful nature of garden tasks. There is a quiet satisfaction in nurturing life, in seeing the tangible results of patience and care. It provides a sense of purpose, especially in challenging times, when the simple acts of sowing and tending offer a reassuring reminder that growth is always possible. Community gardens and allotments, in particular, offer a social aspect that is not to be underestimated. They create spaces where people from all walks of life come together, sharing knowledge, produce, and conversation. In these communal plots, gardening becomes a bridge between generations and cultures, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. Even the solitary gardener, immersed in their own patch of earth, becomes part of a wider community of nature lovers and green-fingered enthusiasts. Moreover, gardening encourages a deeper understanding of the environment. When we grow our own food, even on a small scale, we become more attuned to the cycles of nature and the impact of our choices. It promotes sustainable living, reduces food miles, and often leads to healthier eating habits. There’s a unique satisfaction in preparing a meal that includes ingredients you’ve nurtured from seed to plate. Ultimately, gardening is a gentle yet powerful antidote to the stresses of modern life. It teaches patience, resilience, and optimism, reminding us that from even the smallest seed, great things can grow. Whether you’re cultivating a wildflower meadow or simply tending to a few herbs on your windowsill, the rewards of gardening are rich and varied. It’s a timeless hobby that nourishes the body, calms the mind, and lifts the spirit — a daily invitation to connect with the world around us, and with ourselves.

A long-running care home has passed into the experienced hands of new owners, backed with the support of the Development Bank of Wales. Cherry Tree Care Home opened in Caldicot in 1993, and has since been run by owners Hallmark. Following an extension in 2003, the home has 38 bedrooms and is licensed to provide nursing and residential care for 41 residents. The home has now been taken on by Basanta Nepal and Bishwa Tara Ghimire, who have run Dreams Care Homes since 2021, with a seven-figure loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. The couple had previously worked with the Development Bank to acquire Danygraig Care Home in Newport, and also run Ynysddu Care Home, near Caerphilly. Basanta said: “We’re proud to be the new owners of Cherry Tree Care Home and are grateful for the support we received from the Development Bank in securing the home. The investment allows us to take on the running of the home and keep the current management team in place, while ensuring the home’s viability well into the future." “I also liked the Development Bank’s approach to maximising the opportunity of us taking on the home in terms of continued employment, sustainability and the Welsh economy. I was glad that the relationship was so much more than just an impersonal online loan, and the support offered by Gavin at the Development Bank gave us a lot of reassurance as we went through the process of buying the home.” Gavin Reid, Senior Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Cherry Tree Care Home is an excellent business with a strong reputation, following more than 30 years of good management under the former owners." “Our support allowed Basanta and Bishwa, who bring years of experience in the sector, to take on the home and ensure the standard of care and services provided there remains high. One of our core goals is to support growing businesses and entrepreneurs in acquiring successful ventures, and we’re pleased we were able to help make this deal as smooth as possible.” The Wales Flexible Investment Fund offers loans, mezzanine finance and equity investment for deals between £25,000 and £10 million, with terms of up to 15 years available.

A technology spin-out of the Alacrity Foundation has closed a significant six-figure equity investment pre-seed round led by SFC Capital, the Development Bank of Wales and a syndicate of business angels. Lumin Solutions is run by Directors Piers Oliphant who is 25, along with 23 year old Ben Gretton and Ben Miller who is 24 years old. The three young entrepreneurs first met when taking part in the Alacrity Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme and have now developed a case management system for use by child social care providers. Lumin’s innovative software product is an outcome-focused recording and planning system for care providers, many of whom are still predominately paper-based. It offers a Digital Care Assistant that improves user experience and outcomes, reduces costs and improves regulatory compliance with evidence tracking. Key features include care plans, assessments and regular reporting. AI-powered analytics will enable users to analyse their data and records with speed and customisation, offering insights into their organisation and care practices to improve outcomes and prepare for inspections. The funding from SFC, the Development Bank and the syndicate of business angels led by lead investor Darryl Morton will be used to scale-up product development, sales and marketing. Director Piers Oliphant said: “The UK’S Digital strategy is pushing care providers to adopt digital care recording systems and maintain appropriate records by 2025. With 60% of care providers still paper-based or partly digital, this is a rapidly growing market." “Our technology will help provide local care providers with a data-driven and joined-up approach that has a clear audit trail. This will allow care providers more time to focus on providing quality care, therefore ultimately improving childcare." “The Alacrity Programme has helped us to become investor ready so that we can secure the funding needed to scale our operation but what we are really excited about is being able to access the knowledge and experience of our investors, particularly Darryl who has founded, scaled and exited similar tech businesses.” Lead Investor Darryl Morton of Summit Venture said: “The child social care market is under-served by quality care management software systems. In a short space of time, the team at Lumin have already developed a core system and have road-tested this with a number of industry partners, and now, with the financial backing from this investment round, are poised to develop the software further and help to raise standards within the sector. It is a really exciting opportunity to be involved with." Adam Beveridge of SFC Capital said: “One of the biggest challenges for any start-up is securing initial funding. It is credit to the team at Lumin and their commitment to developing innovative software that tackles real-life industry problems, that this pre-seed round has been so successful." " We’re pleased to be adding them to our investment portfolio of over 400 start-ups and look forward to supporting them alongside the Development Bank and Darryl as our co-investors.” Hannah Mallen, an Investment Executive with the Development Bank said: “This is a dynamic and enthusiastic team that share a commitment to making a real difference. There is a clear market for Lumin’s people-focussed digital solution as child social care providers recognise how emerging technologies enable early intervention, risk assessment, and improved decision-making in child welfare." "We’re delighted to be investing alongside SFC and using our Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund to add real fire power to the investment by Darryl and the syndicate of business angels.” The equity investment for Lumin Solutions from the Development Bank of Wales came from the Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund and the £20 million Wales Technology Seed Fund. Financed entirely by Welsh Government, the Wales Technology Seed Fund offers equity investments between £100,000 and £350,000 for Welsh tech businesses, and those willing to relocate to Wales, at a proof-of-concept stage.

Marks & Spencer has announced plans to open a new 390k square foot distribution centre at Avonmouth in Bristol as part of its plan to develop a modern logistics network with additional capacity for growth. Modernising the supply chain is a key pillar in the M&S Reshape for Growth strategy. The new depot will process stock and serve stores in the Midlands, South-west England and South Wales. M&S Food MD Alex Freudmann said: “Modernising our supply chain is key to increasing the capacity in our network and will help us get ahead of the volume curve we are driving in M&S Food to meet our ambition of becoming a shopping list retailer. This new site will ensure that we’re getting the right products to the right stores at the right time for our customers. It will also create a great working environment for our colleagues.” The new site is located mid-way between the existing sites at Bristol and Portbury and is expected to open in 2026. The site will be M&S’s most sustainable food depot in the UK with excellent colleague facilities and include solar panels, ducting in the yard for electric vehicles and electric charging points. The new depot comes on top of other recent investments by M&S in the South West. In December the retailer opened a renewed and expanded Foodhall at Cribbs Causeway and later this year will open new stores at Cabot Circus in Bristol and Bath City Centre. M&S has already delivered the following modernisation to its supply chain: The first steps on developing a modern, lower cost to serve logistics network, with additional capacity for growth In Food: M&S acquired Gist in August 2022 and building on benefits of Gist integration, focus now turns to investing in the network and increasing capacity. Implementation of the ‘One Best Way’ retail operations programme which is improving productivity and contributing to structural cost reductions. Following good results in the Leeds region, this is now being implemented more widely Roll out of a new forecasting and ordering system which is nearing completion, helping better match supply to market conditions to improve availability which is critical to continue targeting volume growth Long term agreements with strategic partners enabling investment in product innovation, factory capacity and supply chain resilience In Clothing & Home: Investment in boxed storage and hanging capacity automation in the logistics network will increase capacity to serve online orders and reduce costs. Stoke and Ollerton warehouses have commenced online shipments in providing the capacity to service omni channel orders from four distribution centres Suppliers in key categories such as denim have been reduced and M&S is creating long term partnerships, lowering costs and improving capabilities

Goldie Lookin’ Chain rapper Graham Taylor and novelist and broadcaster Gary Raymond are using a start-up loan from the Development Bank of Wales to share their love of vinyl records in Monmouth with the opening of Grinning Soul Records. As Monmouth’s only vinyl record shop, Grinning Soul Records can be found at White Swan Court on Priory Street. The micro loan from the Development Bank has been used to part-fund the kit out of the new shop and purchase stock. Having been close friends since their school days in Newport, Graham Taylor of Welsh rap group, Goldie Lookin’ Chain and BBC presenter and author Gary Raymond had a childhood ambition to open a record shop. Gary Raymond said: “Music fans come from all over the world to visit Monmouth as the home of Rockfield Studios, the legendary Welsh recording studios. Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded here yet there was no record shop in the town. Grinning Soul Records will give local people and visitors like the opportunity to buy traditional vinyl records that were made here in Monmouth. This is our childhood dream come true, made possible by the loan from the Development Bank.” Donna Strohmeyer is an Investment Executive with the Development Bank. She said: “Gary and Graham are both passionate about music and have a great opportunity to capitalise on the booming vinyl industry and the international market created by Rockfield Studios. Indeed, Grinning Soul Records is already proving to be a popular hub for music lovers in the Monmouthshire area and beyond. It’s a great addition to the vibrant market town of Monmouth.” The loan for Grinning Soul Records came from the £32.5 million Wales Micro Loan Fund. Financed entirely by Welsh Government, loans between £1,000 and £50,000 are available for small businesses, sole traders and social enterprises based in Wales, or willing to move to Wales. Repayment terms range between one and ten years.

National Grid has submitted its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate for Sea Link, a new electricity connection between Kent and Suffolk. This vital project will boost energy security and help deliver cleaner energy and strengthen Great Britain’s energy network. As part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the Sea Link project is designed to increase electricity capacity, as demand for energy is set to double, ensuring more renewable and low-carbon power reaches homes, business and public services. The proposed 138km connection, from Pegwell Bay in Kent to a point on the Suffolk coast between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, will run mostly offshore. Around 122 km of the cables will be located under the sea with underground cables then linking to converter stations so electricity can be transported to where it is needed in East Anglia, Kent, and the rest of the country. Adrian Pierssene, Project Director for Sea Link said: "We have listened to and considered all the feedback we have received, shaping the plans we are submitting as a result. Sea Link is a vital investment in Great Britain’s energy future, creating the extra capacity needed to integrate renewable power into the grid, boosting energy security and supporting a cleaner electricity network." Following multiple rounds of public consultation between 2022 and 2025, National Grid has developed plans for the project, considering valuable feedback from communities and stakeholders in Suffolk and Kent. The application will now be considered through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) planning process led by the Planning Inspectorate. The public will have further opportunities to provide input during the examination stage.

Three new luxury lodges are now available to book at The Crown at Pantygelli, Abergavenny following a £90,000 growth capital loan by the Development Bank of Wales. Located in the heart of Monmouthshire and open all day every day, The Crown is owned by Amy Norvill and Nicholas Clayton-Ford who acquired the thriving pub and restaurant that is popular with tourists and the local community in June 2022. The couple previously worked in hospitality on the tourist resort of Hamilton Island in Queensland, Australia. The loan from the Development Bank has been used to part-fund the installation of three high-specification lodges that offer guests a luxury glamping experience with views towards the Sugar Loaf and Skirrid peaks. It is the second investment by the Development Bank having previously provided a loan of £110,000 in August 2023 to part-fund the installation of a new summerhouse to increase seating capacity at The Crown. Amy and Nick said: “The hospitality sector is tough, but we are fortunate to have the space and the opportunity to diversify so that we can grow The Crown as a destination where our customers can drink, dine and stay. For us, it is all about thinking differently and using our experience in Australia to make the most of what we have here in Pantygelli." “We were originally introduced to the Development Bank by Business Wales. Their collective support has really helped us to evolve our offering with the installation of the new summerhouse and the lodges. The next step is to develop a retail business while constantly investing in our team so that we can continue to attract and retain the very best people who share our commitment to delivering great customer service.” Kelly Jones is a Portfolio Executive with the Development Bank. She said: “Amy and Nick are building a thriving business in a beautiful part of Wales that is popular with both tourists and locals alike. They are investing in the long-term sustainable growth of The Crown, capitalising on the location and their passion for great hospitality. We wish them every success as they continue to strengthen and diversify their offering.” The loan for The Crown at Pantygelli came from the £500 million Wales Flexible Investment Fund. Financed by Welsh Government, the Fund is for deals between £25,000 and £10 million. Loans, mezzanine finance, and equity investments are available for Welsh businesses with terms of up to 15 years.

As the popularity of online dating continues to soar year on year, seniors want their slice of the cake too. Online dating comes with its own set of complications, from being ghosted to being catfished. However, online dating as an older person comes with a whole new set of concerns. As a more targeted and vulnerable age group, some of the risks of online dating even include fraud, stalking and sexual abuse. James Rodgers, Head of Dating at senior dating site Senior Lovers , has outlined valuable safety tips for older adults finding love online. Here is what the experts want dating seniors and any caregivers to know. Know Who You’re Talking To ‘Catfishing’, where a person online is pretending to be someone they are not, is more common than you think – in fact, there’s a whole TV show about it! In the initial stages of finding a potential partner, you want to talk to them, get to know them and open up to them yourself to see if you’re a good match. However, there are some warning signs to look out for if you’re dealing with a catfish. Someone who has only the bare minimum information on their dating profile could be a fake or someone with only a couple of photos or low-quality photos. To know for sure before meeting, why not try a video call to put your mind at ease – if someone consistently refuses to go on video, it should raise alarm bells. You could even request a video of them saying a specific thing to prove they are real. Not everyone online is a catfish, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Turning up to a date and discovering the person you have been talking to and grown a connection with is not real can be distressing and often ruins people’s trust in online dating. Do Not Overshare And Keep Your Boundaries Now you have verified who you’re talking to, it is still important to stay vigilant. Unfortunately, some people can take advantage of an emotional connection and your trust in them. As someone with good intentions, it is easy to expect the same from others and assume they too have pure and truthful intentions. With online dating, it is vital you have your boundaries. Never be afraid to say no, and if someone makes you feel bad or uncomfortable for upholding these boundaries, they are not meant for you! If someone makes you uncomfortable, there is always the option to block and even report them. For example, never share details about your bank cards and address, and keep personal information about your family and your specific routines to a minimum. Never send someone money or explicit photos either and make sure any photos you do send, no personal information is visible in the background, like a letter with your address on it. Never give out your passwords, email, phone number or other social media accounts until you know this person well enough. Safely Meeting Your Potential Match When setting up a face-to-face meeting with the person you’ve been talking to, make sure the butterflies in your stomach are from excitement and not anxiety. So, you’ve talked online and video-called, and you’re both ready to take it to the next stage and meet in real life. When setting up a date, make sure it is in a neutral and public place. Why not suggest a coffee at a café, lunch at a restaurant, a walk in a well-known park or shopping at the mall? A public place is the safest option as there are a lot of people around. If someone seems pushy to meet in private, at your home or their home, this is a major red flag, especially when meeting for the first time. Similarly, if a person only wants to meet at night when fewer people are around, so it’s a good idea to set an earlier time during the day. Now the date is set up in a public place, it is a good idea to inform your family, friends or caregiver of who you are meeting, when and where. This gives another layer of safety as if something doesn’t go well, people know where to find you and who you are with. Send them a screenshot of their dating profile so they have a face to the name too. You can even set up location sharing with trusted people so they can keep an eye on you. Managing Expectations And Communication Now you have advice for protecting your personal safety, it is also important to think about your emotional safety when dating online. This is where good communication and being realistic about your expectations come in. Do not try to replace a previous partner, rush into a relationship or worry about what people think of you. Be yourself and someone out there will love it! Try not to go into a blooming relationship with strict expectations. Things don’t always go to plan when dating, things don’t always work out and that’s okay! That being said, clear communication about what you are looking for from dating is important, so you know you are both on the same page, as well as discussing past relationships and your vision for the future. Not communicating about these things can lead to conflict and misunderstandings. Talking to and listening to each other will only strengthen your bond. Red Flags To Look Out For Now you are well informed about the biggest safety concerns with online dating as an older adult and the expert tips to help, here are some additional red flags to look out for and subtle tactics often used to manipulate seniors. Declaring love for you on the first date or becoming attached very quickly is something to be wary of. As lovely as you are, real and mature adults do not do this. There could be an ulterior motive if they are moving too quickly. They ask you a lot of questions… too many questions, very personal ones like those about your address, workplace, date of birth or other information which could be used to commit fraud like identity theft. They insist on keeping your relationship hidden from their friends and family. Understandably, some people want to take it slow, but to keep you a secret for long is a red flag. They ask you for money or financial help. Never fall for this. Only when you are in a secure, trusting relationship should you consider this, never after only a few dates. You notice they know things about you that you never shared with them. This could be a sign they have found and stalked your social media pages. They exhibit controlling or obsessive behaviour or otherwise show signs they are unpredictable and not in control of their emotions. Maybe they get irrationally angry or upset over small things, always want to know what you’re doing, call you and text you too much, or even try to control what you wear, what you eat and who you see. Things they tell you do not add up to their online profile or other things they have told you. This could be an indication they are lying to you for some reason. If they only ever offer vague answers to your questions or avoid answering certain things, their identity could be faked. James Rodgers, Head of Dating at Senior Lovers, commented, “Online dating should be both safe and enjoyable for seniors looking to find companionship. While it’s important to stay cautious by verifying identities, setting boundaries, and meeting in public, dating should be a fun experience filled with meaningful connections." “Approach it with an open mind, realistic expectations, and clear communication about what you want. Engaging in shared activities, enjoying light-hearted conversations, and taking things at your own pace can make the process exciting rather than stressful. With the right precautions outlined here and a positive mindset, online dating can be a safe, fulfilling journey to new friendships and love.”