World Leaks

BRITS are more likely to open up in the pub than over a quiet meal or in a text conversation.

Research of 2,000 adults revealed 20 per cent are more inclined to talk about how they feel when on a long drive.

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Happy Female Friends Having meal And Beer And Laughing[/caption]

But doing so on a walk was rated highest by respondents (46 per cent) and 24 per cent feel over a meal is the ideal time to open up.

While 30 per cent prefer to share their feelings when they’re on the phone to someone, so they don’t have to see their reaction.

The research was commissioned by Three UK who is backing Samaritans’ ‘Dawn Walk’ as part of their partnership with the charity.

Marking World Mental Health Day next month, Dawn Walk is a 5k challenge taking place between the October 10 and 13 that encourages people to take part in something that could benefit their wellbeing, while also raising vital funds for the life-saving service.

Juliet Callaghan, from Three UK, said: “Research suggests that people tend to prefer opening up whilst doing an activity.

“Walking provides an opportunity for those who find it hard to articulate feelings face-to-face to open up and be vulnerable.”

The research also revealed 34 per cent of adults find it hard to express their feelings because they don’t want to burden others with their problems.

While 32 per cent simply find it uncomfortable, and 26 per cent have a fear of being judged if they share their innermost worries.

A third (32 per cent) say they are comfortable sharing personal experiences with someone they’ve just met, for example a trained professional.

People generally feel comfortable being on the receiving end of an emotive conversation – with 72 per cent saying they feel comfortable responding to someone’s emotions if they open up to them.

Encouragingly, 58 per cent say they have a strong support system of people they can talk to, according to the OnePoll figures.

Yet only 20 per cent are very confident in their ability to express their feelings verbally.

Juliet from Three UK, which has been in partnership with Samaritans since April 2021, added: “It can be hard to take the leap to talk about how you feel.

“In today’s fast-paced world, many people find it easier to open up over the phone rather than in face-to-face conversations.

“Without the pressure of maintaining eye contact or observing immediate reactions, people often feel more comfortable sharing what’s on their minds.”

TOP LISTENING TIPS FROM SAMARITANS – ‘SHUSH’

• Show you care: focus on the other person, make eye contact, remove all distractions
• Have patience: it may take time and several attempts before someone is ready to open up
• Use open questions: that need more than a yes/no answer and follow up, e.g. ‘Tell me more’
• Say it back: to show you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution
• Have courage: don’t be put off by a negative response and don’t feel like you have to fill silence

A LITTLE-KNOWN car brand is set to launch several new UK models just after releasing a pair of budget SUVs – with a “sporty GT” among those on the way.

The firm is looking to rapidly expand its lineup and that of its sister marque following on from its market debut just this year.

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Chinese car brand Omoda is set to bring several new models to the UK[/caption]

Omoda has long been preparing to crack the European market as part of a wave of increasingly popular EV brands.

Chinese manufacturers have been able to break into showrooms this side of the Pacific by benefitting from large state subsidies, allowing them to undercut rivals on price.

As the EU debates placing hefty tariffs on motor imports from China, many of the nation’s largest companies are steadily establishing a foothold across Europe.

Omodoa only arrived in the UK in March but has already pumped out two SUVs, both a couple of thousand cheaper than their nearest rival, the Nissan Qashqai.

Now, parent company Chery is reportedly planning to widen out the Omoda range, as well as that of its sister brand Jaecoo.

A sportier version of the Omoda 5, one of the first models to hit the UK, is said to be in the works to enter the lineup in the GT class.

According to AutoExpress, this could be made specifically for the UK market to meet growing demand.

One insider told the publication that “the UK is a level above Europe in how they want a car to handle”, making way for a more performance-focussed variant of the 5.

Elsewhere, Jaecoo and Omodo will both market the J7 SUV from 2025.

Additionally, the Omoda 3, 7 and 9 are all expected to arrive soon, while Jaecoo will bring the J5 and J8.

These are set to offer a mixture of petrol and electric options ahead of the reinstated 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

Overall, the two brands are expected to bring up to 7 new models over the course of the next two years.

Speaking at the time of the brand’s UK launch, CEO Chen Chunqing said: “Omoda’s entry into the UK vehicle market is taking shape with a comprehensive network of retail and aftersales outlets located at key urban areas throughout the United Kingdom.

“With the launch of our exciting, young, and futuristic Omoda models drawing near, we’re looking forward to announcing our launch date and additional retail locations in the coming months.”

It comes after an iconic ’80s hatchback was reported to be just months away from a return as a small, affordable EV.

APPLE’s hotly-anticipated new iPhone is available today, and we’ve rounded up the best deals just for you.

Whether you’re eyeing the SIM-free Apple iPhone 16 or looking for a pay-monthly plan, we’ve got all the best options on where to buy right here.

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The new iPhone range boasts a new look, and it’s set to receive Apple Intelligence in the coming months[/caption]

Apple dropped the iPhone 16 series last week, and as of today, it’s officially available for general sale.

There’s been a lot of excitement around this year’s iPhone, with Apple’s AI integration taking centre stage at the California launch event.

Timed earlier than usual to avoid clashing with the US Presidential debate, the event gave us an exciting first glimpse at the new handsets.

As always, Apple had a few surprises up its sleeve, some of which fans have been waiting on for years, like a ‘Pause Video’ function on the new iOS 18.

Sean Keach, our Tech and Science Editor, was among the lucky few to get an early peek at the new iPhone ahead of its release.

He tested the new Camera Control button, one of its ‘best new features’ and was won over by the new tricks for the latest AirPods and Apple Watch.

The latest iPhone range also includes a ‘genius money-saving perk‘ that’ll help users get even more life out of their devices.

We’re excited to try out the new iPhone ourselves. Keep reading to discover where to order it and check out some of the best deals.

Where to buy Apple iPhone 16

Apple, of course, is the first to drop its flagship handsets, but you can also buy them SIM-free from major online retailers like Amazon.

SIM-free

• Apple iPhone 16, £799 from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, £899 from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, £999 from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, £1,199 from Amazon – buy here

Best pay-monthly deals

If you’re thinking about spreading the cost of a new iPhone 16, there are plenty of pay-monthly contracts available. You can find data packages from the likes of Sky Mobile, Vodafone, EE, and more.

Apple iPhone 16

• Apple iPhone 16, Unlimited Essential plan, from £38.24/month, £30 upfront on EE – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, from £12.57/month, 3GB data, £20/month, £30 upfront on Vodafone – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, from £26/month, 5GB data, £10 £5/month, £0 upfront on Sky Mobile – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, £45/month, 100GB data, £29 upfront from Fonehouse – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, £35.99/month, 100GB data, £99 upfront from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, £49.21/month, 25GB data, £30 upfront on O2 – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16, £48/month, Unlimited data, £9.99 upfront on Vodafone – buy here

Apple iPhone 16 Plus

• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, Unlimited Essential plan, from £41.27/month, £30 upfront on EE – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, from £15.60/month, 3GB data, £20/month, £30 upfront on Vodafone – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, from £30/month, 5GB data, £10 £5/month, £0 upfront on Sky Mobile – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, £52/month, 100GB data, £35 upfront from Fonehouse – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, £56.99/month, 100GB data, £79 upfront from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, £52.25/month, 25GB data, £30 upfront on O2 – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Plus, £53/month, Unlimited data, £9.99 upfront on Vodafone – buy here

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, Unlimited Essential plan, from £44.26/month, £30 upfront on EE – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, from £18.33/month, 3GB data, £20/month, £30 upfront on Vodafone – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, from £33/month, 5GB data, £10 £5/month, £0 upfront on Sky Mobile – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, £56/month, 100GB data, £39 upfront from Fonehouse – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, £44.99/month, 500GB data, £79 upfront from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, £55.25/month, 25GB data, £30 upfront on O2 – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro, £58/month, 300GB data, £9.99 upfront on Vodafone – buy here

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, Unlimited Essential plan, from £50.32/month, £30 upfront on EE – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, from £24.09/month, 3GB data, £20/month, £30 upfront on Vodafone – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, from £36/month, 5GB data, £10 £5/month, £0 upfront on Sky Mobile – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, £64/month, 100GB data, £85 upfront from Fonehouse – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, £57.99/month, 500GB data, £99 upfront from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, £61.30/month, 25GB data, £30 upfront on O2 – buy here
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, £64/month, 250GB data, £40 upfront on Vodafone – buy here

Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.

We’re always on the lookout for the best value tech deals, including the latest drops.

Head to our shopping tech hub for a roundup of our top finds.

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WITH the upcoming week set for crisp weather, it’s the perfect time to give your garden an Autumn revamp. 

For those of you who want to save money, but are still wanting to transform your space, this next week is the ideal temperature to get your hands dirty and engage in some garden DIY. 

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Gardening experts have revealed why you need to focus on your outdoor space now[/caption]

To help you know where to start, garden and landscaping experts at Dino Decking have revealed the easy to do, quick and budget friendly garden jobs to get stuck into.

Shed maintenance

To prepare your shed ahead of Autumn and Winter, there are a few maintenance bits and pieces to carry out. 

Not only will it make your shed look wonderful, but painting your shed can help it endure the colder months easier by adding protection from weathering. 

If you’re feeling particularly handy, you could check your shed roof for any holes and tears and do a DIY repair job.

Additionally, apply a wood treatment to add an extra layer of protection. 

To keep your shed from rotting and decaying, keep your gutters clear of leaves so that water can run freely off your shed which will prevent it from flooding. 

If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, you could spend time decluttering and clearing out your shed, which will help you find things easier, prevent buying duplicates of tools and also free up space.

The first step is to remove everything and start with a clean slate, before grouping items in terms of keep and chuck.

Once this has been done, plan your layout to make it easier to find items in the future and then put back all the necessary items. 

Focus on the vegetables

September is a great time to prepare the soil if you’re wanting to sow seed or lay turf, as well as getting your fruits and veg in the ground.

Early to mid September, it’s the ideal temperature to provide an optimal growing environment for lettuce (16-18°C).

To get the best result, keep soil moist and cool, but ensure it’s not waterlogged.

Planting spring onions in September also gives them time to take advantage of the summer sun, which is needed for germination.

It’s also the perfect time to plant up your well rooted strawberry runners into new beds, and finish pruning fruit trees to encourage fruiting for the next season.

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Lawn maintenance

Autumn is the perfect time to start lawn maintenance again. Make sure you set your mowing height to 4 cm to allow grass to get winter ready.

If you don’t have a lawn mower, you can also do this manually. Whilst you’re rejuvenating your lawn, it’s also a great opportunity to scarify, aerate, repair patches and overseed your lawn. 

To repair patches, simply take a rake and some lawn seed and begin by clearing out any obvious weeds and dead grass.

Once it’s clear, rake it level and add some compost to keep your soil looking and feeling healthy before spreading an even layer of seeds to the soil. Rake in gently and then lightly firm it with your feet. 

Depending on the British weather, if it doesn’t look like it will be raining soon, spray gently with a hose, being mindful of not pushing the seeds out.

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It is time to focus on your lawn and make sure it is well maintained[/caption]

Wash your decking

Take advantage of the crisp but dry weather by setting time aside to inspect your decking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues.

Have a look for areas where boards may be loose or uneven, as well as any signs of rot, mould, or mildew.

It’s important that you promptly address these issues to prevent them from worsening and help maintain the integrity of your decking over time.

Once you’ve inspected your decking, it’s time to give it a good clean. To begin, use a broom to push aside any leaves or debris to give you a clear surface to work on.

Then, using lukewarm water, gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly, or for a quicker solution, mop away any excess water.

For any stubborn stains caused by grease and oil spill from the BBQ, consider purchasing a specialised spray or cleaner, and with a bit of scrubbing, they’ll vanish like magic.

Get weeding

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Set aside 15 minutes every few days to prevent your weeds from getting messy again[/caption]

To keep your garden in tip top condition, it’s time to remove the annoying weeds.

You can simply remove weeds by cutting them down with scissors.

However if you prefer, you can also use your hands to dig out the weeds and roots too.

Once you’ve weeded your garden, set aside 15 minutes every few days to prevent it getting messy again.

Also ensure you’re annually trimming climbers and plants by cutting them down and removing the dead stems. 

DRIVERS have been warned to check their route ahead of a major UK motorway closure TONIGHT.

Travel chaos could strike across the weekend as works take place on a busy stretch of road – used by around 150,000 motorists daily.

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Drivers have been warned to check their journey before hitting the M62 this weekend[/caption]

A diversion route has been put in place for those wishing to use the M62, which connects Liverpool to Hull, due to an essential bridge replacement.

Network Rail will be working on the 60-year-old Castleton bridge from today.

Closures are place from 9pm until 6am on Monday September 23.

Affected stretches of the motorway include eastbound routes shut from junction 18 at Simister Island interchange to junction 20 at Rochdale.

Westbound the closure extends between junction 20 and junction 19 at Heywood.

Eastbound traffic from the M66 or clockwise M60 has been advised to exit at junction 21 of the M60 at Chadderton.

Drivers are then urged to follow the northbound A663 (Broadway) and A627M to rejoin the M62 at junction 20.

Meanwhile, westbound drivers will be diverted off the M62 at junction 20 onto the southbound A627(M), then westbound A664 and northbound A6046 to rejoin at junction 19.

This is the second dose of disruption, after another closure earlier this month.

Amid the shutdowns, Manchester Airport issued warning to passengers looking to jet off this weekend.

Writing on X, airport bosses suggested using “alternative routes” to get to the terminal and leaving earlier to avoid missing flights.

And in a similar statement, major airline Jet2 urged drivers to “avoid” the affected sections of the road.

The firm added: “Please allow enough time to travel to your departure airport as all Jet2.com flights are still due to operate as scheduled.”

There will also be no trains running on the line, which connects Manchester Victoria to Rochdale.

Rail replacement bus services will be in operation instead.

Network Rail sponsor Olivia Bolan, said: “The replacement of Castleton bridge is essential for the safe running of our railway, and crucial to the country’s economy as six per cent of the UK’s energy supply relies on the bridge for transportation.

“I’d like to thank passengers and motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work.

“It is a unique project that sees weekend closures of the M62 for the first time.

“Please, check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale from 6-25 September 2024.”

Steve Mason, Nationals Highways’ North West programme delivery manager, added: “The collaboration between Network Rail and National Highways highlights our commitment to minimising disruption for both rail and road users during this essential project.

“We appreciate the understanding of passengers and motorists during this work and urge them to check travel plans for September 2024.

“National Highways is actively working with Network Rail to communicate the impact on road users and ensure a smooth process during this important upgrade.”