Families Saving Together – How WPP Membership Helps Households Cut Costs

Balancing the family budget in 2025 is no small feat. With rising living costs, everyone is searching for creative ways to stretch their income, while still enjoying a good quality of life and making memories with family and friends. World Privilege Plus (WPP) is helping families across the UK unlock savings on everything from daily essentials to annual holidays, making it easier to stay on budget without sacrificing happiness.

Family-Focused Savings
WPP is a savings platform built with families in mind. We offer exclusive member discounts on travel, fashion, entertainment, groceries, homewares, and more. Whether you’re booking a family break through Haven Holidays or Eurocamp, planning day trips to theme parks, or looking for savings on trips to the cinema, your WPP membership helps make family fun more affordable.

The Essentials That Add Up
Grocery costs are rising, but WPP offers up to 4% savings on supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and M&S Food. For online orders, members enjoy up to 35% off Ocado (www.worldprivilegeplus.com/merchants/ocado) deliveries. Over time, these savings can have a measurable impact on a family’s monthly outgoings.

Clothing and Home Discounts
Families can also enjoy exclusive offers on clothing (www.worldprivilegeplus.com/partners/fashion)  at retailers like H&M, River Island, New Look, Nike, and M&S. When it comes to home comforts and essentials, WPP has deals with Dunelm, Denby, Vonhaus, Ninja, and other trusted brands, ensuring your home stays stylish and comfortable on a budget. Plus, with savings from Samsung, Apple, Fitbit and Garmin you can upgrade to the latest tech without breaking the bank.

A Growing Community of Savvy Families
With over 3.5 million active members, WPP has become a trusted resource for families across the UK. Members regularly engage with new promotions and often return to their favourite brands through the platform, taking advantage of the ongoing discounts and seasonal sales. .

Real Stories from Real Families
The Johnsons from Liverpool shared how their WPP membership helped them save over £200 in summer on cinema outings, theme park tickets and family meals. They now plan activities around the latest WPP deals and say it’s made a big difference in managing the school holiday spend.

Evolving Rewards for Evolving Needs
Our loyalty program is never static. We tailor offers to match our members’ interests, ensuring the discounts grow with your changing needs. With seasonal promotions, flash sales, and ongoing exclusive partner rates, you’re always guaranteed the best in market prices, and there’s always something new for you to explore with your membership.

Easy to Use – Tangible Savings
Unlike some loyalty programs that rely on complicated points or credit systems, WPP delivers instant, point-of-sale discounts. There’s no need to collect points or wait for cashback to clear – just log in, shop with our partners, and enjoy instant savings in real time.

Big Savings Over Time
If used actively across the year, for everything from weekly grocery shopping and fashion to technology, days out, dining, and family holidays, WPP members can expect to save between £2,000 and £3,000 annually.  These aren’t theoretical figures, they’re based on real member use cases and feedback.

Try out our online Saving Calculator to see how much you can save.

Inspiration for Every Household
Beyond the savings, WPP members get free access to our quarterly Elevate magazine and member podcast, where we share family-friendly budgeting tips, brand stories, and interviews with lifestyle experts.

Explore Elevate Magazine

Listen to The Discount Club Podcast on Spotify

Happy little girl having fun with her parents during a meal at dining table.

Join the WPP Family
World Privilege Plus is not just a discount platform; it’s a community of savvy shoppers who want the best for their families.

Join our membership and subscribe to our newsletter to be part of a growing community of UK households choosing value without compromise.

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Why Loyalty Rewards Are No Longer a Luxury – They’re a Lifeline

For many, loyalty rewards were once seen as a nice bonus and an unexpected benefit. Today, they’ve become a financial lifeline. As everyday costs continue to rise, more people are turning to rewards programs like World Privilege Plus (WPP) to protect their lifestyle and help make their money go further.

Real Savings That Make a Difference
At World Privilege Plus, our exclusive discount platform provides meaningful savings across key categories that matter most to individuals and families. From essential spending to lifestyle luxuries, our members gain access to exclusive discounts and membership rewards across travel, fashion, entertainment, tech, home and wellbeing. These are not just token savings, they are real cash discounts that help your money go further every single month.

With 100,000s of travel discounts for members on major brands such as Love Holidays, Tui Experiences, Jet2Holidays, and Eurocamp, hotel loyalty discounts with leading global hotel groups, and car rental savings with top providers, our platform opens the door to affordable getaways and memorable experiences.

Likewise, those looking to upgrade their gadgets or home electronics will benefit from fantastic deals on technology, with exclusive discounts of up to 25% off trusted names like Samsung, Garmin, LG, and Apple.

A Modern Necessity for Everyday Life
Our wellbeing offers are among the most popular benefits in the program. With gym membership offers, spa discounts, and health and beauty rewards, we make it possible to prioritise self-care without

overspending. We also offer exclusive lifestyle offers and discounts on home furnishings with top retailers like Vonhaus, Emma Sleep, Dunelm and Whirlpool, helping to create a home you love while sticking within your budget.

Helping Businesses Enhance Their Value
Beyond individual memberships, World Privilege Plus also partners with organisations and membership groups to offer white-label loyalty programs. These employee benefit solutions and membership rewards allow businesses to provide our full suite of exclusive discounts under their own brand. Whether you’re an employer looking to boost morale and wellbeing or a subscription-based company wanting to add value to your offering, our discount loyalty program is a compelling solution.

Organisations that integrate our white-label platform see increased customer acquisition and improved retention. In a crowded market, offering meaningful savings through exclusive rewards can differentiate your service and build long-term loyalty. For businesses with a subscription model, this added value becomes a key reason for members to remain subscribed and to refer friends and family.

Empowering Employees to Ask for Benefits
Not every company has a rewards program in place, but we’re helping to change that. We’ve created a helpful guide titled “Advocating for Employee Rewards: Unlocking Benefits for You and Your Workplace”, which is available to download for free. This resource is designed to help individuals who want to approach their HR team or employer about introducing staff discount benefits. It provides clear, persuasive talking points, outlines the benefits for both employees and the company, and includes contact details so decision-makers can easily get in touch with us.

Guides Link

More Than Discounts – A Lifestyle Community
World Privilege Plus is more than just a discount platform. It’s a thriving membership community that connects like-minded individuals who want to live better and spend smarter.

Members can also tune in to our podcast, where we share budgeting advice, trending lifestyle tips, and in-

depth conversations with partner brands who are making a real impact. Listen to The Discount Club Podcast on Spotify

Stay Connected, Save More
Want to be the first to hear about new offers, limited-time deals, and member-only exclusives? Once you’ve joined our membership, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest discounts, as well as regular updates tailored to your interests.

Whether you’re an individual looking to save, an employee championing benefits at your workplace,
or a company aiming to offer more to your customers, World Privilege Plus is your partner in making life more rewarding.

Explore how our white-label loyalty programs can elevate your brand and start delivering true value by contacting us today.

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How to Stretch Your Salary Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

With the cost of living continuing to rise, many families and individuals are looking for smarter ways to stretch their income without compromising on the experiences that matter. Whether it’s taking a trip to the cinema, booking a weekend away, or simply enjoying a meal out, the World Privilege Plus (WPP) discount loyalty program is here to help you stretch your salary further without compromising on the lifestyle you desire.

Our premium rewards program is designed to give members access to exclusive discounts across travel, technology, fashion, lifestyle, and more. We’re not talking about small savings – they’re real, impactful discounts that help you to keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your money through our discount loyalty program.

Save More on Everyday Spending
For many households, grocery bills take up a huge portion of the monthly budget. With WPP, members enjoy consistent savings at leading supermarkets. With savings from 2-4% at Tesco, Morrisons, Asda and M&S Food to 35% off online grocery deliveries with Ocado (www.worldprivilegeplus.com/merchants/ocado), these everyday wins quickly build into serious savings over time.

Whether you’re getting your coffee fix at Starbucks or Costa Coffee with a 7% discount or enjoying a meal out with 15% off at one of Virgin Experience’s 3000-plus restaurants, WPP ensures dining out doesn’t mean eating into your budget.

Upgrade Tech Without Paying Top Price

Looking to upgrade your laptop, phone, or smartwatch? Member discounts on gadgets and electronics can make those investments far more accessible. Enjoy:

These exclusive electronics savings let you stay connected and productive without the premium price tag.

Travel More, Spend Less
Your next trip doesn’t have to cost the earth. WPP members unlock incredible travel discounts for members, with access to:

  • Up to 70% off Jet2Holidays, Sunshine.co.uk and Secret Escapes packages (www.worldprivilegeplus.com/merchants/secret-escapes)
  • Exclusive 10% flight deals with over 400 airlines through lastminute.com (www.worldprivilegeplus.com/merchants/lastminute.com), 2 Million plus of hotel loyalty discounts from Hotel Express, Worldwide Hotels, easyHotel, and more
  • Car rental savings with Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise and 550 independent car rental suppliers in 171 countries

Sarah M. from York shared: “Thanks to World Privilege Plus, I saved over £550 on our family holiday to Florida. From flights to car hire and even theme park tickets, the discounts really did add up.”

Smarter Living at Home
Our lifestyle rewards include major savings on home improvement and furnishings. With up to 25% off Whirlpool and Hotpoint appliances, 10% off Ninja kitchen gadgets, and discounts on Dunelm and Emma Sleep, you can refresh your space more affordably.

Plus, access member-only furniture deals and exclusive lifestyle offers to elevate your home without the hefty price.

The Bottom Line
Stretching your salary is about making smarter decisions. With WPP, those decisions are made easier thanks to an ever-growing collection of premium rewards. Whether it’s travel, tech, or personal treats, our discount loyalty program makes life more affordable, without cutting corners.

Be Part of a Thriving Member Community
World Privilege Plus is more than just a discount platform. We’re a community committed to making your money go further. As a member, you also receive free access to Elevate (https://wppelevate.com/), our quarterly digital magazine featuring inspiring stories, expert tips, and interviews with entrepreneurs and partner brands.

You can also tune into our podcast, where we share the latest lifestyle tips, budget hacks, and exclusive member-only offers. Listen on Spotify

Stay Informed, Save More
Sign up for a membership and start saving today!

Want to keep up with all the latest exclusive discounts and limited-time deals? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss out on new offers tailored to your lifestyle.

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New Podcast Launch: Discover the Secrets of Smart Saving with World Privilege Plus

We’re excited to officially launch The Discount Club Podcast, your new go-to audio series for smart saving, loyalty rewards, and exclusive insights into the growing world of member benefits. Hosted by World Privilege Plus (WPP), one of the world’s leading loyalty and rewards platforms, this podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how over 3.5 million members are unlocking real value through lifestyle discounts and white-label loyalty programs.

Episode 1: How It All Started
In the first episode, WPP founder and CEO David Brockway shares the story of World Privilege Plus and how it all started – from its humble beginnings helping airline crew members find travel discounts, to becoming a global rewards network helping individuals, families, and businesses save every day.

It all started with finding discounts for airline crew members. Now, we’re helping millions save every day!” – David Brockway

David discusses how WPP evolved beyond travel benefits to deliver savings across lifestyle, technology, fitness, entertainment, dining, wellness, and much more.

Our Mission: Why Pay Full Price?
World Privilege Plus exists to answer one simple question: Why pay full price when you don’t have to? We partner directly with trusted brands to negotiate exclusive offers that are only available to our members. This allows us to pass on real, tangible savings to a wide range of individuals, from employees and customers of major organisations to savvy everyday consumers.

A Community Built on Value
Today, our member base includes individuals, professionals, families, and organisational partners from groups like England Golf, The Police Federation, and Hearst Magazines. They all benefit from an extensive range of rewards from top brands, including offers on travel, fashion, tech, fitness, and entertainment, plus everyday savings from dining out to wellness experiences.

Our members aren’t just subscribers; they’re part of a thriving digital community. We also support and engage our audience through our online lifestyle magazine, Elevate, where we share real-life stories, interviews, and insights that celebrate success, wellbeing, and innovation.

For Brands and Businesses: Unlocking White-Label Loyalty Solutions
The podcast doesn’t just serve consumers; it’s also a valuable resource for businesses and organisations. You will learn how loyalty rewards and white-label solutions can:

  • Improve employee engagement and wellbeing
  • Boost member retention
  • Enhance brand value
  • Open new affiliate revenue streams

By offering branded loyalty programs, companies can provide meaningful benefits to their staff and customers while enjoying a low-maintenance, high-impact solution.

Where to Listen
The Discount Club Podcast is now available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms. Be sure to follow us to stay up to date with weekly episodes featuring industry experts, brand partners, and real-life member success stories.

Listen on Spotify

Explore Elevate Magazine

FAQs

What is the Discount Club Podcast?
The Discount Club Podcast is hosted by World Privilege Plus and explores smart saving tips, brand partnerships, member benefits, and the power of loyalty programs for both individuals and businesses.

Who can join World Privilege Plus?
Anyone – whether you are part of an organisation, an employee group, or an individual looking for better lifestyle savings – you can become a member and access exclusive deals across travel, lifestyle, tech, fashion, entertainment, and more.

How do businesses partner with World Privilege Plus?
We offer flexible white-label loyalty and employee benefit programs that are easy to integrate and deliver high engagement. Contact us to explore partnership opportunities.

What kind of content does Elevate Magazine feature?
Elevate is our online community magazine that highlights inspiring stories, industry interviews, wellness advice, and curated insights for a thriving lifestyle.

Stay tuned for new episodes, and remember, why pay full price when you don’t have to? Sign up for your membership and start saving today!

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Sustainable Swaps for Everyday Living: Reduce Your Impact, Enhance Your Life

Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, from climate change and pollution to dwindling resources. While large-scale solutions are critical, the power of individual action shouldn’t be underestimated. By incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines, we can collectively make a significant difference in reducing our environmental footprint. Here are some easy swaps you can make to live a more sustainable life, fostering a healthier planet and a more fulfilling lifestyle for yourself.

Embrace Reusables: Ditch single-use plastics that plague our landfills and oceans. Invest in reusable shopping bags made from recycled materials like canvas or jute. Encourage family and friends to do the same. This simple swap significantly reduces plastic waste and saves money in the long run.

The Power of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”: This timeless mantra remains a cornerstone of sustainable living. Before reaching for a new item, consider if you truly need it. Could you borrow it from a friend, rent it for a specific purpose, or find a pre-owned option? Many online platforms facilitate the exchange or rental of used items, giving them a second life and reducing overall consumption.

Mindful Consumption: When purchasing something new, opt for products with minimal packaging. Look for brands committed to sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials. Consider the product’s lifespan – is it built to last, or will it quickly end up in a landfill? 

Embrace Energy Efficiency: Modern technology offers numerous ways to save energy at home. Upgrade your lightbulbs to energy-efficient LEDs, which use a fraction of the energy of traditional incandescents while lasting significantly longer. Invest in power strips with on/off switches to avoid phantom energy drain from unused electronics. Simple adjustments like lowering your thermostat settings in winter and raising them in summer can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

Think Local: Support local farmers markets and businesses whenever possible. Buying local produce reduces transportation emissions, promotes sustainable farming practices, and injects money back into your community. Get to know your local farmers, understand their values, and enjoy the freshest, most seasonal produce available.

Conscious Clothing: The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact. Combat fast fashion by buying fewer, higher-quality items made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester. Explore secondhand clothing stores or clothing swap events for unique and vintage finds. 

Clean Green: Ditch harsh chemical cleaners filled with harmful ingredients. Opt for natural cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These readily available ingredients are effective disinfectants, degreasers, and deodorizers, leaving your home clean and fresh without harming the environment. Explore online resources for countless recipes and DIY cleaning solutions.

Water Wise Habits: Every drop counts! Be mindful of your water usage at home. Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets promptly, and water your lawn efficiently, preferably in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Consider installing a low-flow showerhead or faucet aerators to significantly reduce water consumption without compromising functionality.

Composting Magic: Food scraps and yard waste make up a significant portion of landfill waste. Composting offers a sustainable solution.  Composting bins are readily available and easy to use. Food scraps and yard waste decompose into nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used to nourish your garden, reducing your reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting healthy plant growth.

By making these small changes and incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll be contributing to a healthier planet for yourself and future generations. 

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“Business Meets Beauty: Armani Teams Up with Women’s Brunch Club for Unforgettable Events”

On 7th February 2025, the Women in Business Brunch Club hosted a glamorous Valentine’s Party with a self-love theme and a red or metallic dress code. The event, partnered with Armani Beauty, offered guests mini makeovers and insider tips on achieving the perfect red lip for Valentine’s Day!

Over 70 business owners arrived in style at Lucky Cat. Each guest was welcomed with a glass of bubbly or a mocktail for the health conscious. With a strong emphasis on networking, new connections and friendships quickly blossomed. The atmosphere was relaxed yet high-energy. Guests graced the red carpet, posing in front of a stunning metallic sequin wall backdrop and balloon décor for a memorable photo opportunity! Light bites and drinks flowed as conversations sparked. There was also a mesmerizing magic performance that wowed the crowd, along with browsing opportunities for various lifestyle brands. Every guest left with a bespoke Armani Beauty goodie bag.   The event was made possible by a talented team. A huge thank you to:

The event was organized by @theedge.events and conceptualized in partnership with @armanibeauty.

It was powered by WPP Elevate. A special thank you to our main sponsors: @fazilasciberras and @sculptedbydoctors.uk. Additional brands included @buhnbabybuhn, @tiime.for.skin, @nieldvisualmedia, and @turkeymedicaldental.

A massive thank you to all the incredible guests, the amazing team, and of course, the team at @luckycatbygordonramsay for making the night unforgettable!

SUMMER PARTY WITH ARMANI BEAUTY ON MIND BODY & SOUL 

Women in Business Brunch Club is a community of female entrepreneurs who come together to network, support each other, and celebrate success. Our events and resources are designed to help women thrive in the business world.

At Women in Business Brunch Club, we believe in the power of connecting and supporting women entrepreneurs. Our goal is to create a community where women can thrive in their business ventures. Join us and be a part of our journey!

For tickets to our summer party, go to: Book Summer Party Tickets
OR visit our website: The Edge Events We look forward to see you soon

Love Lyn xxx

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The Vital Role of Cooling Down: Why It’s More Than Just Recovery

The crucial role of a cool down: unveiling the importance of post-workout recovery
In the fast-paced world of fitness, it’s easy to become immersed in the excitement and energy of a workout. We focus on pushing our limits, breaking a sweat, and achieving new personal records. However, amidst the adrenaline rush and endorphin high, many of us tend to overlook the significance of the cool down—the final act of our exercise routine. Especially when you exercise outside or in a gym. Luckily, Fit at Home offers a great solution when you’re the kind of person that always forgets to cool down. In this article, we will first explore the importance of a cool down after working out and shed light on its numerous benefits for our overall fitness journey.

Gradual recovery and muscle relaxation
A cool down session acts as a bridge between intense physical activity and the resting state of the body. It allows our heart rate and blood pressure to gradually return to normal, preventing any sudden drops that may lead to dizziness or fainting. By engaging in low-intensity exercises or stretches during the cool down phase, we provide our muscles with an opportunity to relax, reducing the risk of post-workout soreness and stiffness.

Enhanced circulation andwaste removal
During exercise, blood flow increases to meet the demands of working muscles. A cool down promotes a gradual decline in heart rate, aiding in the redistribution of blood throughout the body. This process helps remove metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can accumulate during intense exercise. By assisting in waste removal, a cool down helps minimize muscle soreness and fatigue, promoting faster recovery.

Injury prevention
A proper cool down routine can significantly contribute to injury prevention. When we exercise, our muscles contract and become tighter. Abruptly stopping physical activity can cause these muscles to remain in a contracted state, increasing the likelihood of cramping or muscle strains. Cooling down allows our muscles to return to their natural length, reducing tension and lowering the risk of injuries. It also helps maintain joint flexibility and range of motion, preventing stiffness and promoting overall musculoskeletal health.

Mental relaxation and stress reduction
Physical exercise has a profound impact on our mental well-being, and the cool down phase plays a vital role in this aspect. As we gradually wind down, our bodies release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that elevate our mood and reduce stress levels. The serene environment of a cool down session offers a chance for mental relaxation and reflection, allowing us to fully appreciate our accomplishments and recharge our minds.

Long-term performance improvement
Consistently incorporating a cool down routine into our fitness regimen can have long-term performance benefits. By aiding in recovery and reducing muscle tightness, a cool down helps optimize our future workouts. With improved muscle flexibility and reduced risk of injuries, we can push ourselves further, reach new milestones, and make steady progress toward our fitness goals.

The cool down phase is an essential component of any workout routine that should never be neglected. Its importance lies in the multitude of benefits it brings to our bodies and minds. By taking a few extra minutes to gradually recover, we promote muscle relaxation, enhance circulation, prevent injuries, reduce stress, and pave the way for better long-term performance.

Fit at Home offers home workouts for the whole family to enjoy. The #1 family fitness app in Europe can be found on your Smart TV from Samsung, Philips, LG and Sony and is also available on Virgin Media. Whether you’re a kid, 30-year-old or 60-year-old, Fit at Home has a suitable workout for you to enjoy. All Fit at Home workouts automatically end with the proper cool down, so when you start to work out at home, you will never forget to end your workout with a cool down.

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Meet the ‘extremely talented’ winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books 2023 William Rafet Hunter

Driven by personal experiences 30-year-old William Hunter (he/they) aims to bridge societal gaps through universal themes of human connection. Winning the #MerkyBooks New Writers’ Prize 2022 alongside being a junior doctor working in Accident and Emergency, he draws on his identity to enhance patient care, viewing empathy as a strength in healthcare settings where kindness and responsibility are paramount and this heavily influences his writing.

When asked about the New Writers’ Prize, he tells me he first heard about it on the radio and when confiding in a friend about their entry a few days before the deadline “…she was like, you have to send this in! Like, this is really good. And I think if she hadn’t said that, I probably wouldn’t have done it, so I owe her a lot”. The doctor was “completely blown away” and said, “I still have moments where it has not really settled in”.

Discussing his debut novel ‘People Like Us’, now to be called ‘Sunstruck’ , Will revealed “…it was about the characters and just how kind of vibrant they felt” that made his entry stand out against almost 1,000 other entries submitted. He goes on to tell me more about the book; following two young men in the South of France who meet and fall in love whilst on holiday and how that bond is tested when they return back home in London. One of the men is mixed race, working-class, whereas the other is white and from a well off London based family.

“…I draw a lot from some of my experiences of dating, but also just of like, being a person of colour in quite white spaces, which is something that I think most people of color in the UK experience to some degree, and trying to find the point of human connection in those, like, quite fraught spaces. I guess it’s come from a thought experiment, on how to bridge those gaps and love across things like race and class. And it’s just about how, whether or not it’s strong enough to overcome those very structural things because love feels so organic in some ways, but then, now there’s all of this structure around it”

Hunter mentions there will be points of reference to black culture – specifically Jamaican culture and hopes these points will hit home with readers who can relate. “There are also some really universal points about how you love and how you feel loved by someone who is different to you, that will appeal too”.

I asked whether or not Will feels any pressure regarding being a prize winner to which he responded by commending other successful candidates of the #MerkyBooks Prize: “I’ve seen how the previous winners’ books have done and their writing really speaks for itself and I hope mine does as well”.

Exploring the writer’s other successes, studying Medicine and earning a Master’s in Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Newcastle University, he describes how he thrives on having a busy schedule and therefore enjoys incorporating all socializing, writing and studying into his life.

He vocalises the ups and downs of working in Accident and Emergency starting in December 2019. “You are taking on a lot of emotion, and I find it quite hard to separate myself from the patients’ emotions. So I find it a very emotionally taxing job”. On the other hand, Will explains how rewarding it was “…seeing the change in someone from them being anxious and afraid when they come in and being more reassured and feeling safer when they leave.. I found that amazing”.

Although Will has taken a step back from A&E and is focusing more on writing, he refers to feeling “really lucky to be a queer black person. I think those parts of my identity allow me a level of empathy with other people who are struggling in so many different ways… I could understand them (patients) better. I could be kinder. I understood feeling scared, and I understood feeling ashamed”.

Whilst conversing about the lack of representation for strong queer and/or black leads in media, books, public figures, etc., Will shares that a “big inspiration of mine is a writer called Caleb Azuma Nelson…I really loved Queenie by Candice Carty Williams. I think it’s like an excellent book” and also talks about how he “grew up reading a lot of Zadie Smith”. They discuss how they feel lucky to be a part of #MerkyBooks as they’re now included in this new wave of black British writers that the industry is starting to notice.

What else can you expect from Will Hunter? He shares, ” Currently, I’m focusing more on my writing. Started, as I said, on my second novel. I would love for Sunstruck to potentially become something else, maybe get an adaptation or something like that… I’d love to just feel out the edges of my writing practice, I guess, and see where I can go with it. I’m interested in doing some more essay writing and just writing about the world around me, because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. And since winning the prize, I’ve now got the opportunity and the confidence in my own voice where I’m like, okay, I can. I can take this seriously. I can. I can be a writer. That’s something that I can do”.

Here at Elevate, we are beyond excited to read ‘Sunstruck’ due to be released on 15th May 2025. Available to pre-order from Amazon, Blackwells, Bookshop.org, Foyles, Hive, Waterstones,  Penguin Books and WHSmith.

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Sleeping your body fat away

Everyone knows how important getting a good night’s sleep is, but what actually happens when we close our eyes and drift off to sleep?

There are a whole variety of negative health connotations associated with poor sleep quality, so below we will briefly touch on a few of the main ones to hopefully help you understand the issue slightly better. Firstly, an interesting study from the University of Chicago on individuals looking to lose weight following a calorie-restricted diet at the same time as monitoring their sleep.

Two groups were studied, one was sleep deprived only gaining 5.5 hours sleep, whilst the other group on exactly the same diet but getting 8.5 hours sleep found that at the end of the study, they’d lost 55% more body fat simply from sleeping more.

Now this goes against the modern-day dogma of doing more to achieve your goals and in many ways sounds counterintuitive, as how does doing less (i.e. sleeping) actually give you more in terms of burning fat.

This isn’t just a question of sleeping more, we need to sleep smarter. What actually happens whilst we sleep that enhances everything that we do, and becomes some kind of elixir to our health, fitness and longevity?

So, for today let’s talk about a few hormones that may be having an effect on your sleep and health.

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is an extremely powerful hormone that you will produce during the first part of your sleep cycle, and which helps to produce more lean muscle. It’s also muscle sparing and helps to protect the muscle that you already have. HGH also helps to increase energy levels and is known as the “Fountain of Youth” as you will have naturally higher levels during childhood.

Sleep is the key here, as you won’t increase your levels from a supplement that claims to “Increase HGH by 555%”, but you will increase levels by getting a good night’s sleep.

The second hormone that we need to look at is cortisol, which has become a bit of a buzzword and bogeyman of late. Cortisol is responsible for a whole variety of metabolic functions such as helping to regulate your thyroid hormone.

The thyroid regulates nearly every major metabolic function within your body, and as such, a poor functioning thyroid can have a detrimental effect on nearly every area of your health. For instance, weight gain, reduced metabolic rate, fatigue, feeling depressed or moody, dry hair and skin and much more. Cortisol is our friend for most of the time; it only becomes an issue if it’s produced at the wrong time and in the wrong amount.

Sleep deprivation has an immediate effect with an increase in cortisol levels and a decrease in HGH production. So, if you’re staying up late, and burning the midnight oil checking your emails then your cortisol levels will be increased significantly, and you will literally be breaking down your muscle tissue for energy at an elevated rate. This process is called gluconeogenesis, where you will be breaking down your valuable muscle tissue into sugar (glucose).

Read more on Elevate online magazine

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