麻豆社

Charities in the UK have faced huge pressure in recent months after the death of 92 year old poppy seller Olive Cooke, who took her own life after being plagued by 450 letters a year from charities. A series of reports on You & Yours and elsewhere revealed that some charities were using high pressure fundraising techniques on vulnerable people and some shared and sold donors' details. Now proposals have been released for a "Fundraising Preference Service", with an opt-out which would allow people to refuse all charity marketing. The service would be part of a new system of self-regulation by the charity sector. We ask how the proposals would affect the work of charities and if they are tough enough to restore public confidence.

Cosmetics that promise to protect your skin from the effects of air pollution are becoming big business. Research suggests that exposure to pollution can harm skin and many of the big cosmetics manufacturers are offering creams and moisturisers that promise to reduce the damage and improve how the skin looks. We ask a leading dermatologist about the effectiveness of these products and how they differ from other cosmetics.

Is it possible to sum up a novel in just a few words? Last summer, You & Yours reported how a literary agency was inviting new writers to pitch their idea for a novel in just 140 characters on Twitter. You & Yours listener Laura McVeigh did just that and she is now looking forward to the release of her first novel. She tells us about the book and how that short pitch made all the difference.

Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
Presenter: Winifred Robinson.