Loneliness is a public health issue. This study examines loneliness among older South Asian and Chinese adults, focussing on cultural barriers and shared risk factors. It explores perceptions of these population who face distinctive challenges exacerbated by health inequalities. The intervention incorporated social activities delivered by a third sector organisation to mitigate loneliness among these distinct groups with different religions, migration histories and cultural practices. Methods: A qualitative design, featured semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 28 participants from Northeast England. Activities included exercise, bingo, educational initiatives, and local trips. Data collected over 2023-2024 thematically analysed. Aims and objectives: To understand older South Asian and Chinese people’s perceptions of culturally, religiously and linguistically tailored social activities designed to reduce loneliness. Results: Using a socio-ecological framework, four themes emerged: coping with loneliness; cultural relevance and belonging; health and practical barriers shaping engagement, health benefits of social activities; and ageing, frailty and independence concerns. Participants reported that culturally tailored interventions reduced loneliness by improving emotional, physical and educational wellbeing. Data highlighted how culture, religion and language intersect with ageing, health and social participation. Discussion and conclusion: Culturally tailored activities effectively mitigated loneliness and supported positive health outcomes among older South Asian and Chinese participants. Bilingual staff significantly facilitated engagement. Findings suggest inclusive ageing policies may reduce frailty and dependency risks in these under-researched ethnic minority groups. Future research should explore specific community needs and transfer lessons to other minority ethnic ageing populations.

This article examines how the Constitutional Court of Colombia (CCC) balances its role as guardian of the Colombian constitutional order while engaging in regional integration processes across Latin America. Through an analysis of constitutional theory, institutional development and the Colombian political context since 1991, the study explores how the Court interprets constitutional integration clauses while navigating increasing populist pressures. Moving beyond reductionist views of populism as mere demagoguery, the article analyses case studies of two contrasting populist leaders: conservative authoritarian Álvaro Uribe (2002–10) and progressive reformist Gustavo Petro (2022–26). By examining the theoretical foundations of constitutional guardianship and the institutional framework within which the Court operates, this analysis highlights the complex relationship between constitutional courts, regional integration and populist challenges in Latin America. The findings demonstrate how the CCC has developed judicial approaches that, while focused on domestic constitutional matters, contribute to broader regional judicial discourse. This theoretical exploration underscores how constitutional courts can shape regional integration processes while safeguarding their domestic institutional legitimacy. The Colombian experience offers valuable insights into the evolving role of constitutional courts in balancing national sovereignty with regional legal developments in an era of rising populism.

In the 2000s, the literature depicted Brazil as an emerging power and a regional leader. From time to time, Venezuela was presented as a potential contender. Fast-forward to today: Venezuela endures economic bankruptcy and demographic collapse, whereas Brazil looks internally divided and much diminished on the international scene. Whatever happened? This article argues that the emergence of these South American states was an illusion created by presidential activism and ostentatious summitry, as presidents seized a commodity windfall to make the case for greater power status and regional agency. Once the windfall ended, successor presidents were unable to deliver on what their antecessors had oversold. The rise of the Venezuelan-sponsored Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of the Americas and the fall of the Brazilian-promoted Union of South American Nations are examples of the weakness of interpresidentialist region building, as populist presidents like Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro contributed either to capriciously devise or abruptly terminate regional arrangements.

"Development beyond extractivism? A reply to ‘Extractivism and capitalism in the era of neoliberal globalisation: development and resistance dynamics in Latin America’ by Henry Veltmeyer" published on 13 Nov 2023 by Bristol University Press.

"Feedback, experience, design – considering social cooperation in practice in transport policy: a reply to ‘From “I” to “we”: an exploration of how theories of cooperation might inform policymaking around sustainable travel behaviour’ by Brendan Donegan et al" published on 02 Oct 2023 by Bristol University Press.