Guild of Health Writers

Bacteria to the Future: Unlocking the Microbiome for Longevity
2025-05-07 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Fora, 35-41 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX, United Kingdom
Join Yakult Science for Health for an evening all about longevity. Prof Claire Steves and Dr Jenna Macciochi will uncover the emerging evidence in healthy ageing; discussing how the gut microbiome plays a key role and practical ways to support living well for longer.
Please note that this event is for healthcare professionals, students and researchers ONLY.
Tickets are limited and all proceeds will be going to the charity, Royal Voluntary Service.
Doors open at 5.30pm, talks start promptly at 6pm.
Venue: Fora, 35-41 Folgate Street, London E1 6BX
The event will also include a Q&A and a networking session with gut-friendly refreshments.
SESSION OUTLINE
Prof Claire Steves will explore the latest scientific evidence surrounding longevity and the gut microbiome. The presentation will discuss:

The bi-directional relationship between the gut microbiome and ageing, and its role in inflammaging.
The many factors affecting ageing and how to slow the effects of ageing to support longevity.
The co-occurrences of gut disorders with age-related diseases e.g. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Jenna Macciochi will provide a comprehensive overview of the immune system’s role in longevity, factors that impact this and the key role of the gut microbiome. The presentation will discuss:

The bi-directional relationship between immune health and the gut microbiome.
Holistic practical advice to support longevity for healthcare professionals, based on the latest scientific evidence to support clinical practice e.g. nutrition, sleep, exercise, mindfulness, environment, social connection etc.
Actionable tips to implement both now and in the future.

Prof Claire Steves, MA (Cantab) MBBS MRCP PhD
Claire is a Professor of Ageing and Health, Head of Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology and Clinical Director of TwinsUK, King’s College London. She is also a Consultant Geriatrician at Guys and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust, where she specialises in cognitive impairment and dementia assessment and management, particularly in the context of multiple medical problems. Claire has published more than 150 research articles in high impact journals and appears regularly in the media.
Claire can be found on LinkedIn and on the King’s College website.
Dr Jenna Macciochi, PhD PGCHE
Jenna is an immunologist, researcher, and author of 2 books, specialising in the intersection of the immune system, lifestyle, and longevity. With over 20 years of experience in immunology research, she is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sussex, where her work explores how diet, movement, sleep, and stress influence immune resilience and healthy aging. A regular media contributor and public speaker, Jenna has been featured in leading publications and is also a certified breathwork coach.
Jenna can be found on Instagram @dr_jenna_macciochi and on her website: www.drjennamacciochi.com.
CHAIR: Dr Emily Prpa
Emily is an award-winning registered nutritionist and science communication specialist, with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from King’s College London. Her current research focuses on advancing our understanding of how the gut microbiome influences various aspects of health and wellbeing. Today, Emily is the Science Manager at Yakult UK & Ireland.
Emily can be found on Instagram @thenutritionreporter and LinkedIn.
ABOUT ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering organisations providing vital services that support public health, social care and wellbeing. Royal Voluntary Service volunteers support to the NHS and people in need, with the aim of building resilience in local communities.
Yakult has been a long-standing partner of Royal Voluntary Service, working together to support communities nationwide.
Royal Voluntary Service is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales number 2520413 and a registered charity number 1015988 (England and Wales) and SC038924 (Scotland).

ABOUT YAKULT SCIENCE FOR HEALTH
This event is organised by Yakult Science for Health; an educational hub for healthcare professionals to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the gut microbiome, probiotics and more.
Any information you provide will be used by Yakult UK Ltd or its service providers. We may use your data to create and maintain a user profile to provide you with tailored communication suited to your interests and preferences, and for analysing and enhancing our marketing and sales activities. Please see our privacy policy here.

AGM 2025 - Online Only
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:00
Guild of Health Writers AGM
Date: 30 April 2025
Time: 6pm (Full Guild members only)
Place: Online Via Zoom (link to be sent via email)
Your Guild needs you:

Join the Committee (all meeting held via Zoom).
Help organise Guild events.
Great networking opportunities.
Help recruit new members.

If you’re interested in helping to shape the Guild and would like to know more about what’s involved, please email admin@healthwriters.com
Current Committee:

Ursula Arens
Lyndon Gee
Paul Johnson
Becky McCall
Julia Shaw
Corinne Swainger
Mike Wakeman
Jo Waters

The Guild of Health Writers Parliamentary Obesity Summit 2025 - Obesity: weighing up the issues - what lies in the balance?
2025-03-25 18:00 - 21:30 | House of Lords, London SW1
The Earl of Erroll
Invites you to attend
The Guild of Health Writers Parliamentary Obesity Summit 2025 – Obesity: weighing up the issues – what lies in the balance?
We’ll explore new ways to tackle the UK’s obesity health crisis.
Eminent speakers will cover bariatric surgery, weight loss jabs, medication, epigenetics and behavioural interventions. Followed by an interactive Q&A roundtable discussion
Opening remarks:
The Baroness Warmsley Chair, House of Lords Select Committee on Food, Diet and Obesity 2024; and Vice Chair APPG Obesity.
Expert speakers:

Professor Giles Yeo MBE – Leader of MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit in Cambridge, Honorary President, British Dietetic Association. A broadcaster and author; his research focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behaviour & body-weight.
Professor Adrian Heald – Consultant Physician in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Research Fellow at The University of Manchester; Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. Dr Heald’s research interests include the impact of epigenetics.
Professor Francesco Rubino – Chair of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at King’s College London; Honorary Consultant at King’s College Hospital. A world leader in research, teaching and practice of metabolic and weight loss surgery

Space is limited so book ASAP to avoid disappointment as places may be balloted
WHEN: 25 March 2025, 18:00 – 21:30, Refreshments 20:15
WHERE: House of Lords, London SW1,
The meeting will be hybrid – also available to attend on-line via Zoom
TICKETS:
Guild Members only -£10.
Free to those attending online.
Click here to book your place.
The Guild of Health Writers thanks Novo Nordisk UK and Slimpod for their financial support of this event. This is an independent event for which Novo Nordisk or Slimpod has had no influence over the arrangements or content. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring – Help or Hype?
2025-03-18 17:00 - 20:15 | The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
In conversation with…
Chairs: Professor Giles Yeo and Professor Gary Frost
Expert Panellists: Dr Nicola Guess – Dr Federica Amat – Professor Javier Gonzalez – Lucy Jones
Join us and leading experts at this upcoming panel discussion and networking event.

Hear the leading experts debate the latest health tech craze
Get your questions answered live and network with leading experts in the field
Drinks and canapes will be provided
Explore the science together

Organisers: MyNutriWeb – The Nutrition Education Hub
Kindly supported by: The Guild of Health Writers and SENSE Nutrition
NutriTalks: In person events exploring the science, practice, nuance and varying debates in nutrition together.
WHEN: 18 March 2025, 17:00 – 20:15
WHERE: The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
TICKETS: Please use this link to register for the event – Continuous Glucose Monitoring – Help or Hype? • MyNutriWeb

Christmas Party
2024-12-10 18:30 - 21:30 | October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AL
Ho Ho Ho! It’s Party Time! Catch up with old friends and meet new members for the final event of The Guild’s 30th year.
Time to get your glad rags on, or don your Christmas jumpers….
Join us at the October Gallery for the Guild of Health Writers Christmas party. With plenty of food and lashings of Prosecco we’ll also enjoy a private view of the latest exhibition.
The event is kindly sponsored by Healthspan
Tuesday 10th December, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AL
Tickets
Members / Industry Friends of the Guild – £20
Guests – £25
Book Here GHW Christmas Party 2024 Tickets, Tue 10 Dec 2024 at 18:30 | Eventbrite

‘The Guild of Health Writers thanks Healthspan Limited for their generous support of this event and would like to state that this is an independent event. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products’.

Gut Health Uncovered
2024-11-21 18:00 - 21:00 | 44 Hallam St, London W1W 6JJ, 44 Hallam Street, London, W1W 6JJ
“Join us for Gut Health Uncovered: It’s Secret Superpowers, a fascinating talk by Dr. Emily Prpa, Ph.D., Yakult’s Nutritionist and an expert in the latest gut health research. As interest in gut health reaches new heights, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of trends, fads, and conflicting information. Dr. Emily Prpa will clear the air, examining what the latest science actually reveals about gut health. This talk will dive into emerging research, exploring the critical role of gut health across all aspects of health and wellbeing. Dr. Emily Prpa will also take a closer look at the unique aspects of the female gut microbiome, explaining how it shifts during key phases such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
“Expect myth-busting, science-backed advice, and practical takeaways on how to support your microbiome. There will also be an interactive Q&A session with Dr. Emily Prpa, so bring your questions and discover the truth about gut health!
“Research shows there is a bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and female sex hormones, including oestrogen and progesterone. The gut-hormone axis. We’ll be looking at women’s gut health through key life stages – menstrual cycle, perimenopause and the menopause. We will also discuss the gut brain axis and how the microbiome effects mood.
“As we head into the influenza season now is a good time to boost your gut health, 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, so we’ll explore the role of diet and fibre on maintaining a healthy gut.
“It’s a big subject! With a typical microbiome weighing 2 kilos and inhabited by up to 5000 different species.
“Afterwards, enjoy drinks and light refreshments with time to network.”
WHEN: Thursday November 21st at 6.00pm – 9.00pm
WHERE: 44 Hallam St, London W1W 6JJ
TICKETS £10 Gut Super Powers Tickets, Thu 21 Nov 2024 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

GHW Summer Party - 30th Birthday Celebrations
2024-07-18 18:30 - 21:30 | October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AL
Happy Birthday to us!
The Guild of Health Writers is 30 this year!
As part of the celebrations, we’ll be holding a summer party in central London.
We’d love you to join us to mark this milestone on the evening of Thursday 18th July.
Catch up with old friends and meet new members!
BUY YOUR TICKET

GHW AGM & Meet The Author
2024-04-24 18:00 - 21:30 | The Medical Society of London, Lettsom House, 11 Chandos Street, London, W1G9EB, United Kingdom
Guild AGM 2024
Date: 24 April 2024
Time: 6pm
Venue: Medical Society of London Lettsom House, 11 Chandos Street, London
RSVP: 17 April 2024, admin@healthwriters.com
Come and support your Guid. We look forward to seeing you there.

The AGM will be followed by Meet the Author: Victor Hoffbrand (Emeritus Professor of Haematology, University College London)
Time: 7pm (after AGM)

Victor Hoffbrand is Emeritus Professor of Haematology, University College, London. His medical career, is matched by his prolific output as a writer. He has authored hundreds of scientific articles, and his book, now in the 8th edition, Hoffbrand’s Essential Haematology, is branded with his name.
But his most recent project is different. Victor has written The Folate Story: A vitamin under the microscope, which considers the history and the many human factors behind the description of this nutrient. His early research had been in folate, and when he got a new job at the Royal Free Hospital in 1973, he noticed some battered old books in his smart clean office. They were the works of Lucy Wills, written in 1931. She had first observed a dietary factor in yeast extract could cure anaemia in pregnant women, and so ‘discovered’ this vitamin. Victor considers it a scandal, that her observations have never been appropriately credited.
His book describes seven other scandals that are the footprints behind the medical debates and policy decisions on folate, leading to the most recent UK government decision announced in 2024, requiring mandatory fortification of flour.
Refreshments & networking after.
RSVP: admin@healthwriters.com
We look forward to seeing you there.

Christmas Networking Party 2023
2023-12-05 18:30 - 21:00
Come and join us to kick off the festive season at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH.
On 5 December 2023, 6.30pm – 9pm.
An opportunity to mingle & network with old friends and make new ones.

PURCHASE TICKETS

‘The Guild of Health Writers thanks OSATO Distribution World Limited for their generous sponsorship of this event and would like to state that this is an independent event. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products’.

MedComms Career Event
2023-09-25 09:00 - 18:00 | Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow, Bath Road, West Drayton, London UB7 0DU, Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, London, UB7 0DU, United Kingdom
Claim your Free Guild Ticket to the MedComms Career Event
If you looking to expand your healthcare writing career into the MedComms industry, then don’t miss your chance to learn more and claim a free ticket by 25 Sept, to attend the “Working in and around #MedComms” meeting at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, Heathrow London on 25 Sept. https://networkpharma.careers/ This event is the year’s biggest specialist industry meeting about current and future careers in #MedComms.
FREE TICKETS: Entry for Guild of Health Writer members is FREE if you don’t already work in MedComms
Find out if you qualify for a free ticket at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/working-in-and-around-medcomms-25-september-2023-tickets-622999557447
Meet potential new MedComms clients, employers and colleagues.
The Guild of Health Writers will be one of the event’s sponsors. So join us and over 400 other attendees to network with various MedComms leaders, employers and influencers. These include: healthcare advertising, PR, medical education and medical affairs agencies, as week as pharmaceutical and medtech companies, influencers and clinical experts.
Where: Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow, Bath Road, West Drayton, London UB7 0DU

Don't let ChatGPT put you out of work - Zoom Event
2023-07-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Online – via Zoom, Online - Zoom event
Finding work in MedComms
If you’re worried about your work disappearing and want to find new streams of writing income, join our online panel session on finding freelance commissions in MedComms (you don’t need a PhD!).
Speakers to include:

Guild member Corinne Swainger, who runs her own consultancy MediQuill Ltd, who will speak about why health/medical writer skills are in demand in the MedComms sector and why health writers have transferable skills.

Annette Keith , Executive Scientific Director at Langland, will be speaking about why MedComms needs good writers and why we shouldn’t feel threatened by ChatGPT.

Peter Llewellyn, founder of MedComms Networking and MedComms Workbook , a network organisation for medical writers that circulates opportunities and callouts for medical writers. Peter will talk about some of the challenges of ChatGPT and AI and the opportunities for health writers in the Med Comms sector.

This is Zoom Event – Joining Details will be sent via email on 12 July 2023.
To Book Your Place via Eventbrite click here

Summer Reception at the Palace of Westminster
2023-06-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Palace of Westminster
The Committee of the Guild of Health Writers have great pleasure in inviting you our Summer Reception.
With plenty of opportunity to mingle & network you’ll be able to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Thursday 1st June 2023
6.30pm – 9pm
Members £15, Friends of the Guild £20, Guild Member Guests £25
Joining details for the evening will be emailed a few days beforehand.

The Guild of Health Writers thanks Yakult for their support of this event and would like to state that this is an independent event. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products.

What is the Ideal Diet?
2023-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Medical Society of London, Lettsom House, 11 Chandos Street, London, W1G9EB, United Kingdom
Healthy * Environmentally Sustainable * Socially Just
Discussions on the Ideal Diet can span the very specific assessments linked to individual health – personalised nutrition – to the much broader descriptions of guidance on healthy food choice to the public.
Is the Eatwell Guide effective in guiding the best dietary choices? And can those with least incomes and education access foods for health?
There always has been, and always will be, confusions and contradictions on guidance on ideal diets. But our four very expert speakers will try to describe what this means here and now.
Our Speakers:

Joanna Trewern Head of Consumption, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK)
Louise Durrant Nutrition Communications Manager, British Nutrition Foundation (BNF)
Hannah Skeggs Nutrition and Scientific Affairs Manager, Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD)
Shefalee Loth Nutritionist and Principal Food Researcher at Which?

‘The Guild of Health Writers would like to state that this is an independent event. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products’.
6.45pm: Registration
7pm: Presentations followed by Q&A
8.30pm approx.: refreshments & networking
Click Here To Book Your Place
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GUILD AGM @ 6pm – FOR GUILD MEMBERS ONLY
The Guild AGM will take place at the same place prior to this event at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

GHW AGM 2023
2023-04-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Medical Society of London, Lettsom House, 11 Chandos Street, London, W1G9EB, United Kingdom
GUILD AGM @ 6pm – FOR GUILD MEMBERS ONLY
The Guild AGM will take place at the same place prior to the ‘What is the Ideal Diet?‘ event.
6pm – 6.45pm: Guild AGM Starts (with teas/coffee)
We look forward to seeing you there.
RSVP: admin@healthwriters.com
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Followed by our event at 7pm:
What is the Ideal Diet?
Healthy * Environmentally Sustainable * Socially Just
Click here for more details and to book your place at this event

Transforming Primary Healthcare
2023-02-15 18:30 - 21:30 | The Kings Fund, 11–13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, United Kingdom
This event focused on the transition from the current biomedical model – ‘a pill for every ill’ – to a biopsychosocial approach, which looks at and after the lifestyle, environmental and social factors that make us ill.
Our expert speakers cover issues including drug overprescribing and polypharmacy, the need for de-prescribing and alternatives to pills – in particular, social prescribing – as well as looking at what patients really want from their primary care team and how to deliver optimal care.
Guild President Professor Sir Sam Everington will Chair the event, reflecting his 30 years plus experience in a mould-breaking GP practice at Bromley by Bow
Professor Tony Avery OBE, GP, Professor of Primary Health Care and NIHR Senior Investigator, will talk about his role as first National Clinical Director for Prescribing, which came about as a result of the National Overprescribing Review commissioned by the Government and published in September 2021
James Humphreys, formerly director of corporate communications in No 10, whose company Wood Newton organised the patient focus groups for the National Overprescribing Review, will take about the findings and what patients said they really want from primary care
Dr Henrietta Hughes OBE, GP and first Patient Safety Commissioner for England, explains her role and how doctors can give patients the best care by putting them first and better understanding their views
Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews, GP and author of What Seems To Be The Problem?, on setting up The Brighton Health and Wellbeing Centre, a pioneering integrated practice based on social prescribing, including art, photography, singing, dancing and creative writing
Gay Palmer, Social Prescriber Link Worker Team Lead at South Southwark Primary Care Network, will explain the particular patient concerns she and her team face in this area, particularly debt, and how they approach them
Kevin Feaviour, community psychologist and Director of the Imagine If… Social Prescribing Team for the Coastal Primary Care Network in North Cornwall, will report on setting up community hubs and pain cafés.
To view recording of event
Related articles – see below:
Sunday Express-Lucy Johnston-nhs-healthcare-revolution-doctors-social-prescriptions
Kevin Feaviour
Gay Palmer
Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews
Beyond Pills Campaign summary
Beyond Pills Campaign key stats facts

‘The Guild of Health Writers thanks Big Health for their generous sponsorship of this event and would like to state that this is an independent event. In accordance with its objectives, the Guild aims to provide a balanced, non-partisan forum for discussion and does not endorse any commercial products’.

Spotlight On the Author 5 - Sarah Graham
2023-02-07 17:00 - 18:00
We’re kicking off 2023 interviewing Guild Member Sarah Graham, and an excerpt reading from her new book, Rebel Bodies – A Guide to the Gender Health Gap Revolution published by Bloomsbury.
Exploring the systemic and deep rooted sexism within medicine, and offering actionable ways for women to advocate to get the diagnosis and treatment needed for themselves and others, Rebel Bodies is the eye-opening must-read on medical misogyny and the way forward.
Have you ever been to a doctor and felt like you were being fobbed off? Did they belittle or overlook your concerns about your health? You are not alone. Women make up 51% of the population and are the biggest users of healthcare services – for themselves and as mothers and carers. But all the research shows there are critical gender differences when it comes to men and women’s healthcare.
Unsurprisingly, the data backs up the suspicion that women’s suffering has been disbelieved. We are ignored, misdiagnosed, given tranquilisers when we need painkillers, antidepressants when we need HRT, not trusted to make informed choices about our own bodies and worse, as revealed in this book.
In Rebel Bodies, award-winning health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog Sarah Graham investigates what it will take to bridge the gender health gap, shining a light on the prevalence of the daily and dangerous disparities in the medical help women and men receive. With a focus on the voices of real patients as well as the history and research on medical sexism
Sarah Graham is an award-winning freelance health journalist and founder of the Hysterical Women blog, specialising in mental health, women’s health, feminism and gender. She has written extensively on these subjects for the Guardian, New Statesman, i newspaper, Grazia, the Telegraph and many others. She was a finalist in the 2020 Medical Journalists’ Association Awards. @SarahGraham7
She will be interviewed by Jacqui and there will be an excerpt reading and time for questions.
Any queries, please email admin@healthwriters.com
Zoom details to join the event will be sent on the day.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
