Just a couple of years ago, in 2023, Stacey from Bradford and Andi from Birmingham, then living in Exeter with their two young children, grew utterly disillusioned with life in the UK. The constant rain was wearing them down, and their children’s school truly pushed them to look for a new life.

Dreaming of a healthier, sunnier environment to raise their family, they explored options from various spots in Spain and Portugal and even considered Australia. Armed with Stacey’s insight from her online recruitment business and her familiarity with digital nomad visas, they ultimately settled on Andalucia. After a brief stint in Fuengirola, they found their perfect fit in the inland Andalusian town of Alhaurin el Grande.

Leap into the unknown, for both expats and Spanish

What started as a jump into the unknown has blossomed into a thriving national venture and a totally new life in rural Spain. Just over a year ago, the couple launched Andajuicya, a juice-producing company specialising in 100 per cent raw, unpasteurised, preservative-free cold-pressed mixed juices to be shipped all over the country in the B2B market.

The move wasn’t without hurdles, though. “The actual physical relocation was an absolute nightmare,” Stacey recalls, “and the first year was tough.” Administrative tasks like registering for the padrón, obtaining TIE cards, opening bank accounts, and enrolling the kids in school tested their resolve. They initially tried a school in Fuengirola but soon switched to one in Alhaurin that better suited their children’s needs. To their delight, the kids adapted seamlessly, thriving academically and earning top marks. “The children adapted far better than we expected,” Stacey says. Now, with her recruitment business still serving UK clients remotely, she’s content: “I thought, I have a business in the UK, so why not work from Spain?”

Introducing Spain to cold-press juices

After deciding on exactly where was right for them in Spain, they took to starting up the business. They found an ideal spot in a central shopping street. The kitchen was perfect for what they needed to produce the juices, and so they began shipping out boxes and boxes of their fresh juice delights to businesses all over the country. But after several locals had poked their heads around the door to have a nose at what they were doing and received a little sample, Andi and Stacey decided to go the whole hog and turn the place into the Andajuicya juice bar.

The menu now extends to fresh, locally sourced ingredient breakfasts and lunches in which healthy (and some indulgent options) stand out in a region more accustomed to churros and bocadillos. “If you’re going to offer something that’s not 100 per cent healthy,” Stacey reasons, “at least use decent, wholesome ingredients.” The cafe has quickly become a local magnet, drawing in both expats and Spaniards with its flavoursome, nutritious fare. There’s little else like it outside Spain’s major cities, and the couple’s intuition has paid off massively: it’s a hit with everyone. They even have customers who have come especially from Malaga city and Cordoba for a salubrious dose of their juice mixes. “The cold-pressed fresh juice market in Spain is practically nonexistent,” Andi explains. ” Not like in the US, Germany, or the UK, where it’s huge.”

Whole country discovering Andajuicya

Naysayers abounded at first. Some insisted a full English breakfast or bangers and mash was the way to go, predicting failure for anything too “healthy” or daring for this traditional Spanish spot. Yet, it turns out the public has been craving exactly this: tasty, natural alternatives that bring people together. Behind the bustling cafe, the B2B side is exploding. Andi shares stories of custom orders, like recreating a rare juice blend for an American client in a luxury Madrid building where apartments fetch over €2 million. They sent three samples and she picked her favourite. “With that client, they have now rolled out our juices within all the bars and gyms of the hotels’ residences.” Andajuicya have even catered for an international event in Madrid for a Swiss healthcare company. Services range from bulk shipments to personalised in-store juices, catering to both large clients and individuals on a one-to-one basis.

Success has come amazingly fast. Andajuicya is now expanding through franchising, using and adapting to local produce in other regions of Spain. The juice distribution arm is growing way beyond anyone’s expectations, proving the couple’s vision to be spot-on. In a nod to the American Dream, Brits have their own dream too: escaping to Spain and building a prosperous life. Stacey and Andi are living proof; they are the champions of reinvention, family, and entrepreneurial spirit.

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new type of account for children that will allow parents to control who their kids can message and how the app is used. The change could affect millions of families in Spain, where the messaging platform is one of the most widely used ways for young people to communicate with friends and classmates.

The new system will link a child’s WhatsApp account to a parent or guardian, giving adults the ability to manage privacy settings and contact permissions. The move comes as governments across Europe increase pressure on technology companies to improve protections for minors online.

New system links children’s accounts to parents

Under the new model, children will no longer create completely independent WhatsApp accounts. Instead, the account will be linked to a parent or guardian, who will be able to manage certain permissions and safety settings.

Parents will have control over who can message their child, whether unknown users can send contact requests and whether the child can join group conversations. The settings will be protected by a parental PIN so that children cannot change the restrictions without permission.

Despite the added supervision tools, WhatsApp says its end-to-end encryption will remain unchanged. This means the content of messages will continue to be protected and cannot be read by the company or external parties.

Why messaging platforms are introducing child accounts

The new accounts are part of a wider effort by technology companies to address growing concerns about children’s safety online. Across Europe, policymakers have been discussing stricter digital protections for minors, including stronger age-verification systems and limits on how younger users interact with social media platforms.

Instead of banning younger users entirely, many companies are developing restricted versions of their services designed to create a safer environment while still allowing children to communicate with friends and family. Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has already introduced similar safety features on Instagram aimed at teenage users.

What the change could mean for families in Spain

WhatsApp remains one of the most widely used messaging platforms in Spain, often used by school groups, families and friends to stay in contact on a daily basis. For many parents, the introduction of supervised accounts may offer greater reassurance that children can use the app while reducing the risk of unwanted contact from strangers. The rollout of the new system is expected to happen gradually, meaning users in Spain may begin seeing the option appear in future updates to the app.

Questions parents may have about the new accounts

Will parents be able to read their child’s messages?
No. WhatsApp messages will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning message content will not be visible to parents through the system.

Can strangers contact a child using the new accounts?
Parents will be able to restrict who can message the child and approve new contacts.

When will the feature appear in Spain?
Meta has said the rollout will happen gradually worldwide, so availability may vary depending on updates to the app.

What could change next

The introduction of parent-managed accounts may signal broader changes to how messaging platforms operate for younger users. As governments continue to debate stronger digital protections for minors, technology companies are likely to face increasing pressure to introduce additional safety features and clearer age controls in the coming years.

Official information about Meta’s safety policies for young users can be found on the company’s safety centre website.

Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group Mijas Costa has expanded its services with fresh meeting spots in Fuengirola and inland locations. Residents worried about memory loss now gain easier access to free, compassionate assistance along the Costa del Sol.

Organisers recently unveiled the new schedule to reach more people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Pat Jay, the dedicated organiser, encourages anyone noticing changes to seek support without fear.

New Fuengirola meetings at Tamisa Golf

Meetings now shift to Tamisa Golf for greater convenience in the Fuengirola area. Sessions take place on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, running from 11am to 1pm. Attendees can enjoy a welcoming environment where volunteers share knowledge and personal experiences at no cost.

Pat Jay highlights the group’s welcoming approach. “Do you notice your memory isn’t as good as it was? Are you having a problem with remembering names or words? Don’t let it frighten you, especially if you are on your own… we give help, support and advice to anyone who needs it.”

Inland gathering set for Coin

The inland group extends its reach with a meeting at J&S Restaurant Sierra Chica, situated opposite La Trocha in Coin. The next session occurs on April 18, from 12pm to 2pm, offering a relaxed space for discussion and advice.

Group members include those living with dementia, carers seeking guidance, and individuals wanting reliable information. Volunteers dedicate their time freely to encourage open conversations and reduce isolation.

Community-focused support for all

Anyone concerned about personal memory issues, caring responsibilities, or simply seeking more details receives a warm invitation. Pop in for a friendly chat to discover the practical help available.

Alzheimer and Dementia Support Group Mijas Costa continues building on its reputation as a trusted resource on the Costa del Sol. New locations ensure broader coverage, helping families navigate these challenges together. Join the conversation and find the support you deserve. Call Pat on +34 610 774 408.