Get involved with...

Visit our new Join Us - Staff Training and Events for our calendar of dedicated free staff health, wellbeing, equality and diversity training sessions - along with other health and wellbeing events you can take part in.

4 December 2024 - Give for Good: Payroll Giving

Join us this holiday season to make a difference through Payroll Giving. While many celebrate, it's also a challenging time for those in need, and your support can have a lasting impact.

Charities rely on Payroll Giving! With this steady income stream, they can plan effectively and maximise support for those who need it most. Plus, Payroll Giving saves them valuable time and resources, as donations come through tax-free without the need to claim Gift Aid.

Give for Good today and help make this season a little brighter for everyone.

Donate at https://udon8.org/glasgowcitycouncil

November

6 November 2024 - Parent Club Scotland: help with saving costs this Autumn

Eating on a budget

Parent Club has created budgeting tips and recipes for families that are cost-effective, simple and nutritious. Cooking tasty, healthy, meals for your family doesn't need to cost you lots of money or time. Why not try some of these low-cost comforting autumn favourites. 

Check out these handy links below:

• How to save money on food and groceries | Parent Club 
• Recipes | Parent Club 
• Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods | Parent Club 

Reduce outgoings

From energy-saving tips to advice on reducing household costs, Parent Club is here to help families to ease financial pressure and improve household bills. Check out these handy links below.

• How to save money | Parent Club 
• Budgeting tips | Parent Club 
• How to reduce your energy bills and save money | Parent Club 
• How to save money on rent, mortgages and council tax | Parent Club

Free activities

The days might be getting shorter and colder, but there's still plenty of fun to be had during the autumn and beyond.  

• For free and low-cost activity ideas to help keep kids, of all ages, busy - visit parentclub.scot/articles/things-do-autumn

VisitParent Club Scotland for tips and advice you can trust to help with the highs and lows of parenting.

6 November 2024 - Celtic Connections tickets now on sale: opening night will celebrate Glasgow 850

The world's leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

The premiere winter festival and international celebration of Celtic music will illuminate stages across Glasgow from Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2025, eclipsing dark winter nights with a kaleidoscope of internationally-renowned music, exciting new performances, unique showcases and one-off collaborations.

The festival's iconic annual Opening Concert is set to live up to expectations with an epic marking of Glasgow 850, heralding the start of the city's year-long 850th birthday celebration. 'Let Glasgow Flourish' is the motto on the city's coat of arms, and this unique concert will pay tribute to the city's rich artistic heritage and flourishing future through a special night of surprises incorporating music, spoken-word, dance and film. 

Celebrating the scale and calibre of incredible musicians, artists and poets Glasgow has produced and inspired, and how this has fed into the very bloodstream of Celtic Connections, the concert will feature unique collaborations from well-kent faces, emerging stars of the future, surprise guests and commissioned performances and film. 

Demonstrating why Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, the festival, delivered by Glasgow Life, will fill around 25 venues on both sides of the Clyde with around 300 events across 18 days, anticipating around 110,000 visitors and an estimated 1,200 musicians and artists.

Now in its 32nd year and almost five times the size it was when it began in 1994, Celtic Connections continues to push the envelope of artistic programming and ambition.

This year will also see the launch of a new under-26s pass, giving young music fans an opportunity to access rolling discounts on a mix of shows and ensuring the magic of the festival continues to be accessible to as wide a range of audiences as possible.

Glasgow's much-loved venues, famous for having the "best fans in the world", are set to give artists a welcome warm enough to heat the chilliest of evenings. Iconic locations the length and breadth of Glasgow are involved, including The Old Fruitmarket, Barrowland Ballroom, SWG3, Saint Luke's and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Celtic Connections will also make history when Peat and Diesel become the first band ever to play at the Emirates Arena in the city's east end.

General tickets on sale at www.celticconnections.com.

Opening Night tickets at Opening Night: Celebrating Glasgow 850

6 November 2024 - Sleigh bells are jinglin' : the Santa Dash is coming back to town!

Join Beatson Cancer Charity this year at Glasgow Santa Dash at Glasgow Green on 8 December. Run, Jog, Walk or hop on your Sleigh - it's time to do your festive 5k!   

 Show your support to patients and families affected by cancer this winter by signing up to this year's Santa Dash.  Once registered, you will receive a free Santa t-shirt to help paint your town red and yellow. 

Registration

Registration for the Glasgow Santa Dash is now open. You can register by visiting the Beatson Cancer Charity website.

Date: Sunday 8 December 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Glasgow Green (start and finish)
Entry: Adults £16, Children £6

Race numbers and t-shirts must be collected prior to event day, and registration will close on Thursday 5 December. Collection details will be provided in your pre-event email.

6 November 2024 - GOLD Modules of the Month: 'Equally Safe at Work' Sexual Harassment Courses

Equally Safe at Work is a programme developed by 'Close the Gap' and funded by the Scottish Government to help support and improve employment practices - to progress gender equality at work and prevent violence against women.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our staff and it's important therefore, we create a working environment where anyone affected can feel safe and confident to seek support and assistance.

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into effect from 26 October 2024 and introduces a positive legal duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent the sexual harassment of employees during the course of their work.

We have therefore updated our Bullying and Harassment Policy and Guidance to make sure that we meet our legal obligations under this Act and further protect our employees. This activity further reinforces the Equally Safe at Work programme and our commitment to tackle gender inequality and violence against women.

All staff are encouraged to complete the following courses on GOLD this month to understand the impact of Sexual Harassment in the workplace and how you can help prevent it.

Take the GOLD courses here:

• Equally Safe at Work Sexual Harassment Module One  
• Equally Safe at Work Sexual Harassment Module Two

October 

2 October 2024 - GOLD module of the month

Climate education is an essential step in helping us all to take action to reduce emissions and build resilience. Our new interactive Climate Literacy GOLD course provides an introduction to climate science, mitigation and adaptation and will help us to spread the knowledge and understanding needed to support action within our roles at work and in our personal lives. It helps to explain complex issues in a simple way.

Complete the training to learn more or refresh your knowledge on climate issues and understand how we can all can take action.

Take the course here.

2 October 2024 - Help 'Create the Change' this October

Did you know the council offers Payroll Giving as one of your benefits?

Do you know the big impact your donations could have on your chosen charity?

Charities love Payroll Giving-it provides them with a regular, predictable source of income and allows them to plan for the future: every £1 donated counts.

For example for £5 a month, Barnardo's can help cover the energy costs of a family living in poverty. £10 a month over a year can provide ongoing specialist support to a child who has been exploited.

Payroll Giving allows you to create a big impact for charities while having a small impact on your income. Every £1 donated will only cost you 80 pence if you are a standard rate taxpayer and just 60 pence for higher rate taxpayers.

This October, we invite you to take the step to be the change you want to see in the world!

Help us Create the Change by clicking here and completing the simple donation form.

2 October 2024 - Seeking Team Captains for National Autumn Step Count Challenge :  coming soon!

The National Autumn Step Count Challenge, run by Paths for All, will run for 4 weeks, from 4 November until 1 December 2024.

The council is looking to support 20 teams to take part - of up to 5 staff members of staff per team.

Teams and Captains

If you would like to captain a team and take part, please email the health and wellbeing mailbox and provide your team members names to register.

More information will be communicated to staff as soon as it becomes available on this challenge.

September

6 September 2024 - Be the Early Bird!

People across Scotland are being reminded that their GP practice wants to know if they are experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them, that could be cancer.

The Scottish Government's 'Be the Early Bird' campaign is encouraging people, particularly those aged over 40, to get checked if they notice unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn't feel normal for them.

The benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage include more treatment options, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

'Early Bird' Graeme Clark was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia two weeks after noticing symptoms that weren't normal for him including fatigue, red freckles on his arms and bleeding gums. Graeme, who was 29 when he was diagnosed, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then a stem cell transplant and is now five years completely clear.

Graeme said: "My advice to anyone concerned about a possible symptom is to make an appointment with your GP practice immediately. It doesn't bear thinking about what could have happened if I'd not been diagnosed at that point. Go with your gut if you feel something is wrong. Don't google it or sit and worry about it, put your trust in the professionals. Regretting doing nothing is so not worth it."

If you're worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to know. For more information visit www.getcheckedearly.org

6 September 2024 - Achieving Active Lives, (men's health support funded by Movember)

Achieving Active Lives is a SAMH programme which aims to help men improve their mental health by becoming more physically active.

The programme is primarily for men aged 18 and over who want to be more active but lack the motivation, self-belief and confidence needed to take the first steps.

Funded by 'Movember', the annual men's mental health campaign, Achieving Active life provides a 16-week one to one programme with a Behaviour Change Practitioner to help break down the barriers and support men so they feel able to take part in physical activity.

Visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/about-us/our-work/achieving-active-lives

4 September 2024 - GOLD 'Module of the Month' :Life Balance

Balancing our lives is so much more than just work or our personal lives.

In this GOLD module we will explore the meaning of life balance and the importance of life balance to our personal wellbeing.

Take the course on GOLD at Life Balance

Support

Please select Online Resources and GOLD on Connect if you need more information on accessing GOLD.

6 September 2024 - Are you a young person early in your career with the council?  New staff Network just for you!

Are you a young person starting out your career in the council? If so, the new Early Career Network (ECN) is for you.

The ECN is a commitment from our Youth Strategy to develop a networking/social space and forum created for those who are new to the council and at an early stage in their career. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow newcomers, those on our youth programmes, learn about different services and roles within the council, and discover best practice in local government.

What being part of the network will offer:

• Talks, forums, and social events throughout the year.
• A platform to share ideas, collaborate and learn from each other.
• Opportunities to help you develop and progress your career in the council.
• Opportunities to volunteer and help shape the network.

Interested in joining us?

To make this network a success, we need your involvement. Whether it is sharing ideas, attending events, or volunteering, your contribution is invaluable.

Please fill out our membership survey to sign up and choose your level of involvement.

Social Event

• We are holding our first networking/social event on Thursday 12 September, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm - the location will be confirmed when you sign up.

We look forward to building this network together with you.

6 September 2024 - Share your story: towards a happier and healthier Scotland

Every year since 2016, local authorities, communities and organisations across Scotland have come together for Scotland's Climate Week.

As a Scottish Government initiative, it aims to raise awareness of the global climate emergency, encourage climate action across the country and show how people and businesses can adapt to a low carbon lifestyle. 

This year Scotland's Climate Week takes place from 23 to 29 September 2024and is a chance to celebrate and encourage climate action, and to learn more about tackling climate change by sharing 'Stories for Change'.

'Stories for Change'

Through this year's theme we're asking you to share your inspiring stories of how you're adapting to climate change and taking action to help tackle it.

You can send these into staffnews@glasgow.gov.uk so we can share with colleagues, or post online during Climate week with the link #ScotClimateWeek

As George Gillespie, Executive Director, Neighbourhoods Regeneration,  Sustainability explains: "The climate crisis has and is already significantly impacting countries around the world, including Scotland. But collectively we can do more to reduce our emissions and limit further damage.

"The transition to becoming a net zero and climate resilient nation is an opportunity to transform our society. Every action we take on climate change will benefit people and communities, from ensuring the air we breathe is clean, to making it cheaper to heat our buildings, increasing our health and wellbeing, and protecting and restoring nature alongside building a more resilient economy.

"By supporting climate week and sharing our stories we can showcase that climate action can, and does, benefit us all. Our real-life stories can bring all this to life and create a powerful movement for social change by inspiring others to take action to create a happier and healthier Scotland. It will demonstrate that climate action doesn't only benefit the planet and future generations, but our everyday lives here and now."

Wondering how to get involved?

• Share stories using #ScotClimateWeek online
• Pledge to make one small sustainable change - and share your story with colleagues at staffnews@glasgow.gov.uk
• Read Glasgow's Climate Plan - which sets out our ambitions around how the city will achieve net-zero carbon by 2030
• Visit our Staff Sustainable webpage for inspiration and top tips on how to make a difference
• Test your knowledge with an online quiz- Electric Vehicles, Food Waste, Net Zero Hero
• Visit the Net Zero Nation website to access the free toolkit to help you get started on sharing your story.
• On day 1 of Climate Week, a new 'Climate Literacy for Glasgow' GOLD course will be launched, available for all staff. Take the course to learn more about climate change, the impacts we are experiencing and how you can take action. You will find it promoted on the home page of GOLD when you login.

6 September 2024 - Congratulations! Lets keep on doing it and get Smarter this September

The council is delighted to announce that we have recently been upgraded to Gold status with STC Payroll Giving -  thanks to the wonderful generosity of our workforce. This means that more of you are engaging with the charity and at least 10% of you are regularly donating - so thank you for your amazing support!

Payroll Giving is one of the benefits that the council offers to staff and allows you to support a charity of your choice - and it is even more affordable than ever as you don't pay income tax on your donations.

This means for every £ you donate it only costs you 80p and even less if you're a higher rate taxpayer.

Plus, your charity loves Payroll Giving because it provides them with sustainable support when they need it most.

So why not Get Smarter this September and Give to your charity today by clicking the links below:

6 September 2024 - Join the Lord Provost to mark Scotland's National Day: music, song and much more

Join the Lord Provost for a St Andrew's Gala Dinner 2024 in aid of the Lord Provost Charity Funds at an evening celebration in the prestigious Banqueting Hall at the City Chambers. On Friday 29 November 2024 at 7pm.

• £70 per ticket or £700 for a table of 10
• Pre-dinner cocktails/drinks reception
• 3 course meal with wine
• Full evening of entertainment
• Raffle and silent auction

To book tickets or for more information email the Lord Provost's Office at civics@glasgow.gov.uk

July

3 July 2024 - Alcohol Awareness Week 1-7 July: get involved to understand alcohol harm and see the available support

This year's Alcohol Awareness Week is all about Understanding alcohol harm and the aim is to ensure that people across the country and in workplaces have a better understanding about alcohol harm, can make more informed choices about their drinking, feel able to seek support if they need it (for their own or someone else's drinking), and are better able to support those who may be struggling.

Get involved

1.     Use these interactive tools to check your drinking, find out more about alcohol, and raise awareness amongst your team:

• Interactive tools | Alcohol Change UK
• Alcohol and mental health quiz | Alcohol Change UK
• What type of drinker are you? | Alcohol Change UK
• Alcohol and your body | Alcohol Change UK

2.     Visit the new Alcohol Harm Myth busting Hub to find out about common misconceptions around alcohol and alcohol harm to better understand the true impact of alcohol on our health, family, workplaces and society.

3.     If you're concerned about your drinking, check out Am I drinking too much? | Alcohol Change UK,

Support for you

• The 'Try Dry' App and Tips for cutting down can help you if you want to cut down on the amount you're drinking
• Read Supporting a loved one experiencing problems with alcohol if you're worried about someone else
• Remember that our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) delivered by PAM Assist is available 24/7 for free, confidential, independent advice and support:

-        Freephone 0800 247 1100

-        Email: counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk

-        Webchat: pam-assist.co.uk

-        Website: www.pam-assist.co.uk (click on Activate ORG Code, and enter GCC, then create your own login and password)

-        iPAM Wellbeing App available from Appstore or Google Play - step by step guide on Connect 

• See our Staff Health & Wellbeing Handbook for more information on support available including local alcohol support services
• Or visit Get help now | Alcohol Change UK

3 July 2024 - South Asian Heritage Month: 5th anniversary

South Asian Heritage Month runs from 18th July to 17th August every year to amplify and celebrate British South Asian heritage and history across the United Kingdom, helping people better understand the diversity of present day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.

Promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse communities and cultural differences is key to fostering a more inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, understood and free to be themselves.

That is why, on the 5^th anniversary of South Asian Heritage Month, the theme 'Free to Be Me' is so poignant to us and we are keen to recognise and celebrate stories that highlight the richness and diversity of South Asian Heritage and how these diverse histories and experiences have shaped people into who they are today.

Get involved:

• Visit the South Asian Heritage Month Webpage if you would like to learn more about South Asian Heritage, are looking to attend an event, or you are arranging an event and are looking for ideas and themes to explore.
• Join the South Asian Voices Amplified 2024 sessions to hear from individuals how their past experience impact their lives in the UK today.
• What's Your Story? Email us: equalityanddiversity@glasgow.gov.uk if you would like to share your own experience to highlight the richness and diversity of your South Asian Culture, any valuable lessons it has taught you in life, and how these have helped you grow.

Supporting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Work:

• Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Connect pages for more information on how we encourage and support our diverse workforce.

• See our Inclusion Calendar for opportunities to get together with colleagues to raise awareness, learn, celebrate differences and support each other.

3 July 2024 - sign up today to walk with us to celebrate Glasgow's PRIDE march 2024 on 20 July

Bigger, brighter and better than ever, the PRIDE march will take place in Glasgow on 20 July 2024.

All staff from across the council family are invited to walk with the employee LGBTI+ employee network (PRISM) in the Glasgow Pride march.

We would love to see as many of you as possible participating, as a celebration and show of support. So, join us and show how proud we are together.

Join us - register your interest today

If you are interested in joining us, please complete this form to help us get an idea of how many of us there will be and so we can communicate with you about the details. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at prism@glasgow.gov.uk.

If you would like to find out more about the march, please see the Glasgow Pride website.

You can also scan the QR code:

3 July 2024- Make your summer shine: prize draw to win big when you give

We know the summer holidays can be an expensive time so we're inviting you to support those causes that need your help now more than ever and giving you the opportunity to enter our free prize draw to win £500 cash in our 6-week giveaway.

If you make a new or additional Payroll Giving donation between the 14 July 2024 and the 25 August 2024, you will not only be contributing to worthy causes, but you will have an automatic entry into our exciting giveaway - £500 to go towards your summer of fun!

Join us in this incredible journey of giving, making a positive impact and having the chance to make your summer shine at the same time.

Click here to complete your donation and you will be automatically entered into the prize draw

3 July 2024 - GOLD module of the month in support of Alcohol Awareness Week

In support of Alcohol Awareness Week this month (1 to 7 July) we would encourage all staff to take some time out to complete our GOLD course called Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace.

This Healthy Working Lives module is for anyone who would like to learn more about the risks of alcohol and drugs to their health and the impact it might have in their workplace, their families and their social environment.

You can take the course by clicking this link https://app.tessello.co.uk/gold/#/category/5175/*/resources/189511/alcohol-and-drugs-in-the-workplace

3 July 2024 - Take part: travel behaviour change campaigns survey

We recently delivered two separate travel behaviour change campaigns - in November 2023 and March 2024.

We are now conducting research on the impact of these campaigns and what you think was the key message -  and would like your feedback. The results of the survey will help us to shape future travel behaviour change campaigns.

Take part

Please answer a few questions by completing our survey at:https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/I-SustainableTransportBehaviourChangeCampaigns/

Deadline: You have until 28 July to take part.

3 July 2024 - Make it a 'summer of fun' with Glasgow Life: free and low cost activities

Glasgow Life have got summer sorted with a superb selection of free and low-cost family friendly activities across the city.

There's guaranteed to be something to keep everyone happy come rain or shine with their Summer of Fun programme for 2024.

From arts and music, to adventure playground sessions and tennis camps - there is a host of things for families and young people to do at museums, libraries, sport facilities and community centres across the city during the school holidays.

For more information visit www.glasgowlife.org.uk/summer-of-fun

June

6 June 2024 - Are you worried about money? Read our staff guide includes new travel discount

As part of our commitment to support our staff with the cost-of-living crisis we have developed a dedicated staff financial wellbeing factsheet. This includes lots of useful information on Government approved support pathways and advice.

It also includes a new increased staff discount from First Bus for staff who join their Commuter Travel Club - from 10% to 20% off.

First Bus Commuter Travel Club - 20% off for staff

We are pleased to continue our travel partnership with First Bus to help promote sustainable travel. Every journey you make by bus makes a difference in reducing congestion, tackling air pollution, and creating healthier communities.

By becoming a Commuter Travel Club member, you will enjoy 20% off your bus travel across the Greater Glasgow area with both a monthly ticket or flexible bundle tickets.

How to get the discount:

• To benefit from 20% off your bus travel with First Bus simply sign up to the scheme, select and pay for your monthly or flexible bundle tickets and you will then automatically receive your discount.
• Payment for the scheme is made each month with Direct Debit - which allows your ticket to be added to your First Bus M-Ticket account each month.
• There are no sign up, or cancellation fees, and your Direct Debit can be cancelled at any time.
• You need to use the First Bus App to benefit from this discount - the app allows you to buy tickets in advance, plan your journey and even track your bus in real-time.   
• First Bus Flexible Bundle Tickets have been created with hybrid working in mind, ideal for those not working in the office every day, or with changing travel needs.

 Join the scheme - to secure your discount:

• Visit www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-glasgow/ctc 
• Go to the bottom of the page and register with your name
• Set up your personal password 
• Select Glasgow City Council from the dropdown menu
• Login using Password: GCC-FIRSTBUS-CTC 

*Please note that if you were a member of the original (10% off) scheme your new 20% discount should automatically be applied to your account. If you do not see it on there - you may need to cancel your direct debit with First Bus via your online banking and rejoin the scheme.

Visit Your financial wellbeing - Glasgow City Council (gosshosted.com) for more information and support.

6 June 2024 - We need you!

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce with equal opportunities for everyone. Ensuring quality and achieving diversity in our workforce is important to us we have established staff networks so that we can support you to be able to bring your whole self into the workplace.

Our staff peer support networks offer you the opportunity to meet colleagues with similar interests from across the whole council, and work alongside them to help us to promote equality and diversity.

We are currently looking for Network Coordinators to help shape future policies and procedures and support our:

• Prism (LGBTQI+) Network
• Carers Employee Network
• Disabled Employee Network.

How to get involved

1) Becoming a Network Coordinator

Would you like to get involved and become a Network Coordinator?

• Our coordinators will work with the Leadership Sponsor to drive forward the network and create a programme of events, discussions and activities that engage network members and create a safe environment for members.
• Network Coordinators will receive 3 hours per month of dedicated time to carry out their duties. This time will be from within their current weekly hours.
• Network Coordinators should have lived life experience of the network you wish to support and have a passion for supporting others.
• Coordinators should be friendly and welcoming and have good communication skills.

Please read our Network Coordinator Role and Responsibilities (PDF, 161 KB) for a full overview on the role if this is of interest to you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Claire Shiel (on Outlook.)

If you wish to apply for a role please email Claire Shiel (on Outlook) with your name, your role and Service, along with a supporting statement on why you would like to become a Network Coordinator.

2) Becoming a Network Member

Join our networks as a Network Member, participating in events and discussions, bringing your experience and interests to the group and help create an open and supportive environment.

Visit Staff networks - Glasgow City Council (gosshosted.com) for details on where to get more information.

6 June 2024 - Shining a spotlight on our carers: 'join-us' for support and advice sessions

The theme for Carers Week this year is 'Putting Carers on the Map'which shines a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who dedicate themselves to supporting family members, friends or neighbours who are ill, disabled, have a mental health condition, or an addiction.

As a Carer Positive Employer, we recognise that balancing work with caring responsibilities can be very difficult and that help is not always to hand or easy to find. So, this Carers Week, we want to bring the information to you.

• Carers information Session:

Join Corporate HR and Glasgow Carers Team for this online lunchtime session where they will discuss advice and support routes for employees who are carers, and answer any questions.

Date: Thursday 13 June,

Time: 1 to 2pm

MS Teams - Register Here

• Dementia Awareness Workshop:

Age Scotland will cover the main types, stages, signs and symptoms of dementia, as well as the diagnosis process and support available. The session will explore ways of reducing the risks of dementia, and what people can do to live well with dementia. Open to anyone with an interest.

Date: Monday 17 June

Time: 1pm to 4pm

MS Teams - Register Here

• Our New staff guidance:

We have pulled together a list of key recommended resources and support available to employees who are carers. View the guidance Here

• Find out more about Carers Week

Visit the Carers Week Website for more information, resources and ideas on getting involved to raise awareness during Carers Week and beyond.

Visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/joinus to see the full calendar of health, wellbeing, equality and diversity training events each month

6 June 2024 - GOLD module of the month for June - Healthy Living

In support of Healthy Eating Week (10-14 June), June's GOLD Module of the Month - Healthy Livingwill help you to understand the importance of leading a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle and provides practical steps you can take to improve your wellbeing.

The module is packed with great advice if you want some top tips and lunch box ideas, exercises you can do at your desk at work, or how to improve your bedtime routine to get a better night's sleep.

You can take the course on GOLD at Healthy Living

Support accessing GOLD

• Please select Online Resources and GOLD on Connect if you need more information on accessing GOLD.

Other information

• Find more health and wellbeing information on our Workforce Wellbeing Support Webpages.

6 June 2024 - Glasgow tunes up for Scotland's biggest week of Bagpipes this summer - grab your ticket today!

Glasgow is set to host Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes this summer with the return of two firmly-established highlights of the city's events programme.

• Piping Live! takes place from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 August
• The World Pipe Band Championships 2024 will be held on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August.

Piping Live!

Piping Live is the world's biggest piping festival which attracts over 30,000 attendees to Glasgow each year. Run by the National Piping Centre and now in its 21^st year, the festival is staged at venues across the city. This year's extensive and lively programme features a wide range of ticketed and free events including concerts, competitions, recitals, music workshops.

The Piping Live! Big Band - the festival's popular mass participation event - will fill the streets with music on Monday 12 August as pipers and drummers of all ages and abilities come together to march from Mansfield Park in Partick to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Tickets - General tickets for Piping Live are now on sale at www.pipinglive.co.uk

The World Pipe Band Championships

Glasgow hosted the first World Pipe Band Championships in 1948 and the city has staged them every year since 1986.

It sees the finest pipers and drummers on the planet converging annually on Glasgow Green to compete in the ultimate 'battle of the bands'.

Organised on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life, the iconic event is always greatly anticipated by the global piping scene. Last year's two-day Championships, which attracted 35,000 spectators, featured 190 bands representing 15 nations. The spectacular finale saw just under 9,000 pipers and drummers gathering to play together before long-established Scottish band Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia were crowned 2023 World Champions.

This year's 'Worlds' promises another superb showcase of piping and drumming, and - judging from the very strong contingent of bands already signed up - another hard-fought contest. A tremendous turn-out is once again expected at Glasgow Green for the event on 16 and 17 August and everyone planning to attend is being encouraged not to delay in booking their tickets.General tickets for The World Pipe Band Championships 2024are on sale at www.theworlds.co.uk.

6 June 2024 - Scoring Goals for Good

Come along and find out more about Scoring Goals for Good - Thursday 20 June: City Chambers East Reception.

As the excitement of Euro 2024 approaches, we are inviting you to Score Goals for Good with Payroll Givingby helping your chosen Charity reach their fundraising goals!

Come along and meet the STC Payroll Giving team on Thursday 20 June in the reception area at 40 John Street from 9.30am to 2pm - to find out more.

Supporting your chosen charity through your pay is not only simple but cost-effective, for every £1 donated the real cost to you is just 80 pence if you are a standard rate taxpayer or 60 pence for a higher rate taxpayer, see our handy calculator here.

Payroll Giving is a flexible way to give - you can start, change, or cancel your donation at any time. No bank details are required as your donation is processed directly from your pay.

Kick off your Payroll Giving today here.

May

8 May 2024 - Moving for your Mental Health: Awareness Week 13-19 May

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're supporting the Mental Health Foundation to help get everyone moving more.

Movement is so important for our mental health, yet so many of us struggle to fit this into our busy lives. So, this Mental Health Awareness Week we are encouraging you to find some moments for movement in your daily routine.

Moving more doesn't have to cost you anything. Going for a lunchtime walk, taking a moment to do some chair exercises whilst sitting at your computer, taking the stairs instead of the lift - it all counts and it's free!

Get involved

Lunchtime Wellbeing Walk - with our own Women's Network

To mark National Walking Month and Mental Health Awareness Week, our Women's Network has organised a Lunchtime Walk - watch out for more information coming soon.

Free Workplace Walking Training

Paths for All: Workplace Walking Online Training Course - learn how you and your colleagues can move more at work. The course is packed full of practical ideas, resources and tips to ultimately help workplaces develop and deliver a successful workplace walking initiative.

Achieving Active Lives

Achieving Active Lives is a 16-week programme, funded by Movember and delivered by SAMH, to help men aged 18 and over live a more active lifestyle and better manage their overall health. Through tailored, one-to-one sessions, SAMH practitioners will help participants achieve their goals, build a routine and support their mental health. For more information contact: AALGlasgow@samh.org.uk

Discounted Gym Membership

All council family staff qualify for a discounted Glasgow Club membership. You can sign up to FitClub for just £10 per month instead of the standard rate of £27. If you already pay for a membership, you can apply for the discount and reduce your monthly fee. FitClub is Glasgow Club's most popular membership plan. You can sign-up or apply for a discount on your existing membership as soon as you register at https://myglasgow.club/gccstaff.

More information

For more campaign information, ideas and resources vsit the Mental Health Foundation Website

8 May 2024 - Module of the month: it's just as important as your physical health!

In support of Mental Health Awareness Week this month (13 to 19 May) we would encourage all staff to take some time out to complete our GOLD course called Introduction to Mental Health.

Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and these are just as important as our physical health. Sometimes mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, bereavement, sleep problems or lack of confidence can affect our day to day lives. So it's important to understand how you can help yourself to take care of your mental health and know where to turn for support when you need it.

May Module of the Month

Our GOLD module, Introduction to Mental Health, will explore the importance of recognising and treating mental health with the same emphasis as physical health.

• You can take the course on GOLD at Introduction to Mental Health

If you need help right now

If you feel you are struggling and need to talk to someone urgently about how you are feeling - there are lots of places you can turn to for a confidential chat and advice. Visit our staff health and wellbeing help right now support page for more details.

For long term mental health support - you can book a free confidential appointment with our partner Able Futures to receive up to nine months of free mental health support.

Support accessing GOLD

Please select Online Resources and GOLD on Connect if you need more information on accessing GOLD.

8 May 2024 - Join in! Free walking and wheeling festival on 11 May at Glasgow Green

The Glasgow Walking and Wheeling Festival - which celebrates walking and wheeling and promotes active travel - will take place on Glasgow Green on 11 May.

The free festival will have a range of activities for families and people of all ages, including health walks around Glasgow Green, outdoor games, free bike repairs, taster sessions for adapted bikes, free health check-ups, music, face-painting, arts and crafts, with the council's Avenues team available to provide updates on the development of these city centre public realm projects.

Wheeling can be defined as anything from cycling to using a wheelchair or pushing a pram or buggy.

People can drop into the Festival on the day between 11am - 3pm on 11 May.  In the two weeks after the main event, the Festival will continue with theme walks across the city, including history and heritage strolls, a teddy bear's picnic for young children and longer hikes - booking is also required.

Local artists Walker and Bromwich have been working with local schools and communities to prepare a Festival Procession.

The Glasgow Walking and Wheeling Festival is being organised by the Glasgow Avenues Programme in partnership with Glasgow Life, Sustrans and is supported by a number of organisations who are volunteering to deliver the event.

Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Climate and Transport, said: "The Walking & Wheeling Festival will offer lots of fun and interesting activities to take part in next month, and at the Glasgow Green event on 11 May, there will be the chance to find out more about what is being done in Glasgow city centre and beyond to make it easier for people who walk or wheel to get around our streets."

Caroline Austin, Engagement Officer for Sustrans, said: "Walking and wheeling are great ways to get around and explore your local area, and even to get into the city centre!  Leave the stress of the car at home and improve your physical health and overall wellbeing.  We strongly encourage everyone to join us at Glasgow Green on 11 May and take part in all the fun activities on offer."

Information on the Festival is available at: Walking and Wheeling Festival (arcgis.com).

8 May 2024 - Join in family friendly cycling event : Sunday 9 June

On Sunday 9 June a family-friendly, free event which offers cyclists of all ages and any level of ability an opportunity to enjoy a ride on traffic-free roads through the heart of Glasgow will take place.

Taking place on Sunday 9 June from 10am to 4pm, the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle will cover a four-mile city centre route. Participants can do as many laps as they wish, hop on and off their bikes wherever and whenever they choose, and enjoy fun activities at festival zones in George Square and Glasgow Green.

Organisers London City Marathon Events are staging the inaugural event following the huge success of Glasgow hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships - which highlighted Glasgow's commitment to be a bike-friendly city and helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.

More information and to sign up

• Visit www.fordrideglasgow.co.uk. for more information and to register to take part
• You can also just come along on the day to join in.

8 May 2024 - £100 prize draw! Join Glasgow Credit Union during May

Formed in 1989 with the purpose of improving the financial wellbeing of Glasgow City Council workers, Glasgow Credit Union has grown to become one of the UK's largest and most successful credit unions.

With a partnership spanning almost 35 years, everyone working for the council is eligible to join and membership is free. Over 7,000 council staff are already experiencing the benefits of membership with Glasgow Credit Union!

Senga Laurie, Child Development Officer at Langa Street Nursery stated: "I have been a member of Glasgow Credit Union for over 10 years now and it's made such a difference to my family. Saving with them is much easier as it comes direct from my salary, it's also easy to manage as I can make withdrawals and change the amount I save whenever I need too. It's brilliant for setting money aside and I've used it for family holidays over the years. It has also given me the opportunity to do major building works in my home as we have 5 children and needed more space. I would highly recommend Glasgow Credit Union as I have borrowed in the past from banks and they don't measure up to the interest rates that I benefit from using the credit union. I will continue to use it and have recommended many colleagues and family members to join also."

Benefits of joining include:

• Save direct from your wages every payday!
• A hassle-free way to become a regular saver with the comfort of free Life Savings Protection.
• Exclusive access to personal loans up to £25,000.
• Exclusive access to member-only mortgages, including our 100% mortgage.
• 24-hour access to your account via our website and mobile app.
• Savings protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
• Become part of a local, mutual organisation that puts members and the Glasgow community first.

Join before 31 May 2024 to enter a £100 prize draw!

Joining Glasgow Credit Union is free and easy. Every council family employee who joins before 31 May 2024 will be entered into a prize draw to win £100.

Don't delay, join today!  To become a member, all you need to do is save a regular amount from your salary each month. Find out more at: https://www.glasgowcu.com/GLASGOW-CITY-COUNCIL

8 May 2024 - Put your best foot forward and take part in Wellness Walk Glasgow: 2 June

In support of Diabetes Week (12 - 18 June) people from across Scotland are being invited to help raise vital funds for Diabetes UK by taking part in a walking challenge on Sunday 2 June in Glasgow - followed by a post walk wellness event.

Wellness Walk Glasgow 2024 is the perfect opportunity to support your wellness while enjoying a scenic walk and raising money along the way.  The walk is designed to be done at your own pace and is for all levels of fitness - and being step free is ideal for people using pushchairs or mobility scooters.

With options this year to register as an individual, join a team or create a team, it's also a great opportunity to share the experience with family, friends or colleagues. 

So why not join as a council team to support your wellbeing? Book your place today here.

The walk

The 8-mile walk starts and finishes at Kelvingrove Park, with groups of walkers setting off in waves between 9.30am and 11.00am. The route takes participants through a range of Glasgow neighbourhoods, passing iconic landmarks such as the People's Palace, the Necropolis, Merchant City, the Duke of Wellington statue, George Square and along the River Clyde. There are plenty of toilets at the start/finish as well as the rest stop in Glasgow Green, and there is even a special short-cut option for those who need it, reducing the walk to six miles.  

There is a £10 registration fee for adults, £5 for 12 to 17-year-olds and free for 11-year-olds and under. There is no minimum sponsorship although Diabetes UK is inviting walkers to aim to raise £150. 

Wellness event

On the day walkers will also receive advice on how they can improve their wellness and exercise more - including receiving a journal to help plan training walks and lifestyle changes. There will also be incentives for fundraisers and access to a Facebook Community page.

After the walk, participants will have the opportunity to:

• celebrate their achievement with a special finisher's medal in the event's finishers' area
• enjoy a massage
• speak to a Diabetes Specialist Nurse
• share personal stories about why they took part. 

Nearly five million people in the UK live with diabetes - a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed carefully, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, heart attack and stroke. While some people living with type 2 can put their diabetes into remission there is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes. 

Funds raised go towards Diabetes UK care and support services, advice and guidance, and pioneering research. 

More information

• Sign up to take part Wellness Walk Glasgow 2024.
• Visit 'Join-us' - staff training and events for more health and wellbeing activity to get involved in
• Visit Key Dates for our Inclusion Calendar of other awareness days

8 May 2024 - Do Good with your pay this May

As we welcome a new month, we invite you to Do Good with your Pay this May by signing up to support a charity through Payroll Giving and making a meaningful impact!  

With over 200,000 UK registered and verified Charities to choose from, there's a cause that speaks to everyone - whether it's aiding your local charities, championing environmental causes, or supporting vital research, your contribution makes a real difference enabling charities to plan long-term solutions. Together let's make May a month of giving and gratitude. 

See a real example of the people you could help: https://youtu.be/RR7fXyrFtO8.

Click here to donate today.

8 May 2024 - Lord Provost's Charity Lunch: Saturday 8 June at 12.30 

Come along and join the Lord Provost for lunch on Saturday 8 June in the City Chambers for a fun filled event.

The lunch is in aid of the Lord Provost Charity Funds which supports children and vulnerable adults in Glasgow. 

It will be a fun-filled afternoon with a drinks reception, 3 course lunch and entertainment.  There will also be a silent auction and raffle on the day.

All proceeds of the Heads and Tails game will be donated to Diabetes UK.  

Tickets

• £60 per ticket or £600 for a table of 10.
• email civics@glasgow.gov.uk to purchase a ticket or buy a table

April 

3 April 2024 - Women in Leadership Event with Naghat Ahmed

The Glasgow City Council Women's Network invite all staff to our first Women in Leadership event of 2024.

Naghat Ahmed is a Law and Accountancy graduate and a board member for Social Security Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and a committee member of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland.

She previously worked in the Commission for Racial Equality and NHS 24, specialising in equality and diversity. Naghat is also a carer for relatives who have disabilities. Naghat was a committee member of the Law Society of Scotland Client Protection Sub committee and recently won the award for Achievements in the Public Sector/Third Sector at the Scottish Asian Business Awards 2023.

Who can attend?

• The event is open to all staff across the council family

Event Details

• Wednesday 17 April 2024
• 12.00 to 1pm
• The event will be held on MS Teams
• SIGN UP NOW

If you would like to join the Women's Network mailing list of find out about how the network can support you go to Connect or email womensnetwork@glasgow.gov.uk

3 April 2024 - GOLD Module of the Month: supporting World Autism Acceptance Week

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

This year we are supporting World Autism Acceptance week from 2-8 April 2024, by encouraging staff to take our Autism Spectrum Condition e-learning course on GOLD to help raise awareness of Autism.

In this basic awareness course you will learn about some of the strengths, differences and difficulties that autistic people may share and learn what strategies can sometimes help. There are also links to websites and recommended reading that will enable you to broaden your learning experience should you wish to explore the world of autism further.

Take the course on GOLD at Autism Spectrum Condition Basic Awareness

Support

Please select Online Resources and GOLD on Connect if you need more information on accessing GOLD.

For more information visit  World Autism Acceptance Week

'Join us'

Visit Key dates calendar for our Inclusion Calendar which lists diverse holidays, cultural events, religious celebrations and wellbeing awareness dates linked to associated training at Join Us - Staff Training and Events

3 April 2024 - Like to give this a try? Join our team!

Did you know that the council has its very own Lawn Bowls club?

The Glasgow City Council Bowling Club was established over 120 years ago and as such has developed a proud history and tradition.

The bowling season runs from April to September and the current council club includes both former and current employees from across all areas of the organisation - including staff and Elected Members.  

The Club are always looking for new members to come along and join them each week during the season for a game - and to take part in the regular competitions and compete for coveted trophies! The Club don't have a dedicated Home Green so they play at different club locations on a weekly basis - giving you the opportunity to explore new venues each session.

As Graeme Lowe, Senior Health and Safety Advisor and current club secretary explains: "Lawn bowls is great fun and a good sport to take up if you are looking for some gentle exercise. We are keen to welcome new members and please don't  worry if you have never played before - our club members are very welcoming and keen to share their passion for the sport and help you to learn and develop, whilst having fun!  Our club is also a great way to make new friends. I've personally made some long term friendships through the club with my council colleagues knowing that our paths would not had the opportunity to cross through our normal day to day roles if it wasn't for our club. Any employee is welcome to come along and take part - just bring your enthusiasm."

To find out more about the club you can email Graeme Lowe (on Outlook) or email secretary@gccbc.co.uk directly.

3 April 2024 - Spring into Action

As we say hello to April, we are inviting you to Spring into Action and help others through a regular charitable donation.

Donating through Payroll Giving is a simple, tax-effective way of helping those charities close to your heart.

For every £1 donated, it will only cost you 80p if you are a standard rate taxpayer or just 60p if you are a higher rate taxpayer - as the tax is given back at source through your salary.

Charities need our help more than ever to enable them to continue to support people in need.

Watch a real example of the people you could help at https://youtu.be/RR7fXyrFtO8.

Sign up to donate here

March

6 March 2024 - Seated Acupressure Massages: Tuesday 12 March

Take time out of your busy day for you and your wellbeing and book a 15-minute seated acupressure massage with Grace Taylor from Incorporate Massage.

Booking conditions apply

• This health and wellbeing service is very popular with staff and places fill up quickly.
• Therefore, please note that if you need to cancel your booking you must give Grace 24 hours' notice to avoid being charged.
• Missed appointments may still be chargeable.   

Location and access

• Massages will be carried out in the private Wellbeing Room 2.25, City Chambers East Building at 40 John Street.
• If you do not have access to the building, please report to the reception at 40 John Street - where you will be issued with a temporary building pass for this session.
• Please make sure that you return your pass to reception, before you leave the building, so it can be used by the next visitor.

Massage format

• The massage uses Swedish Massage Techniques.
• Incorporating the head, neck, shoulders, back, hands and arms, to help reduce stress.
• It is fully clothed with no oils used.

Availability

On Tuesday 12 March- available slots are:

Costs

• £15 for 15 minutes
• Payments should be made directly to Grace upon arrival.

Sign up now

• To book your space, please email grace@incorporatemassage.co.uk with subject "GCC Massages"and provide your name and both the date and time slot you are interested in. 
• Please see the booking conditions above.
• Spaces are limited and will be based on first come, first served basis so book now to avoid disappointment.

6 March 2024 - Let's deal with it... together

Debt Awareness Week, 18 to 24 March 2024, is an annual event led by the UK's leading provider of free debt advice, StepChange.

The week aims to increase awareness of problem debt, break down barriers to seeking help and highlight the solutions available to you. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, it's more important than ever that people experiencing financial difficulty have access to debt advice when they most need it.

This Debt Awareness Week, StepChange is addressing the five most common barriers to debt advice. These are:

1. Not understanding what debt advice is
2. Mental health and vulnerabilities
3. Fear about the impact on credit scores or not being able to borrow money
4. Not having the time to get help
5. Shame and stigma.

Supporting you

• We want to support all our colleagues. If you are struggling with your finances, then you can get free, impartial, and completely confidential advice from StepChange.
• You can also access our staff 'Your financial wellbeing - key advice and support factsheet' and get more information at Financial wellbeing - poverty isn't a choice: supporting one another - Glasgow City Council
• Be reassured - getting debt advice will have no impact on your credit score.
• You can take their 60 second debt test to help you understand if you may need additional support.
• Join us at our Credit and Debt Virtual Workshop with Money Advice Scotland on 21 March 2024.

More information

• During the week StepChange will provide more information, insights and content to support you and help to break down those five barriers listed above.
• You can also phone them on 0800 138 1111. Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
• Visit our dedicated staff page - Financial wellbeing - poverty isn't a choice: supporting one another - Glasgow City Council
• Key Dates and 'Join us' - staff training and events

6 March 2024 - GOLD Module of the Month - Healthy Living

As daylight increases and the temperature rises it is a time that many people think about healthier living.

This GOLD module explores the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and sleep and the influence each of these have on an individual's health and wellbeing. It looks at a variety of food types and what makes a healthy lunch box. It also explores the benefits of exercise and looks at some methods for improving the quality and quantity of your sleep.

'Join us'

• Take our Healthy Living course on GOLD here
• This is to help support Nutrition and Hydration Week from 11 March as shown on our new Key Dates staff web page.

Please select Online Resources and GOLD on Connect if you need more information on accessing GOLD.

6 March 2024 - Join the Lord Provost for lunch - charity event

Join the Lord Provost at her Summer Charity Lunch on Saturday 8 June, from 12.30 for an afternoon of fun, delicious food and great entertainment in the stunning Banqueting Hall of the City Chambers.

Come along and enjoy a great day out whilst supporting the Lord Provost's Charity fund helping young people and vulnerable citizens throughout the city.

Tickets

Cost £60 per ticket or £600 for table of 10

This includes:

• Drinks reception
• 3 course lunch with wine
• Entertainment

There will be a raffle and silent auction on the day too.

Secure your place
Email civics@glasgow.gov.uk to purchase tickets.

6 March 2024 - Watch the video to see why it's a cracking idea

As we look forward to new beginnings in Spring, we wanted to let you know what a cracking idea Payroll Giving is!

Payroll Giving is a win-win for employees and charities.

It is easy to set up, and tax-effective, watch this video to see why charities love it!

You can give more and pay less- for every £1 you donate, it will only cost you 80p if you are a standard rate taxpayer or just 60p if you are a higher rate taxpayer.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of something big - join over 1 million UK employees who are already donating through their pay.

Sign up here.

February

7 February 2024 - New wellbeing app for download on council iPhones or own device

The PAM Assist Wellbeing App from our employee assistance provider PAM Assist is now available on council iPhones or for you to download to your personal phone and get access instant health and wellbeing support. 

For example, through the App you can

• directly 'connect to talk' to the team - such as live chat with a counsellor
• read health and wellbeing articles of interest to you
• watch and take part in videos, such as yoga exercises
• take part in weekly expert exchange topics
• take courses and access support tools such as mediation and mindfulness techniques
• complete health assessments, get recommendations of activity, and track your progress.

Sign up to register first

To use the App you first need to register and create an account via the web site.

1. Visit pam-assist.co.uk and then select Sign Up link
2. Insert our organisational code: GCC
3. Next create your login account details using your work email address and a secure password
4. You then need to validate your account from the notification email which will be sent to your work email address - please check your junk folder if you don't see it in your normal inbox
5. After this you will login using your work email address and password created when registering - on either the PAM Assist App or website.

Downloading the PAM Assist Wellbeing App - council iPhones

• Click on the company portal icon on your work iPhone
• Then select and click on the PAM Assist Wellbeing App and install it
• Once downloaded to your iPhone login using your newly created account details

Download the PAM Assist Wellbeing App - Personal Device

• Access the Apple APP store or Play Store (Android)
• Search for PAM Assist APP and download
• Once downloaded to your personal device using your newly created account details

7 February 2024 - The Exceptional Gift: Calum and Ian's story

Did you know that a healthy person can lead a completely normal life with one kidney? Over 1,900 people in Scotland have become living kidney donors, transforming the lives of others.

A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for someone living with kidney failure. With over 400 people waiting on a kidney transplant in Scotland, the living donation programme remains an important part of increasing donation and transplantation rates.

Calum and Ian : Miracle match pair share their story to highlight extraordinary impact of living kidney donation.

Father of two Calum Mitchell, from Dunfermline, received a kidney donated by friend Ian Cameron, from Edinburgh, after tests showed the pair were a 100% match. Calum, who underwent his first transplant from a deceased donor aged 21 after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, spoke of how Ian's gift has given him his life back with his bloods showing his kidney function is better now than it was aged 16.  Read their amazing story here.

Find out more and read other personal stories at livingdonation.scot #TheExceptionalGift

7 February 2024 - Feeling worried or anxious?

Post-Christmas blues and cold dark nights can have an impact on everyone's mental health. For those going through a difficult patch, feeling stressed, anxious or low, the Scottish Government's Mind to Mind campaign offers practical tips to help with life's ups and downs.

The Mind to Mind campaign aims to help adults in Scotland who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing.

On the dedicated Mind to Mind website, there's over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to help others who may be going through a similar thing.

Covering topics including dealing with anxiety and panic, coping with money worries, handling stress, improving sleep, lifting mood and moving through grief, each contributor shares practical advice on what has worked for them. The website also features commentary from a range of professionals and signposts where people can access further help and support.

Visit the website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/mindtomind

Further information and support:

• Call our Employee Assistance Provider PAM Assist free on 0800 247 1100, or by Webchat: pam-assist.co.uk, or email: counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk where you can access free, independent and confidential support at any time of the day or night - all year round.
• Download the PAM App. Visit https://pam-assist.co.uk/ to download the PAM Assist Employee Wellbeing App - using our organisation code GCC to sign up.
• Call Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137 (8am - 10.30pm, Monday to Friday) where you can access up to nine-months free one to one advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.
• Visit our workforce wellbeing webpages: Workforce Wellbeing Support for further mental health and wellbeing information, resources and support.

7 February 2024 - Free Gaelic classes for staff - don't miss out sign up today!

One of our Gaelic Language Plan's objectives is for all staff to have more opportunities to learn the language.

To get you started, a six-week block of Gaelic classes is being offered in partnership with Fèisean nan Gàidheal.

• Classes are on Teams and are for different ability levels.
• They will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: starting from Tuesday 20 February.
• Level 1 is complete beginner, Level 2 is some knowledge, Level 3 is intermediate/advanced.

Registration is now open

• Click on the link https://form.jotform.com/233442767596368 to register - but be quick as spaces tend to go very quickly.

More

• Read Latest staff news - Glasgow City Council to see how Glasgow is celebrating World Gaelic Week this month and
• don't forget to tell us if you are you fluent, currently learning or simply interested in Gaelic in our skills staff survey.

7 February 2024 - Are you fluent, currently learning or simply interested?

Take part in our Gaelic skills staff survey

The 2024 Gaelic skills survey for all staff of the council and ALEOs is open from now until Friday 1 March.

We carry out this internal research every couple of years to stay informed of staff knowledge, ability, attitude, awareness and use of Gaelic.

This survey is for everyone - so if you're learning, already fluent, or are simply curious or interested in Gaelic, please complete the survey https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GSSS2024/

More

• Read Latest staff news - Glasgow City Council to see how Glasgow is celebrating World Gaelic Week this month and
• don't forget to register for free Gaelic classes this month at  https://form.jotform.com/233442767596368 - but be quick as spaces tend to go very quickly.

7 February 2024 - Join colleagues on Glasgow Kilt Walk to raise funds for Lord Provost's charity

James Currie (General Attendant) and George Young (Lord Provost's Office) based, in the City Chambers, are seeking colleagues to join their team 'The City Chambers Champions'and take part in the Glasgow Kilt Walk (Mighty Stride) on 28 April 2024 - to raise funds for the Lord Provost's charity.

Sign up to join their team

Sign up to the event by clicking the registration link at https://in.justgiving.events/glasgow-kiltwalk-2024?currentPage=select-competition and select your chosen distance. Registration fees are subsidised and based on your preferred choice:

• Mighty Stride 22.6 miles
• Big Stroll 14.2 miles
• Wee Wander 3.1 miles

When registering:

• in the Charity Fundraising section - please select our chosen charity the 'Lord Provost's Charity'
• please click on 'yes I will be a member of a team' and choose 'The City Chambers Champions'
• add your Team Captain as either James Currie or George Young.

The City Chambers Champions are currently aiming for the Mighty Stride which is the ultimate Kiltwalk challenge! They are planning the 9 am start slot from Glasgow's iconic Glasgow Green, finishing in the idyllic surroundings of Balloch, Loch Lomond. Once you have registered, please contact James Currie on Outlook to arrange the meeting point on the day before the event starts (as times are staggered).

James explains: "George and I have always wanted to do the Glasgow Kilt Walk and decided that 2024 was our year - and decided to go big or go home with the 22.6 miles Mighty Stride walk.

"We are hoping to rope in as many colleagues as possible to join us on the day and make it a team event to remember. We also decided upon the Lord Provost's charity as it is close to our hearts as we have seen first-hand how it delivers vital support to vulnerable Glaswegians across the city. 100% of the amount we raise will go direct to the charity to continue the great work they do. Now on to the training....

"If you are unable to take part on the day, feel free to pop down to Glasgow Green to cheer us on as we depart."

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said: "Good luck to everyone taking part in the Glasgow Kilt Walk. It's a fun day out and I'm thrilled that staff are signing up to raise funds for my Lord Provost's Charity Funds which help people in crisis including children, senior citizens and other vulnerable people. Fingers crossed for good weather."

7 February 2024 - Get involved this Payroll Giving Month

This month, charities will be celebrating Payroll Giving and the real difference made by these regular donations from people like you!

• Payroll Giving is Impactful - see the difference your donation can make: watch this video
• Payroll Giving is Easy - simple, online form to complete. Your donation is then processed through Payroll.
• You can spend less, and support others - this is a tax-efficient way to give, so for every £1 donated it will cost you 80 pence if you are a standard rate taxpayer or just 60 pence if you are a higher rate taxpayer.

Join over 1 million employees in the UK already donating to over 200,000 charities and help us celebrate Payroll Giving Month by signing up for Payroll Giving at Glasgow City Council (udon8.org)

January

10 January 2024 - "What I really mean is..." take time to have honest conversations

Time to Talk Day is the nation's biggest mental health conversation.

Taking place on Thursday 1 February 2024, it is a day that friends, families, communities, and workplaces come together to talk, listen and change lives.

For Time to Talk this year, See Me and SAMH are encouraging everyone to have more honest conversations about how they're feeling to help combat the stigma that still exists around mental health.

The theme for this year's campaign is 'what I really mean'which highlights that the words we say don't always reflect what's going on beneath the surface.

Get involved

• 'Having the Mental Health Conversation' Webinar- join us for this bite sized webinar where our colleagues at SAMH will provide us with top tips, hints and resources to help us have those all-important conversations about mental health -REGISTER NOW.
• Visit the See Me 'Time to Talk' webpage for more information, resources and support to get involved in mental health conversations in the workplace during the Time to Talk campaign and beyond.

Support for You

• Visit our workforce wellbeing support webpages for resources to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
• Visit Need help right now if you or someone you know is struggling and need urgent help

10 January 2024 - Our Bullying and Harassment Policy and supporting arrangements: reminder

We are committed to providing a workplace free from bullying and harassment, and we all have a role to play in supporting this.

Remember the 5 Key Steps to stopping bullying and harassment

If you experience bullying and harassment or see it happening to someone else:

1. Don't ignore the problem
2. Confide in someone
3. Know the policy and options open to you
4. Keep a record
5. Consider taking action

Support for you

There is a range of information, resources and support available to anyone affected by bullying and harassment.

Call our dedicated Employee Assistance Helpline free on 0800 247 1100, Webchat: pam-assist.co.uk, or email: counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk where you can access free, independent and confidential support at any time of the day or night - all year round.

You can also chat in confidence to:

• your manager
• a trusted colleague
• any of our trained Bullying & Harassment Contacts , Equality Employee Support Network Contacts, or Service HR Bullying & Harassment Champions
• a Trade Union representative

External Support

Additional external support and advice is available from:

• Samaritans (24 Hour counselling service) -  Freephone on 116 123
• Breathing Space to talk to a specialist advisor - available 24 hours at weekends (from 6pm Friday to 6am Monday) and 6pm to 2am on week days (Monday to Thursday) - Freephone on 0800 83 85 87
• UK National Workplace Bullying Advice Line 0845 22 55 787.
• Hate Crime Scotland - Find out more about the campaign to combat Hate Crime and Glasgow's Third Party Reporting Centres at http://www.hatecrimescotland.org/

10 January 2024 - Free webinar for managers to support staff wellbeing : 23 January

Tuesday 23 January 2024

9:30 - 10:30 am

Overview

Managers have become more important than ever for ensuring work doesn't make people sick. However, according to recent research from the CIPD, managers remain the biggest negative impact on wellbeing, with one in two employees who have a poor manager saying work negatively affects their mental health.

This means the single most important thing employers can do to boost the health of their workforce in 2024 is to equip managers with the competency to manage wellbeing. Critical to this is equipping managers with an understanding of how they can impact on the emotional energy levels, autonomy and motivation of others and developing them to do this in positive ways.

We have developed a framework for upskilling managers to support wellbeing, which we are excited to share with you during this free training session.

What will the webinar cover?

During this 45-minute session (with 15 mins of Q&A afterwards), you will learn:

• How managers impact on employees' emotional energy, autonomy and purpose
• The role of managers for creating a culture of wellbeing for people to thrive
• How to use a wellbeing competencies framework to upskill managers
• Using management tools and data to catch people before they fall
• Ways to eliminate bias and help managers make wellbeing more inclusive

Register here

10 January 2024 - Get involved in Dry January: total reset for the body and mind

Dry January® is 31 days alcohol-free, a break and a total reset for the body and mind with Alcohol Change UK.

Sleep better and have more energy, improve your mental health and concentration, look fabulous and get brighter skin, save money and feel an amazing sense of achievement.    

Dry January® is about taking a break, living better, feeling better. Starting the new year right. Are you in? 

Get involved

Visit alcoholchange.org.uk and dryjanuary.org.uk. for information, tools and resources including the free Try Dry app, daily coaching emails, and an active online community.

Support for you

• Our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) provides independent support to any employee affected by alcohol - it is totally confidential and free for you to access.
• You can chat to a trained advisor who will listen, talk things through with you and offer advice and support.
• Our staff health and wellbeing handbook - outlines a wealth of information, advice and support on gambling, alcohol and drugs.
• Our staff health and wellbeing resources guide  - provides access to free resources such as posters, leaflets and factsheets on alcohol consumption and drug use.

10 January 2024 - Be part of this change: small change creates lasting change

As we welcome 2024, we wanted to let you know all about Payroll Giving and how small change can create lasting change.

Everyone should be allowed to be part of this change. Charities are struggling at a time when people need their help more than ever. You may think that a small donation is not enough but when combined with thousands of others, it can create a significant impact.

Here is how Payroll Giving creates change:

1. Charities love Payroll Giving- the regular monthly amounts allow them to plan, ahead.
2. Tax efficient -donations are taken before income tax. Not only does this save you money, but it means the charities save time and money by not having to claim gift aid. Why not use our handy calculator to see what your donation will cost you and how much you can save?
3. Lasting Change -when it comes to giving, we don't just talk about change in monetary terms. We work to change the mindset around charitable giving. You can make a positive impact!