View key Health and Wellbeing and Equality and Diversity dates, from August 2021 to April 2022,  on our inclusion calendar  here [2Mb]

View our January to March 2022 - Health and Wellbeing Training Programme  here [751kb]

From Tired to Inspired: Keeping Engaged and Preventing Burnout

Our Employees Assistant Provider, Workplace Options, offers a range of information and resources on health and wellbeing topics.

This webinar will help you learn how to get around burnout, prevent it, and keep yourself engaged in work and personal life. 

The webinar is available 'on demand' - there's no need to register in advance.

Workplace Options webinars are pre-recorded; you can view the audio-visual presentation and download all accompanying materials at a time convenient to you.

How to access

• You can find the Workplace Options username and password required on Connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/27442/Contacting-Workplace-Options   If you cannot access, please speak to your manager,
• Visit www.workplaceoptions.com/  and click on MEMBER LOGIN at the top of the home page.
• Log-in and click on 'Online Seminars' to view available on demand webinars

More information and support

• You can access free, confidential, independent advice and counselling support 24/7 from our Employee Assistance Provider - phone Workplace Optionson: 0800 247 1100. Please note: to access Workplace Options online, please follow the process found on Connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/27442/Contacting-Workplace-Options
• Our Health and Wellbeing Handbook brings together information, resources, and recommended pathways to support for mental health and wellbeing. You can view the handbook at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=55690&p=0

Stress Awareness Month; 1 to 30 April: 30 Day Challenge

High levels of stress and it is a significant factor in mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.  Stress is also linked to physical health issues such as heart disease and insomnia and can cause problems with our immune and digestive system.

Stress awareness month is held every April to increase awareness of both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

There are some simple things you can do during stress awareness month such as talking about your stress and its effects, sharing your coping mechanisms others, be understanding to those who are stressed and anxious, and most importantly, look after yourself - take time out of your day to relax or do something you enjoy.  Don't forget to exercise and eat well, even when you're feeling stressed.

Take the 30 day challenge

It takes 30 days to turn actions into habits - so this challenge is perfect to maximise your chances of turning useful knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural changes. 

The challenge encourages you to pick one action - for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing - to carry out every day.

You can download the 30-day challenge calendar and action plan to help you keep on track at: https://www.stress.org.uk/30daychallenge/

Find useful hints, tips and tricks for the challenge at https://www.stress.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30-Day-Challenge-Daily-Tips-Physical-Mental-Emotional.pdf

Staff Support

·       Visit our online Health and Wellbeing Handbook for a wealth of stress related information, resources, and recommended pathways to support. You can access the handbook at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/workforcewellbeing

Ukraine conflict - support for you

It's natural to feel worried and distressed about what's been happening in Ukraine.

It's a lot to absorb especially after the difficulties we've all faced over the past two years because of the pandemic.

Remember that Workplace Options, our employee assistance provider, is available 24/7 to support you with anything that matters to you and your family.

Online support

To enhance this support during the crisis in Ukraine, Workplace Options have developed an extensive suite of online information and resources to help you look after your wellbeing and support others.

This includes recorded training support:  'Maintaining your team's resilience during a crisis', and webinars on 'Remaining Resilient During a Crisis' and 'Supporting Your Child at a Time of Conflict and Crisis'.

More information

Full details are available at: https://www.workplaceoptions.com/resources/ukraine-crisis-support/

You can also contact Workplace Options freephone: 0800 247 1100.

Online event for carers, Wednesday 30 March 2022

As a Carer Positive organisation, we appreciate that many staff have, or may face at some time in the future, the prospect of caring for an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. We aim to do everything we can to support our employees who are carers.

Workplace Options, our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) are an important source of support for staff. They are delivering - on Teams - the following webinar for staff:

Changing Relationships - You and Your Ageing Parents 

Wednesday 30 March 2022, 12 to 1pm

This session is appropriate for anyone who wants to better handle the challenges of supporting their parents or relatives during their old age. It aims to explore the following areas:

• Learn what your parents or relatives are going through
• Discuss the changes that you are likely to experience in your relationships with them
• Learn how to begin difficult conversations
• Explore techniques to effectively communicate feelings and concerns
• Determine the level of care needed and how to explore care options

Sign up now to attend

To register for this event, please click here 

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4758255738178686990

National Day of Reflection, 23 March: one minute silence

Led by Marie Curie, this is a day to support the millions of people who've been bereaved during the pandemic and to reflect on the lives of the people we've lost.

Wednesday 23 March, marks the second anniversary of the day the UK went into lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Let's take time to connect, supporting the millions of people who are grieving and remembering family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues that we've lost during the pandemic.

At 12 noon, the nation will hold a minute silence, coming together to honour loved ones who have died and reflect on the challenges we've overcome.

While life is beginning to return to normal for some people, millions of people are still living with the trauma of loss, and not being able to grieve properly.

Support for Staff

·       You can phone Marie Curie FREE on 0800 090 2309 to speak to a trained Support Line Officer or get ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer or visit online at www.mariecurie.org.uk

·       Our Health and Wellbeing handbook provides information, resources and recommended pathways for bereavement, grief, and loss. You can access the handbook on Connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=55690&p=0

·       If you are a friend or family member offering support to someone who is bereaved or grieving, you can find advice from MIND at:  https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/for-friends-and-family/

Nutrition and Hydration Week, 14 to 20 March 2022

An annual event which aims to highlight, promote, and celebrate improvements of our nutrition and hydration. The aim of the campaign is to encourage us to focus, energise and reinforce good habits.

Good nutrition and hydration are fundamental elements of maintaining our health and wellbeing and are critical for maintaining healthy bodily functions, including the heart, brain, and muscles.

Getting into a good habit of maintaining a healthy diet can boost your mood and give you more energy. 

The NHS recommends that we should be eating five portions of a variety of fruit and veg each day and drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted squash and fruit juice to stay hydrate.

Daily themes to get involved with

·       Monday: Big Breakfast - Get into the habit of eating the most important meal of the day. Find simple, healthy breakfast recipes and tips at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/healthy-breakfasts-recipes/

·       Tuesday: Snacky Tuesday - Snacks can be a great way to get extra nutrition between meals at:  https://www.nutrition.org.uk/health-conditions/covid-19-nutrition-and-immunity/covid-19-and-healthy-eating-in-lockdown/healthier-snacking-while-at-home/

·       Wednesday: Global Afternoon Tea- Why not get together and create some fun by helping to plan your healthy week and share tips and recipes.

·       Thursday: Thirsty Thursday- Drinking the correct amount of water is one of the most important ways to keep your body healthy.  Find out more information at https://www.nutrition.org.uk/health-conditions/covid-19-nutrition-and-immunity/covid-19-and-healthy-eating-in-lockdown/healthier-snacking-while-at-home/

·       Friday: Five-a-day Friday- Find 20 easy ways to eat your five-a-day at https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/5-a-day/get-your-5-a-day

·       Saturday: Smoothie Saturday- homemade smoothies can be a fun way to achieve good nutrition but remember, these can be high in sugars. Find healthy smoothie recipes at:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/smoothie-recipes

·       Sunday: Sundae Sunday- building good nutritional habits can be fun! Find healthy and tasty sundae recipes at: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/smoothie-recipes

More Information and support

·       Find out more about the campaign at https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk/

·       Our Health and Wellbeing Handbook  brings together a wealth of health and wellbeing information, resources, and recommended pathways to support. Available on Connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=55690&p=0

Debt Awareness Week, 21 to 27 March

Talking about debt shouldn't be taboo and now more than ever, in this time of uncertainty, people should be able to reach out for help.

The aim of the StepChange campaign is to start the conversation about debt to end the stigma and raise awareness of the help and support that is available.

With the rise of cost of living and feeling the financial strain as a result of the pandemic, it has never been more important than now to be aware of  the free and impartial debt help that is available.

Support from StepChange

Stepchange.org offer a range of advice, support and guidance including free online guides to help you pay off debt, deal with reduced income, deal with debt stress, mental health issues and more.

Visit www.stepchange.org or phone 0800 1381111 Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm, Sat 8am to 4pm.

Staff support

·       Our Health and Wellbeing Handbook offers information, support and recommended pathways of support for debt and money worries, and help on mental wellbeing

·       You can access free, confidential, independent advice and counselling support 24/7 from our Employee Assistance Provider - phone Workplace Options on: 0800 247 1100 or visit online at https://www.workplaceoptions.com/

·       For advice on managing money, you can attend the Credit Union - Good Money Management webinaron 24 March 2022, 10am to 11.30am, MS Teams.

Sign up here - https://link.webropolsurveys.com/Participation/Public/8131fb7a-5ff3-43cd-a499-30a69fccf1d4?displayId=Uni2440154

Enter your information, then select the Credit Union webinar.

Ride Anywhere Week, 21 to 27 March

Ride Anywhere Week is designed to get you achieving more by bike! Whether you want to ride more with your family or embark upon new epic biking experiences, Love to Ride Glasgow will support you as you ride towards new goals (and prizes!).

Ride Anywhere Week is the spring campaign, open to anyone living or working in Glasgow, which encourages people to enjoy the many benefits of riding a bike.

Glasgow, which was recently named one of the world's Cycling Cities by UCI (Cycling's governing body), is the perfect place to get out on your bike, with miles of dedicated routes and tracks to explore.

Take a pledge

The Love to Ride Glasgow website provides a host of resources and tips to help you on your adventures. During Ride Anywhere Week we want individuals everywhere to take part in one of our four pledges:

1. Ride for health and fitness - feel happier and stronger and live longer!
2. Ride for transportation - to work, to school, to the store - we'll help you start making any journey from A to B by bike.
3. Ride for adventure - whether it's to ride somewhere new or bikepack for the first time, enjoy a pedal-powered adventure!
4. Ride with kids - saddle up and enjoy a bike ride with your kids this week.

For anyone that logs a trip during Ride Anywhere Week you will unlock the Ride Anywhere Week profile badge  - receive information on cycling events and activities  in Glasgow and enter the prize draw for some fantastic prizes

There's never been a better time to enjoy riding a bike. It's a good way to make sure  you are getting enough daily exercise as well as an easy and safe way to travel from A to B and connect with others. As more of us return to work, it's an ideal time for everyone to embrace all the benefits riding a bike can bring.

Love to Ride have someamazing prizes to give away to Glasgow users - everything from tickets to cycling events, pizza ovens, local cycling organisations and much more.

More information / how to register

Taking part in Ride Anywhere Week is easy. You only have to ride for 10 minutes to start working towards your pledge and be in with a chance to win prizes. Love to Ride will provide useful information for riders and help them from the first push of the pedal!

So how does it work?

• Register for free at lovetoride.net/glasgow
• Start logging your bike rides.
• Set goals to provide greater motivation.
• Earn prize draw entries every time that you ride.

More information

Find our about cycling events this year at

https://www.lovetoride.net/glasgow/pages/info?locale=en-GB&page=3_cycling_events

Sign up for now for new online workshops: Facilitating Virtual meetings, Managing Remote Teams and Managing Difficult People

Organisational Development invite staff and managers to attend a series of March workshops held on MS Teams:

Facilitating Virtual Meetings

Tuesday 15 March 2022, 9.30am to 11.30am

Using a mix of both full group and breakout discussions this interactive workshop will cover:

•       Understanding the role of the facilitator/host

•       Identifying what causes virtual meetings to be ineffective and how they could be made effective

•       Understanding the five key themes to making virtual meetings more effective, productive and meaningful: aims, preparation, people, leadership and environment

This event will be held on Microsoft Teams and is open to all staff across the organisation.

Sign up now

Sign up by completing the online registration form or email Organisational.Development@glasgow.gov.uk

Managing Remote Teams

Thursday 24 March 2022, 9.30am to 4pm

This workshop will be delivered by the City of Glasgow College and will cover:

·       How to inspire your remote teams, bringing out the best in every team member.

·       Overcome the barriers and isolation that working remotely can cause.

·       Develop a remote team that works collaboratively.

·       Increase your team's performance though clear goal setting and communication.

·       Develop trusting relationships that ensure the team work towards common goals.

This event will be held on Microsoft Teams and is aimed at managers at all levels.

Sign up now

Sign up by emailing Organisational.Development@glasgow.gov.uk

Dealing with Difficult People / Managing Difficult People

Thursday 17 March 2022, 9.30am to 4pm

This workshop will be delivered by the City of Glasgow College and will cover:

·       Categories and types of difficult people

·       How communication can be used to solve problems and reduce the likelihood of conflict

·       How to assess and reduce risks in conflict situations

·       Effective communication and de-escalation of conflict

·       How to stick to performance and not personality

·       Addressing poor conduct and attitude

This event will be held on Microsoft Teams and is aimed at managers at all levels.

Sign up now

Sign up by emailing Organisational.Development@glasgow.gov.uk

No Smoking Day, Wednesday 9 March 2022

A day aimed at inspiring smokers to think about accessing support to quit.

The annual 'Quit Your Way' campaign raises awareness and highlights the health implications of smoking tobacco for both smokers and those surrounded by smokers, in the hope of encouraging smokers to take that first step towards abandoning their nicotine addiction.

ASH Scotland want to motivate you to quit in a way that works best for you. 

If you're a smoker, giving up is the single most important think you can do to improve your health. You will immediately reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia.

In addition to health benefits, if you are someone smoking 20-a-day, paying £10 a packet, you will save over £3650 a year, or if you are a 10-a-day smoker will save £1,825 a year.

Quit Your Way

There isn't just one way to quit smoking - it's a journey that is unique to you.  Make the most of the free expert advice and support available.

Help and support

·       Access free NHS Stop Smoking Services at nhsinform.scot

·       Contact the free NHS Quit Your Way service:  Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm;  or phone  0800 84 84 84

·       Download the NHS Quit Smoking App

·       If you would like to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke in your home,  visit  make your home smoke-free

·       Your local pharmacy can offer free support to help you stop smoking.

Support for staff

·       View our Smoke Free Workplace Policy

·       Visit our Health and Wellbeing Handbook to find useful help and guidance

·       Our Employee Assistance Provider, Workplace Options,  can provide a free Smoking Cessation Pack as well as access to free, confidential, independent advice and counselling support 24/7.  Phone Workplace Options on 0800 247 1100

Cyber Scotland Week 28 February - 6 March 2022

Full week of engaging events:

International Women's Day Event

Tuesday 8 March, 11am to 12.30pm, MS Teams

The Glasgow Family is once again supporting International Women's Day (IWD) -  an annual day of celebration where the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women are recognised globally.

The theme of this year's event is to Break the Bias -  by calling out on gender bias and equality, and to seek out and celebrate women's achievements worldwide.

To celebrate International Women's Day 2022 the council's Lean In Network will hold their first networking event of the year, hosted by Dr Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life.

Our Lean In Network provides an opportunity for women - or anyone interested in gender issues - to get together and discuss relevant topics, share ideas, insights and experiences. The group provides a positive, supportive environment enabling members to relate to one another first and foremost as individuals.

Sign up to attend

The event will take place on Tuesday 8 March 2022, 11am to 12.30pm, on MS Teams.

·       Book your place on the event by completing the registration form which can be found here or email leanin@glasgow.gov.uk

Join the Lean In Network

Visit Connect to find out more about the Lean In Network and what it does for the women across the council family.

Email leanin@glasgow.gov.ukor follow GCC Inclusive on Twitter: @InclusiveGCC.

Live Webinar - Menopause: Managing Mental Health at Work

Tuesday 8 March, 12 noon till 1pm

In partnership with MIND, HSF (Hospital Saturday Fund) are hosting this webinar to increase awareness of menopause and mental health and look at how this can affect people during their working lives. The Webinar will cover:

• Menopause
• Mental Health
• Equality Act
• Practical advice
• Reasonable adjustments
• Resources and available support

To find out more and to register, please visit our registration page.

You can find out more about Hospital Saturday Fund benefits here on Connect
 

HELP Urgent Appeal to help the Crisis in Ukraine

As the people of Ukraine are facing serious hardship the war is bringing to them, you may wish to help by donating to the many charities that are providing aid and support. 

Clicking here  will take you to your employer payroll giving form where you donate tax free.  

More information

Below is information on the different appeals a sample of charities are raising funds for.  

Unicef - Ukraine crisis: donate now - Unicef UK 

Save The Children - https://ukraine.savethechildren.net/ 

Medicins San Frontieres MSF - https://msf.org.uk/article/ukraine-crisis-what-msf-doing 

Action Aid - https://actionaid.org/news/2022/actionaid-stands-people-ukraine  

Mercy Corps - https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/crisis-ukraine-give-now 

Grow with Payroll Giving this Spring

Do you know you can supportover 200 000 UK registered charities through your salary each month?

Did you know Payroll Giving isthe tax-free, secure, and flexible way to give to your favourite causes?

The answer to those questions is YES!

UK Charities love Payroll Giving as they don't have to invest resources into trying to claim back gift aid - it's all done through your payroll, because your donation is taken before income tax is deducted.

So, you can support great causes and it costs you less.

Grow the ways you give or support charities this March by joining the Payroll Giving scheme by clicking here.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month - take the virtual step challenge 

Across the UK, more than 47,500 people who have a prostate are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. 

Prostate Cancer UK are inviting everyone to participate in March the Month - a virtual step challenge to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds for lifesaving research.

The challenge - to walk 11,000 steps a day - is open to anyone who wants to keep active and help beat prostate cancer. Whether you're walking or wheeling, you'll be doing it for all the dads, partners, brothers, grandads, and mates.

How to sign up / find out more

To find out more about the challenge visit:  prostatecanceruk.org at https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-involved/find-a-fundraising-event/march-the-month-2022

Find out more about prostate cancer

·       To find out more about prostate cancer, the symptoms, the risks and causes, living with prostate cancer and more, visit cancerresearchuk.org 

·       Check your risk of prostate cancer in under 30 seconds at prostatecanceruk/org

·       If you are a trans woman or non-binary, your risk may be different - visit prostatecanceruk.org for more information.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - Walk in Her Name Challenge

Ovarian Cancer is the biggest gynaecological killer of people with ovaries in the UK.  It is the sixth most common cancer in females in the UK, with around 7,500 new cases every year. 

This year's Ovarian.org.uk campaign aims to highlight the inequalities that thousands of women with ovarian cancer face to make sure that women receive the best care regardless of age, location, or ethnicity.

Every year, 295,000 women around the world are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and only half will survive beyond five years. This is why awareness and further research funding into ovarian cancer is so important.

Can you take the challenge?

You're invited to support the campaign by getting involved in the  Walk in Her Namestep challenge.

The challenge is to take 295,000 steps throughout March -  for every woman diagnosed and to fund life-saving research. You can walk, run, or even dance your steps and record your progress online.

Walk for yourself, for a woman you love, for every woman affected by ovarian cancer to help make ovarian cancer a survivable disease.

How to sign up / find out more

·       Find out all you need to get involved at https://join.ovarian.org.uk/event/virtual/home

Find out more about ovarian cancer

·       To find out more about ovarian cancer, the symptoms, the risks and causes, living with ovarian cancer and more visit: cancerresearchuk.org

·       For ovarian cancer information for transgender, non-binary, and intersex people visit: ovacome.org