August 2022

10 August 2022 - Be tick aware when enjoying the outdoors this summer

People in Scotland are being encouraged to enjoy the outdoors safely this summer by taking precautions against tick bites and being aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It is usually mild, but can be serious if not treated early, so it's important to know the dangers and act quickly if bitten.

Ticks can be found throughout Scotland in wooded and grassy areas, so taking preventative measures when outdoors, such as sticking to pathways instead of going through long grass, using a repellent spray on clothing and not exposing skin can help reduce the risk of being bitten.

Professor of Molecular Microbiology for the University of Glasgow, Tom Evans, reinforced that prevention is key to reducing the risk of serious infection: "Ticks are in peak season in summer, and with people spending more time outdoors it's important that they take steps to prevent becoming ill from Lyme disease.

"If you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible to prevent infection. Using fine-tipped tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull it steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing it. Special tick removers are also available from most pharmacies. You should wash the area with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream."

He also highlighted the importance of recognising the early symptoms of Lyme disease, which include a red circular rash on the skin, often described as looking like a bullseye on a dart board, and cold or flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and muscle or joint pain. "Lyme disease can be difficult to detect, and while most cases are mild, if not found early it can have serious and lifelong side effects. Therefore it's really important to be aware of any symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite so it can be effectively treated."

If you do have any of these symptoms, you should see your GP or visit nhsinform.scot/lyme-disease for more information.

For more tips on how to prevent tick bites when out and about this summer, visit nhsinform.scot/Iyme-disease

10 August 2022 - Join us for our next interactive event: BME Network

The next BME Network Event will take place on Wednesday 31 August 2022  from 3pm to 4.30 pm.  

This is an interactive event with an opportunity for questions and discussions. The session will include:

• welcome and network update by Harjinder Gharyal, Divisional Director NRS and BME Network Leadership Sponsor
• Keynote speaker - details to follow
• BME Network Survey Update by Nazim Hamid, BME Network Coordinator
• Members Space - an opportunity for members to share their experiences and involvement in the network - details to follow.

Join us

The meeting will be held through Teams and you can register here. 

BME employee mentoring programme update

One of the network's proposals was to develop a BME Mentoring Programme giving BME Employees an opportunity to be mentored by senior colleagues in the organisation.  We're delighted that we're now progressing with this and are inviting BME Employees to register their interest to take part.  If you would like to get involved or hear more then please click here and tell us your name and employee (SAP) number.  We will then be in touch with further details.

BME employees' involvement in recruitment

Another of the network's proposals was to have BME Employees involved in recruitment activities and panels across the organisation.  Again, if you would like to get involved or hear more then please click here and tell us your name and employee (SAP) number.  We will then be in touch with further details.

Harjinder Gharyal, Divisional Director NRS and BME Network Leadership Sponsorsaid: "I'm delighted with the progress the BME network has been making and encourage BME employees interested in being mentored or involved in recruitment activities to register their interest. It's now about taking advantage of these opportunities and being part of making change happen."

Robert Anderson, Head of HR said: "We committed in our equality outcomes to take action to ensure BME Employees are better represented across the organisation and to reduce the barriers they face.  These two initiatives will assist us achieve that and provide specific support to BME employees and alongside our other Equality Diversity & Inclusion actions will assist allow us to become a truly inclusive employee."

BME Network http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/21151/Black-and-Minority-Ethnic-Employee-Network

10 August 2022 - Spaces still available: key Equality, Diversity and Inclusion courses during August and September

Our  EDI Training Catalogue [1Mb] 2022 includes 13 courses delivered across 48 events which will support employees across all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Spaces are still available on the following courses - don't delay sign up today!

The training catalogue includes all other available dates and instructions on how to book your place:

• 18 August - Menopause Awareness for Managers
• 23 August - Best Practice in the Recruitment & Support of Disabled People - training for recruitment manaers
• 24 August - Working and Managing in a Diverse Environment
• 24 August -  Race Awareness for Managers
• 29 August - Race Awareness for Employees in a Public Facing Role
• 30 August - Unconscious Bias
• 31 August - Women's Confidence Session 1A
• 5 September - Race Awareness for Managers
• 6 September - First Steps to LGBTi inclusion
• 7 September - Women's Confidence Session 1B
• 8 September - Best Practice in the Recruitment & Support of Disabled People - training for recruitment managers
• 12 September - Dementia Awareness
• 13 September - Working and Managing in a Diverse Environment
• 14 September  - Age Inclusion for Managers
• 14 September  - Race Awareness for Employees in a Public Facing Role
• 14 September  - Disability Equality Training for front line employees
• 22 September - Race Awareness for Managers
• 22 September - Unconscious Bias in Recruitment and Selection

10 August 2022 - Off the Beatson Track is back: take part this month!

This fun-filled 6.5-mile walk is fully accessible and perfect for all ages, and a great day out for the whole family.

With captivating entertainment before and after the walk at the Riverside Museum, as well as along the route, it is sure to be a splendid day for everybody.

We are delighted to be able to bring you the real-life event once again. After 2 years of virtual walking, it will be amazing to have everyone back together!

Please sign up your friends, family, colleagues, and dogs, and join us to show your support for our patients and families. By taking part in Off The Beatson Track 2022 and raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity, you will be helping the thousands of people who access our services every single year. 

We look forward to going Off the Beatson Track with you, on Sunday 28 August! 

Sign up here! 

10 August 2022 - A win for you and a win for your charity!

Payroll Giving is a powerful way to support your chosen charity enabling them to provide vital services to those in need. Your tax-free donations make a difference.

During July and August, we are asking you to Share the Power of Payroll Givingby sending us your stories, telling us why you support your charity and how Payroll Giving has enabled you to give more for less.

Each month we will be awarding a charity a gift of £50 to the best submission.   The opportunity is open to those whojoin the Payroll Giving scheme during July or August or who make a new regular additional donation. Send your videos or stories with photos to benefits@stcpayrollgiving.co.uk .

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin to see the most powerful story from July being shared on August 11

It's a win for you and your charity.  Sign up to support your charity today by clicking on the link below and completing the simple form.

10 August 2022 - Put yourself first:National Relaxation Day

Stress is one of the key concerns of today's world with 85% of UK adults experience stress regularly, and 54% of those are worried about the impact it has on their health.

Daily stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental health.  National Relaxation Day encourages us to put ourselves first and find time and ways to manage our stress and relax.

Some well documentedbenefits of relaxationinclude:

• Decreased heart rate and respiration rate
• Lowered blood pressure and increased blood flow
• Decrease in anxiety and depression
• Reduced pain (long-term illnesses, chronic conditions)
• A boost in energy and better sleep patterns
• Improved coping abilities

Relaxation Methods

There are many different ways to relax, such as:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Breathing exercises
• Light exercise, such as swimming
• Long walks
• Scheduling time out in your day
• Taking a long bath
• Reading
• Listening to calming sounds or music

More Information:

• Tips and exercises to help you relax from Mind available here.
• Visit our Mindfulness Connect page  to learn more about the art of mindfulness, find free resources, and access to Workplace Options free Mindfulness channel.
• Check out our Health and Wellbeing Handbook for lots more information on how you can relax and reduce your stress - including links to free mindfulness sessions and relaxation resources.  You can view the handbook here