March 2023

1 March 2023 - Are you worried about money? Free support and advice available

Debt Awareness Week takes place from 20 March 2023. This is an annual campaign run by Step Change, the debt charity that aims to make problem debt and free advice accessible to everyone.

As the cost-of-living crisis hits people who previously may not have experienced financial difficulty, Step Change understand that 'debt can happen to anyone'and this is the theme of this year's campaign.

Debt advice

We know that debt can be stressful - but you aren't alone, help is at hand. Step Change offer a wide range of practical debt solutions and services to suit every situation. So, if you are struggling, please reach out to them for free advice, guidance and tools to help with debt problems. Contact Step Change on Freephone 0800 138 111 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm) or visit: https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice-scotland.aspx

Staff support

To further support staff who may be 'worried about money' we have developed a factsheet. It provides you with a comprehensive list of some recommended Government approved pathways that are available to you, for free, impartial and confidential money advice and support. 

You can read it online on our staff website - workforce wellbeing page here.

Workplace options, our Employee Assistance Provider is always available 24/7 for free, confidential, and independent advice and support that matters to you and your family. Contact them on freephone: 0800 247 1100 or email: assistance@workplaceoptions.com

1 March 2023 - Positive language and listening ears are so important in keeping the conversations going!

With every conversation we have about mental health - no matter how small - we are helping to normalise the subject and break down the stigma which still stops many people from opening up and getting the help they need when they need it. That is why it's important that we keep the conversations going beyond Time to Talk.

We caught up with some colleagues who attended the 'Having the Mental Health Conversation' webinar with SAMH  - part of our 'Time to Talk' activity last month.  Hear how they are getting on:

"I found it really interesting to learn about the importance of positive language when having a chat about mental health and also understand that you don't have to be an expert, or offer up solutions, in order to help someone. Just sitting and listening and signposting them to help if they need it - is invaluable support."Chris McDonough, Service Delivery Manager, Revenue and Benefits

"The webinar really helped me to find the confidence to encourage conversations with my colleagues. We all have good days and bad days and need to be able to feel that we can be open, and chat freely, when we are experiencing a bad mental health day - without the fear of being judged or stigmatised."David Barbour, Business Specialist, Chief Executives Department

"The sessionhelped to reinforce that being able to chat openly about mental health is a really important aspect of balancing a happy, healthy and productive team. You can possess all the technical skills in the world, but if you lack the softer people skills- everything can become a little bit more difficult. I plan to catch up with my colleagues more regularly now."Stephen MacLeod, Project Officer, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability. 

"I learnt that listening is really important and not to jump to conclusions. For me personally, it's reassuring to know that you aren't alone in experiencing various mental challenges. Chatting openly with colleagues is a great way to share your coping mechanisms."Stephen Martin, HR Adviser, Chief Executive's Department

"The tips on how to start a conversation were fantastic and it was really good to understand how beneficial it can be for our mental wellbeing to just open up and chat. So, at our next team meeting we all had a good discussion about how the current cost of living was impacting our personal finances. We learnt that we are all facing the same challenges and how important it is to be kind to yourself and each another - you never know what someone is going through."Carolyn Earl, Chief Accountant, Corporate Finance

"I now feel more confident in talking about mental health. I understand that by chatting openly about it, we can support ourselves, as well as others - and ultimately help to reduce the stigma surrounding it. At a recent Women's Network event we also talked freely about our own mental health experiences - in a safe and supportive environment. I know I'm not a mental health professional, but I now feel I have enhanced my skills and can support someone and direct them to the right resource as needed." Jane MacAskill, HR Officer, Chief Executive's Department

Keep the conversations going - for more tips and support visit

• See Me Scotland for ideas and guidance on how to have effective mental health conversations.
• Our Workforce Wellbeing Support  for information to help improve your wellbeing including our Staff Health and Wellbeing Handbook which signposts to an extensive range of internal and external support services.
• Our monthly wellbeing training programme and our Get involved this month webpages for more opportunities to get involved in health and wellbeing activities.

1 March 2023 - Endometriosis action month: watch to learn more

Every March, people all over the world show their support for those affected by endometriosis - a condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and is as common as diabetes and asthma. Yet many people have not heard of it.

Menstrual problems are still difficult for many people to discuss and the average time from developing symptoms to diagnosis can be up to eight years. As a result, many women stay undiagnosed and unsupported. 95% of people with endometriosis report it has had a negative impact on their wellbeing. 38% are concerned about losing their job because of these effects. We can help by normalising the conversation within the workplace, raising awareness and reducing the stigma around endometriosis.

Watch the video to learn more

Watch the video - Endometriosis Matters with Chris Mann, an endometriosis expert who advises on some of the common symptoms and difficulties arising from endometriosis, and managing the diagnosis and treatment options.

Further information and support

• Read more about the campaign: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-action-month-2023 including free webinars offering expert advice for managing symptoms and where to get help.
• Learn more about Endometriosis and support on the Women's Health Platform, NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/endometriosis
• See the inclusive workplaces Endometriosis business toolkit on the BUPA website.
• For other support visit our Workforce Wellbeing Support webpages.

1 March 2023 - Virtual course: Using a Wellness Action Plan

Thursday 23 March

10am - 10.30am

MS Teams

Wellness Action Plans are an easy, practical way of helping you support your own mental health at work. And if you're a manager, allowing you to support the mental health of your team members.

This short bite-sized session delivered by SAMH introduces participants to this valuable tool which is highly recommended by leading mental health organisations and used by many employees and managers across the UK to support wellbeing at work.

This session is suitable for all staff and provides an understanding on how to use the Wellness Action Plan from an employee and/or manager perspective.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis.  SIGN UP HERE

1 March 2023 - Walk in her name challenge: take part this month

Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer in women with around 7,500 diagnoses each year.  Treatment of ovarian cancer will depend on the type, stage, and grade of the cancer, however the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.  By knowing the symptoms and what to look out for, you can help protect yourself and others.

Sign up for the 'Walk in her Name' challenge

Step out to show your support this March in the walk in her name challenge. Join the online community of walkers each taking on 100km throughout the month to raise awareness and funds. Fit your kms in around your lifestyle, meet and swap stories with others who have been affected by ovarian cancer and share your progress together. Every step you take and every point you raise will fuel the research breakthroughs needed to diagnose ovarian cancer earlier and find more effective treatments for people living with the disease.

Further information and support

• Read more about the campaign and how to get involved:https://ovarian.org.uk/march-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/
• Learn more about Ovarian Cancer on NHS Inform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/ovarian-cancer
• Visit Macmillan Cancer Support webpages for emotional, practical and financial information and support:
• https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/ovarian-cancer
• For other wellbeing support visit our Workforce Wellbeing Support webpages.

1 March 2023 - Turkey, Syria earthquake DEC appeal - how you can help

A series of devastating earthquakes have hit southern Turkey (now known as Türkiye) and north-west Syria killing over 30,000 people and injuring many more.

The first deadly earthquake struck while people were inside their homes, asleep in their beds, with no warning signs. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals and schools, have collapsed and infrastructure has been badly damaged.

People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions and desperately need blankets, emergency shelter, food and clean water. 

DEC charities and their local partners are among the first responders providing urgent help. Immediate priorities are search and rescue, medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, heating in safe spaces, blankets, warm clothes, and ensuring people have food and clean water. 

How you can help?

You can help people affected by the crisis by making a donation and helping to raise money for the DEC appeal. This will allow DEC charities and their local partners to scale up their response and reach more people.

• £10 could provide blankets to keep two people warm
• £25 could provide emergency food for a family for ten days 
• £50 could provide emergency shelter for two families

Get the latest updates and find out more about how to help at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

1 March 2023 - Creative masterclass: Textiles at The Burrell Collection, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March

Join us for our latest Creative Masterclass where we will take a deep dive into The Burrell Collection's world-renowned tapestry collection, exploring the history and future of weaving in Scotland. Running across two days, there will be opportunities for talks and discussion, a chance to get involved with a practical weaving session. 

On day one you will hear from experts in the field of textiles and find out more about The Burrell Collection tapestries, including those from our Medieval and Renaissance collections. Day two is time to get practical, with Dovecot Master Weavers leading a tapestry workshop which will introduce you to the skills and processes needed to create your very own sample piece to take home.

Staff tickets

Tickets for day one are £10 (£8 concession) and day two £30 (£24 concession), but don't forget staff with a council email address get a 25% discount on tickets for the Creative Masterclass event, as well as in all our Glasgow Museum shops.

To get your online discount:

• Register with the shop at: https://shop.glasgowlife.org.uk/account/register using your council email address
• Wait for one hour until your staff discount is linked to your council email address account. Then simply shop as normal and book your tickets at Glasgow Life online shop - use the discount code STAFF25 at the checkout.
• To save on postage, you can click and collect from Kelvingrove.

1 March 2023 - They need you! Current Glasgow vacancies

Children's Hearings Scotland is looking for local people to volunteer and support children and young people in Glasgow as volunteer Children's Panel Practice Advisors. 

The role

These advisors are part of the local volunteer Area Support Team, who are the local leadership group. They are responsible for selecting and recommending Panel Members for appointment.

They also regularly observe and provide feedback to Panel Members within children's hearings to recognise good practice and propose any improvements. Their goal is to support Panel Members through feedback to ensure the strongest possible decisions are being made for infants, children and young people.

They are there to make sure that the young person is at the heart of every decision made - because every decision, no matter how big or small, has a huge impact.

Deadline to apply for these roles is 15 March 2023.You can apply here.

Council commitment

As a council we offer paid leave to fulfil this statutory role as part of the public duties section in our Conditions of Service - Leave. It outlines that members of Children's Panels, will be granted paid leave of absence - initially up to the equivalent of 24 half-days per year.

Children's Hearings Scotland National Convener and Chief Executive, Elliot Jackson,says: "The Children's Panel is an essential service in Scotland, and couldn't operate without our volunteers who continue to place the children who attend at the very heart of their hearing.

"We are looking for people with good assessment, observation and communication skills with a passion for quality assurance. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our children and young people by influencing those making crucial decisions on their behalf."

Full training is provided with the aim of enhancing skills in leadership, effective communication, managing conflict and influencing and negotiating - all of which are transferable into the workplace.

For further information please email karen.morrison@chscotland.scot or andy.aitkenDAC@chscotland.scot and to apply, visit the website.