Welcome to Cyber Scotland Week

We are delivering our week of cyber related activities in partnership with:

Simply pick a topic of interest and click the link to take part by watching the video, playing the game or completing the knowledge quiz.

To further support Cyber Scotland Week engagement, senior management colleagues will also be participating in the National Cyber Security Centre's 'Exercise In A Box' session on 'Identifying and Reporting a suspected Phishing email', facilitated by CGI staff.

More detailed information on how to recognise and prevent cybercrime is also available on Connect here. If you don't currently have access please speak to your manager.

Catch up - Watch Jordan with 'OOPS I DID IT AGAIN!' - a security talk like no other

Can you support 'Purple Friday'

Across the city, people of all ages, backgrounds and professions, will celebrate Purple Friday on 26 February.

The LGBT Youth Scotland event, which takes place on the last Friday each year, is a "day to stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and show our support for LGBTI equality."

The date marks the final day of LGBT History Month and is named after the purple stripe in the rainbow flag which you may have seen across the council's social media this month.

Our Prism Network are inviting you to show your support by wearing something purple on Friday 26 February. And why not take a pic and share it to our social media pages on twitter, Facebook or Instagram - tag @gccprism and use the hashtags #PurpleFriday #InclusiveGCC.

You could also take part LGBT Youth Scotland's virtual Pass the Torch Relay.

By supporting this event - even if you are working from home - we will continue to contribute to the collective spirit which defines Purple Friday, despite the current restrictions.

More information

Find out more about Purple Friday here

https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/news/2021/purple-friday-beats-the-lockdown-blues/

Find out more about LGBT Youth Scotland here

Contact/Connect with our Prism Network through:

Email Prism (On Outlook) 
Follow us on Twitter: @gccprism
Like our Facebook page: @gccprism
Follow us on Instagram: @gccprism

All council Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Health and Wellbeing Activity

Follow Twitter: @InclusiveGCC

Want to keep you and your family safe online?

In support of the Scottish Government's annual Cyber Scotland Week we are bringing you a series of interactive activities for you to take part in next week - to help you and your family become more cyber aware.

With more of us working remotely and online just now - understanding how to protect your online identity can help to reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety. Being reassured that your loved ones are also safe online, playing and learning, is important in supporting our own mental wellbeing at this unusual time.  

So watch this space to take part in our fun filled week of activities. There is something for everyone at a time that suits your personal circumstances.

We will kick off the week with an engaging and informative presentation from Jordan Schroeder called 'Oops I Did it Again' which will reinforce the importance of checking your emails - to make sure they are legitimate and are being sent to the right person.

We also have interactive games, a quiz to test your knowledge to win a prize, and fun videos to learn valuable tips about how to stay safe online - for all ages. 

You can also view what the Scottish Government are planning here

Don't face cancer alone - free awareness raising sessions

Did you know that Macmillan Cancer Support, the council (including Glasgow Life)  - work in partnership to provide free cancer support services in Glasgow?

You are invited to join Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries, Improving the Cancer Journey and the Long-Term Conditions and Macmillan Service at Glasgow City Council to explore the emotional, physical, practical and financial support on offer in the city. The 45 minute session will be conducted on Microsoft Teams.

Our services support anyone who has been affected by cancer including carers, family and friends. No one should have to face cancer alone at any stage of their unique journey. 

What's involved

During the 45-minute awareness session you will find out:

• who we can support - including staff and their families 
• where and how we do it - including an understanding of our Holistic approach 
• what type of support you can expect from each service and how we come together
• who are our referral partners - over 200 services
• support available for managers or colleagues who are supporting someone affected by cancer
• the impact our support can have - storytelling.

Dates and times of session and how to join

Sessions for council family staff will take place on:

• Thursday 25 February at 11am

• Wednesday 3 March at 2pm

• Tuesday 9 March at  12:30pm

To sign up:

• Please email macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk  - with your name, job title and Service or ALEO.

• Please note that spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis.

If you are unable to attend these sessions, please do not hesitate to contact the service directly. Details can be found on our website here or on Connect here.

Building Confidence Development - online training

Women across the council family are invited to take part in a short Women's Building Confidence programme tailored to living during the COVID pandemic.

Our Lean In peer support network for women has worked with Neish Training to create the holistic programme which supports our aim of reducing the barriers women experience in the workplace.

What will the programme do for you?

The first workshop will give you a chance to reflect on where you are in life now: life in the pandemic, what you want to change? where you want to be, your health and wellbeing, and support networks available.

The second workshop will look at your next steps towards a 'new normal' that works for you: exploring topics such as personal power and effectiveness, building assertiveness when stating your case, networking etc.

The training will be held on Microsoft Teams on the following dates and times:

First Training Group -

• Workshop 1: Friday 26 February at 10am to 12.30pm

• Workshop 2: Friday 5 March at 10am to 12.30pm

Second Training Group -

• Workshop 1: Friday 12 March at 10am to 12.30pm

• Workshop 2: Friday 19 March at 10am to 12.30pm

More information / how to register - by Friday 19 February

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and we will confirm if you have a place.

If attending during working hours, please make sure that you have your line manager's approval.

To register your interest please email leanin@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 19 February with the following information:

• Your full name

• SAP/Employee Number

• Should it be Service or ALEO you work in?

• Any preference in which group you attend

These workshops are part of a suite of specific Equality, Diversity & Inclusion training we will be delivering during 2021.

Follow us on Twitter: Lean in @gccleanin and GCC Inclusive @InclusiveGCC

Don't Wait - New stop smoking campaign urges people to quit now

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Lothian, have partnered together to support those who wish to quit smoking, by launching a new campaign; 'Don't Wait'.

The campaign aims to remind people about the free NHS 'Quit Your Way' services which have continued to offer information, advice and practical support to help people quit smoking throughout the pandemic.

NHS services have been adapted, in line with coronavirus restrictions, to be able to continue to support not only those looking to quit, but also their family members and anyone who wants to find out more about stopping smoking. Telephone and video support is being offered - to relay the message that smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health.

The campaign features NHS respiratory consultant, Dr Colin Church, emphasising it's never too late to see the benefits that come from quitting smoking. Watch the video here.

Smoking is linked to many illnesses and long-term conditions, substantially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke and cancer.

Support for staff to help you stop smoking

Find out more about support to help you quit - click here

Detect lung cancer early campaign - know the signs and symptoms

The Scottish Government has launched a Detect Cancer Early Lung Cancer campaign,reminding people aged over 40 of the potential signs of lung cancer, while reinforcing the face that cancer remains a priority throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Statistics show that 25% fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed compared to pre-pandemic rates, and a cross-over of COVID-19 symptoms such as a persistent cough, is believed to have contributed to a delay in people seeking help.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland but, the good news is, more people than ever in Scotland are surviving the disease. The earlier lung cancer is found the better, and a lot can be done to treat it.

If you're aged over 40 or over and have tested negative for COVID-19 but still have a new or different persistent cough for more than three weeks, get checked. Don't put off contacting your GP practice - they want to hear from you.

For more information visit getcheckedearly.org

February - February is LGBT+ History Month!

LGBT+ History Month is celebrated every February providing education and insights into the issues and successes relating to the LGBT+ journey to date. It's a chance to celebrate and share past and current stories and experiences of LGBT+ community. The theme for this year's celebration is Body, Mind and Spirit.

To celebrate, our LGBT Employee Network - PRISM and Edinburgh City Council's Network STRIDE will be hosting a joint online film screening of A Long Line of Glitter(winner of the Best Scottish Short at the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) 2017). The film tells the stories of six older LGBT people, their coming out and experiences living as LGBT during the 60's, 70s and 80's followed by a group discussion.

The event is open to everyone and is on Friday 12th Feb 2.30pm-3.30pm to book a place click here.

You can find out about other events taking place on LGBT History Month Scotland's Website

Or council staff can visit the council's intranet: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/prism

Email Prism (on Outlook)
Follow us on Twitter: @gccprism
Like our Facebook page: @gccprism
Follow us on Instagram: @gccprism

February - Make a tax-free donation to charity with Payroll Giving

Roses are red, Violets are blue

See what your Payroll Giving can do!

After the challenging year of 2020 why not 'Give a little Love' this February, whether that is giving yourself some much needed attention, your partner, or a pet - it can make a positive difference. You may choose to share the love with your favourite charity and see how good you feel to help in this way.

For a donation of £7 per month:

• NSPCC could provide "Speak out, stay safe" programme to 10 primary school children giving them the knowledge to protect themselves from abuse

• Cancer Research UK would cover the cost of a trial for a day for patients with lung cancer

• Would provide food for an unwanted pet waiting for a new home with Together for Animals.

Regular donations to your favourite charity with Payroll Giving (Give As You Earn) are tax effective, meaning you can give more for less, which is a win-win for you and your charity.

Click below to 'Give A Little Love' through Payroll Giving to your chosen charity - any new donationsto our charity partners will be matched up to £10 throughout February for the first month.

1 - 5 February - Take time to talk this week

'Time to Talk' is about the power of small conversations regarding mental health- to get everyone talking and help end the stigma around it. Every little conversation has the power to make a big difference.

This week in support of Time to Talk Day we are asking you to have 'a cuppa and a chat' with a colleague about mental health- your and theirs. We all need to support each other and with restrictions on our work and home life it is now more important than ever to actively connect and engage.

Robert Anderson, Head of HR said: "Starting a conversation is such a simple thing to do and, with so many of us working away from our usual place of work or not being able to catch up with our colleagues in the way we would normally, it's never been so important to stay engaged and connected.

"Whilst Time to Talk Day is 4 February, due to the current circumstances we are doing things a little differently this year. We are inviting staff to take time to connect with a colleague at some point this week for a cuppa and chat about mental health. This could be a phone call or video chat about what you've missed during lockdown, how you're getting on, and how you're feeling.

"I intend on reaching out to a colleague for a cuppa and chat about mental health this Time to Talk week and I urge you to do the same.

"The more openly we talk about mental health, the more we can reduce the stigma and make it easier for those needing support to ask for it."

Annmarie Millar, Graphic Designer will also be participating in the event. Annmarie said: "I have been working at home since last March and really miss the social aspect of being around my colleagues.

"It's difficult when the restrictions make it hard for you to see family and friends too. That is why we need to make sure that mental health is our priority.

"I intend to catch up with someone I consider a friend as well as a colleague, we will grab a cuppa and take time to relax and have a virtual chat about how we've been coping during lockdown. I think it's really important that we support each other at the moment."

STAFF SUPPORT - to get involved

Conversation Starters

Here are some questions to help open and steer discussion about mental health and wellbeing:

• Has lockdown made it easier or more difficult to speak about your mental health?
• Are there any small things you've missed during lockdown when it comes to contact or support from others?
• Can you think of any times where a small gesture has really helped your mental health? If so what was the impact and why did it make a difference?

For more tips on conversations about mental health and wellbeing watch this short video:

.

Would you rather kiss a jellyfish or talk to a colleague who is all at sea?

Peter Innes from Organisational Development  shares his thoughts on the importance of staying connected with each other [185kb] - including his own ten ways to help his mental health. Try his 'Have you ever?' quiz.

Campaign Resources

These resources can be used to support and promote the campaign:

•  A3 Poster with tips [1Mb]
   
•  Chatterbox cards [803kb]
   
•  See Me Bingo [955kb]
   
•  See Me Manager's Guide [208kb]
   
•  A3 promotional poster [1Mb]

Further Information and Support

• For further information on 'Time to Talk' visit www.seemescotland.org
• Visit our health and wellbeing staff support section at glasgow.gov.uk/staffupdates
• Employee Assistance Service - Workplace Options, free professional confidential support available for staff 24/7 to discuss any issue you are experiencing 0800 247 1100 (LGBT helpline 0800 138 8725, BME helpline 0800 288 4950 and Bullying and Harassment helpline 0800 042 0135)
• NHS 24, for urgent health advice out of hours when your GP Practice is closed, phone 111 (24/7)
• Breathing Space,free confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed, freephone 0800 83 85 87 (open 24 hrs at weekend, 6pm-2am weekdays) website: www.breathingspace.scot
• Samaritans, free confidential support and a safe place to talk about whatever you're going through, freephone 116 123 (24/7) email: jo@samaritans.org, website: www.samaritans.org

1 February - Knitters asked to have a heart - can you knit or crochet?

Last April, we supported the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) 'From the Heart' campaign - an appeal for small, knitted hearts for patients who had sadly died.

The appeal saw one heart offered to families with the matching one remaining with their lost loved one in the hope it would allow them to feel more connected to them.

The hearts were also used in hospitals and care homes too.

With services around 40% busier than during the first wave our colleagues at NHSGGC are once again asking for our support - to pick up your knitting needles and crotchet hooks again.

Dr Margaret McGuire, Board Nurse Director, said: "Sadly we are facing another peak in this pandemic and this is one small way in which we can try and make sure that our patients and residents and their loved ones can still feel connected.

"There's nothing more symbolic than a heart and we hope that the public feel that by knitting them for our very sick patients and residents and those who have sadly died and their families, they too are playing their part in fighting this terrible pandemic with us."

What's involved
Knitters are asked to use clean wool and once they are knitted to deliver the hearts in re-sealable plastic bags with the date clearly written on it - allowing 72 hours before the hearts can be used.

You can find a simple free to use pattern here -
https://blog.nobleknits.com/blog/how-to-knit-a-tiny-heart

Please send your knitted hearts to: 'From the Heart' campaign, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, JB Russell House, Gartnavel Royal site, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH. Please also include your name and email address or postal address if you don't have one.

1 February - World Cancer Day, Thursday 4 February

I AM AND I WILL - is this year's campaign for world Cancer Day - to encourage us that together, all our actions matter.

The annual campaign is built to resonate, inspire change and mobilise action long after World Cancer day has passed. This year is a reminder of the enduring power of co-operation and collective action and World Cancer Day are calling for people to join.

Our actions have an impact on everyone around us, for example our communities, neighbourhoods and cities, especially now more than ever with many increasing their digital presence worldwide.

When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without Cancer. So, who are you and what will you do?

Create a future without cancer; the time to act is now.

More information

To find out more and how to get involved, visit https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2019-2021-world-cancer-day-campaign

Or https://www.worldcancerday.org/