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Glasgow City Council

April 2022

27 April 2022: If something is playing on your mind at work - chat to Able Futures

Chat to Able Futures

You can talk to a mental health professional confidentially at our next Virtual Appointment Day

Further to the success of our first ever Virtual Appointment Day event in partnership with Able Futures, and to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we are pleased to offer another opportunity for staff to talk in complete confidence with a mental health professional.

The Virtual Appointment Day will take place on Tuesday 10 May, from 7am to 5pm.

Your confidential call

On the Virtual Appointment Day, a member of 'The Better Health Generation team' from Able Futures will phone you at your chosen time to discuss how they can support you.

During your call you will have a confidential chat about whatever it is that is playing on your mind whilst at work. Able Futures will discuss the support available to you and if you decide to access this - they will be able to take your details whilst on the call and help you start your journey to mental wellbeing, all at your own pace.

This service is fully confidential, and we as your employer will not be made aware of any personal appointments or bookings.

How to book

You can book your timeslot at: https://calendly.com/thebetterhealthgenerationuk/appointment-booking-mental-health-support-gcc-mhaw22

The call will take up to 30 minutes and you will need the following information to register for the phone call:

  • National Insurance number
  • Email address
  • Start date of current employment

The Better Health Generation team will phone you at your requested time.

Accessing support now

You don't have to wait until the Appointment Day - you can apply through the Able Futures website at any time for support.

This confidential service is quick and easy to access:

If you need a private safe space to engage with Able Futures or need flexibility to balance this with work and personal commitments outside of work, then we would encourage you to talk to your manager to see how this can be accommodated.

Visit our dedicated health and wellbeing support page for more detailed information on Able Futures.

27 April 2022: 'Walk this May' and reap the rewards

May is Living Streets' National Walking Month

May is national walking month, an important campaign led by Living Streets, to encourage us to walk more and get active. Now the evenings are lighter for longer and the air is warmer, it makes it the perfect time to get outside and get walking.

Walking is an easy and accessible way to improve your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Did you know that walking for 20 minutes a day can reduce several preventable health conditions such as depression, heart disease and type 2 diabetes?

You can also help reduce air pollution, save money, and get active by swapping your short car journeys for a walk.

Living Streets are encouraging you to #Try20 and add 20 minutes of walking into your day - you can find #Try20 tips at: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/media/7108/try20-poster.pdf

Take to your feet

Benefits of walking

  • Walking can be a full body work out: activating many muscles such as calves, glutes, and abdominals, whilst giving your mind time to rest and switch off from the screens and pressures of life.
  • It can be a great exercise to help you feel happier and more energised: if you are stagnant for prolong periods of time, you can feel more lethargic than others - going a brisk walk will boost your circulation and increase the oxygen supply around your body, keeping you feeling alert and awake.
  • Increase your vitamin D intake: in the UK, there are lots of us who do not get enough Vitamin D, getting outside and walking is a great way to increase your access to Vitamin D and help your bone health and immune system.

More Information

27 April 2022: Staff workshops - helping you to learn through conversations

Let's talk about managing more effectively.

Organisational Development invite staff to sign up and join the conversations on Performance Management, Managing Under Pressure and Performance Management.

Who can attend and how will sessions be delivered?

These workshops are open to all council family staff, but will be of particular interest to people who are currently responsible for managing the performance of others and currently experiencing increased pressure due to current workplace challenges.

These workshops will be delivered both virtually and face-to-face.

Please select the date and delivery method which best suits you when registering for the following workshops

  1. Performance Management

Performance management is a continuous cycle starting with setting goals and expectations, to on-going coaching, to conversations to improve performance or giving positive feedback.    

In this workshop you will discuss strategies for having effective individual and team performance conversations which should improve your confidence in having these conversations in the future.   

Microsoft Teams Event

Face to Face Event - Learning Academy, 40 John Street

2. Managing Under Pressure

As a manager we have many competing priorities and demands, resulting in an increased feeling of pressure. Through a series of conversations this workshop will allow you to identify the signs and symptoms in yourself and others of when pressure becomes too much.  Discussions will allow you to share your personal challenges and explore strategies to help manage those pressures. 

Microsoft Teams Event

Face to Face Event - Learning Academy, 40 John Street

3. Introduction to Project Management

  • Thursday 12 May 2022, 9.30am to 12.30pm

Projects are how we deliver change, improve our service and increase operational effectiveness. 

This virtual workshop, delivered via MS Teams, will introduce new and aspiring project managers to the theoretical principles of project management, develop your understanding of the project lifecycle and planning process and explore what it means to be an effective project and people manager.

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

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

20 April 2022: Finding a Hobby: how it impacts your life

Finding a hobby

Online Webinar - available 'on demand' from 19 April 2022 at noon

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

This webinar will help you understand the importance of having a hobby and how you can start finding one to help you feel happier.

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

More information and support

20 April 2022: On Your Feet Britain - move and groove it on 28 April

On your feet Britain

This national activity awareness day - Thursday 28 April -will see two million desk-based workers across Britain participate in a range of fun and simple activities to sit less and move more at work.

Wiggle it, waggle it, move it, or groove it - just don't sit on it! Take a stand for workplace health and challenge your colleagues to sit less and move more during office hours next Thursday.

Prizes to be won

  • The official campaign sponsors, Sit-Stand.com is donating up to £500,000 of active office solutions to help you #MoveMore and #SitLess every day.
  • Find out how you can win at: https://onyourfeetday.com/britain/giveaway

Ten top tips to move more on Thursday 28 April

Sign up here - it's free

Create a positive and healthy working environment

With the weather improving, this is the perfect time to do something positive for your mental and psychical wellbeing.

Thursday 28 April 2022 is an opportunity to help create a positive and healthy working environment - get the ball rolling and encourage others to see how much you can all reduce your sitting time.

More information

20 April 2022: BME Network Event - come along and hear feedback on our recent survey

BME

We are happy to announce our second Network Event of 2022 which will take place on Wednesday 27 April  from 3pm to 4.30pm.

This event will provide an update on the recent BME Employee Survey as well activities the steering group have been involved in since January.  Please come along, share your thoughts and views and get involved.

Register now

  • You can register to attend the event here.

Special workshop feedback - get involved and have your say

During April and August 2021, we held workshops to discuss key issues. The network is looking at holding special sessions in 2022 to develop these areas of work.  These are short term workshops with a specific remits including Survey Data Analysis, Religious Festivals, Mentoring and Volunteering.  If you would like to get involved and contribute to discussions in these key areas please email BMENetwork@glasgow.gov.uk

Join the BME Steering Group

  • We are looking to have a steering group that represents all Service areas/ALEOS. There are ten members - could you get involved?
  • If you would like to get involved and be a voice for your service area please email BMENetwork@glasgow.gov.uk

13 April 2022: Women In Leadership Event - sign up now

Women in Leadership

The Women's Network would like to invite all staff to the first of the new Women in Leadership events this month.

The network are delighted to announce the first guest speaker will be Lesley Quinn, Head of Business Support at City Building.

At this informal event Lesley will be discussing her varied career path, the challenges along the way and sharing her experiences of being a woman in leadership in the public sector and her work with the 'Gender Equality in the Workplace Working Group' at City Building.

Sign up now to attend

Come along and hear what Lesley has to share.

The event is open to all Council Family staff - and will take place on Microsoft Teams.

·       Wednesday 27 April 2022, 12 noon until 1pm

Sign up to attend using the event registration form

or email leanin@glasgow.gov.uk

13 April 2022: IBS Awareness Month

IBS Awareness Month

This month is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) awareness month.  IBS is a syndrome that affects the large intestine and is very common around the world.  Although it is considered a taboo subject, IBS affects approximately one in 20 of us in the UK - that is 3.2 million people! 

The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of IBS and help those suffering find support. Don't be embarrassed, it's time to give our guts the attention they deserve.

IBS doesn't pose a serious threat to your physical health, but the symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's day-to-day life and often become worse, during times of stress or after eating certain foods. As a result, some people may experience symptoms of low mood and stress.

Helping your mental and health and wellbeing

To help with both symptoms of IBS and your health and wellbeing, you may find it helpful to:

  • Follow a healthy and balanced diet- there is no single diet that works well for everyone but you can find help on The IBS Network at: https://www.theibsnetwork.org/diet/so-what-can-i-eat/
  • Stay hydrated -water is important for your digestion and 'keeping things moving.'  It is important to keep hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of fluid every day. Try to cut back on the fizzy and caffeinated drinks.
  • Exercise regularly -walking, swimming, running or any time of regular exercise is great for your wellbeing and can help reduce stress. You can find NHS Steps for Stress, an audio guide to less stress and enjoying lift more at: https://soundcloud.com/nhs-health-scotland/sets/steps-for-stress
  • Manage your stress levels -yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are great tools to help manage stress levels. There are many free and accessible options such as mobile apps, Youtube tutorials, NHS.scot, and Workplace Options.

Staff Information

13 April 2022: Have a Healthy Easter

Have a healthy Easter

Easter is often associated with chocolate and sweet treats, but it is important to keep looking after your health. Staying healthy this Easter can be fun, here are some ideas: 

Get your day off to a cracking start

Easter eggs are a traditional favourite - while you're boiling your eggs to roll down the hill, why not try an egg-citing breakfast before you go? Find six ways to the perfect poached egg here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/cooking-skills/eggs/poached-egg-tips

Enjoy a healthy Easter lunch or dinner 

Easter can be a fun time for the family to get together and enjoy a special lunch or dinner. Try some delicious and healthy recipes from the British Heart Foundation (BHF):

Get a Spring in your step

Spring is here and we can all enjoy more daylight. Keeping active will help your mental health and wellbeing, and help to keep you psychically healthy if you do decide to enjoy some of the scrumptious treats this easter.

Try some of these ideas to help you feel better:

Staff Support

·       Take the BHF quiz to see if you know how to have a healthy Easter. Access the quiz at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/easter-quiz

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

6 April 2022: Support your favourite charity

Did you know there are over one million employees supporting their chosen charity every payday? Why not join them?

By joining Payroll Giving, you can help charities through these small drops of regular monthly donations and make a huge impact on our society.

Sign up by 30 April to support your charity and make an even bigger impact. We will be selecting one donor at random to receive an additional £50 gift on any new payroll giving donations. The winner will be notified by 13 May.

This tax-free, secure, and flexible way to give to your favourite causes is a vital lifeline to the charities.

Payroll Giving - April 2022

Every drop counts!  Support your charitythis April.

To join the Payroll Giving scheme visit:  click here

https://udon8.org/glasgowcitycouncil

6 April 2022: World Health Day, 7 April 

World Health Day 2022

This day is dedicated to promoting the benefits of good health and wellbeing worldwide.

This year's theme is 'Our Planet, Our Health' - keeping humans and the planet healthy and fostering a movement to create societies focused on well-being. 

Help make a difference

There are many simple ways we can help make a difference including:

Choose public transport - walk, pedal, bus, or train to work at least twice a week can make a difference to you and our planet. Why not get off the bus one stop earlier or park a little further to help reduce pollution and help get your steps in.

·       Eating healthy -eating well is great for health and it can be enjoyable too. You can share healthy recipes with friends and colleagues or host a 'round the world' dinner night to enjoy foods from all over the world.

·       Stop smoking- tobacco is dangerous for our health and pollutes our air. You can contact the NHS Quit You Way  service free, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or phone 0800 84 84 84; or visit online at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/nhs-services/helplines/quit-your-way-scotland/

·       Recycle; buy less plastic; use recyclable shopping bags - plastics are a major problem for our environment so be sure to recycle at home at work. Look around your home and see what kind of disposable plastics you are using and where they can be replaced with reusable options such as reusable water bottles. When shopping, save the environment and your pennies by using recyclable shopping bags.

·       Support a good cause- why not volunteer for something you are passionate about, give to a charity of your choice, or Give as you Earn (GAYE). Visit Connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/11418/Give-as-you-Earn-GAYE

·       Outdoor activities- staying active outdoors is a great way to help your psychical and mental wellbeing.  Another activity to help your mental health and wellbeing and the environment is gardening

Let's take action and inspire others to help our planet and our health.

Staff Support

You can access a wealth of information, resources, and recommended pathways to support you in our Health and Wellbeing Handbook available at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/workforcewellbeing

6 April 2022: Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2022

This month, Bowel Cancer UK campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer.

Nearly 43,000 people each year in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer. If it's detected early enough, treatment could cure it and stop it coming back. 

To help with early detection, it is important that you know the signs. 

Do you know the signs of bowel cancer?

More than 90% of people with bowel cancer have one of the following symptoms:

·       persistent blood in your poo - that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit

·       a persistent change in your bowel habit -having to poo more and your poo may also become more runny

·       persistent lower abdominal (tummy) pain, bloating or discomfort- caused by eating and may be associated with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss

Take the Step up for 30 challenge

Your challenge is to get active for the 30 days of April and ask people to sponsor you.  There is no registration fee; the minimum sponsorship target is £100.

You can take part as an individual, with your friends or family, or colleagues.

To find out more and sign up, visit Bowel Cancer UK at: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/step-up-for-30/

Staff Support

·       To find out more about bowel cancer and raising or donating funds visit

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/

·       For information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and living with bowel cancer visit NHSinform.scot at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/

·       Find out more about cancer screening for 50 to 74 year olds at:  https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel/bowel-screening

·       For information, resources, and recommended pathways to support for cancer view our Health and Wellbeing Handbook at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/workforcewellbeing

·       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

 

6 April 2022: Ramadan: 2 April to 2 May 2022

Ramadhan 2022

Ramadan is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for people of Muslim faith all over the world and is taking place between 2 of April and 2 May this year.

Ramadan serves as a reminder to people of faith to feel empathy for those less fortunate than themselves, and to allow them to focus on their religion and their relationship with God.

Fasting takes place between dawn and sunset, ending each evening after prayer. While fasting is usually completed by all practicing Muslims, those who are pregnant or ill, and young children and the elderly are not expected to participate.

If you are fasting during Ramadan, please talk to your line manager if you need any support, such as leave requests, additional time to participate in prayer, or changes to your working hours or break times.

If any of your colleagues are fasting, please be supportive of this and be mindful that fasting can have different impacts on people, such as changes in their energy levels.

More information

You can find the council's Ramadan factsheet here: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=29753&p=0

If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with us at: EqualityAndDiversity@glasgow.gov.uk

 

6 April 2022: Staff ticket offer

Tissot ticket offer

Glasgow's Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will host the opening round of the Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup from 21-24 April.

The event will be the first elite-level international track cycling event to be held at the venue since December 2019, bringing together the best riders in the world.

25% off ticket price for staff

Glasgow Life has worked with their event partners to create a 25% discount for council family staff and with seven pulse-raising sessions to choose from there's something for everyone.

To take advantage of this deal and enjoy what's sure to be an explosive competition with the world's best athletes, visit:

https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/tissot-uci-track-nations-cup-tickets/artist/5363813?did=discuci22

-       and use the password GLASGOW22.u

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