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Glasgow City Council

May 2022

25 May 2022 : Who are we? Sign up to our next Women in Leadership event and find out.

Women in Leadership 2022

The women's group was created around the Lean In model, but after over 5 years it was time for a new look and name.

Members decided that our aim is to focus on looking ahead - to new ways of supporting each other and working together to create meaningful change.

So coordinators Corrin Strain, Stacey Campbell and Elaine McHugh took suggestions from the group and after a poll we are pleased to announce that we now called the Glasgow City Council Women's Network.

All contact details can be found on Connect.

Women in Leadership Event with Guest Speaker Michelle McGinty, Head of Corporate Policy and Governance

Michelle McGinty

The Glasgow City Council Women's Network are inviting all staff to the second of our new Women in Leadership events this month. We are delighted to announce that our next guest speaker will be Michelle McGinty, Head of Corporate Policy and Governance.

Michelle leads the team that draws together the strategic policy, planning and governance functions of the council. She was previously the Head of Glasgow City Council's COP26 Team, where she was responsible for delivering the strategic, communications and operational support required to make COP26 a safe and successful event. Prior to COP26 Michelle was the Head of Strategic Communications for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, previous to that she was a Senior Adviser in the council's 2014 Commonwealth Games team where she had a communications and protocol role.

At this informal event Michelle 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.

Event Details

  • Wednesday 15 June 2022
  • 12.00 - 1pm

The event will be held on MS Teams and is open to all council family staff

Sign up to attend using the event registration form or email womensnetwork@glasgow.gov.uk

25 May 2022 : Staff healthy eating offer - order fresh fruit and vegetables at discounted prices

Fruit and Veg box Firmbanana.com logo

Looking to improve the health and wellbeing of your workplace?

To encourage healthier eating as part of our Staff Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to order fresh fruit and vegetables at discounted price for direct delivery to your home or place of work.

We have joined forces with Firm Banana, a local family-run business with over 30 years of trading within City Markets.

As a Glasgow City Council employee, you can benefit from:

  • 10% discount on all online fruit and vegetable orders
  • Free next day delivery to your office or home
  • Build your box! Pick from a wide selection of great quality fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Receive exactly what you and your team want - avoiding unnecessary food waste

How to Order

Ordering is simple via: https://www.firmbanana.com/discount/GCC

Alternatively you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the Council's Farmer's Markets. Or visit the Glasgow Wholesale Market which sells fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers at a fraction of the price you would pay in the shops. You'll find them off Junction 14 of the M8, 130 Blochairn Road, Glasgow, G21 2DU.

25 May 2022 : National Epilepsy Week, 23 - 29 May 2022

National Epilepsy Week 2022

Around 55,000 people in Scotland have epilepsy - if you or someone who care for has just been diagnosed, know you are not alone.

Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types.  There are some types which last only for a limited time and the person's seizures will eventually stop. However, for many people, epilepsy is a life-long condition.

Epilepsy Scotland are launching their #ExcelWithEpilepy campaign during national epilepsy week to raise awareness of the common condition and highlight people with epilepsy who excel every day,

#ExcelWithEpilepsy, aims to inspire people who are living with epilepsy by sharing stories from various people who have epilepsy and who are working in different industries.

To get involved in the campaign and share your story, visit https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/

More Information

25 May 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 Wednesday 15 June, 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-june22

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.

25 May 2022 : Carer's Week Conversation Café event - Wednesday 8 June 2022

Carers Week 2022

In support of Carer's Week, the Carers Peer support network would like you to join us on Wednesday 8 June 2022. 

The event will take place via Microsoft teams on 8 June between 12.15 and 1.00 pm. 

The theme for Carer's Week 2022 is 'Make caring visible, valued and supported'.  Carer's Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.  It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access information and support they need, where and when they need it. 

As a Carer Positive organisation, we're aware of the vastly important role Carers play.  We'd like you to come along to meet and connect with other Carers and provide you with an opportunity to come together and share stories, challenges you experience and ask any questions in a supportive environment. 

Event Details:

  • Date:               Wednesday 8 June 2022
  • Time:              12.15 - 13.00
  • Location:        MS Teams

How to register:

To register your interest please click here.

We'd like to encourage you take part in this event, please ensure however, to discuss your attendance with your line manager, if you need to do so.

We look forward to seeing you on the 8 June.

Follow us on Twitter: GCC Inclusive @InclusiveGCC

 

18 May 2022 : Top tips to Spring Clean your life!

Spring clean your life

Have your good intentions and New Year's Resolutions lapsed?  You're not alone, most people give up on resolutions around this time of year.  But, why not give yourself a "spring clean" and find things that benefit and support your wellbeing.

Declutter and give to charity

  • Now is a great time to clean out your home and wardrobe of any items that no longer purpose you.  This is the perfect chance to declutter your life whilst helping others by giving to charity.
  • Another way to great way give to charity at Glasgow City Council is Give as You Earn - you can find out more and sign up at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/11418/Give-as-you-Earn-GAYE

Put a spring in your step

  • You could take advantage of the sunnier days and start your new year resolution to keep healthy by getting involved in active activities.  Get outside in the fresh air to enjoy some walking or a fun sport with friends and family; take up a new hobby; or re-join the gym.  Whatever you decide to do, find something you enjoy and keep active - it is the perfect way to help your physical and mental health.

Discover your talents

  • Was one of your new year resolutions to pick up a talent you used to enjoy or find a new one? This is the time to make time.  You have talents that are unique to you, find them and enjoy them!  You don't have to be a professional, doing something to help your positive mental wellbeing is talented.

Phone a friend

  • Reach out to a friend, family member, or colleague and arrange some time to catch up and enjoy each other's company.  Life gets busy, but make sure to support you and other's wellbeing by opening up a conversation and making time for loved ones.

Reclaim your peace

  • Life is stressful and it is hard with so much uncertainty.  Give yourself time to switch off and find your peace, however that may be.  Be sure to be kind to yourself: slow down, light a candle and relax in a bubble bath; try out some calming yoga; learn useful meditation and mindfulness.  Get back to you.

Visit our online Health and Wellbeing Handbook for a wealth of health and wellbeing information, resources, and recommended pathways to support. You can access the handbook here.

18 May 2022 : How to focus your mind - World Meditation Day this Friday

Meditation

This World Meditation Day, Friday 20 May 2022, take time to learn the tools to improve your wellbeing.

Meditation is the act of focusing the mind, finding a calm state of mind, and find relaxation and peacefulness. 

Meditation has been attributed to numerous and varied health benefits, all supported by science.  Many people start meditation to help manage stress, reduce anxiety and to nurture peace of mind.  But there are thousands of other meditation benefits which can have a positive impact on mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

The art of mindfulness

There are different types of meditation and one of the most popular types recommended by the NHS is mindfulness meditation to improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Mindfulness means to maintain a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings and sensations, and surrounding environment.  Mindfulness allows us to see the present moment clearly which and find productive ways to help our wellbeing.

Staff Support

  • Visit our Mindfulness Connect page to learn more about the art of mindfulness, find free resources, and access the Workplace Options free Mindfulness channel. 
  • Visit Our Health and Wellbeing Handbook which brings together information, resources, and recommended pathways to support for mental health and wellbeing.  

18 May 2022: Learn to sleep like a baby

Sleep

Sleep Essentials Online Webinar - available at a time convenient for you

Our Employees Assistant Provider, Workplace Options, offers a range of information and resources on health and wellbeing topics.  This webinar will explore strategies to start a healthy bedtime routine to help you reduce stress and improve your wellbeing.

Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you to be refreshed and alert when you wake up.  A healthy sleep routine is essential to your health and wellbeing.

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

  • 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 here 
  • Visit our online Health and Wellbeing Handbook for a wealth of sleep related information, resources, and recommended pathways to support. 

18 May 2022 : It's back for 2022 - Scottish Mela!

MELA

Glasgow Mela, the city's annual celebration of its many diverse cultures and communities returns to Kelvingrove Park on Sunday 26 June from 12 noon to 8pm. 

The event is free to attend and is a wonderful multi-cultural festival which brings music, dance, arts, and vibrancy to the heart of Glasgow's west end. There will also be fantastic food and market vendors. 

As well as the programme running on-stage, more artists will be performing across the stunning setting of Kelvingrove Park throughout the day in an exciting programme of participatory activities, including a Mela Artist in Residence who will work with the audience to create artworks.

Glasgow Mela is being programmed by the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists Network who said: "We're delighted to be back to our usual format in Kelvingrove Park. We've missed the full Glasgow Mela experience as much as our audiences and can't wait to bring you an exciting programme on and off the stage. We have some fantastic commissions this year continuing our mission to promote the visibility of artists and performers of South Asian heritage, their work and creativity."

Coming from the Sanskrit word for "gathering", the Glasgow Mela has become an eagerly anticipated fixture on the cultural calendar of the city. Glasgow's first Mela was in 1990 as part of the European City of Culture and was an indoor celebration at the then newly opened Tramway.

It has grown to a massive outdoor event which attracts tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists and performers from all over the world.

Find out more and the programme of events here

18 May 2022: Walking and Cycling launch event in George Square next Tuesday 24 May - free bike servicing and more

Next Tuesday, May 24, sees the launch of the Glasgow Walking and Cycling Index 2021, a new report produced by Sustrans in partnership with the council.

As part of this we encourage you to pop along to the east side of George Square (immediately in front of the City Chambers) between midday and 2pm to see demos from a number of local active travel organisations.

Dr Bike will be providing free bike servicing! So, whether your bike just needs a wee tweak for your commute home or your bike has been sitting in the stairwell and needs some love to get you on your way with utility or leisure journeys, then Dr Bike can help. Just bring your bike along between 12 and 2pm.

Local charity Bike for Good will be on site to demonstrate their fleet of e-cargo bikes and provide information on their bike loan scheme. A brilliant opportunity to see the potential that e-cargo bikes have for both last mile deliveries and even as an alternative to a family car for many everyday journeys.

Cycling Without Age Scotland are an innovative organisation who aim to give elderly and disabled people access to the outdoors and share in the joy of cycling via their trishaw cycles. They'll be on hand to share their work and showcase their trishaws.

The Glenburn Centre will be showcasing the work they do in Easterhouse and the wider community. This includes demos of adaptive cycles which can open up the world of cycle journeys to people of different abilities, enabling greater accessibility to active travel in the area.

This event is part of the wider launch of Walking and Cycling Index, a new reporting framework from Sustrans comprehensively assessing walking, wheeling, and cycling in 17 urban areas across the UK, including Glasgow.

The Glasgow report highlights that people walk or wheel more frequently than any other form of urban transport in Glasgow, with 53% doing so at least five or more days each week.

The report further details the progress that we all have made so far in delivering active travel infrastructure, acknowledges the challenges that remain in making active travel the first choice of transport for city residents, and highlights how GCC is already responding, particularly through its Liveable Neighbourhoods programme and Active Travel Strategy 2022-2031, which includes plans for the City Network, a 270km network of protected cycle lanes across the City.

Please join our Active Travel and Liveable Neighbourhoods team on Tuesday 24 May outside the City Chambers from 12-2pm for the free Dr Bike and other bike-related fun!

11 May 2022 : Mental Health Awareness Week, 9 to 15 May

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

This week is mental health awareness week, led by The Mental Health Foundation. The theme of 2022 is Loneliness. Loneliness is affecting more and more of us as an ongoing result of the pandemic and can have a huge impact on our physical and mental health.

This week-long campaign encourages us to connect with others as our surrounding community is fundamental to benefiting our mental health. The aim is to give us the opportunity to talk openly about all aspects of mental health.

Help others to feel less lonely:

One person's small efforts can really make a big different:

  • Engage and actively listen: ask your friends, family, and colleagues how they are doing and really listen to their answers.
  • Share your story: if you feel comfortable, opening up about your experiences with poor mental health and loneliness reassure others and help them with their struggles.
  • Encourage kind language: any language that reinforces the stigma around mental health may keep someone from seeking help. Be kind and educate those around you.
  • Connect physical and mental health: encourage eating healthy and taking part in plenty of exercise as this benefits positively to everyone's mental health and emotional state. Go a walk with a friend or find an exercise that you can enjoy which will help your mental and physical health.

More Information:

11 May 2022 : Key lunchtime webinar tomorrow - learn more about postnatal depression

Postnatal Depression Webinar

Postnatal depression and the workplace webinar, Thursday 12 May, 12pm - 1pm.

The Hospital Saturday Fund, in partnership with MIND, are running a one-hour webinar to help those experiencing postanal depression.

The webinar will help you understand what Postnatal depression (PND) is; how it affects people; what care looks like; tell personal stories; and provide tools that will help employees, employers, and managers.

To register or to find out more, click here.

You can find out more about Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) benefits on connect at: http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/25881/HSF-Health-Plan

https://www.hsf.co.uk/webinars

11 May 2022: A win for you and your charity

Payroll Giving Charity

Can you give more to your charity without it costing you more money? Yes, you can!

Do you already support charities with regular donations from your bank? By making a clever swap to a Payroll Giving donation you will save money. The donation is taken from pay before tax meaning that your nominated charity receives the amount you pledge but you don't pay the tax.

You will also be helping your charity save time and money on administration and ensure they receive all the tax every month and don't have to claim gift aid.

View our Payroll Giving calculator by clicking here

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. Your charity will be thankful.

4 May 2022: Top tips for sunny days: supporting Sun Awareness Week

SAW

Sun Awareness Week, 2 to 8 May 2022, is a campaign aimed at raising awareness around sun protection and skin cancer, led by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).

The theme this year is prevention and early detection. Skin cancer is common in the UK and the rates continue to rise, which is why BAD aim to highlight the importance of early detection and getting to know your skin.

With most of us having spent much of the past two years in our homes due to the pandemic, less people have been checking their moles or skin for changes. As the brighter days are enjoyed and summer holidays are booked, it is extremely important that we are ensuring our healthy wellbeing.

Prevention

It is quite easy to be sun safe when outside:

  • Remember to put on sunscreen and reapply - even if you aren't prone to burning: sunscreen is a barrier to help protect against the UV rays from the sun.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses: cover your skin and protect your eyes from direct sun exposure.
  • Stay in the shade during peak times: while afternoon is the time of day that you're likely to be out in the sun, it is best to stay shaded between 12pm and 3pm as this is when the temperatures are at their highest.
  • Stay hydrated: as the weather gets warming, it is important to remember to keep hydrated throughout the day.

Early Detection

Knowing your own skin is important to finding skin cancer early:

  • You should know the patterns of your moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin
  • Regularly check your skin to notice any new moles or changes to existing moles. Have a family member check your back and areas you cannot see.
  • See a GP if you have any concerns.

More Information

4 May 2022 : Learn how stressful events can affect your wellbeing - new courses on GOLD

New Health and Wellbeing GOLD Course

Our new training course on GOLD called 'Introduction to Wellbeing and Peer Support' will help you to gain an awareness of how stressful events can affect our wellbeing. It will help you to learn about things we can do to support ourselves and also our colleagues - as we continue to navigate life's challenges.

This new course stems from NHS Education for Scotland psychological wellbeing resources introduced early in the pandemic to support health and social care staff primarily.

It has been developed in conjunction with our service Learning and Development and HR colleagues within Glasgow Health and Social Care Partnership to support all council staff in line with our Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The "Introduction to Wellbeing and Peer Support" course can be found in the Workplace Wellbeing section of GOLD.

This link will take you to this section once you log in: Introduction to Wellbeing and Peer Support on GOLD

4 May 2022 : Places still available if you want to chat to Able Futures

Able Futures - Virtual Appointment Day

If something is playing on your mind at work, spaces still available to talk to a mental health professional, in confidence at our next Virtual Appointment Day with Able Futures.

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.

4 May 2022 : Sign up today and join the Big Plastic Count taking place across the UK !

Big Plastic Count

Did you know that right now, nobody really knows how much plastic we're throwing away or what happens to it?

The Big Plastic Count will uncover the truth about how much household plastic we throwaway, and how much is really recycled. The nation will come together to count their plastic waste for one week in May and the new evidence will be crucial to convince the government, big brands and supermarkets to finally take ambitious action on plastic packaging. 

How can I get involved?

  1. From  16-22 May, record all of the plastic packaging you throw away using the tally sheet provided!
  2. At the end of the week, you'll be shown your own plastic footprint, revealing what really happens to it once it leaves your home, and evidence of the true scale of the UK's plastic problem.
  3. The Big Plastic Count will also share tips on how you might be able to reduce plastic in day-to-day life.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the plastic crisis... The Big Plastic Count is an amazing opportunity to actually DO something about it! 

Be part of creating the change we need to see - sign up today at  https://act.gp/3DaBtRa

Our council plastic reduction strategy

Launched in 2019, our plastic reduction strategy places the emphasis on prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery with disposal always as a last resort.

Our strategy aims to see Glasgow be free of unnecessary plastic by the year 2030 and is backed up by a public consultation that showed overwhelming support for work to reduce single-use plastic consumption in the city

Full details of the Plastics Reduction Strategy can be found on the Committee Information pages of the council's website.

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