Skip to content
Glasgow City Council

June 2022

29 June 2022: What can you see, hear, smell or touch?  Connect with nature to help your wellbeing

Connect with nature – see hear and smell

Many of us live a fast-paced life, with long working days and crowded commutes which can have a negative effect on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Slowing down and interacting with nature can be not just enjoyable, but also beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing. It can improve your physical fitness, lighten your mood and reduce stress, as well as reduce the feeling of loneliness.

Being present in nature

Next time you are outdoors or looking out your window, take some time to slow down and focus on your surroundings

  • Notice five things that you can see - it could be anything from nature, try find something you may have not had time to notice before
  • Notice four things that you can touch - bring your attention to what you can feel, it could b your clothing, leaves, the wind.
  • Notice three things you can hear - this could be the sound of the wind, the leaves rustling or the birds chirping
  • Notice two things you can smell - this could be the fresh air or the flowers
  • Notice one thing you can taste - take a sip of your drink, relax and enjoy.

Get Involved and Staff Benefits

29 June 2022 : Join in to learn the importance of being outdoors -  at a time that suits you

Learn the importance of being outdoors

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 being outside; find your own way to enjoy nature and increase 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

29 June 2022 : Join our Centre for Civic Innovation Team at the Village Storytelling Festival for creative workshops and family events 

Village festival

From 5 to 10 July our Centre for Civic Innovation Team in NRS, will be participating in the Village Storytelling Festival - hosting a workshop around the ethics of storytelling.

The festival is Scotland's community and contemporary storytelling festival and features several events over a five day period that includes exhibitions, talks and workshops regarding storytelling and the sharing of information.

The Village Storytelling Centre are Scotland's leading applied storytelling organisation and a centre for contemporary storytelling performance. Working in collaboration with our own Centre for Civic Innovation in NRS, this hybrid festival offers opportunities to connect in person and online. You can explore Re:Connection and Transformation - Storytelling In a Precarious World, through performance, screenings, exhibitions, talks and workshops, and the launch of an international storytelling toolkit.

During the event our Centre for Civic Innovation Team will host a workshop regarding 'Storytelling for Community Planning - a question of ethics' which is a ticketed but FREE event!

Sign up to take part

More information

22 June 2022 : Cervical Screening Awareness Week 20 to 26 June 2022

Cervical Screening Awareness Week 2022

Cervical screening awareness week aims to raise awareness of cervical screening (smear tests). Almost one in three people with a cervix don't take up their invite for a test.  This week is important.  We want you to have all the facts about this potentially life-saving test. 

Cervical screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64 every 5 years.  You may be recalled more often depending on your test results.

Cervical screening can stop cervical cancer from ever developing, but we know that the test isn't always easy.  This cervical screening awareness week, Jo's Trust are encouraging people to share their tips, experiences, and positive messages about screening.

Find out more about the campaign at: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/ 

More Information and Support:

 

22 June 2022 : Love Your Lungs Week 21 to 27 June 2022

Love your Lungs Week 2022

Living with a lung condition can be hard.  And as a result of the pandemic, it has taught us just how important it is to love your lungs.

This week is the British Lung Foundation campaign is to help raise awareness for lung health.  Lung conditions affect over 10 million people in the UK - and respiratory diseases are the third biggest cause of death in the country.

Love Your Lungs Week is particularly important in 2022 as Covid-19 continues to be a danger to the respiratory systems.

Let's look after our lungs together this Love Your Lungs Week. 

Get Involved

More Information

 

22 June 2022 : Challenge the kids to a reading adventure

Summer reading challenge 2022

We are delighted to welcome the Summer Reading Challenge back to our libraries for 2022 starting on 25 June.  This year's theme is The Gadgeteers, which celebrates innovation and technology.

We know that many children and parents are still struggling with lost schooling as a result of the pandemic. This makes this year's challenge even more important for families right across Glasgow.  The challenge is for all children aged 4-12 to read any 6 books throughout the summer holidays to keep reading skills tip top for when they return to school!

The challenge runs from Saturday 25 June until 6 August and is on in 31 libraries across the city including the Mitchell. It is delivered in partnership with the Reading Agency and is designed to help children find a fun and free way to stay entertained throughout the school holidays. There will be activity sheets, certificates for all finishers as well as star reader prizes. So if you're a parent/carer, grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend why not head to your local library to get children to sign up.

This year's science themed challenge will unlock children's imagination and help them find inspiration to try our new reading genres and learn exciting new tales. They can join the little gang of "Gadgeteers" as they go on a reading adventure that will explore the incredibly exciting world of science and technology.

For more information visit: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries/children-families-and-young-people/summer-reading-challenge

 

22 June 2022 : The holiday season is approaching

CU Members

With holiday season approaching, Glasgow Credit Union has you covered

Putting money aside for your next holiday couldn't be easier. Join Glasgow Credit Union and you can save direct from your wages every payday. You can save between £5 - £500 each month and manage your account and make withdrawals using their handy app. As well as making a regular savings habit easier, all members of the credit union can access exclusive holiday discounts with Barrhead Travel, Haven Holidays and SixT car hire. They have also created a range of guides and top tips to help you save money on your next holiday and make your pennies stretch further this summer. All Glasgow Credit Union guides and hacks are available on the Financial Wellbeing Hub on the credit union website.

Avoid high-cost credit this summer

If you're worried about covering the cost of your holiday up front you can spread the cost of your next get-away over a fixed period of time with a Glasgow Credit Union Holiday Loan Plus. With the Holiday Loan Plus, credit union members can apply to borrow from £1,000 up to £15,000 over 1 to 4 years. All who are approved for a Holiday Loan Plus before 31 July can choose a FREE gift! The gifts on offer include: a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, a night away for two, or a family adventure!

Loan example:

Loan amount

Loan Term

Monthly repayment

Total amount repayable

Interest rate

£1,000

12 months

£88.97

£1,067.64

12.9% APR

How to join and become a member

If you're not already a member, all you need to do to join is save a regular amount from your salary each month. Find out more about joining Glasgow Credit Union at: https://www.glasgowcu.com/gcc-join-today/

 

15 June 2022 : Healthy Eating Week 13 to 17 June 2022 - register for your plan to eat well for you and the planet

Eat Healthy image

This year is the tenth Healthy Eating week and the main message this year is 'Eat well for you and the planet!'

The foods and drinks we choose are important for our health and the health of the planet.  Globally, food production is responsible for about a third of all greenhouse gas emissions and use over two-thirds of fresh water.

This year, British Nutrition Foundation aims to help everyone learn more about what you can do to have a healthier and more sustainable diet by focusing on five themes:

  • Focus on fibre - for meals and snacks: have more wholegrain foods, fruit and vegetables, beans, peas, and lentils.
  • Get at least 5 A DAY - put plenty on your plate: have at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. 
  • Vary your protein - be more creative: eat a wider variety of protein foods and choose plant protein sources more often.
  • Stay hydrated - fill up from the tap: have about 6-8 drinks a day and choose reusable or recyclable drinks containers.
  • Reduce food waste - know your portions: aim for the right amount when you shop, cook, and eat to avoid throwing food away.

Get Involved

  • To find out more about the campaign, visit the British Nutrition Foundation.
  • As a Glasgow City Council employee, you can benefit from 10% discounted fruit and vegetable orders.  To order yours, visit: https://www.firmbanana.com/discount/GCC  
  • Find the governments recommendations on heating healthy and achieving a balanced diet here. 
  • Get portion wise and understand fibre and protein sources here. 
  • Find fun ways to fibre here. 
  • Visit our online Health and Wellbeing Handbook for a wealth of related information, resources, and recommended pathways to support. You can access the handbook here.

15 June: Get involved with International Day of Yoga to celebrate Summer Solstice

Yoga image

Coming up next week on 21 June is International Day of Yoga.  This date was chosen to celebrate as it is the Summer Solstice, the day where there is the most sun.

Yoga focuses on bringing harmony between the mind and body and is an exercise and relaxation method to help the body's general well-being, alleviate physical injuries, and chronic pain.

This day aims to encourage people to practice Yoga and experience some of the benefits that can be gained including:

  • Helps to manage stress - life can be stressful sometimes and can take mental and physical toll.  Regular yoga practices help to create mental clarity, calmness, and can relieve chronic stress.
  • Helps to improve health - slow movements and deep breathing increases blood flow, warms up muscles, and holding poses can build strength.  Yoga is also as good as stretching for easing pain and improving mobility.
  • It's inclusive - everybody can celebrate and enjoy yoga as it is accessible to all.  There are so many different yoga practices which makes it possible for anyone, at any level to enjoy.  Size, mobility, and fitness levels don't matter, there are modifications for every pose.

Get Involved

More Information

Share this page:

A to Z:

Council Services