We’ve all been affected by COVID-19 and no matter who you are with the recent return to a third lockdown, you may be struggling with the new changes to your lifestyle and routines whether at home or work. Perhaps you feel isolated, lonely or frustrated about not being able to get out to meet with colleagues, family or friends. You might be worried about your health or those close to you. Some of you may be finding it difficult trying to work whilst home-schooling, caring for others, or sharing a working space.
However, in these challenging times some of the staff stated that they enjoyed the change of pace at work and managed to use the time to learn something new and make positive changes in their life. Staff reported that they better enjoyed the work/life balance.
Therefore, we felt that this would be a good time to remind you of the wellbeing provision available to you during this challenging period, as well as some new resources developed from what we have learned and gained from the first lockdown.
Physical health
Circuit training videos
Michele Girardi, Senior Technician in the Department of Psychology and his partner Chiara Gattoni have produced a range of circuit training sessions both in English and Italian for all levels of ability, which require no equipment. They both have a Sport Science background along with over ten years of coaching experience, in particular looking after football players and track and field athletes, providing strength and condition training and injury prevention.
Yoga
This 40 minute yoga class run by our instructor Lauren will begin with breathing techniques to allow the mind to settle and the muscles to relax and lengthen. The focus of this class will be to gain strength and flexibility primarily for posture. Targeting the neck, shoulders, hip flexors, hamstrings and working the posterior oblique sling. Options will be given for beginners and more advanced practitioners. For this class a mat may be required if you have a hard floor, please ensure you wear comfortable clothing and conduct this in an open space suitable to conduct stretches. This session is available every Friday at 12.30pm via HR Organiser.
Healthy back class
This 40 minute class is devoted to back and spine health, working on both strength and flexibility to support you throughout your time working from home, and is run by our instructor Lauren. Please ensure you wear comfortable clothing and conduct this in an open space suitable to conduct stretches. This session is available every Thursday at 12.30pm via HR Organiser.
Anxiety, stress, depression and low mood
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Staff experiencing increased anxiety, stress or low mood during this time can directly request a confidential 30-minute one off initial appointment with our CBT therapist. In this session the therapist can provide CBT techniques and coping strategies to manage your anxiety, stress or low mood. Our CBT therapist can also help you to develop your own techniques to reduce these difficulties and signpost you to other services that may help. A referral to Occupational Health is not required for this appointment but further CBT support will require a referral from your manager or your Employee Relations Advisor.
Managing your wellbeing during lockdown
In this workshop, Simone Wakelin our Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) will be running a session to help you develop your own CBT techniques to improve your wellbeing by better managing stress and anxious feelings you may have during lockdown. This Zoom session will take place 27 January 9:30am – 10:45am and is bookable via HR Organiser.
Silvercloud
Silvercloud is an online platform staff can access for support building resilience and better managing stress, anxiety and a host of other conditions using CBT techniques. They have also created a custom module called ‘Space from COVID-19’ offering support to staff and students facing challenges that are impacting their mental health during the pandemic which can be accessed via this link.
IAPT how to cope with stress
Led by NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service for Hertfordshire and North Essex, this is an introduction to the topic of stress including some theory, why it occurs and tips on how to manage stress levels. You will explore how to spot the signs of stress, both physical and emotional, and the long term effect it has on our bodies and our minds. Available as a recording and via HR Organiser on 18 January and 2 March at 12.30pm
Building resilience
Building resilience during lockdown
In this recording, Lara Carmel, Assistant Director of People and Culture (Workplace and Wellbeing), discusses the relationship between personal resilience and stress management and helps identify strategies that build resilience whilst facing challenges.
Mindfulness and relaxation
Mindfulness at lunchtime
A 30 minute guided mindfulness practice led by Dr Caroline Barratt, lecturer in Health and Social Care and trained mindfulness teacher. This session is available on Wednesdays at 1pm and you will need to register here to participate.
Turning fear into focus
This recorded meditation and mindfulness session looks to cultivate mindfulness in order to keep your mind free, clear and focused. Daniel Rutter from ‘Step into your greatness’ looks to support you to let go of difficult and intrusive thoughts and feelings by giving techniques that promote helpful responses to these thoughts, thereby supporting your mental wellbeing during this difficult time.
IAPT relaxation skills
Led by NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service for Hertfordshire and North Essex, this session is an introduction to the topic of relaxation, identifying the benefits of relaxation as well as providing three different practical relaxation exercises, guided by the facilitator, so participants can experience varying method of relaxation. Available as a recording and via HR Organiser on 15 February and 30 March at 12.30pm.
Improving your sleep
IAPT how to sleep better
Led by NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service for Hertfordshire and North Essex, this is an introduction to the topic of sleep difficulties and how to manage them. We look at the importance of sleep for general wellbeing, the relationship between worry and sleep and the practical things we can do to improve our sleep. Available as a recording and via HR Organiser on 1 February and 16 March at 12.30pm.
Other Wellbeing Support Available
Validium
This is our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and offers access to information services such as counselling support (i.e. signposting and online resources), legal guidance, financial information and health and wellbeing information. You can contact Validium by telephone on 0800 358 48 58, outside UK: +44 141 271 7179 and minicom text phone is available on 0800 039 7879
Mind
Mind offer a wide range of support including wellbeing tips, managing anxiety and mental health and accessing mental health treatment and support during the pandemic. They also have a supportive online community called Side by Side, where you can connect with others on what you are going through.
Buckinghamshire IAPT
This IAPT service offers range of short videos and links covering practical ideas on how to manage worries around COVID-19, look after your wellbeing and connect with others.
List of Mental Health Organisations
Provided by the NHS, this list provides access to a range of charities, organisations and groups able to support you or another loved one.
