Wellbeing activities for colleagues this month
14 September 2023
We all know that we need to look after our physical health, but are you dedicating enough time to looking after your mental wellbeing?
With increased pressures from busy home and work lives, the rising cost of living and family commitments, our own wellbeing can sometimes be pushed to one side to be dealt with ‘another day’.
That is why the Staff Disability+ Network has organised a Wellbeing Week, featuring a range of free events for staff to take part in to boost their wellbeing. This takes place from 25-29 September, to coincide with International Happiness at Work Week.
All of the sessions are run by colleagues who have volunteered their time to support their colleagues.
There are a variety of events organised, and all offer a chance for a fun, relaxing break from your workday, a chance to meet up with friends and colleagues (and maybe make new friends) and perhaps learn a new skill.
Colleagues can attend as many of the events as they like, but please note that most require pre-booking due to space restrictions.
If you are interested in joining the Staff Disability+ Network, you can join via the Microsoft Teams group link. The Network hosts a number of channels including one on mental health and wellbeing - you do not need to consider yourself to have a disability to join.
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Date/Time |
Activity |
Location |
|
Monday 25 September
12:00-12:30 and 12:30-13:00 |
Cake Decorating [FULL] Come along to this short session to learn and practise some cake decorating techniques, and leave with 2-3 beautifully iced cupcakes to enjoy. Feel free to bring your own design ideas and suggestions, or be inspired on the day by cake expert, Jo! Please book your preferred time slot so we can manage numbers and any dietary requirements. |
Edith Morley 301 |
|
Monday 25 September
13:00-14:00 |
Monday Mindful Makes Join our relaxed, friendly group and have a go at learning how to crochet a Granny Square (to make blankets for Royal Berkshire Hospital) with support from experienced crocheter, Ruth. Or, if you can already crochet, then come along to help! Please book a space as spaces are limited.
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Chaplaincy Library |
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Tuesday 26 September
10:30-11:30 |
‘Happy Chat’ café Free cakes and half price drinks are on offer for those attending this special one-off Happy Chat café.Take a break, get away from your desk, bring some colleagues and maybe make some new friends. The more the merrier! No need to book, everyone welcome. |
Sofa area in ICMA atrium |
|
Tuesday 26 September
12:00-13:00 |
Zine Making Workshop Join Michael and Victoria as they guide you on making your own wellbeing-themed zine (pronounced ‘zeen’). Zines are small, handmade booklets that allow the maker to freely express themselves and share their art, words, and thoughts in a fun and creative way. Please book a space as spaces are limited. |
Henley Business School G03 |
|
Wednesday 27 September
12:00-13:00 |
British Sign Language workshop Join Suzanne, our very own BSL lecturer, for this interactive and fun session, which will cover a little Deaf awareness, finger spelling and lots of signs. Learning some basic sign language can make a real difference to the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or hard of hearing and increase your confidence in breaking down communication barriers with members of the Deaf community. Please book a space so we have an idea of numbers. |
Palmer 107 (Please note location change due to strong interest) |
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Thursday 28 September
12:00-12:30 |
Mindfulness Join our University Chaplain, Mark, as he guides you through a general session teaching various wellbeing techniques involving breathing and body awareness and positivity meditation. Please book a space so we have an indication of numbers. |
Edith Morley G44 |
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Thursday 28 September
13:00-14:00 |
Knitting and Crochet Lunchtime session Join our regular Knitting and Crochet at Lunchtime session, which is being opened up to all students and staff for Wellbeing Week. The session will take place in the new Art Building and all materials are provided, although you are welcome to bring your own. This session is for everyone, regardless of previous experience. You can bring along a project you are already working on, or learn the basics with Mildred, who will be on hand to help! It’s a chance to relax with like-minded crafty souls. No need to book but please register your interest so we can confirm the room with you. |
New Art Building (next to Pepper Lane entrance). Room TBC |
|
Friday 29 September
13:00-14:00 |
Wellbeing Walk around the Lake Tasha will be leading a casual walk around the beautiful Whiteknights Lake at lunchtime – enjoy the fresh air, a little light exercise and the lovely nature that the campus has to offer. A chance to unwind and chat to friends and colleagues along the way. Please wear sensible shoes (we’ll be going even if there is light rain but this might be called off if there is a downpour!) No need to book. |
Meet outside Carrington Building |