MyEDC

    Wellbeing

    Welcome

    Welcome to the Wellbeing section of our Employee Zone,

    the information in this section is useful for all aspects of wellbeing and we encourage you to visit the sections and hope that you find the information and links useful.

    wellbeing diagram - staying safe, bereavement and counselling, physical activity, wellbeing, financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and resilience, employee assistance programme
    wellbeing diagram - staying safe, bereavement and counselling, physical activity, wellbeing, financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and resilience, employee assistance programme

    Bereavement Support and Counselling

    It is acknowledged that some of us will have been affected by the loss of a loved one. Detailed below are some links and contact details for some of the services that may be able to support and help you through the early days of a bereavement and what you might expect to experience in the days ahead including offering some practical advice.

    You can self refer by calling 0141 423 2289/2894

    Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience

    It’s OK not to feel OK

    It's is okay to feel stressed or anxious.

    This is entirely normal, and it is highly likely that many of your colleagues, family and friends will be feeling the same way.

    National Wellbeing Hub

    Scottish Government launched a National Wellbeing Hub for health and social care workers. The digital platform is to help health and social care workers look after their physical and mental health.

    The National Wellbeing Hub , it has been developed with PRoMIS, a collaboration between Scotland’s two specialist psychological services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Anchor Centre service and NHS Lothian’s Rivers Centre.

    The hub is the first of its kind in the UK and its content has been created by trauma and other specialists in Scotland. Its launch follows the £3.8 million extra funding announced in March to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s mental health helpline services and expand digital therapies.

    Specifically tailored to support the challenges being faced by everyone in health and social care, the hub will provide advice on self-care and personal resilience to help users to recognise their own ‘warning signs’. Comprehensive information about services and resources available at national and local level within NHS Boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) and local authorities will also be available.

    This Hub is part of the Scottish Government’s wider work on support mental well-being and complements the new mental health Clear Your Head campaign which launched on 21 April to provide advice and support to help people cope.

    Dealing with Isolation and Loneliness

    Social Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone. It’s important are aware of your psychological wellbeing as well as your physical health.

    There are some things you can do when feeling lonely that might help you connect to what matters and who matters to you:

    • Think about times you have felt most connected with other people before – who was it and what was most helpful about it? How can you take action to repeat this?
    • Reach out to people by phone or text message; at the start of each week consider making a list of people that you will contact. If you have access to social media, this can be a valuable additional way to keep in touch with family, friends and work colleagues
    • Find things you enjoy and try to think of ways to share these with others
    • If you know someone who is self-isolating or shielding, contact them by telephone to offer a chat and to ask if they need anything brought to them. If you know a person who lives alone and who has no access to a telephone, you might find it helpful to ask them if they have what they need, taking account of current physical distancing guidance
    • If you know someone who is caring for a vulnerable person, check in with them to see if they need any practical help, or would just like to chat
    • We all have a part to play in supporting each other. Times of crisis can be a good time to make connections to our neighbours and wider communities. Don’t be afraid to offer or ask for help if you need it.

    NHS Inform have produced a ‘5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing' resource which includes advice on staying connected.

    Resilience

    Being resilient doesn’t mean that we’re unaffected by the adversity we encounter in life. Instead, resilience refers to the ability to recover, and this ability to "bounce back" depends on the balance between the demands that are made on us and the resources we have available at any given time.

    Have a think and/or talk to someone you trust to see if there are any demands that can be reduced, either at work or at home. And what alternative or additional resources might sustain you during this difficult time?

    Try to keep things in balance as best you can. Please take care of yourself and make use of the support on offer.

    Stress - What is Stress?

    “Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure”, NHS Choices

    These pressures can come from a number of different sources including work and relationships, and pressure can turn into stress when people feel they cannot cope.  People have different ways of reacting to pressure, so a situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.  Stress can affect anyone.

    How do you recognise stress?

    There are many symptoms of stress, but not everyone who is feeling stressed will experience all of them. 

    They include:

    • Feeling tense
    • Feeling irritable
    • Can’t be bothered
    • Tearful
    • Insomnia
    • Having no time
    • No energy
    • Drinking more alcohol, smoking more, using recreational drugs
    • Unable to concentrate
    • Lack of confidence
    • Dizziness
    • Colds
    • Diarrhoea/constipation.

    Dealing with Stress - Coping Strategies

    Always speak to your GP if you are concerned about your health.

    • Take a look at your work/life balance
    • Make time to relax
    • Keep physically active
    • Eat well – have a healthy breakfast, eat regularly, and plenty of fruit and vegetables
    • Drink alcohol in moderation
    • Be careful with caffeine intake particularly before bed time
    • Talk to others about how you are feeling
    • Help others
    • Get involved and make a contribution – volunteer
    • Make time to meet friends and family
    • Plan fun
    • Learn a new skill
    • Take breaks and go for a short walk
    • Ask for help
    • Accept things you cannot change.

    Useful Websites

    Steps for Stress  a Scottish Government website that provides valuable information on stress.

    NHS Inform  website for information on stress.

    NHS GGC Guide to coping with stress.

    Mind  who provide advice and support  to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

    Mental health helplines 

    Self care

    Self care is important at this time, we should make sure that we take time for ourselves.  Practicing emotional first aid will support us with this and some tips for this are below:

    Mindfulness

    The NHS describe mindfulness as it involving sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander. Yoga and tai-chi can also help with developing awareness of your breathing.

    There is more information to support you in practising mindfulness in the documents section.

    EDAMH

    East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health is a local voluntary sector organisation and charity which provides community based support services throughout East Dunbartonshire.

    Eat Better, Feel Better

    What we eat is very important as it not only affects our physical health, but what we eat may also affect the way we feel.

    Improving your diet may help to:

    • improve your mood
    • give you more energy
    • help you think more clearly.

    Click here to Watch How to manage your mood with food - 8 handy tips 

    During these strange times, there may be greater temptation to reach for high calorie, sugary, comfort foods. 

    Some other useful links are:

    Documents

    Employee Assistance Programme

    As part of our occupational health provision, employees have access to a free 24 hour confidential helpline/support service ‘Time for Talking’. This service offers a wide range of support on a variety of topics to meet individual employee needs including access to self-help resources and sign posting.

    The contact details for employees looking for immediate support are as follows:

    Alternatives to Face to Face Counselling are available from Time for Talking, please contact your HR Case Adviser should you feel you need face-to –face Counselling. Contact details can be found on the HR&OD Contact List web page.

    For further information contact:

    Wellbeing and Attendance Improvement Adviser

    Shona Diack
    Wellbeing and Attendance Improvement Adviser
    shona.diack@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

    Financial Wellbeing

    We understand that having debt, no matter how big or small, may cause stress to someone and impact their overall wellbeing.

    Additional information is available and employees who wish to access assistance is available through the sources below:

    Want to know more about your Pension or the work of Credit Unions?

    People Development and HR have been organising a series of financially themed sessions aimed at helping employees better understand these topics and other areas of money management.

    The Financial Awareness sessions offer a chance to hear directly from Strathclyde Pension Fund, ScotWest Credit Union and others.

    Aimed at all employees regardless of role or Grade, the sessions focus on valuable and helpful information that could help future financial decision making or lead to improved budget and money management.

    Feedback from employees suggest there is a desire for the Council to offer sessions focused on these topics with representation from the organisations to directly answer any questions.

    To receive the link for online sessions or request more information please email People Development at peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

    • Affinity Connect Financial Wellbeing - Friday 22 November - please note, this session has been cancelled due to lack of uptake
    • Scotwest Credit Union - Tuesday 3 December – 3pm to 4pm – Online on Teams
    • Scotwest Credit Union - Friday 6 December – 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm - Allander Leisure Centre. These are drop-in sessions so you can pop in at any time during these hours
    • Planning a Positive Retirement - Online Session - 19 February 2025 - register via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk 
    • Retirement - Online Session - 13 June 2025 - register via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
    • Retirement - Online Session - 23 October 2025 - register via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

    There is no need to sign up in advance and instead attendees can just join online or in person on the day (as appropriate). A version of the online sessions will be recorded (where attendees are in agreement) and uploaded to Moodle in due course.

    Money Saving Expert provides support to budget planning, which includes a free spreadsheet to help individuals look at their income and outgoings.

    Money Helper set up by government provides free and impartial financial advice. This includes guidance on improving finances, tools and calculators for budget planning, and support over the phone and online.

    Money and Mental Health is a registered charity and offers help, support and advice on mental health and money issues.

    Step Change debt charity offers a free service to support individuals manage their debt, including advice and practical support.

    Scotwest Credit Union is one the largest credit unions in the UK, existing to provide ethical, competitive and fair financial services to anyone that lives or works in the West of Scotland area. Visit the Scotwest newsletter to read the latest news.

    Citizens Advice, impartial and confidential advice, helping people resolve their money, legal and other problems to find out more contact: Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline 0800 028 1456.

    Physical Activity

    Health Benefits of Physical Activity

    Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

    Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

    Examples of Physical Activity for All

    Physical activity might include simply walking, climbing stairs, mowing the lawn, or gentle gardening. Strength and conditioning also counts as physical activity and includes activities like pilates, yoga, or Tai Chi.  

    Walking

    Walking is an activity that can be enjoyed with all the family.  Paths for All provide walking routes and information in your local area click below to find out more:

    Paths For ALL Work Place Walking

    Paths For All Health Walk Finder

    Cycling

    Cycling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is an easy way to get more active.

    For most people, cycling is a safe and effective form of exercise. If you have any health concerns or an existing medical problem, see your GP before you start.

    Stay safe Cycling

    • practice in a safe environment
    • wear a helmet
    • be seen and heard
    • check your bike
    • be alert and plan your route
    • always follow the Highway Code.

    Indoor Exercise

    If you are limited in getting outside to exercise there are lots of different physical activities that can be done indoors.

    There are many free resources available, here are links to just few:-

    NHS Fitness Studio provide lots of free workouts that range from 10 minutes to 45 minutes

    Yoga with Adriene provides a range of free yoga videos for all  levels, from absolute beginner to more advanced.

    East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Facebook page broadcasts live keep active at home classes on a daily basis.

    See the documents section  for 10 Simple exercises to keep you moving at home.

    Monthly Health and Wellbeing Focus

    In this section we share news and links each month

    on a range of international, national and local campaigns and events that focus on health and wellbeing.

    2024

    World AIDS Day (1)
    #RockTheRibbon

    World AIDS Day exists to shine a light on the real experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience, and diversity of the communities most affected.  It is a moment to inspire the leadership needed to create a future where HIV doesn’t stand in the way of anyone’s life. 

    National AIDS Trust is committed to stopping new cases of HIV, securing the rights of people living with HIV, and fighting HIV stigma and discrimination.  World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988.  Each year, Organisations and individuals across the world bring attention to the HIV epidemic, endeavour to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increase response to move towards ending the HIV epidemic. If you would like to honour a loved one lost to HIV or an AIDS related illness on the Memorials page, to donate or simply find out more, visit the World AIDS Day website

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ December Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look, visit the Wellbeing Times flipbook.

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service

    Movember (1-30)

    Changing the face of men’s health - Movember, the month formerly known as November, is the time to unite.  To take on mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  Men around the world grow a moustache, and women step up to support them, all to raise awareness and funds for men’s health – to sign up, donate or to find out more.

    International Stress Awareness Week (4 – 8 November)
    #InternationalStressAwarenessWeek

    International Stress Awareness week 2024 marks ISMA’s 50th anniversary year.

    The goal is to raise awareness of stress around the world and improve the ways in which stress is managed in the workplace and in our personal lives. The focus of this annual event is stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues.

    Stress Awareness Day
    #NationalStressAwarenessDay (6 November 2024)

    Stress Awareness Day takes centre stage on Wednesday 6 November with a one-day online global Stress Summit, featuring a diverse line-up of renowned experts who will lead insightful webinars on topical subjects. To find out more, view the programme, see the speakers or register to attend the online events visit the International Stress Management Association UK (ISMAuk’s) website.

    Talk Money Week (4-8)

    Talk Money Week is an annual campaign to get the nation talking about money… from pocket money right through to pensions. For information on Financial Wellbeing and talk money week.

    Scotwest Credit Union also have some helpful bite size information around saving, borrowing, mortgages and online banking click on the link to watch the youtube clips.

    Scotwest have also partnered with Money Helper to bring you a selection of financial wellbeing topics across a range of subjects, or to find out more information visit the Scotwest website.

    Financial Awareness Sessions

    In support of Talk Money Week the People Development and HR are hosting a series of Financial Awareness Sessions aimed at all employees, regardless of role or grade, the sessions will focus on valuable and helpful information that could help assist financial decision making or lead to improved budget and money management.

    Details of the sessions are being shared with all employees via Employee News publications along with sharing information with managers to cascade – to find out come email People Development at peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

    A version of the online sessions will be recorded and uploaded to Moodle over the coming weeks.

    16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence (25 November – 10 December)
    #16days16stories

    16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is a global campaign which starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, International Human Rights Day.  The campaign is aimed at businesses to support them take action against domestic abuse and violence and to raise awareness and call for change to end violence against women and girls. Spanning across 16 days, the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) has chosen to focus on 16 different types of abuse experiences across the UK.  To learn more, visit the IDAS website.

    Women’s Aid is a grassroots federation working across the UK to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated. Women’s Aid campaigns call for recognition of the impact that domestic abuse has on the mental health of women and their children.  For more information, visit the East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid website.

    More information can be found in the Domestic Abuse policy, which can be found on the HUB via the following link or the Employee Zone.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ November Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the heyzine webiste.

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service 

    Stoptober (1-28 October)

    Stoptober: the 28-day stop smoking challenge.  Are you thinking of quitting smoking? 

    Quit smoking this Stoptober – when you stop smoking, good things start to happen – you can begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.  So, this October, join the thousands of smokers committing to quitting.  Stop smoking for 28 days and you’re 5 times more likely to give up for good.

    The NHS offers a range of support services to help you stop smoking. The Stoptober app (available on the App Store and Google Play) shows you how much you’re saving, and you can subscribe to get a daily email to boost your motivation.  You can also join the stop smoking community or receive more personal support.  For more information visit: quit smoking.

    Don’t forget your local NHS Stop Smoking Services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good.  You GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist can advise you how to get started, talk to you about treatments like nicotine patches, and check your current medication.

    The Council’s Smoking Policy can be accessed via the EDC Employee Zone.

    Go Sober For October (1-31 October)

    In conjunction with Macmillan Cancer Support we are asking you to get involved in Sober October by going alcohol-free for the month of October and raise money for people with battling cancer.  You can go sober for 14, 21 or 31 days depending on what you are comfortable with.

    By going sober, you are not just helping others, you are helping yourself too.  Giving up the booze for a month comes with loads of feel-good benefits, but the feeling of raising vital funds.  For more information visit go sober 

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1-31 October)

    #WEARITPINK (18 October)

    Breast cancer it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. This October Breast Cancer Awareness month is focusing on raising awareness around secondary breast cancer.To learn more about secondary breast cancer research, support services and how to get involved visit: breast cancer now 

    Wear it pink on 18 October – At work. At school.  At home. Wherever you do it, wear pink and raise money for our life-changing breast cancer research and support this October visit: breast cancer now

    National Cholesterol Awareness Month (1-31 October)

    #NationalCholesterolMonth #NCM

    This year’s National Cholesterol Month focuses on raising awareness about cholesterol, empowering people to make informed decisions and take action to lower their high cholesterol, leading to a healthier heart. Heart UK can help you take care of your heart to find out more visit: heart UK or contact the Cholesterol Helpline.

    BackCare Awareness Week (7 - 12 October)

    BackCare Awareness Week 2024, is focusing on back pain prevention by keeping our spines in good health. BackCare has something for everyone including those who are working from home, working from offices, and spending more time at home.

    For more information including booklets, information sheets and videos to inform and remind us how to support our backs, the very structure that in turn supports us day in, day out visit the BackCarewebsite .

    #WorldMentalHealthDay (10 October)

    The theme of 2024’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Workplace Mental Health’. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. The overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. For more information of how to take care of your own mental health and provide support to others, the WHO website provides access to mental well-being resources

    In cases of mental distress, the first step is to talk to someone your trust.  If you you’re your need it, seek help from a professional. Anything that is troubling you, no matter how big or small there is always someone there for you:-

    Time for Talking offers a free 24-hour confidential helpline/support service which can be accessed by all employees. The contact details for employees looking for immediate support are as follows: Telephone: 0800 9703980  Email , Website: Time for Talking

    National Wellbeing Helpline- mental health support is available for all Health and social care workers, through the national wellbeing helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number to call is 0800 111 4191

    Samaritans – anything that’s troubling you no matter how big or small the issue is, Samaritans offer a free 24/7 confidential support service.  The number to call is 0800 116 123

    Breathing Space- a confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious, or depressed. The number to call is 0800 83 85 87

    #WorkLifeWeek

    National Work Life Week (7-11 October)

    National Work Life Week is Working Families’ annual campaign to get both employers and employees talking about wellbeing at work and work-life balance. For more information including advice for parents and carers visit the Working Families’ website.

    World Menopause Day (18 October)

    World Menopause Day is held every year on 18 October.  The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. This year’s theme is Menopause Hormone Therapy. For more information, visit the International Menopause Society website 

    The Council’s Menopause Policy can be accessed via the EDC Employee Zone.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking 

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ October Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the Wellbeing Times newsletter.

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service

    #KnowYourNumbers (2-8)

    Know Your Numbers! Week is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing and awareness event encouraging all UK adults to get a blood pressure check.   High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other illnesses. Around a third of people in the UK have high blood pressure, but most don’t know it.  It doesn’t have any symptoms so the only way to find out is to have a blood pressure check.  This year’s campaign is all about home blood pressure monitoring – home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control.  To learn more visit blood pressure uk 

    World Suicide Prevention Day (10)

    World Suicide Prevention Day is always on 10 September.  This World Suicide Prevention Day, if you’re worried someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts – we encourage you to ask them directly.  Asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse.  Evidence shows it could protect them.  Asking someone directly if they’re having suicidal thoughts can give them permission to tell you how they feel.  If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thought, always take them seriously.  You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and showing you care can help them work through what’s going on. For more information on how to start a conversation with someone or supporting someone you’re worried about visit the samaritans website 

    Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan

    For more information visit the Mental health.website 

    World Sepsis Day (13)

    Sepsis is a global health crisis.  It affects between 47 and 50 million people every year, at least 11 million die – one death every 2.8 seconds.  20% of all deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis.  Most types of microorganisms can cause sepsis, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.  However, it may also be caused by infections with seasonal influenza viruses, dengue viruses, and highly transmissible pathogens of public health concerns such as avian and swine influenza viruses, Ebola, and yellow fever viruses.  Sepsis is frequently underdiagnosed at an early stage – when it still is potentially reversible. To learn more about Sepsis visit World Sepsis Day.

    Donation Week (23-29)
    #organdonation

    Organ donation is when you decide to give an organ to save or transform the life of someone else.  This week aims to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage more discussion with families about this life-saving gift.  Did you know that you can donate some organs while you are alive, and this is called living organ donation.  However, most organ and tissue donations come from people who have died. This year to raise awareness around organ donation we’re asking everyone to go pink for the week.  Whether you bake a pink cake, wear pink socks, paint a pink unicorn, or drink a pink drink. To register your decision or to simply find out more information visit Organ Donation

    National Fitness Day (18)
    #FITNESSDAY

    Hot on the heels of the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, National Fitness Day is a chance to highlight the role physical activity plays across the UK, helping raise awareness of its importance in assisting us lead healthier lifestyles through being physically active.  #FitnessDay aims to celebrate what fitness means to people, promoting that keeping physically active means something different to us all.  To get involved with #FitnessDay and participate in the biggest movement in breaking down the barriers that stop people being active, showing fitness is for everyone visit: National fitness day

    World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (27)

    Macmillan’s Coffee Morning is their biggest fundraising event to support people living with cancer.  People all over the UK host their own Coffee Morning and donations raised on the day are made to Macmillan for those who need support while suffering with cancer. To find out more or sign up or visit coffee register  or click on the  Macmillan Cancer Support website 

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the website

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service on the hub.

    Cycle to Work Day (1)

    #CycleToWorkDay

    Are you ready to be an everyday champion?! Whether you’ve never cycled before, not ridden in a while or cycle every day.  Cycle to Work Day is for you.  It’s a day to get in the saddle and experience the brilliant benefits everyday cycling offers – mental, physical, and financial – first-hand. For those of us who continue to work from home, to participate you could go for a cycle round the block before you start work and at the end of your working day.

    To find out more or get involved visit the cyclescheme website

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics.  

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ August 2024's Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the timefortalking website ).

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking webpage on the hub.

    World Hepatitis Day (28)

    #There is no time to waste!

    # Take action. Get tested.

    World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. This World Hepatitis Day will amplify the voices of people living with hepatitis demanding testing, treatment, vaccinations and the end of stigma.  It will make it clear there is no time to waste, and that leaders, politicians, doctors and communities must act now.  To find out more or get involved visit:

    World Hepatitis Day - Take Action or World Health Organization - World Hepatitis Day

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ July 2024's Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting: Time for Talking website

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME - TIME FOR TALKING

    Healthy Eating Week (10-14)
    #HEW24

    Healthy Eating Week is all about supporting and promoting healthier lifestyles.  This years’ theme is Healthy Eating  – For Everyone!  The cost-of-living crisis continues to have an impact on the affordability of healthier diets for so many of us.  With this in mind, the British Nutrition Foundation is focusing on providing free, evidence-based advice and support for everyone who wants to find their way to eat a healthier diet regardless of these barriers.  To register, get involved or get some recipe inspiration visit their website

    Men’s Health Week (10-16)
    #MENSHEALTHWEEK

    LET’S TALK PROSTATES (AND EVERYTHING ELSE MEN’S HEALTH!)

    Men don’t talk, we’re told.  This year’s campaign is to encourage men to share their stories. Taking a lead from King Charles who, earlier this year, shared that he had a problem with an enlarged prostate.  On the day after his announcement, there were 16,410 visits to the relevant NHS website page compared with 1,414 visits the previous day.  Prostate Cancer UK saw an almost doubling in the number of users of its online risk checker.

    This goes to show the difference that honest sharing can make.  Most of us won’t have the same impact as the King – for a while in the UK media, it was difficult to avoid urologists talking about the prostate and the things that can go wrong with it – but if there is a taboo about men’s talking, the best way to beat a taboo is to ignore it.

    To find out more or sign up for Men’s Health Week visit the mens health forum: (access not permissible via EDC network connections)

    Cervical Screening Awareness Week (17-23)

    Nearly 1 in 3 don’t attend their cervical screening test.  If you have questions or concerns about cervical screening, you are not the only one.  Macmillan Cancer Support answer some of the most often asked questions about cervical screening on their Frequently Asked Questions page.  To find out more, read some tips or get support from Macmillan visit their website or call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 800 00 00

    Deskto3k

    Start your journey with the University of Glasgow’s Sport - Desk to 3K programme which will help efficiently move you from minimal exercise to running 3km with ease, just eight weeks after starting.  Featuring hints and tips, a warm-up routine and step by step guide. To find out more and get yourself from desk to 3K visit the website.

    Time For Talking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ June 2024's Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the website.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service on tghe hub.

    National Walking Month (1-31)

    #WALKTHISMAY #MagicOfWalking

    May is Living Streets’ National Walking Month.  This year, Living Streets’ is encouraging you to discover the #MagicOfWalking and celebrate the many health and happiness benefits of walking and wheeling. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated.  By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion and road danger – whilst saving yourself some money and getting active in the process!  To find out more about #MagicOfWalking and explore the resources visit the Living Streets' website

    Awaiting update from living streets to see if campaign is on for 2024

    Sun Awareness Week (6-12)

    Sun Awareness Week is the start to the British Association of Dermatologist summer of sun awareness campaign and raises awareness around sun protection and skin cancer.  Sun Awareness is vital as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and rates continue to rise.  This year’s campaign focus will be around raising awareness of non-melanoma skin cancer and best practices for people to check their skin for this very common type of skin cancer. To find out more visit the British Association of Dermatologists website 

    Look out for our EDC Summer Safety 2024 booklet due out in June 2024.

    Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19)

    #MomentsForMovement

    Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. This year’s theme is Movement.

    Movement is important for our mental health.  Many of us struggle to move enough.  There are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health awareness week the campaign will promote helping people to find moments for movement in their daily routines including going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing round the living room, chair exercises when you are watching television – it all counts! To find out more or get involved visit the Mental Health Foundation website 

    TimeForTalking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ May 2024's Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the Time for Talking website 

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service

    Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (1-31)
    #OCAM
    March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) – and a great opportunity to spread the word about a much overlooked disease and communicate how Ovarian Cancer Action are funding world-class research in order to find better, kinder treatments for a woman facing a diagnosis today, or to prevent the disease for the next generation of women. To find out more including the symptoms of ovarian cancer visit the Ovarian Cancer Awareness webpage 

    National No Smoking Day (13)
    The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984 and is now an annual health awareness day which takes place on the second Wednesday in March. The aim or the day is to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and to encourage people to quit.  The day is designed to reach out to friends or family members who suffer nicotine addiction.  Smoking is one of the biggest preventable causes of premature death.  To learn more on the benefits of quitting smoking and accessing support to stop smoking is available on the NHS Inform website and Quit Your Way Scotland 

    The Council’s Smoking Policy can be found on the Council’s Polices and Procedures webpage.

    The Council is committed to promoting healthy living and non-smoking as its normal culture by establishing a smoke-free environment for all employees and being sensitive to the needs of those who smoke by offering support to those wishing to give up smoking.

    World Sleep Day (15)
    World Sleep Day ‘Sleep Equity for Global Health’
     #WorldSleepDay is an annual event to raise awareness about the importance of sleep for achieving an optimal quality of life and improve global health. For more information and tips to achieve a healthy sleep click on the links:

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics.  

    How to Get it?
    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ March 2024's Newsletter
    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting time for talking website. 

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service on the hub.

    Time to Talk Day (1)
    ‘Hey! How’s it going?’ Sometimes means I’m here if you want to talk
    Have a conversation about mental health

    Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.  Happening every year, it’s a day from friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.  We know the more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone.  Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but a conversation has the power to change lives.  For more information or for ideas on how to take part in Time to Talk Day from hosting a lunch to simply sharing information on social media or texting a friend visit the Time to Talk Day website.

    Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service.

    World Cancer Day (4)
    #WorldCancerDay #CloseTheCareGap

    Create a future without cancer.  The time to act is now.  Never underestimate the power of co-operation and collective action to save lives.  What will you do on 4 February? Speak up, stand up and take action together this World Cancer Day. To take part or find out more visit the World Cancer Day website.

    TimeForTalking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ February 2024's Newsletter

    Our employee assistance programme provider have a  monthly Wellbeing Times newsletter which includes fitness tips, recipes, helps with setting monthly goals and a daily journal – take a look by visiting the Time for Talking website.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service

    Dry January (1-31)

    Dry January is the UK’s one month alcohol-free challenge.  It isn’t about giving anything up.  It’s about getting something back.  Get your fun back.  Get your energy back.  Get your calm back.  Get your YOU back. To take part or find out more visit the Alcohol Change Website

    Love Your Liver

    Lover Your Liver is the British Liver Trust’s national awareness campaign to liver health awareness and giving people the key steps needed to keep their liver healthy. For more information or to participate in the free online screener.

    East Dunbartonshire Councils Drug, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy and associated toolkit can be found on the Employee Zone.  For more information visit Policies and Procedures Webpage

    Brew Monday (15)

    This Brew Monday, Samaritans is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.  The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but the Samaritans are trying to change this myth, recognising we all have our good and our bad days. So instead of Monday being ‘blue’ reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones – we can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right. For more information visit Samaritans: 

    Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking 

    Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28)

    #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek

    In conjunction with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust join us to raise awareness of cervical screening. One in four women and people with a cervix don’t attend cervical screening and we want to change that.  However cervical cancer prevention doesn’t stop at screening.  We want everyone to have the information and support they need.  To get involved with the campaign or simply find out more visit the Jo Trust website.

    TimeForTalking App

    Time for Talking Counselling service also has a Counselling & Psychological Wellbeing app that delivers support for individuals, couples, and families to make counselling easier and more accessible.  The app is packed with resources on a number of topics. 

    How to Get it?

    Type TimeForTalking (no spaces) in the App store or Google Play/Android.

    Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking counselling service.