Employee Wellbeing

It’s winter wellbeing time! If you can’t make the session live please you will be able to catch up at a later date, where sessions are recorded (marked R below)

Email employeewellbeing@southlanarkshire.gov.uk  to register for any of the events. Please ensure you confirm the event you wish to register for, your full name, employee number and resource.

Week 1: 2- 6 December 2024

Monday 2 December, 12 – 12.30pm: Credit Unions and Christmas savings R

Finances can feel difficult all year round, but the festive season can bring extra money pressures. Saving a little, if you can, might help and you can find out about one way to do this, via the Christmas saving club that the credit unions offer. Also, find out about the different services they have and what a credit union is!

Tuesday 3 December, 3.30 – 4.10pm:  Energy saving workshop (Home Energy Scotland) R

Energy bills are still a big worry for many of us. This workshop has been designed to help us stay in control of our costs and energy usage as well as reduce our impact on the environment. Learn new practical tips and hints and test your energy saving knowledge in our fun quiz!

Wednesday 4 December (2 events):

10 – 10.45am, Exploring the Impact of winter on health and wellbeing (PAM Wellbeing)

As winter approaches, it brings unique challenges that can impact our health and wellbeing. This webinar aims to shed light on the various ways winter affects our physical and mental health, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate the season while prioritising our overall wellbeing. Our panel of healthcare experts, wellness practitioners, and mental health professionals will lead an engaging discussion. Together, we will explore the effects of winter on mood, immunity, physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellness. This webinar is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to optimise their health and wellbeing during the winter season. 

1 – 1.30pm: Winter wellbeing meditation – Gift of Peace (Julie, Absolute Wellness) R

The first of 3 guided meditations offered to help bring a sense of calm and peace to our minds during what can feel like an overwhelming time of year.  The first meditation will focus on bringing peace to the mind and body, and to feel you can tap into this feeling when you might need it, over the next few weeks.

Thursday 5 December, 12– 12.30pm: Save on the festive season and beyond (Eden Red) R

It's that wonderful, yet expensive time of year...With presents, food, decorations, socialising, and more to think about and pay for over the next few weeks, you might be feeling a financial pinch. 

Find out how your discount benefit can help you to save on the festive season and beyond. Hosted by Edenred, the providers of our employee benefits platform - mylifestyle, this session will cover:

• How to use gift cards and online offers.
• Inspiration on the range of retailers available.
• Tips, tricks and tools to help you save more money.

Week 2: 9 – 13 December 2024

Monday 9 December, 3.45 – 4.45pm: Stress management (PAM Wellbeing)

Create an understanding of mental health issues, the difference between mental health and mental wellbeing, and discuss stress and how to manage it. Spaces are limited for this event. Please register here (insert link) and you will be sent the link to join the webinar.

Tuesday 10 December, 12.30 – 1.10pm: Water is always worth saving (Home Energy Scotland) R

Home Energy Scotland is working in partnership with Scottish Water to help thousands of households save water, energy and money every year. Around one fifth of the average household’s heating bills are spent on heating water. This workshop will help us to use water more wisely and keep our energy bills down.

Wednesday 11 December, 10 – 10.30am: Winter wellbeing meditation – Gift of Kindness (Julie, Absolute Wellness) R

The second of 3 guided meditations this December.

Thursday 12 December, 12.30 – 1.15pm: Yoga – Vinyasa Flow (Mhairi, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture) R

A Vinyasa flow yoga session is a yoga class that focuses on the continuous flow of poses, with a synchronized breath and movement: 

• Flow: The poses are linked together in a smooth, flowing sequence. 
• Breath: The breath is used to guide the movement, with transitions between poses coordinated with the breath. 
• Variety: The poses, intensity, and pace of each session can vary depending on the teacher. 
• Flexibility: Vinyasa yoga is flexible and can be practiced by people of all abilities. 
• Benefits: Vinyasa flow yoga can improve flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety. 

Week 3: 16 – 18 December 2024

Tuesday 17 December, 1 – 1.30pm: Yoga – Gentle restorative yoga (Mhairi, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture) R

A gentle restorative yoga session is a slow-paced practice that focuses on deep relaxation, stress reduction, and rejuvenation. It's a good choice for all levels, including beginners.

In a restorative yoga session, you can expect to:

• Hold poses for a while.
• Move gently in all directions.
• Use props like blankets, blocks, and pillows to help you release tension.
• Pay close attention to your breath.
• Focus on what you feel and think.
• Cultivate a connection between brain, breath, and body.

Wednesday 18 December, 4 – 4.30pm: Winter Wellbeing Meditation – Gift of Self Care (Julie, Absolute Wellness) R

Look after your mental health over the festivities

If you feel alone or overwhelmed, the following free helpline numbers offer emotional support:

PAM Assist: 0800 882 4102

Samaritans: Call 116 123, open 24/7

CALM: Call 0800 585858 from 5pm – midnight, 365 days a year

Breathing Space: on 0800 83 85 87, Mon – Thurs: 6pm – 2pm and Fri: 6pm – Mon 6am.

Giveusashout.org: Text on 85258, free on all major mobile networks, open 24/7.