Monthly Health and Wellbeing Focus - 2023 | East Dunbartonshire Council

On this page you will find information on:

Time for Talking website [opens in a new window].

September 2023

#KnowYourNumbers (4-10)

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 the blood pressure uk website [opens in a new window]

World Suicide Prevention Day (10)

#Turnhopeintoaction

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 [opens in a new window]:

Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan

For more information visit the Mentall Health Uk website [opens in a new window]:

Safetalk logo

SafeTALK is a 3.5-hour training in suicide awareness taught to a group of up to 30 participants. It helps participants recognise a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who can help them in choosing to live. The training is open to all staff and no formal preparation to attend the training is required.

Over the course of the training, you will learn to:

Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present
Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide
Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe
Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further suicide-safer help.

Who should attend this training?

This training is available for all staff within East Dunbartonshire Council and the HSCP.

NOTE: This course discusses the subject of suicide, please be mindful of this when either booking or nominating onto the course. Please ensure that you get authorisation from your line manager to book a place.

How do I apply?

Please email Lynsay.Haglington@eastdunbarton.gov.uk if you are booking a place, then please select your choice of dates from the list below, follow the link and complete the online form. Once you have been allocated a place, full joining instructions and further workshop information will be confirmed. Please note you must have received written confirmation of your place before attending any workshop.

Where and when are the workshops taking place?

Venue: McGregor House, East Dunbartonshire Council, McGregor House, 10 Donaldson Crescent, Glasgow, G66 1XF

Tuesday 29th August 9.30am -12.30pm

Tuesday 29th August 1.30pm - 4.30pm

Tuesday 12th September 9.30am - 12.30pm

Tuesday 12th September 1.30pm - 4.30pm

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 the sepsisday website opens in a new window].

Organ Donation Week (18-24)

#organdonation

Organ donation is when you decide to give an organ to save or transform the life of someone else. 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 the organ donation website [opens in a new window]

National Fitness Day (20)

#FITNESSDAY

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 the national fitness day website [opens in a new window]:

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (29)

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 visit Macmillan Cancer Support [opens in a new window].

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ September 2023's Newsletter

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

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone:

Further information can be found in the Wellbeing section of the Employee Zone website

August 2023

Cycle to Work Day (3)

#CycleToWorkDay

Ready to find your woooah?! 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 cycle scheme website [opens in a new window].

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ August 2023'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 [opens in a new window]..

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.

July 2023

EDC Wellbeing Update July 2023

World Hepatitis Day (28)

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. In 2023 the theme is ‘We’re not waiting’. To find out more or get involved visit: World Hepatitis Day [opens in a new window] or the World Health Organisation Campaigns [opens in a new window].

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ July 2023's Newsletter

Our employee assistance programme provider have recently launched 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 [opens in a new window].

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.

Further information can be found in the Wellbeing section of the Employee Zone website

June 2023

Healthy Eating Week (12-16)

#HEW23

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 the British Nutrition Foundation website [opens in a new window].

Men’s Health Week (12-18)

#MENSHEALTHWEEK

MEN’S HEALTH AND THE INTERNET

This year’s Men’s Health Week is looking to explore the implications for men’s health of having access to the internet. The iPhone was born in 2007. Those born in the same year will turn 16 this year. They have grown up with a high-performance computer in their pocket. Clearly there are some benefits to being able to access health information or deliver and receive health services online but what are the downsides? Dopamine is one of the key chemical messengers in your brain. It creates feelings of pleasure and reward and plays a role in concentration, memory and what we find interesting. In short, dopamine makes us feel good and we like a hit of it from time to time. The iPhone is a dopamine-delivery device that is always to hand – the potential for addiction is obvious. To find out more or sign up for Men’s Health Week visit: the mens health forum [opens in a new window] (access not permissible via EDC network connections)

Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19-24)

1 in 4 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 macmillan cancer support [opens in a new window] or call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 800 00 00

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

Further information can be found in the Wellbeing section of the Employee Zone website

May 2023

National Walking Month (1-31)

#WALKTHISMAY #TRY20THISMAY

May is Living Streets’ National Walking Month. This year, Living Streets’ is encouraging you to #Try20 with 20 tips to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into your day. 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 #Try20 tips and resources visit Living streets website [opens in a new window].

Sun Awareness Week (1-7)

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 on the need for sun protection in the UK climate, aiming to tackle misconceptions that sun protection is rarely needed in the UK, providing advice on prevention as well as early detection and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of burning and excessive tanning, and also to discourage people from using sunbeds. To find out more including access to the sunscreen fact sheet, sun advice for skin of colour, Vitamin D information, sun protection advice for children and babies visit the British Association of Dermatologists website [opens in a new window]

Look out for our EDC Summer Safety 2022/23 booklet due out in June 2023.

Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21)

#ToHelpMyAnxiety

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 Anxiety.

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety: work, relationships, money and so on. But anxiety can be made easier to manage, increasing awareness and understanding of anxiety can help prevent it from becoming a problem. To find out more or get involved visit the Mental Health Foundation website [opens in a new window].

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.

Further information can be found in the Wellbeing section of the Employee Zone website

April 2023

Stress Awareness Month (1-30)

#ACTNOW #choosehope

April marks the start of Stress Awareness month which has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa. The reality is they cannot be separate – they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This year the theme is #choosehope – we have learned that having hope is imperative to find a way through and beyond our challenges, however, hope isn’t just a feeling, it inspires us to take action. To find out more, sign up for the 30 day Challenge encouraging you to pick one action a day for your Physical, Mental and Emotional Wellbeing or to check your stress levels visit the website [opens in a new window]

Bowel Awareness Month (1-30)

#KnowTheHigh5

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month, a fantastic annual opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds. Someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes in the UK. A Recent survey showed that nearly four in ten people in the UK can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer. This April sees the launch of the #KnowTheHigh5 campaign to raise awareness of the red flag symptoms of the disease. To find out more or take the symptoms quiz visit the bowel cancer website [opens in a new window].

World Health Day 2023 (7)

#HealthForAll

World Health Day is celebrated annually, and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year marks the 75th anniversary and is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades and is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle health challenges of today – and tomorrow. To find out more visit their website.

On Your Feet Britain (27)

#SITLESS #MOVEMORE #BigWiggle

Take part in On Your Feet Britain – the national activity awareness day when 2 million desk-based workers across Britain can participate in a variety of fun and simple activities to #SitLess and #MoveMore – wherever your desk may be! Research shows that regular movement throughout the day leads to better health, increased motivation, improved concentration and many more wellbeing and performance benefits, to find out more or sign-up visit the yo yo desk website [opens in a new window].

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ April 2023's Newsletter

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone:

Further information can be found in the Wellbeing section of the Employee Zone webpage.

March 2023

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (1-31)

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Ovarian Cancer Action are taking steps for every single woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide each year. There will also be the launch of new pioneering projects, opportunities to shape the next decade of cancer care and ways to support the next generation of ovarian cancer research. To find out more including the symptoms of ovarian cancer visit the Ovarian Cancer Action website [opens in a new window].

National No Smoking Day (8)

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. More information on the benefits of quitting smoking and accessing support to stop smoking is available on the NHS Inform website [opens in a new window] and Quit Your Way Scotland [opens in a new window].

East Dunbartonshire Council's Smoking Policy can be found on the Policies and Procedures web page.

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 (17)

World Sleep Day ‘Sleep is Essential for 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:

World Sleep Day website [opens in a new window].

NHS Inform website [opens in a new window].

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ March 2023's Newsletter

Our employee assistance programme provider have recently launched 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 [opens in a new window].

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.

February 2023

Time to Talk Day (2)

Make space in your day for 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 webpage.

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 on the hub.

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 webpage.

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone.

January 2023

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 Alcohol change.dry January [opens in a new window]

Love Your Liver (1-31)

Lover Your Liver Month 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 visit the British Liver Trust information and support. [opens in a new window]

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

Brew Monday (16)

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 [opens in a new window].

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 on the hub.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23-29)

#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 Jo's cervical cancer trust website. [opens in a new window]

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

Wellbeing information is available on the Wellbeing page of our Employee Zone:

Further information can be found in the Healthy Working Lives section of the Employee Zone website