Monthly Health and Wellbeing Focus - 2023

On this page you will find information on:

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

December 2023

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 [opens in a new window].

Further support around employee wellbeing can be accessed via the EDC Employee Assistance Programme – Time for Talking [opens in a new window].

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’ November 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 counselling service [opens in a new window].

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

November 2023

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 visit the movember website [opens in a new window]

International Stress Awareness Week (30 October – 3 November)

#InternationalStressAwarenessWeek #NationalStressAwarenessDay (1 November 2023)

The International Stress Awareness week theme this year is ‘Beyond Stress Management: From Stigma to Solutions.’  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, takes centre stage on Wednesday 1 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 [opens in a new window].

Talk Money Week (6-10)

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 visit the Financial Wellbeing page or the money and pension website [opens in a new window]

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 [opens in a new window]

Scotwest have also partnered with Money Helper to bring you a selection of financial wellbeing topics across a range of subjects: take control of your financial life [opens in a new window] or to find out more information take link to the scotwest website [opens in a new window]

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

#TogetherAsWomen

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is an international campaign which starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, 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 [opens in a new window].

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 [opens in a new window].

More information can be found in the Domestic Abuse Policy, which can be found on the HUB under Policies and Strategies -  Domestic Abuse Policy or the Employee Zone.

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ November 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. wellbeing-times information [opens in a new window].

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

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

October 2023

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 the NHS Quite Smoking webpage [opens in a new window]

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 Policies and Procedures: 

Go Sober For 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 the Macmillan Cancer Support webpage Sober October [opens in a new window].

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1-31 October)

Wear it pink (20 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 the Breast Cancer Now website [opens in a new window].

Wear it pink on 20 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 the Breast Cancer Now website [opens in a new window].

National Cholesterol Awareness Month (1-31 October)

This year’s National Cholesterol Month focuses on Budget-Friendly Heart Health – Making sure your heart is taken care of without spending a fortune.  Looking after your heart, your most precious asset, is worth every effort.  With increasing food costs, you may think eating healthy is challenging, being more worried about how much your supermarket bill is, than whether it’s healthy.  Heart UK can help you take care of both your heart and your wallet to find out more by visiting the heart Uk website [opens in a new window].

BackCare Awareness Week (2 - 6 October)

BackCare Awareness Week 2023, 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 BackCare website: 

Smart Working advice and guidance is also available on the EDC Employee Zone:

#WorldMentalHealthDay (10 October)

The theme of 2023’s World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.  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 [opens in a new window] provides access to mental well-being resources visit:

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: admin@timefortalking.co.uk Website: www.timefortalking.co.uk

National Wellbeing Helpline [opens in a new window] - 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 [opens in a new windowanything [opens in a new 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 116 123

Breathing Space [opens in a new window]  - 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 (2-6 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 [opens in a new window]

A range of work life balance policies can be found on the EDC Employee Zone:

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 Cardiovascular Disease. For more information, visit the International Menopause Society website [opens in a new window]

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 on the hub.

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

https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/employee-zone/wellbeing

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

Time for Talking ‘Wellbeing Times’ October 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 now.

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

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 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 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