Financial Wellbeing webinar – 13.02.25 – link to recording

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Money and Pensions Webinar on Financial Wellbeing 

Thursday, 13 February, 12.30 pm – recording link

GCS were pleased to liaise with the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to deliver a webinar on the service they provide, and to advise on all things money.

 

In this session, Lawrence Davies, Partnerships Manager for Wales at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), provided an overview of their free consumer MoneyHelper platform and the various tools and calculators staff can use to boost their financial wellbeing. Lawrence also gave a briefing on pensions and the services that MoneyHelper has to offer to help staff plan for the future.

 

MaPS are an independant and impartial organisation set up by the Government and funded by levies from the financial services industry. They give FREE unbiased money and pensions guidance to help people make informed choices and their vision is that everyone makes the most of their money and pensions. Visit their website to find out more https://maps.org.uk/en

 

In addition, MaPS has a consumer brand “Money Helper” which has relevant tools, guides, calculators and information for the public on everything from pocket money to pensions. To find out more visit https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

 

With people grappling with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is no surprise that over half of UK adults don’t feel confident in making decisions about financial products and services. Therefore, talking about money has never been so important. Did you know that:

 

  • Around 13% of UK adults (approximately 6.8 million people) are struggling to pay for essential costs like rent and council tax (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2025)
  • 62% of UK adults have financial worries, especially among younger adults (Schroders Personal Wealth, 2025)
  • 79% of those with financial concerns experience impacts on mental wellbeing (Schroders Personal Wealth, 2025)

 

So let’s all start talking about money and build money conversations into our everyday lives. This will help build financial confidence and resilience to face income shocks, life events and whatever life throws at us.

 

To view a recording of the session, please click here HERE

Time To Talk Day – Thursday 6 February

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Thursday is Time to Talk Day, the nations biggest mental health conversation. So take some time to join your colleagues in a walk around your campus, have a cuppa and cake or join the online mental health based quiz with the chance to win a prize! Whatever you do, try to come together with colleagues, friends and families to talk, listen and change lives.

The Orchard Project – Fruit Pruning and Training

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The Orchard Project will be running a series of sessions over the coming months to give staff the opportunity to learn more about Orchard planting and restoration.

Details of this weeks session:

  • Learn how to espalier fruit bushes and master pruning techniques.
  • Run by Witchhazel, our local expert from The Orchard Project Swansea.
  • Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 15:30 – 17:00
  • Green Hwb, Hill House

 

Christmas Wellbeing Fest 2024

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Christmas is coming to GCS!

We are pleased to release the first communications about what is coming on Christmas Wellbeing Fest day on Thursday 19 December.

There are a wide range of activities planned for this year including hot pod yoga, nordic walking, wreath making, cold water dipping, board game cafes and PSA testing for men.

Some activities are booked up early so please keep an eye out for further details on when the booking system is open to make a booking.

More info to follow…..

The Orchard Project – get involved!

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The Orchard Project will be running a series of sessions over the coming months to give staff the opportunity to learn more about Orchard planting and restoration.

The first session is taking place on Tuesday 12 November at 15:30 – 17:00 at the Green Hwb, Hill House. You can book your place on the session through the Booking System.

The session will be run by Witchhazel, our local expert from The Orchard Project, Swansea.

Give it a go! October 15

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The College is  inviting colleagues to come along to practice your Welsh skills across campuses on October 15 with colleagues over a cake. You can learn more about Welsh opportunities, lessons, resources and Apps. The sessions are taking place at 11.30 – 13.30 at the following locations:

  • Gorseinon – common room
  • Tycoch – Atrium
  • Llwyn y Bryn – Cafe
  • Jubilee Court – Cafe

GCS The Menopause Power Program

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This program is tailored for women embracing the transformative journey of menopause. It combines expert insights, strategic advice, and a dynamic 12-week strength training regimen to rejuvenate body and mind.

Menopause is more than the end of menstruation; it’s a profound change impacting your overall health. Our mission is to inspire this natural life stage, dispel myths, and offer empowering strategies to enhance well-being.

We focus on nutrition, emphasising Mediterranean and high-fibre foods that nourish your body. We also include essential supplements to support bone health and overall vitality and Self-Care Habits promoting long-term wellness.

At the heart of our program is a comprehensive strength training plan designed to maintain muscle and support metabolism, crucial during and after menopause.

Follow the link for access:

 

GCS The Menopause Power Program

 

 

Golf Society Day – 28 March 2024

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GCS are pleased to hold our 2nd Golf Society Day at Fairwood Golf course on Thursday 28 March. Meet at Fairwood at 1.00pm for 1.30pm tee off  followed by a meal after the game.

Staff are required to contribute £20 and the full details on how to pay will be sent to you once you have registered your interest in a place.

Please book your place here System Archebu Lles / Wellbeing Booking System

Pain Support Group – Swansea Wellbeing Centre

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Are you living with chronic pain? Do you notice a relationship between higher stress levels and pain?

Swansea Wellbeing Centre are holding free sessions at their Centre so you can meet other people living with pain and pick up tips on how to manage long-term pain physically, emotionally and mentally. If you’re unable to join in person you can join online.  Each session is stand-alone, you can attend more than one session. The sessions are being held on:

Sat 16th March 11-12
Sat 13th April 11-12
Sat 11th May 11-12
Thurs 15th June 11-12

This Course is offered for adults over 18 in Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea.
The Regional Health and Social Care Board are supporting this project.

Contact Beth Cox – Pain Specialist for more details or to book your place info@beth-cox.com 07747880731 www.dialdownyourpain.co.uk

Wellbeing Day – December 23

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The College held its fourth December Wellbeing Day at the end of last term after what was an incredibly busy first term back in the 2023-24 academic calendar.  Staff had the opportunity to take some time to enjoy many activities and feedback has been positive, encapsulated perfectly as.. “I feel so lucky to work somewhere that puts on so many varied and free activities for staff. Can’t wait until the next one!”

The day featured a diverse array of sessions designed to cater to various interests and preferences. Among the regular favourites were Claire Bickford’s renowned quiz and bingo sessions, seated chair massage sessions, golf, cold water therapy and shamanic healing and also included some new activities such as Creative Mindfulness, Yogalates and Reflexology. The day concluded with an exhilarating Pickleball tournament, bringing staff together for a friendly and competitive game with Mike Glover taking the trophy for a second time following his success during the Summer’s Wellbeing Fest.

The success of the December Wellbeing Day serves as a testament to the College’s commitment to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment. As we reflect on this fantastic day, we look forward to future initiatives that prioritise the wellbeing of the College’s most valuable asset – its dedicated staff.