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.

   

Wellbeing Wednesdays with Kev Webster

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Hypnotherapist and Modern Mindfulness Practitioner Kev Webster hosted another series of ONE HOUR evening sessions starting on 8th November on the following subjects. Please click the link next to the title to view a recording of the session.

TALK MONEY WEEK 6–10 NOVEMBER 2023 – #TalkMoney

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Talk Money week is an annual event where people are encouraged to have more open conversations about their money, from pocket money to pensions between families and friends, at work or at school or any other walk of life. The goal is to empower people who may be feeling the squeeze, struggling with bills or worried about what the future may hold, to find a way forward.

This year, the campaign will be held between 6-10 November 2023 and the Money & Pensions Service is replacing the theme with a simple call to action: do one thing. It doesn’t have to be huge. It could be as simple as tracking down a lost pension, talking to a child about pocket money or using one of the free tools or calculators on the MoneyHelper website.

It’s also an opportunity to recognise the work done by thousands of organisations to build financial wellbeing across the country. To find out more, please visit HERE

Yogalates – starting 9 November

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This is a Body-Mind Class, being a mixture of Yoga and Pilates, with elements of Tai Chi and Meditation.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your holistic fitness journey, Yogalates promises to offer a transformative experience.  Join us to unite body and mind, finding your inner focus, building strength, improving balance and flexibility through dynamic sequences, finishing with relaxation/meditation, leaving you feeling calm and centred, ready to take on the rest of your day.

We are delighted that Katie Bennett will be coming into the College to offer a 4 week pilot Yogalates class, which will be taking place on Thursday lunchtime at 1.00 pm in the Sports Centre starting after half term, starting on Thursday, 9 November

Bath Christmas Market trip

Get ready to embrace the festive spirit and embark on a delightful journey to one of England’s most enchanting Christmas markets! We’re excited to invite you to join us for a memorable day at the Bath Christmas Market.

 

🎄 Date: Sunday 3rd December

🎁 Time: Departure TBC*

🎁 Return at TBC* (Times to be confirmed nearer the date)

🚌 Meeting Point: Tycoch

🎁 Cost £5pp

 

To ensure we have a spot for you on the trip, please message Christian.regis@gcs.ac.uk  Space is limited, so make sure to secure your place early. We’ll provide transportation so all you need to bring is your holiday cheer!

 

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season with your colleagues in a truly magical setting. We can’t wait to share the warmth and joy of the Bath Christmas Market with you. Let’s make this holiday season extra special together. We hope to see you there!

 

Please note that due to limited availability this is a staff only trip.

Do you live with a musculoskeletal condition?

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Do you live with a musculoskeletal condition or any other condition you feel impacts your quality of movement on a regular basis?

If yes, would you like to take part a specially adapted exercise program that may help with easing the symptoms of the above conditions, potentially allowing you to live with less or even no pain, and improving the quality of your life through being more active?

If you have said yes twice then you might be interested in getting involved with fully funded activities such as:

  • Chair Based Exercise Classes
  • Gym Based exercise Classes
  • Stretch, Mobility and Balance Classes
  • Low impact sport such as Pickleball or Badminton

The above activities are designed with the beginner and those new to fitness in mind. So, if you feel that you would benefit from being more active, which can help with the symptoms of your musculoskeletal condition, please contact Christian.regis@gcs.ac.uk asap – we are due to start this program in the very near future so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

This is a fully funded program open to all, so if there is anyone in your family or network of friends and colleagues you feel would benefit, you can refer them to be considered, or pass this information on to them so they can get in contact directly themselves.

Wellbeing Milestones

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GCS are launching a new initiative to help staff embark on a transformative journey towards improved wellbeing. the aim is for everyone to lead a healthier, happier life beginning with self-care, and we want to reward and recognise your dedication.

Wellness Milestones is designed to motivate and inspire you to improve physical, mental and holistic health and create a healthier version of yourself. Every time you attend a wellbeing session you will collect a “stone” and this will be tracked and enable you to reach milestones where you will receive a reward. You must book through the Wellbeing Booking System for your attendance to be tracked.

We hope to create a community who can connect and share experiences, support one another and build meaningful experiences along the way.

For further information please email Christian Regis or Lorraine Evans

 

Free Flu Jabs for Staff

Flu season is upon us – order your FREE flu jab voucher now

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause symptoms including fever, coughing, chills, body aches and fatigue. Flu season strikes every year, peaking during October – May. The best way to protect yourself and those around you from flu this winter, is to get a flu jab.

To reiterate a few facts about flu:

  1. Flu is contagious before symptoms start
  2. Symptoms can start abruptly, you may be fine one day and bedridden the next
  3. It takes up to 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect as antibodies take this long to fully build up, and you could catch flu in the interim period
  4. The flu vaccine does not cause flu. The majority of flu jabs contain dead or inactivated flu viruses, some people do experience mild flu-like symptoms, but this isn’t flu and these symptoms typically only last one or two days.
  5. Flu can cause life-threatening complications, especially amongst the vulnerable, and thousands die every year in the UK from flu and associated conditions, such as pneumonia.

You can have a free NHS flu vaccine through your GP or local pharmacy if you are aged over 65 years old, have certain medical conditions or are pregnant.

However, Gower College Swansea are pleased to be able to offer free flu jabs to all staff regardless of age, who want to be vaccinated against flu. These vaccines are available at a local Boots pharmacy and at a time to suit you with many Boots stores open 7 days a week including some evenings.

For more information on how to get your free flu jab, please email Lorraine.evans@gcs.ac.uk.

We only have a limited number of vouchers and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so do not delay, get your flu voucher today.

 

Ironman update

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A massive congratulations to the GCS Ironman Team who successfully completed Ironman Wales in blistering heat on Sunday 3rd September 2023. Our team joined approximately 3,000 athletes  in a race which started at 7am with a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike course and finally a 26.2 mile run all within a daunting 17 hour window. Tenby’s course has earned a reputation, not just for its challenging terrain but its sheer beauty – captivating yet ruthless, enticing many a seasoned athlete only to break their spirit against the undulating hills of Pembrokeshire.

The GCS Team were also raising money for the Kenya Community Education Project TotalGiving Page’ HERE

 

 

PENSION AWARENESS WEEK – 11-15 SEPTEMBER 2023

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Pension Awareness Week is an annual five-day engagement event from 11 – 15 September aiming to empower everyone to better understand and value their workplace pension, and help them plan for their financial future.

The College has arranged virtual 1-2-1 sessions for staff to talk to independent financial advisor David Baker, from Wesleyan Financial Services Ltd.  David can advise on Teachers’ Pension or LGPS and will be available to answer any queries you may have relating to your pension.

15 minute virtual sessions will available on:

  • Tuesday, 12 September between 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
  • Thursday, 14 September between 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

To book your slot, please visit the Wellbeing Booking System – slots will go live on Thursday, 7 September at 8.45 am.