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.

Ironman Tenby – 03.09.23

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3rd September 2023 will see 10 members of GCS staff compete in the world famous Tenby Ironman Wales Challenge alongside elite athletes from all over the world.

The race starts with a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike course and finally a 26.2 mile run. This race is no mean feat and our team will be pushing their minds and bodies to the limit over 12-15 hours. The team would be delighted if you could come along and support them on the day plus you can track individual athletes by downloading the Athlete Tracker App on Apple or Google Stores.

The GCS Ironman Team will also be raising money for the Kenya Project.  If you would like to donate please follow the link Donate here for the Kenya Community Education Project TotalGiving Page

If you are interested in coming to support the GCS Team on the day, please contact Julia.Hayward@gcs.ac.uk for more information.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR AMAZING ATHLETES!

discounts for teachers – ITS HERE!

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The College has a new staff benefit through a partnership with Discounts For Teachers, a platform where members can access deals, cashback, vouchers and discounts at up to 1.5k top brands and retailers to help them save money. It is completely FREE to join and use, there are no hidden costs, no catch.

The scheme is currently used by 820k+ members in the education sector and 91% of members say the discounts help them afford a higher quality of life.

To find out more, Sign up for FREE here! or scan the QR code in the poster or contact lorraine.evans@gcs.ac.uk to start making savings on everyday purchases.

Wellbeing Day – July 6th

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The College was pleased to hold its annual Summer Wellbeing Day on Thursday 6th July. There were a range of activities for staff to participate in across campuses and at various locations, including group walks, cycle rides, cold water dipping, surfing, massages, health checks, golf simulators, lego competitions, pickleball, shamanic healing, yoga and pilates, various fitness classes, amongst many other activities. There were also visits from Tom the therapy dog, Cycle to Work and Indian street food available for staff. Feedback from participants has been really positive with 78% saying the day was excellent or very good with the  remaining feedback also being positive. The majority of staff loved the opportunity to try out a new wellbeing activity and felt supported by the College in relation to health and wellbeing. Staff feedback included:

  • “It was a brilliant day, i really enjoyed the array of activities and spending time with colleagues across the college”
  • “It was lovely to relax with colleagues in a non work setting”
  • “I felt amazing after my massage and having it on our site was so convenient and appreciated”
  • “Loved having the chance to unwind after a hectic year”
  • “I came back to the office after gardening feeling totally relaxed and chilled, i could have spent the whole day with them!”

Ironman – Supporters needed!

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Our GCS Ironman Team will be competing in the Ironman Wales event in Tenby in 9 weeks time, taking place on Sunday, 3 September.  This is a gruelling 12-15 hour race which only the super fit and elite athletes can compete in!

It’s a great event to watch and crowd support plays a big part in getting tired legs to run the final marathon stage through the streets of Tenby. So, if you are interested in joining us on the day to support the Team, please email Julia Hayward to register your interest and find out details of transport arrangements.

Gardening Club – starting 5 June

GCS will be running a 6 week course of gardening club sessions for staff starting 5 June. These sessions will be taking place at Tycoch from 4.30 – 6.30 pm. They will be very relaxed sessions  covering a wide range of topics from planting, propagation, caring for beds and borders, watering, hanging baskets, beginners carpentry and many more.

To book on a session, please visit the  Booking System