Thrive at work newsletter - June 2020

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workplace wellbeing

Improving health in the workplace newsletter

This edition lists some of the forthcoming national campaigns you could consider supporting along with local opportunities to get active in and outside of the workplace to promote to your employees.

You are receiving this email because you either subscribed to our free newsletter or you are a member of the distribution list for the Thrive at Work Award – Health Champions programme.

For further information please contact Jenny Duggan from the Employment and Wellbeing Team:

stay at home nhs

Join our Thrive Workplace Wellbeing alcohol and substance misuse webinar - Tuesday 16 June at 11am

The main areas of the alcohol and substance misuse training webinar will include:

  • basic drug awareness including substances commonly misused
  • alcohol awareness including what is sensible drinking
  • tips to identify possible substances misuse around drugs and alcohol
  • the potential risk to mental health and well-being from the misuse of substances
  • when and how to signpost someone for treatment and support and what services provide this.
  • the use of helplines including mutual aid and how effective they can be.

Interested? Please email Lindsey.hines@coventry.gov.uk or Jenny.duggan@coventry.gov.uk to join the webinar and receive the link. 


Local Authority COVID-19 Discretionary Grant Fund update

The application form for Coventry City Council’s COVID-19 Discretionary Grant scheme for small and micro businesses became available from 12noon Monday 1 June and will close at 12noon Friday 12 June 2020. For further information, details on eligibility criteria and supporting information required to help with the assessment of the grant please see Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund.


Want to encourage your employees to cycle to work? Free cycle parking for businesses in the West Midlands

cycle park

Transport for West Midlands are launching Cycle Parking for Organisations supported by Park That Bike to help organisations across the West Midlands by providing them with free cycle parking. The scheme is aimed at encouraging more cycling and people to use their bikes to get around by offering to deliver free bike racks to up to 100 businesses, education centres, hospitals and community organisations.

This project is funded by Transport for West Midlands in order to keep the region moving during the COVID-19 recovery phases and beyond. Find out more about Cycling Parking for Organisations.


Are you a carer or know someone that is? Carers Week is coming up on 8 - 14 June 2020

heroes

There are approximately 34,000 people providing unpaid care in Coventry, that's about 1 in 10 people and we suspect right now that there are many more people providing unpaid care for a friend or a relative. People are likely to be providing more care in the absence of wider support networks and we know that caring roles are likely to be more intense than ever before. In Coventry alone we think that unpaid carers save the local health and social care economy £680 million per year. 

The Carers Trust Heart of England will be hosting a range of events during the week 8-14 June and will shortly be publishing a timetable of events. For any further information you can contact the Carers Trust Heart of England on 024 7663 2972.

carers week

Carers are now classed as essential workers and are eligible for the COVID-19 test.

You might have seen in the past week that the government's eligibility for testing has increased to anyone over the age of five who are displaying symptoms. From 4 May unpaid carers became recognised as essential workers and therefore are eligible and encouraged to go for testing if displaying symptoms. You can book a test by accessing the government website through the essential worker route. 

We've noticed that once you get to a certain point on the website it doesn't give you the option to say you're an unpaid carer, so our advice is to click the volunteer option. 

Please note: If you suspect you have COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms it's essential that you do not provide care during this time. 


SENDIAS are having a virtual coffee morning via Microsoft Teams - Thursday 4 June 2020 between 10-11am

To request an invite and for further information contact SEND Information, Advice & Support Service; Telephone 024 7669 4307. 

Want to know what SENDIAS is? Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice & Support Service. Contact 024 7669 4307 for more information.

sendias

Missing your yoga groups? How about joining the Carers Trust virtual yoga, tea and catch up sessions?

yoga

As the Carers Trust are unable to run their usual support groups due to the COVID-19 situation, they are holding a number of virtual catch ups via Zoom and Discord and they'd love for you to join them. Please see details below and if interested, please send an email for joining instructions and more information. Virtual catch ups are a great way of keeping in touch and gaining support from our team and other local carers. Every Wednesday at 3pm - Coventry Carers Support Group - michael.howard@carerstrusthofe.org.uk

Every Monday at 4.30pm and every Thursday at 8.30pm - Parent Carers peer support group (Note: This session is via the free Discord app rather than Zoom) Email: susan.murray@carerstrusthofe.org.uk or mark.graham@carerstrusthofe.org.uk

Wednesday 3 June at 11am - Zoom yoga and relaxation session for all carers Email: varsha.thakrar@carerstrusthofe.org.uk


NHS test and trace: workplace guidance

test and trace

The NHS test and trace service is designed to support economic recovery and help businesses work safely.

The test and trace service will help to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging as restrictions on everyday life are eased. It is vital that employers play their part to make their workplace COVID-secure and encourage workers to follow any notifications to self-isolate. Employers have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of their workers and should follow the safer workplace guidance on GOV.UK.

For more information on NHS test and trace.


Support available for everyone that's affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - we are all in this together

nhs

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is going to have an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government and the NHS take necessary steps to manage the outbreak, reduce transmission and treat those who need medical attention.

It may be difficult, but by following guidance on social distancing, or staying at home, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.

During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it.

 More information and advice.


Keeping your workplace COVID-19 secure

covid safe

The Health & Safety executives have produced guidance to help you work safely (be COVID secure) and manage the risk associated with running your business at this time.

It includes practical measures you can take, for example putting in place social distancing measures, staggering shifts, providing additional handwashing facilities and how to talk with workers to help them stay safe.

Talking to your employees about working safely during the Coronavirus outbreak

By consulting and involving people in the steps you are taking to manage the risk of Coronavirus in your workplace you can explain the changes you are planning to work safely, make sure changes will work and hear their ideas and continue to operate your business safely during the outbreak.

Working safely during Coronavirus information 


Support for people bereaved during COVID-19 pandemic

your are not alone

Losing a loved one at any time can be extremely distressing and experiencing the death of someone special to you. During this pandemic it is likely to be even more traumatic. The usual ways we would work through what has happened, and the support we could normally expect from friends, family and colleagues may not be available as we would want and need. The pandemic has changed the traditional ways we mark our grief. The loss of loved ones may be particularly severe, and grieving processes may be disrupted because of inability to carry out our usual grieving rights.
For the moment, it is not possible to come together and to gather in one location. It is not possible to have a large funeral. It may not be possible to receive the company of those who wish to offer condolences. However, we can support ourselves and each other in different ways. Don’t struggle alone. There are many organisations who offer support to adults and children locally and nationally. Their usual way of offering face-to face support may not be available but they are offering online and telephone
support. Bereavement and grief information and advice

Not sure what to do next? Worried about money etc?

Coping with bereavement is very difficult, and often there are many practical issues to deal with. A change within your household can often affect many aspects of your life. There are people available to help you through these unprecedented times. Contact us for more information.


Working from home? Support yourself & your team

working from home

We know that many of us are worrying about the current situation around Coronavirus and how it might affect our lives. It's likely that we'll be working from home for longer periods of time to help keep us all safe during the Coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, it's important we recognise how it may affect our mental health and ensure we are taking care of ourselves and our colleagues. 

It's easy to work longer hours and take fewer breaks when working from home. Why not put a reminder in your diary when you plan to finish working? You can also make sure you take at least a 30-minute lunch break. If you can, try to get some fresh air and go for a short walk.  It's important you look after your own well-being so you can also be there to support your team. Working at home - Supporting your team through Coronavirus 


Know someone looking for work or looking to improve their skills?

job shop

The Job Shop in Coventry city centre has many vacancies and training opportunities available due to COVID-19 Everything is virtual so why not register and receive weekly updated of current vacancies and training opportunities in our local area. Have support over the phone and email with job coaches and money advisers to get you back on track. 


EU logo

This activity forms part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).