Welcome from Jacky Wilson, Head of HR
"I am sat at home writing this introduction (read in full here) and I think I am just beginning to get used to working at home all the time and the different ways of work needed. Many of you though are working in critical frontline roles in communities and facing daily challenges, while others will need to be in the office.
"Our Health and Wellbeing Special is designed to help all of you in whatever way you are working to access resources to support your health and wellbeing due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). It shines a light on the resources and options available to you to take some time out to think about and manage your own health and wellbeing. It is modelled on the 5 ways to wellbeing; these are things that you can do in your everyday life to help YOU feel good, and can be remembered by CLANG – Connect, (keep) Learning, (be) Active, (take) Notice, Give.
|
 "Please do all be kind to yourselves and those around you; talk to those you trust about how you are feeling, take time out, recharge and most importantly explore what helps you to stay well both emotionally and physically.
"Take the time to read and access the information; there are resources for your heart and mind; keeping them active and healthy. If you do need some extra support, then you have a variety of options available to you. We’re also taking this opportunity to understand better how you are currently feeling and if there is anything further that we can do to help and support you. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.
"I would like to say a big thank you from me personally; these are incredibly difficult times, but we will get through this together."
Jacky Wilson
Head of Human Resources
Be physically active
Being active is great for your physical health and fitness #StayInWorkOut
While working at home, we are seeing many people work longer hours and sitting still for a significant amount of the day. Taking regular breaks away from your desk is really helpful not only for your concentration, attention and mental wellbeing but it will also help to avoid any physical injuries.
If you can, take your daily exercise out in the fresh air, and when you are working please do take regular, short breaks. Or workout at home through websites like Les Mills on demand.
|
The Joe Wicks morning PE session has a large following. This is just one example of how you can keep your children involved in physical activity in a fun way.
|
Active Devon has some brilliant ideas on how we can get moving more and resources too.
They are developing different ways to ensure they can provide the most effective support, including inspiring and encouraging people to be active at home through the power of a digital conversation. Can this really work, you may ask? There is only one way to find out, and that is to give Active Agents a try!
|
One Small Step
Looking to make a change and get healthy? Or you might want to aim for a healthier weight but can’t find the time or motivation to get active. Whatever your goal, OneSmallStep can help.
Today is the day to quit for COVID
Perhaps you are a smoker who would like to cut back or even give up for good? Coronavirus (COVID-19) attacks the respiratory system, so there has never been a more important time to stop smoking, not only for your own health but to protect those around you. It will also help reduce pressure on the NHS. Why not #QuitForCovid today... Contact One Small Step or use the Smokefree app to access advice and support on how you can best stop smoking.
|
Take Notice (mindfulness)
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
It’s important that we all look after ourselves, our families, and our wellbeing, and this is even more important during these extraordinary times. Please remember our Employee Assistance Programme offers confidential, impartial advice and support online and over the phone.
All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe
When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes?
Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: Refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment.
Every Mind Matters
The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of advice to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing, including tips to help if you're worried about coronavirus (COVID-19); if you’re looking after children and young people and if you're working from home, as well as general ways to help cope during the lockdown.
Resources for children and young people
Our Adopt South West team deal with families everyday and have compiled a list of resources to aid parents/carers/workers to support children and young people make sense of coronavirus and to have difficult conversations about how they might be feeling about it.
Victim support
We are part of a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse as there is growing concern of an increase in incidents due to the impact of COVID-19. There are many sources of help including Live-Chat which can be accessed through Victim Care. And remember that we offer free wellbeing advice and support to all colleagues.
Give to others
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Do you want to do something to show you care? There are lots of opportunities for you to make a difference to people’s lives; virtually through Devon Digital Lives, or in your local community.
Many of us are volunteering to offer practical, emotional and social support to neighbours, communities and the NHS, which is excellent, but we need to do so safely. The Government has published guidance on how to help safely.
NHS Volunteer Responders
Don't forget we can now call on NHS Volunteer Responders to help us make sure that vulnerable residents get the support they need to stay safe and well at home during this difficult time, particularly if support is not easily accessed or available from local community volunteer groups.
|
Three Good Things is an exercise that has been associated with increased levels of happiness and wellbeing.
Here's how you do it...
Each night before you go to sleep:
- think of three good things that happened today - perhaps something that has made you proud, happy, grateful
- write them down
- reflect on your role in why they happened.
|
Gratitude - short clip from Brené Brown
Click to watch 'Gratitude' - a short clip from Brené Brown
Dr Brené Brown is a research professor who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. In this short video, she talks about the relationship between joy and gratitude and offers a few tips on how to cultivate more joy in your own life.
 Coming soon...
It's Mental Health Awareness Week, from 18-25 May and in response to the coronavirus outbreak kindness has been announced as the new theme.
Look out for more coverage through Inside Devon.
Lastly, don't forget our HR mailbox for DCC staff and managers who have employment-related questions about coronavirus for themselves or someone they manage. Questions will be answered in confidence.
|
