In the Know - November wellbeing update

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Wellbeing

 11 November 2022

Welcome

Welcome to your wellbeing update for November. This month's edition focusses on Movember and men's health. Each year, Movember is responsible for thousands of moustaches in the UK, and we have included information and resources in this newsletter to help you support the initiative and men's health.

Please share anything you find useful with colleagues, friends or family. Thank you for your support.

Movember

News for you

Campaigns and events

Movember

Movember has returned this month to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide. To find out more about Movember, please visit the Movember website.

How to support Movember

Movember

You can support Movember in a variety of ways by growing a moustache, running or walking 60km over the month, hosting a get together or by doing your own thing.

Talking about men's health 

Many men can find it tricky to open up and speak with colleagues, friends or family about their health or issues they're experiencing. Some simple things we can all do to play a part in encouraging these conversations include:

  • Making space - find time to talk and make sure you do so without judgement.
  • Not taking 'fine' as your final answer - we all say we're fine when we're not. To really find out how someone is feeling, ask twice and don't take 'fine' as your final answer.
  • Avoiding toxic language - 'grow up', 'man up', 'get a grip' or 'grow a pair' are unhelpful phrases. Avoid using them.
  • Finding the right space - find an environment that's more relaxed to talk like going a walk or car journey.
  • Supporting men - make it clear that your feelings won't change towards them if they open up. You don't have to try and give advice - just listen.
  • Removing the stigma - having open conversations, sharing your own story and supporting others is essential to removing the stigma associated with men's mental health.

Local support, activities and groups

Health and care Portsmouth

Local support, activities and groups for men's health and wellbeing are listed on the Health and Care Portsmouth website. This includes Andy’s Man Club, the Let’s Talk Mate men’s mental health podcast, mental health support in the city, money advice and much more.

Find out more

Lunchtime learning: We Are Hummingbird Health - Monday 21 November from 12:30pm to 1:30pm

humm

Ian Hurst from We Are Hummingbird Health will be sharing his story of living with mental illness, his journey into getting support and where he is now. Please contact lunchtimelearning@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for an invite. A recording of the presentation will be available on the intranet afterwards.

Solent Mind: Supporting men's mental health and wellbeing - Wednesday 23 November from 2pm to 3pm

mind

The statistics for both mental and physical health issues for men are worrying, and these are compounded by many men not seeking support. In recognition of International Men’s Day, this session combines lived experiences with professional understanding and practical ways to support ourselves and the men around us. Please email PCCWorkplaceWellbeing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for an invite.

International Men's Day - 19 November

It's also International Men's Day this month which celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The day highlights positive role models and raises awareness of men's wellbeing. Please visit the International Men's Day website to find out more.

News for you

Staff wellbeing days: new day for all staff

We are hosting staff wellbeing days for you to get wellbeing information, find out about wellbeing resources and to speak confidentially with the wellbeing team. Free 20-minute confidential health checks are also available as part of each day – which you can book by emailing PCCWorkplaceWellbeing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

Wellbeing days are being held for individual teams and directorates, and new dates have been recently added including one for all staff at the civic offices in January. Details of days set-up so far are listed on the intranet

We are trying to set these up for as many directorates, teams and locations as possible - so everyone has the opportunity to attend and with an initial focus on areas with staff who don't have a work email address or access to the intranet, where many of our wellbeing resources are shared.

Wellbeing training

training

Coping with change - Monday 5 December from 2pm to 5pm

This online workshop looks at the stages of change, dealing with change, self-care and positive mindsets. Discuss what change is and different tools that can be used to support you and others.

For more details and to book your place, please email PCCWorkplaceWellbeing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Managing Workforce Health and Wellbeing - Wednesday 14 December from 9.30am to 12.30pm

This online workshop aims to help managers support the health and wellbeing of their staff. As well as reviewing the wellbeing policy and resources, the workshop will focus on effective skills and behaviours for managers. This includes identifying signs and indicators that someone may be struggling with their wellbeing, how to be there for someone who is struggling, and how to help restore the confidence of an anxious individual.

For more details and to book your place on the below training course, please email LearningandDevelopment@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Campaigns

Do you have symptoms of Long COVID?

long covid

Long COVID means your symptoms carry on after your COVID infection has gone away. These symptoms are varied and can change over time.

If you're worried about your symptoms please contact your GP who will decide on what tests or treatments you need. You can find out more information on local support on the Health and Care Portsmouth website.

Carers Count - 24 November

If you provide care for someone who lives in Portsmouth, you are invited to Carers Count on Thursday 24 November at John Pounds Centre, Queen Street, PO1 3HN.  

Carers Count is a one-day event bringing together unpaid carers, health and social care professionals and voluntary sector organisations. You'll learn about the Portsmouth Plan for carers, hear from guest speakers, and have the opportunity to take part in discussion groups on topics important to carers.

Booking is required, please register for this event on Eventbrite. Please also help us reach as many carers as possible by sharing the event on Facebook