Welcome

Welcome to your latest wellbeing update. This edition includes Time to Talk day, training opportunities and a reminder to get your flu jab plus other news and support. We hope you find this useful.

Time to Talk day

Let's talk about mental health

Today, Thursday 2 February is Time to Talk Day – a day which encourages us to come together and talk about mental health.

One in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year and talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when needed.

Even a quick call, text or chat has the power to make a big difference and there's many ways you can take part - either today or any time you like - with your friends, family or colleagues.

Learn more about the day and how to get involved on the Time to Talk day website and visit the Mind website for some useful conversational tips.

To learn more about local mental health services, visit Health and Care Portsmouth's website.

Training for you

Resilience and wellbeing awareness workshop

This workshop explores what resilience is and the behaviours that strengthen it. Dates for the available workshops are: 

• Tuesday 28 March from 9:30am to 12:30pm via MS Teams
• Thursday 20 July from 9:30am to 12:30pm via MS Teams
• Wednesday 29 November from 9:30am to 12:30pm via MS Teams

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

Your health

Still time to get your free flu jab

It's not too late to get your free flu vaccination either from Laly’s Pharmacies or by claiming a digital flu voucher which can be used at other participating pharmacies.

If you are already eligible to receive a free flu vaccination via the NHS programme, you will be contacted by your GP and should take up this offer instead and eligibility criteria is available on the NHS website.

Lalys pharmacy

Visit Lalys and present your ID Card and complete an online form on arrival - there is no need to book an appointment.

Digital flu voucher

To claim a digital flu voucher, please visit https://www.digitalflu.co.uk/ and use company code: P7C65C to receive your voucher. You will also need your payroll number which you can find on your payslip. Please use the pharmacy finder to see all participating pharmacies.

If you have any queries or have difficulty obtaining a voucher, please email Flu@healthyperformance.co.uk.

Staying well

Colds, coughs, and viruses are with us all year round, though they’re more common in colder months. Having good hygiene habits helps to prevent us from spreading germs which can cause these types of infections.

Get tips on staying well and find out your hygiene rating via the quiz.

News for you

Workplace massages available at the civic

Starting this month, 15-minute massages using a specially designed massage chair are available at the civic offices every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm in the Parent Room, Floor 1, Core 3.

This service is run by Helen and Katie from The Massage Service and you can choose from the following massages (none use oils and there is no need to remove clothing):

• head neck and shoulder massage
• leg massage
• hand and arm massage

As a welcome offer, your first session with Katie cost £5 then at the usual rate of £10 per 15-minute slot. For more information, to book an appointment or if you have any queries, please contact helsontour@yahoo.co.uk or text Katie on 07368 483131.

This month

February 2023 is LGBT+ History Month

This years theme is #behindthelens, celebrating the contribution LGBT+ people have made to film and TV from behind the camera. To see the events calendar and discover more, you can visit the LGBT+ History Month page. More information on what LGBT+ means and our community, please visit our LGBT community page.