Issue #53, Wednesday 10 May 2023
Welcome to Your News! This week, you can read about our Big Spring Clean, the Apprenticeship Awards, the Windrush 75th Anniversary and compensation scheme, and much more!
Got old IT equipment that you no longer use or need? Maybe there's a faulty chair that needs reporting? Or maybe your locker needs a good clear-out?
Whatever it is, the Big Spring Clean will provide everyone with an opportunity to spruce up our work areas and get things ticked off that snag list.
In the week commencing 22 May, each day will be dedicated to getting the job - or jobs! - done so that we can make our work environment the best it can be and keep up the good work throughout the year.
Thursday 18 May
5.30pm-6.30pm
Waltham Forest Town Hall – Council Chambers
As part of this year’s Windrush programme, Pauline Campbell, our Senior Lawyer, will host a workshop about Windrush Compensation Scheme.
During this 1 hour workshop, Pauline will:
- share the historical background of the Windrush Scandal, the legal connotation to it and where we are right now
- show the process to refer people to the Windrush Compensation Scheme where they can get the right support
The workshop will finish with a Q&A. By the end of the workshop participants will know how to signpost people to get the right support about Windrush Compensation Scheme in relation to queries that they might receive.
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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and we an exciting programme of events and activities to celebrate and commemorate the Windrush Generation in Waltham Forest.
As part of the celebrations, a Windrush 75 pieces art exhibition will be unveiled featuring pictures, recipes, stories as well as art items created by local schools. We are doing a special call out to all stall for copies of photos, stories, family recipes, songs, and poems along with a description to feature in the 75 pieces exhibition.
You may have photos captured in the front room, a funny Windrush Story of a relative's voyage to Britain, a family recipe or saying you would love to share, photos of relatives in their ‘Sunday Best’ and pictures capturing the different generations i.e. grandparent with grandchildren. If you are interested in participating, we ask that copies of items are sent to ConnectingCommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk by Monday 22 May.
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Do you work with an apprentice?
London Councils are seeking entries to recognise and celebrate the contribution of apprentices to London’s local authorities and communities. This is our opportunity to showcase the value of our apprentices and highlight how our apprentices have positively contributed to our borough.
There are two categories you can nominate in:
- Best contribution by a new apprentice
- Best progression by an apprentice
Supporting statements should be sent to apprenticeships@walthamforest.gov.uk
Deadline: Friday 19 May
If you would like be part of the selection process please also email us
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Our next Tea and Talk will take place on Thursday 18 May from 1-2pm and is presented by The WOW, our Differently Abled and Carers Network.
The session will focus on Charlie Beswick, a mum to 17-year-old twins, Oliver and Harry. She is the author of the best-selling book Our Altered Life, and founded SEND Gin & Cheese CIC to support maternal mental wellbeing at the point of their child’s diagnosis and beyond. She also founded More Than a Face charity.
For information on how to join our staff networks, please contact joy.hume@walthamforest.gov.uk
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There is still time to take part in this year's satisfaction survey for the Council's internal support services. Doing so will allow the team to better understand about the services they provide and where improvements can be made.
The survey will take around 10-15 minutes to complete. All information you provide is completely confidential.
Your personal information will not be passed on to anyone unless you give permission and your personal details will not be reported alongside your responses. Please see the Council's Privacy Policy for surveys for more information.
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There are a wide range of benefits on offer for our staff with particular highlights each month ranging from savings on everyday spending, cinema tickets, restaurant meals, phone contracts and much more.
Our chosen staff benefits supplier is Sodexo and you can sign-up on their website to take advantage of these benefits at the link below.
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Have you ever sent an email and thought ‘Oops! I should not have sent that’ ?
If you can relate to this, there are Microsoft Outlook settings that can assist you in day-to-day working practices.
2 minute delay to email sending
You can set a 2 minute delay to emails, so if you have an 'Oops!' moment, you have time to stop the email from going.
Turn-off auto-complete list in Outlook
You can also set your Outlook calendar to turn off the Auto-Complete List in Outlook by following these instructions.
Your wellbeing
Book Club in May
The book club choice for May is ‘What we Talk About When We Talk About Love' by Raymond Carver.
It is a collection of short stories and the basis of the 2014 film Birdman. You can pick up a copy from the ground floor South East room of Town Hall (the room opposite IT).
We will meet on Tuesday 23 May between 1-2pm to discuss the book. Email Jennifer Legg for an invite.
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Brain in Hand: digital self-management support system
We are working with Brain in Hand: a digital self-management support system for people who need help remembering things, making decisions, planning, or managing anxiety. It is not condition-specific, but is often used by people who are autistic or managing anxiety-related mental health challenges. Combining practical human support and simple digital tools, Brain in Hand helps people live more independently.
To refer a service user or find out more, contact Luke at LukePawlikow@braininhand.co.uk or Sabila at Sabila.Hafejee@walthamforest.gov.uk
My Possible Self App
Are you interested in tracking your moods and learning more about yourself? You can now download
the My Possible Self app
My Possible Self contains a mood tracker, visual and audio exercise to boost your mood and relax, as well as insights on your behaviours to help you do more of what you like.
To create an account on the app, first access the My Possible Self website:
http://bit.ly/MyPossibleSelfPortal
Password: SoD2021!
Please note that this app has replaced the Thrive app.
Wellbeing buddies
We looking for new recruits! As a Wellbeing Buddy, we will help you to develop your confidence and skills in providing short interventions to support staff or the community. You will also join a small community-focused on improving staff wellbeing. Applications are now open and will close on Monday 15 May.
Mental Health Support at Work - Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
We have a new market-leading EAP, Care First. There are a range of services available to staff including counselling, urgent help, self help tools and other resources.
Learning & development
We have a range of training courses and learning & development opportunities available.
Please visit the link below to view.
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Jobs
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