Saving big

Work station posture and stretches

Pick up some good habits and stretches to do at your work station

Flu vacccination

Find out how to access your free winter flu vaccination

What's it all about?

There’s more focus than ever on the benefits of pedal power. Better physical and mental health, savings on commuting costs, getting out to explore local areas more all while being kind to the environment. Find out below if Cycle2work is for you by checking out the live road show and popular questions about Cycle2work. Hundreds of colleagues have already participated in Cycle2work making over £200,000 of savings.

1- How does the Cycle2work scheme work?

You select a bike and any cycle accessories you want, apply to get it through Cycle2work and pay for it through your salary. Click on the video in the right for a quick introduction to Cycle2work.

2-What’s the benefits of doing that?

You save from 33% to 42% off the value of the new bike through tax and national insurance savings. Plus the cost is spread over 12 or 18 months (whatever your preference is). Its the most cost efficient way to get new cycling equipment and also avoids large one-off costs.

3-How much can I spend with Cycle2work?

From £100 to £3,500 – providing the deductions from your payslip don’t take you below the national living wage. This is checked by our payroll team as part of the application process.

4-Do I need to cycle to work everyday?

In short, no! You can use your bike for cycling to work or rides around your local park or even to the beach on holiday. The scheme is in place to encourage people to use bicycles, especially to and from work. You do not need to log how you are using your bike.

5-Can I apply then change my mind and cancel?

Yes – but for only 14 days as per the Cycle2work contract. From when you receive your letter of collection to collect a bike you have 14 days in which you can cancel the contract.

Its important to note that the total value of your Cycle2work letter of collection must be used all at the one time. The amount you have applied for will be the amount that you pay for even if you spend less. In addition the bike cost must be covered entirely but the letter of collection value, its not possible to add you own funds towards the bike cost.

6-Is Cycle2work just for a bike?

It covers a bike and also a wide range of cycle accessories. From safety gear including lights, locks, helmet and mudguards. Maintenance gear like a pump, puncture repair kit, bike lube and cleaning equipment.

Bags, panniers and pannier racks if you want to carry some work gear on your commute or some food on a day trip. Child safety seats and trailers if you are thinking of some cycle adventures with a toddler. If its an E-bike your getting you can include battery packs and chargers. Accessories commonly asked for but not available through the scheme include gps handle bar computers, actions cameras and turbo trainers.

7-Can I just get accessories?

Yes you can, this is allows you to upgrade any cycle accessories/bike parts needing replaced and no purchase of a bike is needed. Most bike parts are included with the main exceptions being a frame and fork.

8-Can I get two bikes?

Yes! If you would like to get two bikes at the same time with Cycle2work you certainly can – as long as the total doesn’t exceed our limit of £3,500 and the bikes are a similar frame size.

9-Can I take part in Cycle2work more than once?

Yes! Should you need another new bike you can reapply along as you have completed your salary sacrifice deductions for bike you already have through the scheme.

10-What happens if my bike gets stolen?

This one’s down to you. Looking after your bike is your responsibility.

Plus are you wondering…

… if cycling really is so beneficial to my health? Read more here

How does the discount and payments work?

Cycle2work is a salary sacrifice scheme. The discount comes from paying off the bike cost straight from your salary. This means you save on tax and national insurance with the bike cost going through as a non cash benefit.

So what’s the saving?

As you don’t pay income tax or national insurance on the scheme payments you will save between 32% and 42% (depending on your tax band) on the overall cost of your new bike and accessories.

Tell more more about salary sacrifice

The salary sacrifice happens when you give up the right to receive part of your salary. Its is where you have agreed to accept a lower amount of salary, in return for North Lanarkshire Council providing you with the non-cash benefit of the bicycle and safety equipment.

For a benefit such as a cycle2work bike, where there is a specific tax exemption, the employee can receive a tax and national insurance contribution free benefit instead of salary on which tax and class 1 nation insurance contributions would have been fully payable.

When do the salary sacrifice deductions take place?

The deductions happen in installments over 12 or 18 months (whatever your preference is). The deductions are automatically taken from your salary once you are issued your Cycle2work voucher (letter of collection). The deductions amount is consistent to equally spread the total deduction amount over the 12 or 18 months period you selected.. The exact deduction amount is confirmed with you as part of the application process.

How much does it cost and how much do I save?

Costs start from as little as £4.70 per 4 weekly pay over a 1 year period. The Halfords Cycle 2 Work Calculator will show what your savings could be and what your salary deductions could be. To use the calculator just enter what you’re thinking of spending on a bike and what your pay type is (2 weekly, 4 weekly etc).

What happens after my last deduction?

After the 12 or 18 month payment period you set, the deductions automatically stop. There are no additional costs. Part of the scheme is a “transfer of ownership”. This is needed for the Cycle2work scheme to be compliant with HMRC rules. It has no cost for you, you simply indicate you will extend the hire agreement. No further actions needed.

What happens if I leave NLC before my 12 or 18 months of deductions is complete?

You will have to pay ALL the outstanding payments remaining on your Agreement from your final net salary. The deduction is taken from net rather than gross salary, as you will no longer be entitled to benefit from Income Tax and NI savings.

Please be aware you may be left with a zero net salary after deductions are taken. If there is not enough net salary to recover from your final salary an invoice will then need to be raised. You will be required to pay this invoice within 14 days of your departure from North Lanarkshire Council.

You will be contacted by Halfords in due course regarding end of hire options as usual. As you left the scheme early you will be due to pay a fair market value to keep the bike – this is determined by HMRC and is 18 to 25% of the original bike value.

If you think your employment is likely to end before the 12 month period of the hire, you should consider very carefully whether you wish to participate in the scheme.

Can taking part in Cycle2work affect my participation in other salary sacrifice employee benefits?

Yes. You can only take part in certain employee benefits if your salary remains above the national living wage level. Benefits like buy and bank leave, additional voluntary contributions (AVC) to your pension and electric car scheme (coming soon). Please bear this in mind when taking out a 12 or 18 month long Cycle2work agreement.

Where can I get a bike from?

Click on the map to access all the participating retailers in the Halfords Cycle2work scheme.

This ranges from Halfords stores,Tredz online and hundreds of independent cycle shops. The selection is massive but please note Evans Cycles and Decathalon are not part of the Halfords Cycle2work scheme.

How long does it take to get my bike?

Two weeks from when you apply provided your bike is in stock 🙂

Things that can hold up you getting out on your new bike

-on the application form selecting the wrong pay frequency like monthly pay instead of four weekly

-on the application form entering personal details that are different from your details on mySelf, check those personal details by logging into mySelf and making sure your address etc is all up to date

-you have applied for an amount that covers the bike you want but ….

…….you didn’t check the availabilty of the bike and its sold out and so you need more or less for a different bike (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or

…….you now want a lock, lights and helmet etc also so you need to alter the amount applied for (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or

…….you change your mind about the bike you want and so you need more or less for a different bike (this requires you to cancel the application and reapply) or

……. deciding you want to cancel the original application and so apply for a different amount before you actually cancel the original the application

Can I apply then change my mind and cancel?

Yes – but for only 14 days as per the Cycle2work contract. From when you receive your letter of collection to collect a bike you have 14 days in which you can cancel the contract.

What's this all about?

The mylifestyle portal provides colleagues access to wide variety of savings all in one place.

Savings range from retail discounts, tax free new bikes and e-bikes plus coming soon a salary sacrifice electric car scheme.

Does it cost anything to register for the mylifestyle portal?

No – its available to all NLC colleagues at no charge. Please note restrictions apply to the tax free new bikes and e-bikes plus the salary sacrifice electric car scheme.

Supports

Got a query or a question then check out the supports that are available:

–For a registration query – email workwellNLshoppingplatform@northlan.gov.uk or get in touch via the work well NL yammer channel

–For a question about discounts and offers – call the helpline on 0800 019 6666 or use the contact us option circled below

work well NL - Tools/ resources for managers

As a leader in NLC you have the key role of promoting work well NL supports to colleagues in your teams. This will involve raising awareness of what health and wellbeing assistance your team can access.

The supports available through work well NL are covered across five areas:

Think well – includes counselling, mental health awareness toolkits and wellness at work plans

Shop well – includes exclusive savings to support engagement

Financially well – includes confidential supports on money matters

Move well – includes physiotherapy

Socially well – includes supports on healthy connections/relationships

Additional supports for managers

Scroll down for more supports

Employee assistance programme

The Employee assistance programme is available to provide guidance and advice to managers related to managing and assisting their team members

Manager toolkit - mentally healthy workplace

Resources to help managers become more aware of mental health issues in the workplace

Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life and whilst it isn’t always an easy process with the right support at work it can be much better

Podcasts

Listen in to a selection of podcasts on current issues provided by our occupational health provider HML

Manager guidance

Resources to help managers keep up-to-date with changing HR processes and procedures.

Supporting employees with cancer

Macmillan at Work provides information and resources for managers to help them support staff affected by cancer

Move well - health supports

Scroll down for more supports

Healthy eating

What you eat, and how much, is so important for your health

Health plans

Health plans available through Simplyhealth

Weigh to go

Get some free help in developing healthy balanced behaviours and actions

Alcohol aware

Alcohol advice, information and tools to help you make better choices about your drinking

Sleep

The Importance of Sleep

Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life and whilst it isn’t always an easy process with the right support at work it can be much better

Smoking

Find out more on stop smoking supports

Volunteering

Find out about local groups in Lanarkshire that you can get involved in

Move well - being active

Get active for less

Heavily discounted and free activities ideas

Get into walking more

Explore locals Lanarkshire routes and clubs

Active in your community

Get involved with your community groups and support organisations

Money management tools

Scroll down for more supports

£ personality quiz

Use the Barclays bank tool to learn about your £behaviours

Couch to financial fitness

Flexible nine-week plan will help you build your confidence to manage your money

Curb your spending

How much do you spend annually on non-essential favourites?

Take the challenge

Budget planner

Free planner puts you in control of your household spending and analyses your results to help you

e learning courses

Online courses to support your personal financial skills and decision making

Mid-life MOT app

Free Mid-life app from Aviva aimed at people in the UK aged 45-60

Money management supports

Scroll down for more supports

Money Helper

Free and impartial money management advice

Citizens Advice Scotland

Free advice on a huge variety of areas including common areas of Benefits & Debt

Money saving expert

Money saving tips from Martin Lewis

Guide to debt

Help to look at possible solutions to tackle your financial problems

Help to save

If you’re on a low income you can get a 50p bonus for every £1 saved

It's good to talk

Tips on talking money

Confidential supports

Staff referral

Confidential money management support provided by our Tackling Poverty team

Feeling unsure

Share how you’re feeling about personal finances

Cost of living supports

Cost of livings supports provided by our Social Inclusion & Wealth Team

Managing your money in uncertain times

Cost of living supports provided by the Money Helper

Webinar - focus on your finances

Attend a workshop on controlling your personal finances

Exploring your stresses

Scroll down to reveal all supports

How you might show stress

10 stress busters from the NHS

Moving on from a stressful shift to home life

Your stresses and possible actions

Recipes for good mental health

Bubble breathing for calming things down

Think well - exploring your stresses

Tools to help with stresses

Fresh thinking about your worries

Stress busters

Mindfulness and NHS ten stress busters

Positive mood influences

Find out about your mood and food plus music also

Think well - useful supports

Scroll down to reveal all suggested supports

eLanarkshire Mental Health Resource

Lanarkshire’s first stop shop for online mental health and wellbeing, providing information for people seeking assistance with mental health problems.

Lanarkshire mind matters

This new support is run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychology Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, online courses and help.

SilverCloud Therapy

These online programmes give you the skills to deal with everyday issues that affect your emotional health from COVID-19, Resilience, Sleep and Stress.

Your resilience

Check out your current resilience levels and tips on becoming more resilient

Mindfulness

Relax with some introduction mindfulness sessions

Taking good care of ourselves

What self care would help you in challenging times?

take the seven questions

Think well - national supports

Clear your head

Some simple ideas you could try to help you cope better with life getting busier again.

Work focused mental health supports

In-depth support with depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues affecting your work through Remploy – fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions

Five ways to better mental health

Check out powerful supports from SAMH – Scottish Association for Mental Health

Supporting a colleague with stress

1) Help them to recognise there’s a problem

It’s easier to spot signs of stress in other people than it is to see them in ourselves. And often people don’t want to admit, even to themselves, that they’re starting to struggle.

Unfortunately, this means many people plough on, despite the warning signs, until they can no longer cope. If you’ve noticed changes in someone’s behaviour that suggests they’re feeling stressed, reach out to them. Let them know that you’ve noticed they don’t seem quite themselves.

2) Listen

Talking things through openly with someone we trust can help us see things differently and find new solutions. Even just knowing that somebody is there to listen can make a huge difference. Giving someone who is feeling stressed your time and undivided attention is one of the best things you can do to support them.

3) Offer reassurance

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to see a way out of a problem. Reminding and reassuring someone that this won’t last forever and that the situation can improve, will help them keep things in perspective.

4) Help them identify their triggers

Your independent observations of someone’s behaviour can help them identify patterns that they hadn’t noticed before.

This can be a sensitive topic, as it will mean drawing attention to negative thoughts or feelings, so remaining calm, objective and non-judgemental is important.

In the same way, you could also help someone identify situations and activities that help them to feel less stressed and more in control. For example getting outside for a walk, taking a relaxing bath or reading a book.

5) Offer practical support

If there’s a specific issue that’s causing someone to feel stressed such as money worries, job loss or relationship problems, you may be able to help them find practical solutions that make the situation easier.

Further supports

Take part in a webinar which aims to support anyone having a conversation with someone who may be at risk of suicide. Find out more and how to book on Be Suicide ALERT webinar by clicking here – this will take you to learn NL.

Menopause supports

Rock My Menopause

Easy to navigate supports and guides

Symptoms checker and GP appointment

NHS menopause symptom checker and making the most of a GP appointment

Diary

Helpful diary to focus on certain things which could be affecting your menopause

Get the microsoft teams link

Menopause

Click below to access

What's this all about?

The new shopping discounts platform gives money off everything from your regular food shops, to online shopping, to that expensive bit of tech, or a family holiday.

Is there many offers to choose from?

Yes, hundreds including Currys, Tesco, Asda, Argos, B&Q plus lots lots more.

Does it cost anything to register?

No – its available to all NLC colleagues at no charge.

Lanarkshire Carers Together events

Live virtual session

Join in this live session with Lanarkshire Carers Together to explore what a carer is, support available, case studies plus lots more

Thursday 9 June 10am to midday

Podcast

Listen in to Lanarkshire Carers Together podcast as Still Game’s Isa (actor Jane McCarry) shares her own experience as an unpaid carer

Listen now

Support

Find out more on all the support North Lanarkshire Carers Together can provide

Local and national campaigns

National online events

Join in this live session with Lanarkshire Carers Together to explore what a carer is, support available, case studies plus lots more

Thursday 9 June 10am to midday

Lanarkshire Carers

Check out the programme of supports available this week with Lanarkshire Carers

Think well - talk about it

Talk about it

Share how your feeling

Helpline

Our Employee Assistance Programme

Career specific support hubs

Education support

Check out the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teachers

Care national wellbeing hub

Access a wellbeing hub for those working in health and social care

HSC staff care

The NHS Staff Care and Wellbeing team provide spiritual care and wellbeing to any staff who work in health and social care across the NLC and the NHS

Cycling tips

Commute on your bike

Britsih cycling video guides

Cycling on cold days

Tip on staying warm on the bike

Bike security

Tips on securing your bike from Sustrans bike charity

E-bikes

Should I be thinking of an e-bike?

Alternative e-bike support

Access an interest free loan repayable over four years

learn NL - personal and career development planning

On demand tour

Get a tour of the new PRD conversation on the learn NL platform

PRD guide

Check out the guides for the new PRD conversation on the learn NL platform

Live 10am Wed19 May – click here to sign up

Webinar

This live session will introduce the new PRD conversation on the learn NL platform

learn NL - importance of learning

Growth mindset

Make sure you benefit from a growth mindset

watch video

What learning can do for you!

Explore the benefits learning brings – see page 4

learn NL - learn something new

How to memorise 10 'x' faster

Learn a new language

Double your reading speed

Improve your everyday maths

Digital skills and know how

Basic digital skills

Work on some basic digital skills with learn NL supports

Office 365 learning supports

Start your office 365 journey here

Day in the life of office 365

Detailed look and the most popular office 365 tools

Live 2pm Tue 18 May – click here to sign up

your leadership academy

Webinar on the leadership academy

This live session will introduce all the leadership academy opportunities

Leadership academy

Check out the leadership academy opportunities now

your learn NL platform

learn NL platform

New to your learn NL platform? Now’s a great time to find out all about it

On demand tour

Get a tour of your learn NL platform to find out what you can access on it

Live 10am Wed19 May – click here to sign up

Webinar for managers

This live session will introduce the team dashboard on learn NL

Leadership academy experiences

Introduction to Learning at Work week

Live webinars

Our NHS colleagues are delivering Stigma Free Lanarkshire: Understanding Mental Health Stigma workshops, an interactive workshop raising awareness around stigma and discrimination. If you are interested in attending one of the workshops, sign up using the appropriate link below.

By the end of the 90-minute session you will:
• Have a better understanding of what mental health stigma and discrimination is
• How it affects people’s recovery from mental illness
• Why it is an important issue to tackle
• Have the opportunity to join the Stigma Free Lanarkshire Movement and access signposting information and resources

Dates and times Sign-Up Link

Tuesday 10th May 1.30pm https://forms.office.com/r/7uLyp0fgrd

Wednesday 11th May 10am https://forms.office.com/r/j0EpKWeiNL

Thursday 12th May 1.30pm https://forms.office.com/r/QcKEkEAtFN

Plus

Our Employee Equality Forum has a series of TEAM events coming up for all employees on topics related to mental health.
• 17 May – promoting positive mental health
• 9 June – stigma and mental health; and

All events running from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

More information and joining instructions coming soon. If you want to sign up send an email to employeeequalityforum@northlan.gov.uk and info will be sent straight to your inbox.

Join the Employee Equality Forum yammer group here .

Active NL family pass

As part of mental health awareness week we are delighted to be offering all NLC colleagues a free family day pass with Active NL.

Sounds great – tell me more!
The day pass can be used by up to 4 people between the Monday 9 and Sunday 15 of May. With the day pass NLC colleagues and their families can participate in any combination of activities from Active NL pools, gyms and classes.

How to I get involved?
Show your NLC ID badge on arrival at a Active NL venue and provide your name.

Please note time capsule waterpark is not part of the family day pass and that classes will be subject to availability so please call ahead to book if you have a certain class in mind ?

Discount code

NorthLan

Discount code

NLC25

Sofa to 50 km plan

Check out the British Cycling 8 week sofa to 50 km cycle plan

Plus check out a blog on getting back into cycling

A surprising amount of adults were keen cyclists as children, but lost the love somewhere along the way to adulthood. Jemma Nimick is just one such person, but she has restored her love for the bike, and here she shares her top tips for picking it up again!

Martin shares his Quit Your Way experience

Manager guidance - long COVID

NLC manager guide

Supporting colleagues through long COVID

Manager fact sheet

Check out a long COVID fact sheet for managers

Resources for managers - hybrid model of working

Scroll down for more supports

Live webinar

Live webinar on managers supporting their teams through the transition to a hybrid working model – led by Time for Talking

Live webinar

Live webinar for managers to explore what leading a team in a hybrid working model means – led by People & Organisational Development

Managers guide

Access the managers guide for leading hybrid team

Leading and managing change and transition

Access the e-learning module on learn NL

Promoting, Managing and Leading Change

Access the e-learning module on learn NL

Think well - help in the workplace

Stress at work

myNL explores how we can tackle workplace stress

My wellness at work plan

Self assessment tool to help you share what keeps you well at work

Employee toolkit

Resources to help employees become more aware of mental health issues in the workplace

Manager toolkit

Resources to help managers become more aware of mental health issues in the workplace

Stigma free Lanarkshire

This webinar will raise awareness of the stigma surrounding mental health and the role you can play in changing it

Applied suicide intervention skills training

The two day face to face course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide

Be suicide ALERT

Take part in a webinar which aims to support anyone having a conversation with someone who may be at risk of suicide

Move every day challenge

Let us know you’re taking part and what favourite activities you’ll be doing over the fifty days from Saturday 15 January to Saturday 5 March – we’ll include your in virtual sign up wall below!

Get in touch by emailing workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk or by messaging on yammer.

Festive safety tips

Fire Service safety tips

Safety tips on festive decorations, electricals, candles and cooking

Police festive safety tips

Safety tips on home security, party nights, winter driving, online purchases and shopping

coming soon

Missing deliveries and consumer rights

Missing delivery

Check out Which? support and tips

Returning online purchases

Get support with your consumer rights

Tips for Christmas shopping

Below our Financial Inclusion Team offer some Christmas shopping tips:

-Buy safe and make sure you never buy from an unauthorised trader or lender as it could end up costing you more.

– Pay by credit card if it’s over £100 – sadly firms go bust. If you use a credit card to pay or even partly pay on goods costing between £100 and £30,000, the card company is jointly liable for the whole amount. If the firm goes bust, you can get redress from the card provider.

-Be wary when buying gift cards – sometimes retailers go under. Check out terms and conditions before you buy as some may charge if unused by a certain period or have expiry dates.

-Remember you have other obligations – it’s easy to spend too much on Christmas but don’t forget you have other bills to pay too!

Staff referral

Confidential money management support provided by our Financial Inclusion team

Live masterclasses

Cycle 2 work

What – check out the Cycle2work offer

When – 4 to 4.20pm Mon 8 Nov

click or tap here to book on

Pre-retirement planning

What – workshop on on of life’s biggest transitions

When – 9.30 to 1145am Tues 9 Nov

Shopping discounts

What – tour of our new shopping discounts platform

When – 1 to 1.15pm Thu 11 Nov

Credit Unions

What – explore our Credit Union services

When – 10.40 to 11.20 am Fri 12 Nov

On demand and live sessions

Yoga - on demand

Benefit from some gentle yoga, mindfulness and relaxation

click or tap here to book on

Stress toolkit - live

What – explore our workplace stress toolkit

When – 3.30 to 4pm Tues 2 Nov

Stigma free - live

What – look at how stigma contributes to stress levels

When – 10 to 11.30am Wed 3 Nov

click or tap here to book on

Eat to beat stress - live

What – explore how your diet reduces or adds to your stress levels

When – 11 to 11.30 am Thu 4 Nov

Tips on talking about money

The Money Helper short guides below support positive conversations about money management :

– talking about money

– talking about money with your partner

– talking with friends about money

– talking with grown-up children about money

Plus check out this handy guide

– talk, learn, do: teaching your children about money

Online courses to support your mental health

eLanarkshire Mental Health Resource

Lanarkshire’s first stop shop for online mental health and wellbeing, providing information for people seeking assistance with mental health problems.

Lanarkshire mind matters

This new support is run by NHS Lanarkshire Adult Psychology Services. It aims to link you to mental health information, online courses and help.

Top podcasts on health

Click or tap on the head phones below to tune into a popular mental health podcast available for free.

E bikes and cycle tips

E bikes

Should I be thinking of an E bike?

Commute on your bike

Britsih cycling video guides

Cycling on cold days

Tip on staying warm on the bike

Bike security

Tips on securing your bike from Sustrans bike charity

Access counselling support through our employee assistance programme

Colleagues views

Hundreds of NLC colleagues are riding bikes they initially got through Cycle2work. In the video Claire Grierson from the Craigneuk Family Learning Centre shares her experience of getting a bike through Cycle2work and on the right Mairi MacVicar a Active School Co-ordinator also shares her experiences.

Live Cycle2work road show

Tune into a live road show for a quick A to Z of the Cycle2work scheme. Find out about all the benefits you get from participating in Cycle2work.

When – Monday 8th November

Time – 4 to 4.20pm

Platform – Microsoft Teams

Sound good? Just click the below link to register with your microsoft account and receive a calendar invite for the event.
Registration – Cycle2work virtual roadshow

Back classes

North Lanarkshire Leisure in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire are delighted to present a programme of Back Classes.

The classes introduce actions and movements that will help keep your back strong and supple and also support those troubled with chromic back pain issues.

Virtual classes

Tuesday 5 October – 1 to 1.30pm

Wednesday 6 October – 4 to 4.30pm

These virtual classes are for NLC colleagues and will be led by Joe Fennessey of NL Leisure. The classes will include some time for questions and answers.

To book on please email workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .

Classes on site

Tue 09:30 to 10:30 – Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex
Wed 09:30 to 10:30 – Time Capsule
Wed 13:30 to 14:30 – Wishaw Sports Centre
Wed 19:30 to 20:30 – Tryst Sports Centre
Thu 15:15 to 16:15 – Tryst Sports Centre

The classes are FREE for 20 sessions and £2.10 thereafter. More information about
how to enrol is available by emailing the active health team by clicking here.

Health plan - webinar

We are delighted to be offering a webinar that will introduce the Simplyhealth plans in more detail and offer the chance to ask any questions you may have.

Be one of the first 25 colleagues to book on the Simplyhealth webinar and you’ll get a £5 costa coffee voucher 🙂

The webinar is running –

Tuesday 21st September 4-4.30pm

To book on please email workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .

work well NL - alcohol aware

NHS – information on drinking sensibly and getting support for alcohol

Podcast – The surprising benefits of taking a break from alcohol

Workstation - sitting correctly

Check out the NHS guide to sitting correctly

Take the learn NL course on good Display Screen Equipment (DSE) practise

Coronavirus & your money

Coronavirus and your money

The best advice on your money management during these times

Money advice Scotland

Coronavirus Scotland: dealing with debt and money worries

Planning for your future

Retirement planning

Attend a workshop on one of lifes biggest transitions

Your pension

Find out about your pension provider Strathclyde Pension fund

AVC

Additional voluntary contributions to your pension

PDF version available here

Whats it all about?

Supporting the wellbeing of all colleagues working across Health and Social Care Partnerships, Home Support Services and Care Homes teams during Covid-19 and beyond.

It is absolutely critical that your health is safeguarded. Our new All of Us programme is a partnership collaboration designed to support the wellbeing of Care Sector colleagues working across North Lanarkshire. The aim is to ensure every member of the Care Sector teams has access to an appropriate level of support during this period of crisis.

Many NL locality based care teams are dispersed and may not access a physical service base for most of their working time. Many will be working in the community or from home meaning visiting a physical location for support could be a barrier to accessing help. All of Us is a flexible support programme that everyone across all roles in the Care Sector can access.

What support is on offer?

Chief Officer Ross McGuffie outlines what All of Us involves: “We’re dedicated to offering support to all health and care workers in North Lanarkshire while also ensuring that this support will be as accessible as possible.

“In the first instance, people will be able to make contact by phone or through Skype. If subsequent face-to-face contact is required this is available in the next stage. I’d urge anyone who thinks they may benefit from the service to make contact.”

The support will be given individually by All of Us Wellbeing Supporters
A Wellbeing Champion from the local Psychological Therapy Team (PTT) will also be a part of the team for individual case consultation and group supervision support
Each All of US Locality Wellbeing Collaboration Group consists of the Wellbeing Coordinator, the Wellbeing Supporters and the Wellbeing Champion
The delivery is based upon the Psychological First Aid model

Get outdoors Lanarkshire

Face to face appointments

Time for Talking have put a number of new measures in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for clients and staff.

Prior to appointment

Clients will be emailed instructions and safety rules in advance and any questions they have will be addressed before arrival.
Clients will be advised that they should bring water if they wish. Disposable cups will be provided if required.

On arrival

Clients will be required to arrive at their designated appointment time. There are no waiting areas open.
Clients will be asked prior to entry to confirm that they do not have any symptoms of COVID 19. If they are not able to confirm this then they will be advised not to enter the building and alternative remote support will be put in place.
Staff will avoid physical contact with clients and visitors, such as handshakes, etc.
Clients should be reassured that the room has been wiped clean before they enter.

During Appointment

As far possible staff and client will remain 2 meters apart at all times and during the session the seats will be positioned at a minimum of 2 meters apart.
Any client who wishes to use a face mask or visor during a session may do so but it will not be required. Clients should bring their own masks and visors.
The counsellor will discuss with the client whether they are comfortable with the arrangements and reasonable adaptations will be made if required

After Appointment

Client will be advised of how to exit the building.
Meeting rooms will be cleaned after every session.

Routes and rides ideas

Route planning apps

Best route planning apps guide by Sustrans

North Lanarkshire routes

The best off and on road cycle rides

On the map below you’ll find routes around Strathclyde park or check out the app store and search for walking cycling Lanarkshire.

Need some help

Please email all your queries and questions to workwellNL@northlan.gov.uk .

Mindfulness videos

National Wellbeing Hub - Resources for managers

National Wellbeing Hub - Resources for individuals

Well being plan

Acts of kindness in NL

Acts of kindness by NLC colleagues of the shielding team

Kate McDonagh – took food to a gentleman in Airdrie as he had run out of food and he didn’t call until 6pm to let us know. Kate offered to go to the supermarket, get essentials and deliver it.

Dean McWhinnie – took a call from an elderly gentleman, he had received a food box (organised through the Scottish Government) however due to ill health he was unable to lift it into the house, Dean went out and took the box into the house. He also gives the gentleman a regular call back just to make sure he is ok.

Conlon McFaulds – took a call from a lady in Coatbridge, she had a prescription to collect from the chemist and had not organised for anyone to get it, Conlon stepped in and picked it up.

Gillian Perkins – gentleman couldn’t get a priority slot organised with Asda, he had called and e-mailed without any success. Gillian went to Asda and organised for the priority slot.

Acts of kindness in the Community & Voluntary Sector

Befriend Motherwell
A married couple volunteer for the project and are offering support through shopping and errands for people. When dropping shopping into one of our participants, they noticed how long her grass was getting and appeared shortly afterwards with tools to cut it. The lady’s gardener has not been available during this time and her garden being untidy was really annoying her. She was reported as being “choked up” when they appeared and started cutting her grass.

The Health and Wellness Hub
The Health and Wellness Hub Team have been overwhelmed by the community spirit and generosity of local people in Motherwell who donated more than 60 bags of food and household items to the charity for distributing to those who need it most. The impetus for this was down to 2 local women, mother and daughter, Alison and Emily Weir, who live in the local community. Upset by the fact people were really struggling through no fault of their own, they felt compelled to take action and within days they had received tons of donations from local people. Its people like them and those who donated that show how acts of kindness can really make a difference to others!

Cumbernauld Resilience Group
The Cumbernauld Resilience Group provides food parcels, prescription collection and works in partnership with other organisations to provide dog walking and food shopping in the Cumbernauld area. This service is for people who are shielding or self-isolating during Covid-19. When the team find out that someone they have been providing services to has a birthday, they make sure that they drop off a birthday cake and wish the person a happy birthday to cheer them up on their special day. They have also delivered flowers, chocolate and some of their members have had their kids make cards. They don’t promote a transport service but they have also transported two locals (who have no family etc) to essential cancer treatments (one in Edinburgh and one at the Beatson) following social distancing at all times.

Jackson Parish Church
Jackson Parish Church in Petersburn, Airdrie has supported and helped families struggling financially with provision of food. They have also witnessed the kindness of Craigneuk and Petersburn Resident Tenants Association doing the same thing. The church has been supporting a family with mental health issues worsened by the lockdown. The Church has heard of lots of people in the local community being helped by others, which wouldn’t have happened in ‘normal circumstances’.

SAMH Expeerience Counts
I would like to highlight the work of our team here at SAMH Expeerience Counts/Well-informed (Volunteers, Information Officer, Admin Workers, Peer Workers, Veteran Peer Worker, Community Link Workers, GP Link Workers and especially our Manager Eileen Quinn). We work together as a whole team, to help, support or signpost people in North Lanarkshire who are looking for information and support for their mental health and well-being. In these bizarre times of COVID-19 when mental health can be heightened and intensified, our staff and volunteers are always patient, show empathy and compassionate. This is where their passion and kind-heartedness comes naturally. Staff go the extra mile to ensure we are delivering a quality service by phone, text, email, zoom, skype etc. for our peers, referrers, patients, colleagues. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More

Lynn Carlin, Airdrie Pre Loved Uniform Bank
I’ve been calling a group of our Airdrie Academy families every week and have requested support from 3 external partners: The North Lanarkshire Financial Inclusion Team, One Parent Families Scotland and COVEY befriending. I’m so touched and impressed by the way my colleagues in these organisations show compassion and dedication to provide the best support possible and they go the extra mile, amazing! (

Hope for Autism
HOPE for Autism were very lucky to receive a small funding grant from The STV Children’s Appeal – Emergency Wellbeing Fund. This fund was to provide emergency care packages to our young people and their families.

Some feedback from the parents and young people:

o Huge thank you to Hope for E’s tough chews – he loves them & really helps prevent chewed clothes
o Thank you Hope so much for R’s voucher – this is really helping to make his
2020 birthday extra special. I really appreciate your efforts Leanne and the team for making this happen x
o Big thanks to Hope group for books and pens. R loves the national geographic book so much x
o Thank you for A & I’s Art + Crafts set and outdoor toys. Both girls are delighted with them
o Thank you so much to everyone at HOPE for K’s gifts, I have a happy girl today xx
o Thanks HOPE for the Gift card. I will spend it on good things that will keep me distracted for other world things going on at the moment……

9 ways mindfulness helps

1. You become more aware of your thoughts. You can then step back from them and not take them so literally.
2. You don’t immediately react to a situation. Instead, you have a moment to pause and then use your “wise mind” to come up with the best solution.
3. Mindfulness switches on your “being” mode of mind, which is associated with relaxation. Your “doing” mode of mind is associated with action and stress response.
4. You are more aware and sensitive to the needs of your body. You may notice pains earlier and can then take appropriate action.
5. You are more aware of the emotions of others. As your emotional intelligence rises, you are less likely to get into conflict.
6. Your level of care and compassion for yourself and others rises. This compassionate mind soothes you and inhibits your stress response.
7. Mindfulness practice reduces activity in the part of your brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is central to switching on your stress response, so effectively, your background level of stress is reduced.
8. You are better able to focus. So you complete your work more efficiently, you have a greater sense of well-being, and this reduces the stress response.

9. You can switch your attitude to stress. Rather than just seeing the negative consequences of feeling stressed, mindfulness offers you the space to think differently about the stress itself. Observing how the increased pressure helps energize you has a positive effect on your body and mind.

This is supported by studies at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Oxford strongly suggests that mindfulness gently builds an inner strength that’s supports our happiness and physical well-being.

Going home checklist

Playlists

Find out below what tunes you should be plugging into to help keep you focused or boost your creativity.

A recent investigation into the power of music revealed the must-have tunes to include in your working from home playlist to maximise productivity and creative thoughts.

Which songs will help you focus?

According to research published in the journal of Neuroscience and Behavioural Psychology, participants who were tasked with identifying Arabic numbers within a random selection of images and, were listening to either classical or rock music, were 0.2 seconds quicker at completing the task.
Additionally, those listening to classical or rock were 87% more likely to correctly identify the numbers than the group that wasn’t listening to any music.
Elsewhere, if you need to cancel out background noise, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York found that nature sounds, such as rainfalls and trickling water, can help you to keep focussed.

Which songs boost creativity?

Research has found that happier music could be your best bet when wanting to enhance creativity.
When this theory was tested by scientists from the Netherlands and Australia, the study found that those who listened to Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269, “Spring”: I. Allegro’ were 23% more creative than those participants that sat in silence during the test.

Staff referral for support

A new service is available to provide advice and support to any NLC colleague worried about their money matters.

Money worries can affect anyone and the stress can have a big impact on your health. The Financial Inclusion Team will provide free, impartial and confidential money management support to any colleague who requests it. This support can be on money management challenges like maximising your income, debt and budgeting advice for the short and long term. It can be by email, over the phone or in person, whatever the colleagues preference is.

To get some support with your money worries get in touch at NLlife@northlan.gov.uk or on 01698 520 649. A senior officer of the Financial Inclusion team will then arrange the support. The request for support will be completely confidential and not shared in any way.

Anxiety

Manage your anxiety coming out of lock down

Short video exploring best appoaches you can use to manage your anxiety of coming out of lock down – fifteen minutes in length

How to rebuild confidence post lock down – three tips

This article looks at three tops tips for starting to build up your confidence

NHS inform self help guide on anxiety

Work through a guide for people with mild to moderate anxiety symptons. This guide aims to help you find out if you have symptons, find out more about anxiety and to find ways to manage or overcome anxiety.

Tax free child care

You may be eligible for support with child care costs through Tax Free Child Care. How this works is that:

– For every £8 paid in by you, the government will pay in an extra £2 -equivalent to 20% of childcare costs
– If eligible, you would apply for an online child care account and pay money in, with the government ‘topping up’ the amount
– You can receive up to a maximum of £2,000/year, per child towards your childcare costs, or £4,000 for a child who has a disability

The government manages The Tax Free Child Care scheme. For more information, the criteria on who can take part and how to apply please see the Government information page .

NB – The Child Care Voucher scheme is now closed to new applications

Staying warm on your bike

With modern technical clothing, staying warm and dry on the bike, no matter how bad the weather, has never been easier. Below British Cycling provides you advice on choosing the correct clothes, getting your layering right and other practical tips for staying warm through the worst of the British winter.

Route Choice

On a hilly route in cold or wet conditions, as well as making descending potentially hazardous, you’re likely to overheat and sweat on the climbs and then get chilled on downhills. By choosing a flatter route you can keep your effort level more constant, meaning a more even temperature and less need to stop to remove or add layers.

Riding off-road can often feel warmer as you tend to be working a bit harder and, as speeds are typically lower, you won’t generate so much windchill. Also, in icy or snowy conditions, you’re probably safer off the roads.

Before heading out

Make sure you’ve had a decent breakfast or, if riding later in the day, have had a suitable snack or meal to fuel your ride. If your blood sugar drops, you’ll feel the cold more and won’t have the energy to up your pace to warm-up. This is why good fuelling is also very important when riding in the winter. Put your shoes, socks and gloves near a radiator to warm them up.

The warming boost will only last a few minutes but can really help getting you out of the door. Consider using insulated bottles with a hot drink in them. Green tea with honey works really well. Don’t overdress or you’ll sweat, get chilled and probably have to stop to take off layers. Start off feeling slightly chilled and, once you get going, you’ll feel just right.

Head, face and neck

How to stay warm and dry in the Winter on a bike Non-vented aero style road helmets can keep your head warmer, especially when paired with a windproof skullcap or traditional Belgian style winter hat.

Glasses with clear or light enhancing lenses protect your eyes from spray and drying cold winds. A snood style neck tube keep your neck warm and can be pulled over your mouth and nose if it gets really cold.

Hands

Cold hands can ruin a ride and affect your ability to brake and change gear. Look for gloves which aren’t too bulky but have some insulation and are wind and waterproof.

Make sure they’re not too tight as this can limit circulation and cause your hands to become chilled. Some riders prefer lobster style gloves or mittens but make sure you can still operate your brake/gear levers. Seal the cuffs of your jacket go over the cuffs of your gloves as this will keep rain and cold air out and trap warm air.

Top 10 tips for keeping your hands warm

Body

Always start with a close fitting wicking base layer. If it’s really cold you might want to get one with a windproof front for added protection.

Next, go for an insulating mid-layer, such as a winter weight cycling jersey. Another option are modern weatherproof jerseys. Although not fully waterproof they provide good protection from the wind and, being highly breathable, are excellent for faster paced riding.

Finally, you need a wind/waterproof shell layer. For cold but dry days, a lightweight windproof or gilet might be enough or you could opt for a softshell if you want a bit more breathability. If rain is forecast a packable waterproof can be a ride-saver but, if it’s cold and wet right from the start of your ride, a heavier duty breathable waterproof, ideally with taped seams, that you’ll wear throughout, is the way to go.

Legs

Bib tights provide extra protection against the elements for your lower torso and, most importantly, keep your lower back covered when low on your drops. Look for ones that have wind/waterproof front panels but more breathable and articulated rears. Ankle zips make it easier to fit your tight’s cuffs over your overshoes/booties.

Feet

Choose knee length socks that offer good insulation without excessive bulk as tight shoes are one of the main causes of cold or numb feet. Waterproof merino lined socks are expensive but provide a great final line of defence against water. If you choose overshoes, make sure you tape up any vents on the bottom of your cycling shoes and loosen off the straps to accommodate bigger socks. Dedicated winter booties are great but ensure you buy a slightly bigger size than your summer shoes so you can wear warmer socks. Make sure that the bottoms of your tights or leg warmers come over the top of your overshoes or booties. Finally, probably the best way to prevent cold and wet feet, is to fit full length mudguards to your bike.

Live at 11 - coffee break

This is super ways of having a short social catch up with team colleagues. Have a set 11am team break for ten minutes on agreed days of the week/every day depending on what works best for the team 🙂

Walk 'n' talk

Put your trainers on and catch up with a colleague for a walking meeting following socially distancing guidelines. Even if you aren’t working close to colleagues geographically just plug your headphones into your phone and you can get walking and talking 🙂

Team lunch cook along

Agree a lunch date with the team and have a blast with a virtual team lunch cook along. Take your digital device into the kitchen to enjoy everyone’s company over lunch whilst you cook up and eat in the comfort of your own home!

Some teams can get very organised with themed team lunch dates from sandwiches to pastries to pasta dishes!

Randomised hot desking conversations

Many colleagues now working remotely have really missed the chance office encounters with team colleagues they maybe didn’t directly work with. That’s those brilliant brief conversations with team members who you hot desked next to or had a chance discussion with in the lift or at the water cooler.

The ideal below supports those brief by chance conversations to continue.

What’s this all about?

The excel spreadsheet accessible here creates a random hot desking style seating plan for your team colleagues. All you need to do is input the teams first names and make a couple of clicks. Whoever you are randomly sat beside you should catch up with over the next couple of week- this could be a walk ‘n’ talk or virtual coffee.

Then in a month you press the random reset button and the next virtual seating plan emerges.

Team contests, challenges and quizzes

Here’s some ideas for quick team breaks and some fun …. warning this can get competitive!!

Team contests

Worst jumper, exercise challenge, fancy dress outfit, funniest pest moment, craziest coffee mug or daftest hat.

Here is a five second exercise challenge….think you can control your own foot and hand movements? Be ready to be blown away by this five second sitting challenge

Team challenges

Find out who is the team bingo and typing champions. Give remote working bingo a go and take a live typing test to see who the team typing champ is!

plus

Team quiz

Many many possible questions are available here for potential team quiz masters.

Got a good team activity idea?

Please share the fun activities that have worked well with your team by emailing them to NLlife@northlan.gov.uk

Singing & music

Whether you have the voice of a songbird or sound like some ball-bearings in a blender, singing can have some remarkably positive effects.

Are you stressed? Singing and music is one of the world’s most accessible ways to reduce stress and improve your overall health well being, both mentally and physically.

This BBC article explores the instant benefits of singing more

Researchers says listening to this song reduces anxiety by 65%

Suggested tunes you should be plugging into to – tunes that help keep you focused or boost your creativity 🙂

Reduce your energy bills

Energy at home

Make your home more energy efficient & lower your bills

It Pays to Switch

Switch provider & benefit from cheaper energy

Project lift

Project Lift exists to support leadership across all levels and stages, in roles across health and social care in Scotland.

Find out about:

-the Project Lift session on Wellbeing and resilience in the workplace
-upcoming Project Lift events you can participate in

Be Suicide ALERT

Webinar

This webinar will introduce you to the ALERT model which supports you if you are talking with someone who may be at risk of suicide

Briefing

This briefing is for colleagues to provide you with support if you are talking with
someone who may be at risk of suicide.

Think well - Positive mood influences

Singing and music

The world’s most accessible stress reliever?

Food and your mood

Eight top tips to manage your mood with food

Old reloadable cards

Can I keep using reloadable discount cards I have with the previous shopping discounts platform?

You will not be able to top up any reloadable discount cards you have from the previous platform, however the cards will still be live and you will be able to spend the existing card balances on your current cards until the balance has gone. You are able to order new reloadable discount cards on the new shopping discounts platform.

Since I used the previous shopping discounts platform – do I need to do anything to access the new platform?

Yes you will need to register with the new shopping discount platform as the old platform is closed.

Workstation - one minute movers

The types of discounts on offer

There are four different ways you can get a discount depending on the retailer:

physical gift card – eGift card – online codes – discounted retailers websites

Find out more below

Gift cards

You can access exclusive offers from hundreds of top brands and retailors at any time. Select your retailer and choose how much you want to spend, add it to your basket, and we’ll apply the discount instantly.

For example, if you buy a £100 gift card with a 10% discount, you’ll only pay £90. You’ll receive your gift card within 3-5 working days in the post. Many gift cards are reloadable, so you can top up when your credit runs low, perfect for a weekly supermarket shop.

eGift cards

Discounted eGift cards work in the same way as normal gift cards or vouchers, only they are instant! Simply search for your chosen retailer and select the eGift option. Choose how much you want to spend – you will then see the discount price you actually need to pay. Once your payment has been processed, your eGift card will be sent to your email address ready for you to use instantly.

Online codes – instant discounts

Make on the spot savings at a range of retailers with exclusive online discount codes. Depending on the retailer, you will either be directed to their website where the discount has already been applied or asked to enter the code at checkout (online or over the phone). Either way, you can make a great saving whenever suits you!

Discounted retailer websites

You can get instant discounted items online thanks to dedicated exclusive corporate websites. All the products listed on these websites will already be discounted.

Move well - active in your community

Well Connected

Well Connected makes it easy for people to take part in and benefit from activities

Volunteering

Get involved with your community – lots of volunteering opportunities are available