If you have seen an influx in some impressive facial hair across the Council this month so far, it may be because colleagues are taking part in Movember.
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
Turning the moustache as a symbol of change, the initiative is all about raising awareness of men’s health conditions. Find out how to get involved via the website: https://uk.movember.com/get-involved/community
While most of today’s health problems can be experienced by people of any gender, they aren’t always experienced in the same way.
This Movember, why not check out the National Wellbeing Hub for a host of informative articles exploring health problems that can be experienced uniquely by men. It also features advice for everyone on mental health, physical wellbeing and financial wellbeing.
See our round-up of helpful health and wellbeing resources below…
- The LiveWell webpage – part of our Healthy Working Lives programme – on Connects also has a host of informative articles, hints and tips for colleagues across the Council.
- The Men’s Health Forum have brought together a lot of info on common complaints and practical suggestions to improve your health in their ‘Man Manual’.
- Council employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) called PAM Assist. This is a free employee benefit offering a 24/7 confidential helpline to support with personal problems that can affect your home life, work life and general wellbeing. More info in the Latest News article.
- The NHS website has a helpful article – 5 steps to improve mental wellbeing.
- The SAMH – Scottish Action for Mental Health website provides a wealth of information on support available. The organisation believes that suicide is everyone’s business and the team has created a series of helpful guides if you are worried about someone or living with suicidal thoughts.
If you need help to make ends meet this Winter, check out the Cost-of-Living support webpage this also has information on Energy Support grants.
Remember, the Council also has a dedicated team of Wellbeing Warriors – you can contact them by email in the first instance where they will arrange to meet up with you in a council building or if that is not possible a phone or Teams call can be put in place.
Your chat with the Warrior will be confidential unless you or others are at risk of harm. After your initial meeting there will be a further follow-up meeting to check-in. A problem shared is a problem halved. Find out more info on Connects.
If you have been affected by suicide, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help and talk to someone as soon as you can. Suicide is everyone’s business.
- Samaritans: Visit samaritans.org or call 116 123
- Breathing Space (Scotland): Visit the Breathing Space website or call 0800 83 85 87, Mon-Thurs, 6pm-2am, and Sat-Sun 6pm-6am
- Childline: For those under age 19. Visit childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111
- Papyrus: For people under 35 and those supporting them. Call the Papyrus HOPEline on 0800 068 4141 (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 2pm-10pm and public holidays 2pm–5pm) or text 88247
Be kind to yourself this winter and consider getting in touch with your GP who will be able to give you practical advice and help if you are struggling with your mental health.