breathe - Jan 2022

breathe

JAN 22 #2

Our Community, Our Island: My experience as a RNLI volunteer by Paul Martin, page 3 Concerned about your health? Expert help, anytime of the day from AXA Health, page 2

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, “It could save your life… like it saved mine”, pages 7-8

hello from the wellbeing team!

As we move into 2022, it’s normal at this time of the year for energy levels to be lower.

Perhaps you’re feeling less positive about your overall wellbeing and have feelings of anticipation about what the year might bring. You may have experienced some changes to your mind and body that you would like to understand better, or you may want some advice on how you can support a family member who’s unwell.

This is where Health at Hand comes in. Health at Hand is a confidential telephone service, provided by AXA Health, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year for you and your immediate family.

Health at Hand provides qualified medical professionals who are available day or night to give you advice and guidance on any health concerns. While this service doesn’t allow for professionals to diagnose or prescribe and isn’t designed to take the place of your GP, it can provide initial support and help put your mind at rest.

Here are some of the ways they can help: • If you’ve received medical test results you don’t understand, they can help you make sense of them • If you have chesty cough that’s getting worse, they can help you work out whether you need a doctor or a dose of honey and lemon • You can discuss your symptoms with a nurse • You’ll be able to check your medication with a pharmacist • If you’re pregnant you can speak to a midwife for advice and guidance • You’ll be able talk to a counsellor about how you’re feeling.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year - call 0800 003 004 Contact us Rob Dimsdale, Interim OD Business Partner ( joins on 10 January 2022) E: r.dimsdale@gov.je Olivia Gill, Wellbeing Consultant E: o.gill@gov.je T: 01534 440248 Luana Esteves, Wellbeing Assistant E: l.esteves@gov.je

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Our Community, Our Island: My experience as a RNLI volunteer PAUL MARTIN,

SENIOR OFFICER, JOINT FINANCIAL CRIME UNIT, JUSTICE & HOME AFFAIRS & RNLI VOLUNTEER

My decision to volunteer for the RNLI was partly borne out of a life-long love and affinity with the sea, and the feeling that my existing skills and experience would make a positive contribution to this vital organisation that someday I, or my friends and family, may have to rely on.

Needless to say, becoming a volunteer requires time and commitment outside of my work for Customs & Immigration and family life, and needs the support from both, which I have been fortunate to receive.

Giving time to the RNLI brings a great deal of enjoyment and fulfilment which I feel are important aspects of voluntary work and contribute positively to my own wellbeing. This helps to alleviate the daily pressures of work whilst simultaneously allowing me to learn and teach new skills, experience new challenges, and take on additional responsibilities which develop further opportunities - all of which are focused on supporting the wider aims of a lifesaving charity which exists for the benefit of everyone in need of assistance whilst at sea.

Lifeboating is also very much about teamwork and we are a diverse group of people who are united by a common desire to help other people. It’s something I’m very proud to be associated with.

The selfless efforts of a crew rallying in support of fellow crew members or complete strangers, not just within the sphere of a search and rescue situation, but in a broader context where emotional and physical support can make a real difference, even with seemingly trivial matters, is truly inspirational.

I never expected the breadth of experiences I’ve gained from joining the RNLI. I’ve made new friends, learned more about the environment, learned about things which I never thought I’d need to, had a lot of fun, and I’m reassured that there’s a very capable group of people who will look out for me and others, as I’ll do in return. And then of course, as a coastal community, there’s the fundamental reason of why we do this – to save lives at sea. Giving back to the community gives me a real sense of purpose and belonging. The rewards are there in abundance.

Share your volunteering stories Whether you volunteer formally for a charity or informally in your local community, we’d love to hear from you! What inspired you?

How has it benefitted your wellbeing? Please contact Tom Hughes (t.hughes@gov.je) in the OD Talent Team who’s developing our Employee Volunteering Programme, a brandnew approach for the organisation.

Wellbeing…

Toni Cooper TEAM LEADER

JERSEY YOUTH SERVICE, CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Living through a pandemic has taught me many lessons and in recent months I’ve made some significant life changes, including putting my wellbeing at the top of the list. I recognise that I need to ‘be well’, physically, emotionally and mentally to support my team at the Jersey Youth Service and be “Mum” at home for my three boys.

I’ve learnt to be open about my feelings and my struggles within the workplace and my personal life. Addressing issues, even if this seems difficult, is really important as I feel more equipped to overcome them which makes me feel empowered.

I encourage my team to do the same and will always be there to listen. We regularly celebrate success in the team which creates a sense of warmth and unity.

I try to eat well, sleep well and also squeeze in some exercise each week. I like to take a walk on the beach with the dog, or take the boys surfing, skateboarding or cycling.

I love to spend time with my friends and family, drinking coffee, or having a staycation at a hotel helps me to re-set, feel rested and feel well.

Roger Small PMO MANAGER

BUSINESS AND PERFORMANCE, TREASURY & EXCHEQUER

To me, wellbeing at work is ensuring you and your fellow colleagues are feeling engaged, supported and positive. To achieve this, I think that it’s important to provide my team with clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities and always acknowledge achievements and praise them for the excellent work they do. Being visible and open is key to building strong relationships, and listening to my team without judgement is also important.

Being a parent of four and a grandad of two, has taught me a lot about communication and how tone and body language are what resonates - it’s not always about what we say, it’s how we say it. I adopt this approach at work and ensure I show empathy to the team. I am consistent, treat everyone fairly and I’m kind to others. When walking down the street, or in the corridor at work, I sometimes like to greet people I’ve never met before with a smile and a “Hello!”. It may make a difference to someone else’s day.

Try it out!

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What this means to us

Leanne Le Feuvre

Robert Campbell

STATES OF JERSEY AMBULANCE SERVICE, JUSTICE & HOME AFFAIRS

ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT (TEAM JERSEY), PEOPLE & CORPORATE SERVICES

Being a Paramedic means working long shifts and dealing with high pressured, often emotional situations. I’ve learnt that to feel and stay well, I need to take some time out for myself to unwind and do things I love, with the people I love. A few ways in which I support my wellbeing include eating well (most of the time!), going for long walks with my partner and my dog, Roxy, and doing something I’m passionate about – Boxing!

Wellbeing is becoming part of conversations in the office, and I think it’s crucial to look after ourselves if we’re going to give and feel our best at work, and at home. At Team Jersey, we talk about the importance of looking after our “chimp” on our ‘Psychological Safety’ in Teams session and the benefits of doing this for our own wellbeing. This is the stress response that hits the fight, flight or freeze button. I don’t always get it right, but I do try and maintain a few activities to keep me on balance. We’re all different and it’s important to find out what works for you.

PARAMEDIC

I started boxing in 2018 and have been committed ever since. I box for Jersey Leonis and have had 3 bouts to date, all of which I’ve won. I find boxing to be one of those sports that can allow you to forget your worries and things going on around you whilst you’re there and allow you to be present in the moment. I love the feeling of punching the bag, or the pads. It really helps me to de-stress after a long day.

I’m involved in the wellbeing network for Justice & Home Affairs and have taken on the position as Wellbeing Lead for the Ambulance Service. Promoting wellbeing is a priority and I want to support my colleagues in finding the right support when they need it.

CONSULTANT

Running and exercise is something I do to look after my physical health but it also benefits my mental health too. I use this time to step away from my phone and emails where I can appreciate the present moment, outside, enjoying the environment around me. I’m lucky enough to live near the sea, so the dog walk each morning for the sunrise is a great start to the day.

Get involved We recommend...

Wellbeing Consultant, Olivia, recommends the book, “The Chimp Paradox”. The Chimp Mind Management Model is based on scientific facts and principles, which have been simplified into a workable model for easy use. It will help you to develop yourself and give you the skills, for example, to remove anxiety, have confidence and choose your emotions.

Wellbeing Assistant, Luana, recommends a risotto recipe! She’s been trying them out at home and getting creative with the ingredients! Here’s a link to all kinds of risotto recipes you can choose according to your taste and diet preferences.

AXA Physiologist, Ben, recommends sitting exercises from the NHS, that can be done from your desk! In January AXA are aiming to tackle inactivity, so this could be the first step in the right direction!

Click here to view.

Reflecting on 2021 and celebrating your achievements and successes is a simple way to improve your wellbeing and enhance your sense of purpose when it comes to work. It could also help you think about areas of development for 2022, which could include a new commitment to your own wellbeing. If you haven’t already completed your My Conversation, My Goals end of year review, allow yourself this time and make this a meaningful and beneficial experience for you, using it to support you in clarifying your aspirations for 2022. Visit MyView or watch this short video for guidance.

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Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (17-23 January), women are being urged to take up their invitation for a routine cervical screening appointment.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35, although it can occur at any age.

Regular cervical screening between the ages of 25 and 64 could prevent around 75% of cervical cancers developing. Women aged 25-49 should be screened once every three years and women aged 50-64 should be screened once every five years. You won’t automatically be invited for screening when you reach 25 or when you move to the Island. Women aged over 25 can book their first cervical screening test through their GP or through the Le Bas Centre. Appointments are free of charge and can be conducted by a female GP. The screening test is designed to detect high risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The majority of women (85%) will receive a negative HPV screening result.

However, if high-risk types of HPV are present, the sample will also be screened for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. If abnormal cervical cells are detected, you’ll be referred to a gynaecologist for a colposcopy examination which is carried out in the outpatient clinic at the Gynaecology department. This examination can detect cervical abnormalities at an early stage and allow necessary treatment which can prevent cervical cancer developing.

Don’t put it off – this test could save your life. Click here to find out more.

CERVICAL SCREENING

“It could save your life... like it saved mine.”

Donna, Grouville Islanders who are female or who have a cervix, between the ages of 25-64, are encouraged to book a free cervical screening test.

Four in every five people (80%) will contract HPV at some point in their lives. For this reason, regular cervical screening is strongly advised.

Book your appointment today by contacting your GP or Le Bas Centre on 01534 443781

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Dates for the Diary: 1 – 31 January 2022

Dry January is the UK’s one-month alcohol-free challenge. Get your fun back. Get your energy back. Get your calm back. Get your YOU back. Download the “TRY DRY” app to double your chance o a totally alcohol-free month. For more information, click here.

7 January 12.30-13.30pm

Tackling Inactivity Webinar - Keeping active in the cold, dark months is a challenge for most of us, particularly now that many of us are working from home which can encourage more sedentary behaviours. That’s why, this January, we’re tackling inactivity.

Register for the webinar here.

YOUR DEVELOPMENT

Your self-development:

Exploring resilience, emotional intelligence and much more A self-assessment tool is available on MyDevelopment to help support your wellbeing at work. You can use it to rate your confidence in six areas, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, and work-life balance. You can re-take the assessment at any time and answer there questions based on how you’re feeling at the time.

Based on your answers, you’ll get personalised suggestions for articles, videos and short interactive training modules. These resources will help you gain insight and build your confidence around each of the different themes.

You’ll find guidance on topics such as dealing with pressure and managing challenging relationships.

It could also help you discover what motivates you, as well as many other tips and insights.

As well as this feature, you’ll find hundreds of interactive learning modules on MyDevelopment which are designed support your career and personal development.

You can log on to My Development at any time using this link My Development Portal. For more information or to gain access, please contact ODteam@gov.je

Start 2022 with more money in your pocket by quitting smoking.

A smoker spending £10 a day could save around £3,600 a year.

Click here for further information

Wellbeing Contact Details

E: wellbeing@gov.je AXA Portal Technical Support: 01323 436727 EAP: 0800 072 7 072 (24/7 support)