NTHNHS | Health and Wellbeing Magazine - Issue 5, December 2022

Wellbeing Healthand

Your magazine was ‘highly commended’ at NHS Communicate for communications team health and wellbeing award.

Welcome 3

A Christmas Reflection 4

A Real Christmas - poetry 5

Shining a light on our NHS stars 6

MECC: My journey back to a healthier lifestyle 8

Keeping warm this winter for less 10

Schwartz Round 11

Finance health and wellbeing events 12

Book review and drinks recipes 13

Bend it like Werritt 14

Healthier, Happier, Stronger - my weight loss journey 15

Craft and Chat patient group special 16

Cold water swimming: are you up for the challenge? 17

Trust snapshot 18

Health and wellbeing support contacts 19

Want to contribute to the magazine?

Do you have an experience, review, picture or story you would like to share that contributes to your health and wellbeing?

To get involved contact nth-tr.communications@nhs.net

Dear colleagues,

Welcome to the fifth edition of our staff Health and Wellbeing magazine.

Since our last issue, I am proud to share that our magazine was nominated for a ‘Communications Team Health and Wellbeing Award’ and was ‘highly commended’ on the evening of the annual ‘NHS Communicate Awards 2022’.

From the seeds of an idea in 2021 - aimed at getting colleagues talking more personally about the importance of their health and wellbeing - this magazine has bloomed into a safe platform for us all to share and celebrate hobbies, interests and important support and advice on a peer-to-peer level. This was through the combined efforts of all of you – who help to contribute to this magazine. It is welldeserved recognition for an important cause.

In August we also held our first ever financial health and wellbeing events (see more about the events on page 12) at both of our North Tees and Hartlepool sites. Set up in partnership with a number of local businesses and charities, the events were designed to help staff to find support, discounts and special offers as we all navigate a testing financial period.

The events were designed in direct response to the reward and recognition survey that all staff were asked to carry out earlier in the year. We hope we can continue to add to these kinds of health and wellbeing events to support you as best as we can as a valued member of our organisation.

All that remains is for me to wish each and every single one of you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

wishes, Julie Gillon Chief Executive

Best

A Christmas Reflection

By Jim Wright, lead chaplain

The seasons of advent and Christmas centre around the expectations and event of a birth. It is the story of a pregnancy. A time of waiting and anticipation.

I learned an insight to this when my wife was pregnant with our first child. Everything was new to us and we wanted to immerse ourselves in the full experience.

We bought a library of books on pregnancy. I read magazine articles written by first time fathers on how they coped with the big event and devoured every last morsel of advice that was offered.

We joined antenatal classes, getting detailed information on every question ever possibly conceived (no pun intended) about pregnancy.

We talked to the blossoming bump regularly and even gave our unborn child a nickname, “smudge”; because he looked like a smudge on the first scan.

The whole nine month wait was a time of wonder, mystery and awe.

Our second child was a rather different story: we bought no books. I read no magazine articles. No antenatal classes were attended. No nicknames were attributed, in fact, the bump, hardly got talked to at all.

Now don’t get me wrong: it’s not that we weren’t looking forward to a second child. He was very much wanted, planned and anticipated. It was just that... well, the mystery had gone. I had been down this road before and it was...known.

At Christmas-time, I often find myself in danger of repeating that experience. Christmas again: we did this last year; I know how this goes and I fit snugly into the fun and tinsel and busyness and presents and mince pies and…it’s good, it’s fun, but it’s…it’s known. It is easy sometimes, for me at least, to lose the wonder, the mystery, the excitement and the meaning of the season because it is so familiar.

But Christmas is all about a birth (and every birth holds mystery and wonder) but at Christmas we’re asked to consider the birth of God on this planet. A birth that presents the possibility that God is no longer remote or at a distance, but here with us: tiny and vulnerable: A God who gets hungry and thirsty; a God who gets hot and cold; A God who laughs and cries; A God who gets his hands dirty; A God who can bleed and die: What type of God is this?

At Christmas-time we are invited to do nothing less than redefine deity.

We went for another scan for our second son. In the midst of what we thought was the familiar. And as we watched the live monitor, his tiny mouth was moving up and down and it looked a little like he was singing. It was amazing: suddenly the mystery and wonder came flooding back.

This Christmas, in the midst of everything that is familiar, why not take a moment to invite the wonder, mystery and awe to flood back in as we ponder afresh this special birth.

A Real Christmas

Just a fairy story or maybe childhood dreams Is that what Christmas really means? Along with Enid Blyton, or stories that we know, Has Christmas come to be a myth to make our spirits glow? And as we all grow older and cynical become, It’s so easy to forget that it’s all about God’s Son A child in a manger, and straw for his bed All lost in the mire of that old cattle shed. A tea towel, some old curtains all donned on the kids, To create the best nativity, that no one should miss.

Oh it is a wondrous story of Mary, Joseph and Child, Of shepherds and Kings with Jesus meek and mild. But what of the truth, away from the myth What can we learn from all of this? That God became flesh and dwelt here below, To fulfil what was written so long, long ago. And here’s the reality it’s no fairytale. There’s grace, there’s love and a wonderful feel And it’s all because, Christmas is real.

Dave Russon, hospital chaplain

Shining a light on our NHS STARS

Our annual Shining Stars awards ceremony this year saw 23 colleagues and 17 teams from across the Trust shortlisted for 10 fantastic awards recognising their committed hard work throughout the last year.

This year, an additional award was presented on behalf of the chief executive and joint chair.

Among the winning teams were the clinical and medical psychology who won an award for their outstanding contribution to wellbeing.

The team were recognised for the bespoke support they offer to teams across the organisation and their ongoing commitment in ensuring that the wellbeing of staff remains a priority.

Dr Elaine McWilliams, consultant clinical psychologist, said: “I would just like to say, on behalf of all of the psychology department, that winning this award means the world to us.

“In essence we feel our task has been, and it is a vital one, that we work together to care for our staff. And in caring for our staff in this collaborative and coordinated way we increase their already amazing ability to care for our patients.”

2022’s Shining Stars

Supporting Services Star: Aimee Stuart, workforce systems and quality officer

Working in Collaboration: Breast screening team

Making a Difference: Angela Guest, health care assistant

Clinical Team: Specialist palliative care team

Inspirational Leader: Jane Hayllar, Holdforth Unit matron

Health Call Solution’s Dedication to Quality Improvement: Trauma Lead / Ortho OPD

Supporting Services Team: Specialist services and children’s services admin hub

Volunteer Star: Dorothy Ellis

Contribution to Wellbeing: Clinical and medical psychology

Clinical Star: Dr Helen Blackett, consultant

Chief Executive and Chair Award: The communications and marketing team

My journey back to a healthier lifestyle

Associate practitioner and trainee nurse Iain Armstrong decided to use the support of those around him and to take his health into his own hands. After a culmination of life events led to bad eating habits and had an effect on his overall lifestyle and happiness.

Iain took time during one November morning study day, to share his ‘Making Every Contact Count’ journey back to a healthier lifestyle:

IAIN: My beautiful daughter Isla was born by planned caesarean in April 2021. This alone would be a significantly memorable time in anyone’s life. However, one week before, I had also begun my registered nurse degree apprenticeship. I was a new dad having to adapt to fatherhood, was back at University full time and was also still working as an associate practitioner during the week in EAU at North Tees. There were a lot of plates to juggle and although exciting, it was also a stressful time.

The first year it wasn’t as bad. My wife was on maternity leave so it was easier to balance work and life with a new born. But when she went back to her nurse practitioner position full time at a neighbouring trust; bad habits started to creep in.

My weight increased – dramatically. It started with us not cooking meals anymore, to eating what I’d grabbed at petrol stations or getting home and getting a takeaway. You don’t always want to be relying on your family all the time – you feel guilty. But then you try to take shortcuts with things like cooking for ourselves, once Isla had eaten and was put to bed. Then assignments get pushed aside when you’re tired. Tensions grow and bad habits form.

I’d always originally been quite active. Loved cycling and would often go out on my bike with my friends – but that had all stopped with trying to balance work, study and a new

By Iain Armstrong, associate practitioner and trainee nurse

born. The lack of time for activities you love gets you down –and then you start to notice that your clothes don’t fit quite like they did before, your uniform doesn’t sit comfortably.

Then I had a very specific moment back around June – my wife’s step-mum was retiring and there was a surprise party. I remember digging through my wardrobe trying to find something I felt comfortable in. I realised I hadn’t felt like ‘myself’ for some time. After that night I decided I needed to make the change, for myself.

My wife’s stepdad had joined the gym and he invited me along to start swimming. It started there. From one little decision to swim, I then decided to add a gym routine –things gradually escalated and built from that one little encouraging push.

My brother-in-law is also bodybuilding at the moment and has had a dramatic change to his physical fitness, lifestyle and weight. He’s also been a great source of support – offering his advice and helping me to create a weight plan to keep me accountable.

I would often look at the change in my brother-in-law and think – ‘If he can do it then so can I’. I think this has been the mentality that really has helped me through this journey back to a healthier lifestyle.

Setting challenges for myself also keeps me motivated. I did a week of 5k runs and a 10k in Dalton Park in December - with the Great North Run planned for next year. I had also signed up to cycle the coast-to-coast (152 miles in a day) prior to Isla being born. We’re now aiming to do it next summer.

It’s all about keeping myself accountable and I’ve found I have more energy to go out and enjoy more time with my daughter. To enjoy the little things while she’s still growing.

I’m also close to finishing my course and becoming a registered nurse. I should graduate sometime in summer next year and I look forward to this next stage in my 16 year NHS career.

And the weightloss? That’s just been a positive byproduct of wanting to get back into healthy lifestyle habits and back into hobbies I love. I’ve lost the two stone that I’d put on at the start of everything.

It feels like the light is finally at the end of the tunnel and that I’ve worked to turn things back around for the better – but the support of friends, family and colleagues along the way has really been amazing.

Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a simple and effective health promotion intervention. All about enabling the delivery of healthy lifestyle information, actively promoting and raising awareness and improving conversations with people, patients and staff to enable them to seek out help and support their own health and wellbeing.

Senior clinical professional physiotherapist Kath Tarn, who is leading on introducing MECC in the organisation said: “Iain began his own inspirational MECC journey by sharing his before and after pictures on Twitter and Strava with friends and followers.

“I was one of those followers. I thought his story was a powerful one that could actively encourage and inspire others who may be going through a similar situation.

“Life can be busy, hectic and difficult and sometimes we can forget to look after our physical and mental wellbeing.

“Each and every one of us can choose to take a broader look at how we can support our own health, whether through small lifestyle changes, or deciding to stop smoking or reduce alcohol. It’s also about knowing you can reach out and ask for support to help you get there.

“It can all start with a simple conversation or in Iain’s case, that initial invite from his wife’s stepdad to go swimming and the weight planning advice from his brother-in-law.”

Find out more about how you can MECC at: www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc

“

By changing my lifestyle for the better, I’ve been able to bring my best self to work. Which means I can provide the best patient care and be the best nurse for the future.

KEEPING WARM THIS WINTER FOR LESS

With energy bills more expensive than ever before and the weather getting chillier, the British Heart Foundation has put together these cost-effective ways to keep cosy and safe this winter.

LAYER UP

Wear lots of layers, instead of one thick item of clothing, to keep you cosy and warm.

Thermal vests and long sleeve tops are fairly inexpensive base layers that trap heat.

KEEP DRAUGHTS OUT, KEEP HEAT IN

Try and block any places at home that are draughty. Roll up towels to create draught excluders for doors and cover up keyholes while you’re at home.

Where you can, keep your curtains open in the daytime to let the sun and warmth into your home and then close them before it gets dark to keep heat inside.

KEEP ACTIVE

Get moving to boost your circulation. Avoid sitting still for long periods and move around at least once an hour.

When you are sitting down, put your feet up off the floor and get snuggy with a blanket.

BE CLEVER WITH YOUR HEATING

Be picky with how, when and where you heat your home. Try and keep the room where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, heated to at least 18 degrees Celsius if you can.

Turn off radiators in rooms that aren’t being used and only heat areas as you need them, such as turning on the heating in your bedroom just before bed.

SOUPS, STEWS AND HOT DRINKS

Eating your fruit and veg helps to keep your immune system well in winter. Double these up with hot drinks, soups, stews and porridges to keep warm.

To keep costs low, use a slow cooker, microwave or air fryer. And remember, frozen and tinned fruit and veg is just as healthy as fresh (as long as there’s no added salt or sugar) and can be more frugal.

SEE IF THERE’S HELP AVAILABLE

You could be eligible for a grant or benefit to help reduce the cost of your energy bill this winter. Use the QR codes to find out more.

SCHWARTZ ROUND

A chance to reflect

Thank you to all colleagues who attended the first two in-person Schwartz Rounds since the pandemic.

Trust psychologist and Schwartz Round facilitator Dr Elaine McWilliams said: “A Schwartz Round is a reflective group forum. They give staff from all disciplines an opportunity to reflect on the emotional and social aspects of working in healthcare.

“We all have demanding jobs and a Schwartz Round provides a safe and open space where all colleagues can share their experiences in confidence.

“They are incredibly valuable staff support sessions.”

Guest speakers at the latest Grand Round included health care assistant Katie Mahoney, director of medical education Dolon Basu, and clinical nurse specialist in specialist palliative care Roberta Chadbourn. They led a lively discussion as we reflected on our experiences during the pandemic and how it affected us and our hopes for the future.

Further Schwartz Rounds will be held throughout 2023, at both UHNT and UHH, and staff are encouraged to take time from their busy schedule to attend a session.

Feedback from attendees:

“Appreciated the insight into what colleagues were dealing were”

“I was unexpectedly moved”

“Will attend again and encourage others to do so”

“I found it very informative and emotional”

“Interesting and powerful”

Local organisations come together to offer help

We recently held our first ever health and wellbeing financial events at both North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals to help staff pinch the pennies this winter.

We welcomed in more than 25 exhibitors and Trust support initiatives to offer advice, guidance and signposting to you – our colleagues.

Susy Cook, chief people officer: “Listening is a key part of leadership. So, when our staff asked for support during this difficult time, we developed this roadshow where staff could find out about discount schemes, financial advice and even mental health training.

“These events represent a real coming together of our local community, all acting collectively to do what we can for one another.

“We have a real responsibility to work to support each other – not only our own colleagues, but the businesses that dedicate to keeping our communities moving.

“We know that by working together we can be stronger and we can thrive, even in times like these. It’s so important we continue to work together over the coming months to support one another.”

If you missed the events, don’t worry – you can find plenty of information here:

VIVUP (employee benefits) www.vivupbenefits.co.uk

Blue Light Card (NHS discounts) www.bluelightcard.co.uk

Stockton Borough Council Welfare (benefits advice) 01642 526141

Hartlepool Carers (support for carers) 01429 283095

Hartlepool foodbank www.hartlepool.foodbank.org.uk

Stockton Learning and Skills Council (adult learning) www.slss.ac.uk

Orangebox training solutions www.orangeboxtraining.com

Book review

THE READING LIST

Sara Nisha Adams HarperCollins Publishers Paperback (21 July 2022)

Review by librarian, Deborah Elliott

Set in a London suburb, ‘The Reading List’ tells the story of how a chance encounter helps forge an unlikely friendship between two very different people.

Widower Mukesh lives a quiet life. He shops every Wednesday, goes to Temple, and worries about his granddaughter, Priya, who hides in her room reading while he spends his evenings watching nature documentaries.

Aleisha is a bright, anxious teenager who finds her job working at the local library somewhat boring. That is, until she discovers a scrappy piece of paper hidden in the back of a book listing nine stories. Impulsively she decides to read every book, one after the other. As each story gives up its magic, Aleisha is transported away from her everyday troubles.

When Mukesh ventures into the library, desperate to forge a connection with his bookworm granddaughter, Aleisha passes on the reading list… hoping that it will be a lifeline for him too.

Slowly, the shared books create a connection between Mukesh and Aleisha as they explore the new worlds discovered in their unlikely book club of two.

‘The Reading List’ highlights the magic of community, finding friendship in unlikely places and supporting those around you.

A good book to cosy up with this winter and the perfect escape for anyone who wants to be reminded of the power of stories.

You can borrow a copy of ‘The Keeper of Stories’ for free from the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ collection available at the library.

Knowledge and Information Service Ground Floor, South Wing University Hospital of North Tees 01642 624789 nth-tr.knowledge@nhs.net

Full of warming spices and comforting ingredients, these Christmas pick-me-ups will put a smile on your face and are perfect for sharing with friends. Wishing you every blessing this Christmas. Enjoy!

By hospital chaplain, Revd. Jane Easterby

Bend it like Werritt

by Brad Werritt, FY1 Doctor

Once a week, our colleagues switch out their scrubs for a footy kit to play the beautiful game itself. Team NTH get together every Thursday to play five, six or seven-a-side with colleagues not just from the Trust, but across Teesside.

BRAD: Our little club was started in 2013 by consultant gastroenterologist Chris Wells and palliative care nurse Mel McEvoy. Since then, it’s grown to include staff at James Cook, Darlington Memorial Hospital and GP practices.

We’ve got doctors in training, physiotherapists, pharmacists, nurses, trainee GPs and non-clinical staff –they’re all part of the group.

There’s a mix of male and female players, between 16 and 60, of all abilities – everyone gets involved. And we’ve got members from all around the world, including Romania, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Greece, India and Pakistan.

I was introduced to the team during my first week of working as an F1 doctor at North Tees and have been a frequent attender ever since.

It’s a great way to get in some exercise in a fun, competitive, and sociable setting each week.

I’ve been able to make some great friends in the Trust and meet new colleagues working across the local area.

Thursday nights are always something to look forward to now – particularly after a tough day at work. It’s a great way to let off steam.

We’ve also got a North Tees and Hartlepool fantasy football league.

What do the rest of the team think?

“It’s a great way to team-build, get to know each other, and get a bit of exercise.” - Chris Wells, consultant gastroenterologist

“It’s always good crack and keeps the little fitness that I have left going.” - Luke Ventress, specialty trainee year six in acute internal medicine and ITU

Fancy taking part?

NTH five-a-side takes place every Thursday, 6:30 to 7:30pm, at Goals Teesside (TS5 4AF)

Everyone is welcome to take part – simply get in touch with Brad on bradley.werritt1@nhs.net or 07425 165793

Healthier, happier, stronger - my weight loss journey

by Aimee Havelock, biomedical scientist

In January 2020, I was pretty miserable about my weight and size after looking at a family group photo. A full diet and lifestyle re-haul seemed so daunting so I decided to make small changes.

To start with, I stopped drinking fizzy drinks and switched to water or diluted juice. Fizzy drinks are a nice treat now when I’m out with my family and friends.

Then I changed my snacks. From my usual chocolate and biscuits to fruit and nuts – tiny changes really. And seeing my weight loss just from changing my snacks and drinks was enough to keep me motivated. To help with feeling fuller, I increased my water, fibre and protein intake. I plan my meals out in advance and now I do make room for some ‘unhealthy’ food. Nothing’s off limit, it’s just about quantity and frequency!

I was already feeling better about myself but started meditation to learn more about myself, to reduce stress and ultimately increase my positivity. I find that YouTube has all the appropriate meditations I could ever need for my day ahead.

Now in a positive mind set, I started working on my fitness. My old fitness routine was one dance class a week.

But last year my partner introduced me to rock climbing. Now we both attend indoor sessions a couple times a week and take to outdoor climbing on the odd occasions the sunshine makes an appearance. Our last outdoor excursion was a 150m climb in the Lake District.

But I still dance once a week and have added short walks into my routine as well now.

In the two years and eight months since I cut out fizzy drinks, I’ve lost a total of 100lb (7 stone 2lb or 45.35kg). I’m healthier and happier, my fitness levels have improved but most importantly, I feel stronger in my mind.

• Take small steps. Small changes to your everyday are easier to maintain than jumping in head first

• Take plenty of photos! Trust me, you’ll want to see the comparisons – it’s nice to see your body shape changing as you lose fat, add muscle and create definition

Aimee’s tips for your weight loss journey:

How crafting as a group plays a big part in our wellbeing

The Craft and Chat group was set up back in 2016 by the Trust’s Macmillan Cancer Information Centre for cancer survivors, those actively having treatment and for carers. Fellow patients and staff have benefitted from the group’s creativity ever since.

The group meets weekly on a Friday at the Butterwick Hospice over cups of tea and biscuits. They craft and knit many handmade items that actively support patients with cancer, and also sell their creations to help raise valuable funds to keep the group going.

Sue Doyle, who is her husband’s carer, said: “The group is a safe space for us all to meet together to chat about living with and recovering from cancer. It’s been invaluable to better understand what my husband has been going through and how I can support him better.

“The ladies in the group have become friends, and as such we help each other through difficult days – we support each other’s wellbeing. I’d also always wanted to learn to make jewellery and was shown how to get started by another member of our group.”

Lucy Cornwell said: “I joined for the friendship. I was young when I had cancer, I didn’t really know anyone who had been through the same experience. It’s so important to have that shared experience, to be able to make sense of what you’ve been through together.

“But it’s also great that, in looking after my own wellbeing by being a part of this group, I’m also actively creating items that support others who are currently going through a similar situation.”

Over the past few weeks the group have been busy creating items for one of their annual Christmas hospital stalls – and will be selling their crafty items during December.

New group member Wendy Clarke, who joined in November, said: “It’s all well and good having friends and family around you. But coming here, where other people have said ‘Oh yes, I know what you mean – I know what you’re going through’ is a completely different kind of moral support.

“I’m grateful to the medical professionals who have saved our lives – but this group is your sanity, your reassurance.”

Macmillan information and survivorship manager, Alan Chandler said: “Not every lady comes to us with a particular craft – but we always say you can help to stuff a cushion and it’s a great place for people to learn what they may have an interest in.

“I think it’s really important for people’s wellbeing to lean into and find groups associated with your hobby. I know doing something you love, alongside likeminded individuals, has been a great support to our amazing group members.”

“I’m grateful to the medical professionals who have saved our lives – but this group is your sanity, your reassurance.”

IMAGE L- R: Wendy Clarke, Freda Hood, Lucy Cornwell, Linda Davison (Macmillan cancer information centre volunteer), Sue Doyle and Ali Parsons (Macmillan cancer support worker)

Cold water swimming: Are you up for the challenge?

With origins tracing back to Ancient Greece, this activity is nothing new. Take the famous Boxing Day Dip or cold showering, this chilly activity has been on the radar for years but we are now just recognising more of the benefits it brings.

Did you know?

But this year we want to challenge you to try something new. As the nights grow darker and temperatures drop, we seek new ways to boost our mood and keep active in healthy ways. This is where cold water swimming could be the perfect antidote for you and the trend is sweeping the world.

What are the benefits?

Boost your immune system

Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count as your body is forced to react to the changing conditions. Over regular swims, your body will become better at activating its defences.

Get a natural high

Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities.

Improve your circulation

It flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries forcing blood to the surface and helping to warm our extremities.

If you are interested in becoming a cold water swimmer, why not start your journey with our upcoming Boxing Day Dip? In order to raise money for the Trust’s charity, North Tees and Hartlepool Together, we are challenging our staff and the wider public to take on either the Redcar or Seaton Carew dip. To register, please scan the QR codes.

Please note, there are safety precautions to take into consideration with cold water swimming. For a list of rules and helpful resources, visit the Outdoor Swimming Society website:

www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com

Hippocrates himself was the earliest recorded champion of an ice-cold dunk, who documented his experiences with ‘magic waters’ for reducing pain.

Get a full body workout

It is known that the heart has to pump faster in cold water so, as well as burning more calories, this activity also targets your full body as you work to keep warm whilst swimming.

Reduce your stress

Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction, they showed that cold water swimmers are calmer and more relaxed.

Socialise and make new friends

There is a great sense of community amongst cold water swimmers, nothing brings people together quite like facing a challenge.

Hearing the words ‘cold water’ in the winter months might seem strange. This is the time to wrap up and keep warm, not brave the elements with outdoor physical activity!

Seaton Carew

Redcar

Free bike loan

Considering cycling to work? Borrow a bike from Stockton’s Active Travel Hub and try it out!

It’s a great way to save money, get fitter and improve mental wellbeing, all while enjoying the fresh air and helping the planet.

As a North Tees employee, you can loan a bike from Stockton’s Active Travel Hub for up to six weeks, before deciding whether to get one of your own. The Hub doesn’t sell bikes.

You don’t have to ride every day (just the sunny ones!), and you can use the bike for leisure too.

How to get involved?

• Live in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees

• Email your interest to your line manager along with height, gender, and age

• Ask your line manager emails stocktonactivetravel@ sustrans.org.uk

• The team will find a suitable bike for you and loan for free for six weeks

• They also provide helmets, locks, personalised routes for each commute, and a ‘bike buddy’ scheme

Education bake off

Recently, our education wing held its very own Undergraduate Christmas Bake Off where staff and students alike competed with baked goods.

After taste testing and voting from a panel of expert judges made up of fellow students and staff, Harvey Wright and Catherine Fraser were the clear winners. Both third year medical students from University of Sunderland, the pair stood out among this year’s bakers with their blondies – a joint effort.

Liz Webb, paediatric clinical educator, hosted this year’s bake off. She said: “This time of year can be very demanding for our medical students with exams and deadlines. It’s good to take a step back from the stress, showcase your talents, learn a new skill and sample the tasty treats on offer.

“This is a fun event for students and faculty to get involved in. There was some healthy competition and we hope this has allowed the students across different universities and year groups to get to know each other a bit better and offer each other support throughout their training.”

Well done to all who took part – there were certainly no losers here!

Teamwork and flexibility at its finest - security officer Gary Pickard goes above and beyond his duties to give the domestic team a hand with a spot of mopping.

EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Able futures

• Regular advice, guidance and support.

• Help to learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.

• Available from 8am - 10.30pm weekdays or refer online.

Contact: 0800 321 3137

Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals

ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub

Confidential advice and support helpline. 7am - 9pm (7-days a week)

Contact: 0191 223 2030

Recovery college online

A range of online courses to support with aspects of wellbeing and mental health.

Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk

IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy

Provide talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies. Staff are placed on a priority list but must state that they are NHS staff at the time of referral. Initial assessments are relatively quick but the wait for therapy is currently a number of months. (Note: Therapy type determined from assessment will dictate how quickly staff can be seen).

Available 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and online referrals can be made anytime.

Contact: 01642 573924 Access online: www.impactonteesside.com

Contact:

Contact: 01429 522048

Contact: 07789 506664 kelly.thomson10@nhs.net