Staff benefits update
27 Jan 2021
A special way to show loved ones you care when you can’t be there, Time to Talk Day and other upcoming wellbeing events
Discounts
Friendinabox sends thoughtful gifts and treats in an eye-catching blue letterbox-friendly box to anywhere in the world. It is quick and easy yet still a special way to show loved ones you care when you can’t be there. They have 40 thoughtful gift boxes between £10 and £38, for men and women, that suit all occasions and even life’s harder moments.
Caring for your health is even more important than ever. You can access corporate rate health cash plans with UniDiscounts for Simplyhealth and Medicash. With Medicash you can receive cash back on 100% of all your healthcare bills such as optical, dental, complementary and alternative therapies, physiotherapy and much more via our Active Plan. This means that you can organise your finances and have the peace of mind that your healthcare worries are being taken care of.
Wider Wallet has a range of finance and legal offers to help you save on your home, contents and vehicle insurance. Plus great savings with Samsung, Sky and family holidays for later in the year. You also have the chance to win £200 towards a Haven holiday.
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has published an update on the next steps in the ongoing valuation work. This has been sent to all members and is now published on their website. Members of the scheme are encouraged to read the update to stay informed about developments.
Wellbeing
Learn and discover with Manchester Museum - Dr Campbell Price's popular Egyptology in Lockdown live sessions will take place on Thursdays at 3pm.
Time to Talk Day 2021 takes place on Thursday 4 February. This is the day that we get the nation talking about mental health. We know that the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down, helping to end the isolation, shame and worthlessness that too many of us with mental health problems are made to feel. The Equality and Diversity Team are encouraging you to take a virtual break with friends and get informed on the services available.
The White Rose Beauty College in conjunction with UoM Sport are offering free places to staff on an ITEC Level 2 Diploma in Complementary Therapies programme. It is fully funded – you can enrol now to start in February (Fridays and evening options available).
Upcoming wellbeing courses
Thursday, 28 January at 2pm
Digital wellbeing workshop. A workshop to consider the impact of technologies on wellbeing
Tuesday, 9 February from 1pm until 2:30pm
Positive Psychology for Managers - introducing ideas of self-care and positive psychology, and how they can be used in a management context to support the wellbeing of teams.
Thursday 11 February, 1.30pm
Wellbeing Event: LGBT+ History Month - the session will focus on wellbeing for the entire LGBT+ community and it’s intersections, as well as the support available at the university, and the importance of allies and their support/awareness.
Tuesday 16 February at 10am
The 4Ds of Distress: Distract, Dilute, Develop and Discover. Approaches and exercises that can deal with stress and also restore wellbeing in the long term
The University has a wide range of wellbeing support and services in place as well as our new 24/7 confidential helpline which staff can access. As well as one to one counselling our in-house Counselling Service provide weekly workshops for staff and students with a number of upcoming sessions on how to calm the brain.
Don't forget that in light of the continuing extraordinary efforts made by you, the University is encouraging all of you to postpone non-essential online meetings or calls that you have planned during week commencing 15 February.
Keep well and stay up to date with all your benefits and wellbeing options.