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Staff benefits update

17 Mar 2021

Discounts to help you enjoy savings as restrictions start lifting and meet Birdy the Harris Hawk!

Birdy the Harris Hawk

The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March although many restrictions will remain in place. TeamWalking’s outdoor courses and adventures are re-starting from that date, subject to the Government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown.’ You can save 10% on their leading courses. Book any of their 2021 Mountain Skills or NNAS Navigation Skills (Bronze, Silver or Gold) courses and they will send you a FREE TeamWalking Neck Tube!

If you are hoping to do more outdoor activities you can enjoy savings with outdoor specialists Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock, Runners Need, Nevisport and Trespass.

Merlin Entertainments are delighted to confirm that the Resort Theme Parks - Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Chessington plus LEGOLAND Windsor and SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park will plan to reopen from the 12th April 2021.

UK breaks are also able to go ahead from the 12th of April and you can book your staycation with Cottages Stay UK for just £50*. Visit their page for all their latest offers. More travel offers are also available from UniDiscounts and Wider Wallet has a number of leading operator discounts.

For those with babies and toddlers or those who are expecting a little one, The Gro Company produce a huge range of baby sleep products designed with the comfort and safety of young babies in mind, allowing the whole family to get a good night's sleep. They offer you 15% discount.

Wellbeing reminders

  • Book for a compassionate colleague session –Monday, 19 April
  • Staff mentoring programme Manchester Gold is now open for colleagues who would like to register as a mentor or apply as a mentee.
  • Wellbeing for academic and research staff – webinar Wednesday, 24 March.

You can also read the wellbeing blog where Gemma Dale, Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, discusses the challenges of the past 12 months.

Photo of the week

This week’s photo was taken by Ciaran Pook from The University of Manchester Library. The photo shows Birdy his Harris Hawk. Birdy’s breeder also works with adults that have learning difficulties introducing them to the falcons and hawks, going into the aviaries to care and socialise with the birds. Did you know that the average lifespan of a Harris hawk in captivity is 20-25 years and around 12-15 years in the wild and the Harris hawk being the only raptor that hunts in groups and adopt a matriarchal structure, the female bird leading the hunt. Ciaran also recomended googling Harris Hawk stacking. This is where the male (significantly smaller) will stand on the back of the female to gain a vantage point of prey. The online pictures are very funny!

Ciaran originally shared Birdy’s picture on the University’s Pet Corner on Yammer. All are welcome to join to share photos and chat about your pets.

If you would like to share photos on the staff benefits update just email your picture via staffbenefits@manchester.ac.uk. The image needs to be landscape orientation and a jpg or png file.

Keep well and stay up to date with all your benefits and wellbeing options