Staying Well in 2026 Your Mid-Year Wellbeing Check-in
29 May 2026
What one small action will you take for your wellbeing this June?
At the start of the year, we invited colleagues to begin with intention, focusing on one thing they could do to support their mental health (Starting Well in 2026). Now, Staying Well in 2026 invites you to take time in June for a mid-year wellbeing check-in, supported by a free programme of activities curated to promote mental, physical and social wellbeing.
We encourage you to reflect on how your year is going and consider what one small action could help support your health and wellbeing going forward. Looking after our bodies and minds is different for everyone. Whether that means being more active, taking steps to ease financial worries, or building on the practices already supporting your wellbeing. Whatever your starting point, this free programme offers something to support you.
Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People said: ‘The mid-year point of June gives us a valuable opportunity to pause and check in on our health and wellbeing. This campaign creates space to reflect on how we’re doing, what is helping, and what small actions we can take to support ourselves in the months ahead. I encourage every colleague to get involved - together, we can help build a thriving community where everyone feels they matter.'
Competition Time – just tells us your thoughts
Complete our short online feedback form after attending an event (sent via email) and you will be entered into the draw to win a £5 University Refreshment Voucher to be used at our onsite cafés. 10 vouchers are up for grabs! (winners will be contacted on Wednesday 1st July)
More points means more chances of prizes! Download the No Time to Waste app, head to the Wellbeing section, and earn bonus points this June, activities include: being more active, connecting with nature, and volunteering. Small actions can have a big impact on your wellbeing and our planet.
Events
Free Active Manchester Membership - Monday, 1 June to Tuesday 30 June
Unlimited access to Armitage Centre Gym, active classes at the Armitage and Wellbeing Studios between Monday, 1 to Tuesday, 30 June.
Please note this offer is not applicable to you if:
- you already pay for an Active Manchester Membership
- you have activated the free active membership in the last 12 months (as part of the January 2026 and June 2025 colleague wellbeing programme)
- Find out more information and register
Free Lunchtime Active Classes for non-Active Manchester Members
Not eligible for a free membership? we have free bookable spaces at a selected lunchtime active classes schedule for non-membership holders (15 classes available in June)
Please note: there are seven free spaces available at each class
Wednesday 10 June
Workstation Posture and Pain Webinar, 11:00 – 12:00
Delivered by Wellbeing People, a Health Hero partner.
Understand how inactivity affects your body and create a plan of action to reduce the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
A good workstation set-up and learning the right techniques to take care of our bodies can go a long way in improving our overall wellbeing and productivity. This webinar focuses on steps you can take to help:
- prevent workstation musculoskeletal injuries
- work comfortably and pain free
- be able to identify the three common postural distortion patterns associated with sitting
- Book your place
Thursday 11 June
Pocket Savvy Power Hour webinar, 11:00 – 12:00
Join David Eaton from the Reward Team for a practical look at University colleague benefits. Our super money-savvy colleague Paul Marks-Jones will also share simple, real-life ways to make the most of the offers available.
The webinar will include summer savings and affordable days out, how to get more from colleague benefits, easy ways to build money-saving habits and an introduction to the new Financial Wellbeing Toolkit, bringing together advice, guidance and support in one place.
Competition Time
We want to hear from you ahead of the webinar, your best money saving tips, successes and questions. All submissions will enter the prize draw for a goody bag. The winner will be announced live at the webinar. Fill in the Pocket Savvy Hours Tips and Questions.
Tuesday 16 June
The Art of Sustainable Wellbeing: Turning Small Actions into Lasting Habits Online Workshop, 12:00 – 13:15
Hosted by Manchester-based business psychologist Matt Smeed.
Why do wellbeing goals often fade? Usually, it’s less about willpower and more about habit design. This workshop explores behaviour change science and practical ways to build lasting wellbeing habits. It covers motivation, habit-building, and realistic strategies for busy lives.
Participants will leave with practical ideas to build consistency, protect their energy, and create routines that support long-term wellbeing. (an in-person workshop option is available to register for Tuesday, 30 June, please see lower down)
Wednesday 17 June
Making the Most of Your Money Webinar hosted by HSBC UK, 11:00 – 12:00
Want to feel more in control of your finances and more confident about making the most of your money? Managing money can be challenging and knowing where to start is often the hardest part. This session explores practical ways to make the most of your everyday finances.
This session will include: Budgeting, Cutting costs, Debt management, Credit reports and scores, Savings, Protection, Fraud awareness.
Please note: this session does not provide one-to-one financial advice.
Watch this short video from Aliya at HSBC, our speaker for this webinar.
Health Check Pop-up Clinic, 11:00 – 14:00
Room G.60, Ground Floor, Simon Building, access information
Our Occupational Health team will be running a FREE pop-up Health Check Clinic. You do not need to book a slot, you can just turn up. All staff are welcome.
Tuesday 23 June
Colleague in Nature Wellbeing Session, 12:30 – 13:30
Firs Botanical Grounds Directions and Map
Take a break in nature and reset during your day. Led by Forest Bathing guide Kirsty, this small-group session will help you slow down, step away from work and reconnect with the natural world using simple guided activities inspired by Shinrin Yoku.
Wednesday 24 June
Health Check Pop-up Clinic, 11:00 – 14:00
Room G.60, Ground Floor, Simon Building, access information
Our Occupational Health team will be running a FREE pop-up Health Check Clinic. You do not need to book a slot, you can just turn up. All staff are welcome.
Thursday 25 June
Managing and Growing Your Wealth Webinar hosted by HSBC UK , 12:00 - 13:00
Would you like to feel more in control of your finances and more confident about growing your wealth? Life is full of possibilities. Our ‘Managing and Growing your Wealth’ webinar highlights opportunities and resources to help you build the future you want.
This session will include: Building your financial plan, Goal setting, Protection, Investments, Retirement and legacy planning
This session does not provide one-to-one financial advice.
Watch this short video from Aliya at HSBC, our speaker for this webinar.
Tuesday 30 June
Bereavement Café for Colleagues, Whitworth Art Gallery, 11:00 – 12:00
Join our Monthly Bereavement Café for Colleagues - a safe, supportive space for colleagues who have experienced the death of a person. This informal, peer-led gathering is designed to offer comfort, connection, and a chance to reflect and share experiences with others who may be navigating journeys of grief.
Tuesday 30 June
The Art of Sustainable Wellbeing: Turning Small Actions into Lasting Habits In-person Workshop Simon 4.05, 12:00 - 13:15
Hosted by Manchester-based business psychologist Matt Smeed.
Why do wellbeing goals often fade? Usually, it’s less about willpower and more about habit design. This workshop explores behaviour change science and practical ways to build lasting wellbeing habits. It covers motivation, habit-building, and realistic strategies for busy lives.
Participants will leave with practical ideas to build consistency, protect their energy, and create routines that support long-term wellbeing.
Other wellbeing actvities this month
Discover our University Tree Trail
It can be a solo stroll or wheel or encourage your team to come along, carving out some time during the working day to move away from your desk and getting outside can be just the daily reset you need. Follow the University Tree Trail map for main campus and Whitworth park strolls.
University Mental Health Support Team Workshops - from Friday, 5 June
Hosted by the Mental Health Support Team, workshops include: Mindfulness, Meditation, Breathwork and Managing Stress.
Breaktime Bike Ride
Try a new lunchtime activity with this campus bike route.
Not got a bike? The Environmental Sustainability are offering 10 free Starling Bank bike hire vouchers available on a first come first serve basis, giving you 100 free minutes.
Taking time to attend events
Before booking a Staying Well in 2026 event, please check with your manager and team to ensure cover for your role. These events offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, and we encourage teams to support each other to take part. If you attend, please share your learnings locally so others can benefit too.