This October we’re focusing on all things mental health, looking at ways we can connect with others to improve our wellbeing. Sometimes we all need a little extra support, and though at Carnival UK we recognise Mental Health Month in October every year, it’s important to remember that we should be encouraging open conversations about mental health and looking out for each other, all year round.
Ways to connect at work:
- Talk in person instead of sending an email.
- Speak to someone new.
- Ask how someone’s weekend was – and really listen when they tell you.
- Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is.
- Give a colleague a lift to work or share the journey home with them.
What’s on at Carnival House this month?
Throughout October – Reflexology with Gail
Gail will be providing 15 minute taster reflexology sessions in Carnival House throughout the month alongside her usual 30 minute sessions. She is passionate about helping people to relax, de-stress and cope with various medical conditions, including depression, insomnia, and anxiety via hand and foot Reflexology. Read more and book your treatment with Gail, here.
3 October – Cancer Café
The Cancer Café is an informal network aimed at supporting colleagues who are living with cancer. If you are just starting your journey, have completed it or, like many, are somewhere in between, it’s a safe place for you to pop in for a cuppa, and connect with others going through a similar experience. Our next Cancer Café will meet on 3 October at 12:00 in Vancouver room.
10 October – World Mental Health Day
We’ll be recognising World Mental Health Day, with a number of activities for you to get involved in, including:
- Free massages: The Little Calm Company will once again be visiting Carnival House to provide colleagues with a free 15-minute massage on 10 and 18 October in Amsterdam room. Massage releases ‘feel good’ chemicals that revitalise us when we go back to work. Our heart rate and blood pressure go down, as do levels of stress hormones. Update 6 October: Due to high demand, appointments are now fully booked – sorry if you missed out this time!
- Meet our MHFAs: Connect with our Mental Health First Aiders and members of the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team, 10:00 at Tranquil Tides on floor 2.
- Get learning: Look out for wellbeing books and other useful mental health resources in the Atrium on the day.
12 October: Eight steps to better sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is so important for our health and general wellbeing. If you have trouble nodding off, then why not join our free sleep webinar, 12 October at 12:00 on Teams. The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team will be joined by a sleep expert from SuperWellness, who will be sharing nutrition and lifestyle tips to improve your snooze, including eight practical steps you can take to help you achieve sound, restorative sleep. Click here to save the event to your diaries.
18 October: Menopause Café
Join us on World Menopause Day for our next Menopause Café – a chance for you to connect with others, share your experiences and access resources. This month you’ll meet your new Menopause Champions and we’ll also be reviewing menopause books. Bring your lunch and a drink and join us in New York room at 12:00. Click here to add the event to your diary.
Mental Health Support available:
MHFAs: At Carnival UK, our Mental Health First Aiders and Champions are colleagues who’ve volunteered their time to take on the role of listening and signposting people to support when they need it. They are committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination, and engaging our people in positive mental wellbeing.
Health Hero: As a shoreside colleague at Carnival UK, you and your immediate family have free and confidential access, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to Health Hero, your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Find out more.
Tranquil Tides: Take some time out in Tranquil Tides, our new wellbeing space. A calm, quiet corner of Carnival House for you to reflect, take a moment, and disconnect from your day. You’ll find it on Floor 2, at the front of the building (looking out at the Quays Leisure Centre).