What’s On as part of the Staff Wellbeing Week: March 11-15, 2024
Following the success of the staff wellbeing afternoons in 2022 and 2023, the university’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) & Wellbeing Committee is pleased to announce what’s in store as part of Staff Wellbeing Week 2024.
As in previous years, staff are invited to take their “wellbeing time” on a date they choose throughout March, or to join one of the group sessions on offer during Wellbeing Week.
This year’s theme is Be Active!
We continue to look to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing for our yearly themes, and this year’s theme is “Be Active.”
Each day from Monday 11 to Friday 15 March, an activity will be available for you to book onto, free of charge, using your wellbeing time. These supervised sessions will encourage us to perhaps try a new form of exercise, pick up a forgotten favourite hobby, or simply get out in the fresh air with colleagues.
Qualified trainers and facilitators will lead each of the planned events. Absolute beginners are welcome to join any of the sessions, and all participants will be provided with the equipment, support and encouragement needed to make the most of the experience.
Events throughout the week...
In response to staff feedback, we have decided to offer a programme of events across a week rather than on a single afternoon. It is hoped that this will enable line managers to support their team members’ participation, as the events will not all happen simultaneously as they have in the past.
Professor Andrew Edwards, PVC for Health and Wellbeing, encourages all staff to plan in advance how they would prefer to use their wellbeing time:
“We recognise that all our staff work extremely hard and are already balancing a number of different commitments and job requirements in a very busy period. I hope that this opportunity to step away from work for a few hours and enjoy the opportunity to join one of the wellbeing initiatives will be taken up by colleagues across all grades and roles. Feedback from previous events suggests that while many members of staff want to participate, finding the time to do so has proved problematic. I would therefore encourage and appeal to all line managers to find solutions that enable everyone to enjoy this wellbeing time at some point during March, whether this means joining a scheduled group event, or using the time on an alternative date.”&Բ;
As in previous years, the allowance of a morning or afternoon (or equivalent time of 3.5 hours) is available to all staff (on any part-time or full-time contract, inclusive of all roles, grades and sites), and can be used in any way you choose to suit your personal wellbeing, throughout the month of March. Please agree the time away from your work with your line manager in advance.
Staff Wellbeing Week Events Programme
Monday 11/03: Vertical Dance, Pontio Studio Theatre from 1:00-2.30pm
*NOW FULLY BOOKED*
About the session:
This session is led by Dr Kate Lawrence. Ever fancied flying? Well, this is your chance. Using harnesses and ropes, vertical dance allows you to explore moving whilst suspended. We will guide you through safe use of equipment so that you can float off the ground. Please wear multiple layers around your waist and upper legs for comfort whilst wearing a harness.
This class is now full. If you would like to be placed on a reserve list, please email staffhealthandwellbeing@bangor.ac.uk
Tuesday 12/03: Bangor Coastal Walk, from 1:00-3.30pm
*NOW FULLY BOOKED*
About the session:
Led by The Outdoor Partnership, this 8-9km walk will leave from Bangor Swim Centre (parking available) and will guide walkers along the coastal path, heading east towards the Aberogwen Nature Reserve.
This class is now full. If you would like to be placed on a reserve list, please email staffhealthandwellbeing@bangor.ac.uk
Wednesday 13/03: Pilates, Room 14, Cambrian 1, Wrexham Campus 1:00-2:00pm
*5 Spaces Left*
About the session:
Led by Helen from BodyWork Pilates, this session will give you an introduction to pilates and will invite you to work at your own pace and at your own level of comfort and experience. Mats and other equipment will be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing that supports you to move freely and bring a bottle of water. (15 place available).
Booking is essential, book your place .
Wednesday 13/03: Seated Yoga, Pontio White Box from 1:00-2:00pm
*10 SPACES LEFT*
About the session:
Led by Palvinder Kaur, experienced Dru Yoga and Dru Meditation teacher, this inclusive session will be accessible for everyone interested in experiencing a relaxing hour of movement, stretches, and simple breath techniques which will leave everyone feeling calm and balanced for the rest of the day. Suitable for all abilities. Wear comfortable clothing, all equipment will be provided.
Booking is essential, book your place
Thursday 14/03: Indoor Climbing Taster Session at Canolfan Brailsford, from 12.30-2:00pm
*4 SPACES LEFT*
About the session:
Led by Stephanie Chaplin, this will be an ideal class for those new to indoor climbing. The session will give you the skills and confidence to try indoor climbing in a safe and supportive group.
Booking is essential, please phone Canolfan Brailsford on 01248 382571.
Friday 15/03: Group e-bike ride to Bethesda, from 1:00-4:00pm
*NOW FULLY BOOKED*
About the session:
Led by Tomos and Lucy, with support from the Outdoor Partnership and Breeze Cycling, this ride will primarily use the cycle paths and avoid roads. The ride will go at a pace suitable for all participants, and we never leave anyone behind!
Meeting at the car park of Bangor Swimming Centre at 1:00pm, participants will be fitted with helmets and set-up with an e-bike. You are welcome to join the ride on your own bike if you prefer.
Booking essential, book your place
If you have any queries about the programme of events or about how and when to use your wellbeing time on a different day, please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team staffhealthandwellbeing@bangor.ac.uk