Every week we host a wide range of wellbeing activities around the university. These are open to all staff members and, unless otherwise stated, are held every week:

Mark Layzell runs a walking group on Tuesday lunch times. The meeting point for this group is at 12:30pm in the G Block campus reception.

Katy Robertson-Hohmann and our wonderful Treehouse colleagues run a Choir on Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm in the Treehouse.

We recognise that working life can have a host of challenges, be it remote working, maintaining the life-work balance, looking after yourself and your loved ones, extra responsibilities, or just not being able to stay as connected with others as before.

To support our staff people in reflecting on, and dealing with these challenges, the University wishes to sign post a number of different websites which are able to support staff and their families:

• Our Health and Safety team has recommended Posturite's tips on being productive at work [PDF] and working from home helpful hints [PDF] which will help colleagues who are remote working
• Futurelearn is a great platform that offers free courses on a wide range of topics, including wellbeing
• Coursera is another great website that offers online courses on topics such as happiness, fulfilment and wellbeing. You may find their Personal Development section of interest.

It's important that staff in leadership and management positions can access advice on how to best support their teams in the times of pandemic and remote working. Please have a look at the resources below that are aimed at providing managers and team leaders with guidance and ideas:

• Mind
• Mental health at work
• Bupa

At University of Bedfordshire we have two main weeks in which we shine a light on our Health and Wellbeing needs. Previously these weeks have included Salsa Dancing for Wellbeing, Singing for Wellness, Meet our Mental Health First Aider sessions, and various workshops on aspects of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

We host one week in January around Blue Monday, and the other during Mental Health Awareness Week in May. Once more details are confirmed for the coming week, these will be published in our internal comms and on this page.

If you have any thoughts or ideas on what could be included in the coming week, please contact emma.riegel@beds.ac.uk to discuss.

Don't forget to check out our 'Benefits for staff' page, to see what you are entitled to as a Bedfordshire employee, from help towards an optician's appointment to using the Aspire gyms, to support with childcare.

We are always looking for new ways to bring people together with the help of technology. From online wellbeing conferences and talks to virtual social groups and gatherings, there are ways to get involved in the conversation and boost the sense of connection. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact emma.riegel@beds.ac.uk to discuss.

Keep an eye out on our University Events page, and @beds (our all staff newsletter) for the latest events and activities to get involved with.

New members of staff at Bedfordshire get linked with a mentor, as well as a buddy, to help them settle in a new role, and get to know the university community. We are currently developing mentoring and shadowing schemes that will be available to all members of staff across the institution. If this is something you'd be interested in taking part in in the future, please contact staff.development@beds.ac.uk