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The Health & Wellbeing team would like to thank everyone who submitted feedback following the Staff Wellbeing Afternoon.

Of the 187 anonymous responses received, around 38% of colleagues took part in the Wellbeing Afternoon on the 22 March, a further 30% took the time on a different day
and 32% didn’t take part at all.

A range of activities were offered as part of the afternoon, and whilst some took part in these activities, the overwhelming majority of those who did take part and answered the survey (84%) chose their own activity.

A sample of feedback from staff who took part in organised events:

“It was lovely to engage with other members of staff on a structured event. I enjoyed discussing the wellbeing book and hearing ideas from other staff members on how they supported their own wellbeing. Having a structured event made me use the wellbeing afternoon as planned rather than using it to get on top of my to do list at work or my to do list at home.”

“Great to be able to do something specific (the book club) but then go and do something of my choice.”

“I didn't know what to expect, but the book club was a really great event which put me very much at ease. I will definitely be attending again and have recommended it to others!”

“[The walking football] was an opportunity to try something different”.

“The movement activity was listed as an aerobics style class, however, due to lower numbers the instructor changed the focus to a gentler, slower movement session. It was so enjoyable and a great activity to do.”

“I had a wonderful and mindful time [at the mindful walk at Treborth]. I focused on the present time and used all sensations. I realised how beautiful and important nature is and how peaceful [it feels] when I focus on the present.”

��A sample of comments from those who planned their own activities:

“I used it to have some quiet time alone, away from demands and distractions.”

“Spent the afternoon catching up with friends that I rarely see having coffee and cake.”

“I ran, went for a walk and then a Pilates class.”

“Out in the countryside walking, taking photos.”

Spent time with my daughter and grandchildren and then took my dog for a long walk.

“It allowed me to pick up my son from Nursery, something I've usually got to rely on others to do and spend the afternoon with him. We went swimming for the first time, which we both really enjoyed :D”

“Watched a film in cinema.”

“I used some of the time to declutter, something I had been meaning to do for a while. The rest of the time was spent in the garden.”

“We decided that having time as a team was most important for morale and wellbeing so we had a walk and a meal together.”

For those who did not take part, the reasons given for not being able to participate
related to:

• Busy schedules that month;
• Workload/demands of the role;
• Didn’t want to engage with the initiative as didn’t agree it was useful;
• Lack of encouragement from managers/colleagues.

Anna Quinn, Health and Wellbeing Project Manager said, “The feedback we receive following initiatives like this is invaluable in terms of planning any future events and guiding action plans.”

Andrew Edwards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for health and wellbeing added, “As part of this survey, we also asked for staff feedback on how to improve health and wellbeing at work more broadly – these comments and suggestions are hugely valuable and will be considered by our Strategic Committee as we continue to develop our provision around Health and Wellbeing over the coming year.”

Amongst the suggestions were more mindfulness sessions and access to staff-only exercise classes.

Weekly from Wednesday, 2 August at 9:00am

Location: ��On MS Teams, Join via

Take a moment to unwind and recharge with a 30-minute mindfulness session delivered by the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice.

• A guided meditation from a trained mindfulness teacher: Explore your own mindfulness practice.
• Support for your mindfulness practice: Regular mindfulness practice supports stress reduction and enhances awareness and mental wellbeing.
• Suitable for all: ��From complete beginners to those with years of mindfulness practice
• No need to book a place, simply turn up online at 9:00am each Wednesday

From Wednesday September 6th, 12:15-12:45

Location: Canolfan Brailsford

Join one of Canolfan Brailsford’s qualified and experienced trainers for this weekly gentle movement session, incorporating mobility, yoga and Pilates exercises.

These sessions are for staff-only and are free of charge. No equipment or experience needed.

Please contact Canolfan Brailsford to book your place: brailsford@bangor.ac.uk

10:00am – 1:00pm, Fridays until end of 2023

Location: Treborth Botanic Garden

Enjoy a morning at Treborth Gardens, held weekly from July until the end of 2023.

A therapeutic horticultural practitioner will host these sessions, in collaboration with the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden supporting the regular community gardening group and welcoming staff and student volunteers.

Contact Lisa Toth for further information and to book a place (booking essential) and check with your line manager as needed before attending.

In response to some concerns and suggestions raised in the health and wellbeing survey, the Health and Wellbeing team is working closely with colleagues across
Schools and Departments to provide future opportunities for colleagues to improve their wellbeing, in the following ways:

• Renovating/improving staff-only spaces to enable colleagues to take more restful breaks;
• Curating a silent space to rest and reflect at Treborth Botanic Garden;
• Continuing to invest in the Wellbeing Book Club;
• Continuing to provide the menopause lounge;
• Piloting innovative ways for colleagues to move more during the working day.

More detailed updates on these initiatives and more will be published at the start of the new academic year. If you have any queries about any of the information above please contact Anna Quinn.