Newsletter 52 – Dec2009/Jan2010

Welcome to our final edition of 2009 where, along with all our regular items, we are pleased to unveil our latest podcast; let you know about various useful case studies which have recently been added to our website and include links to the resources which we felt may be of interest.

In Equilibrium News

New podcast available

In our latest podcast, consultant Dot Gourlay introduces a critically acclaimed framework entitled “CUSP” which can be used either to prevent stress or to reduce the risk when stress has occurred. 

Stress Management Training promotes Emotional Well-being

We are delighted to be involved in the Wellness Works Project.  In 2007 Community First secured resources from the Big Lottery Health and Wellbeing Programme and, in partnership with Relate Worcestershire, set up the Wellness Works Project.  Its aim is to promote emotional and mental health in the workplace amongst Worcestershire employers.  During the first 18 months of the project’s life, a positive impact has been felt by more than 60 public, private and not-for-profit organisations.

 Coaching case studies

We have recently added some coaching case studies to our website which illustrate the range and scope of situations where our experienced consultants can undertake corporate coaching.

Stress Management Tip

It’s simple, we can all do it, you don’t have to be good at it and no-one else needs to be involved … what is it?  Read our latest tip to reduce your stress

Resources

Labour force statistics for 2008/9 are now available on the Health & Safety Executive’s website If you would like to know, for example, the average length of sickness absence per case of mental ill-health; or how many people working in Britain are experiencing levels of stress which are making them ill, please read more here … https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/lfs/index.htm

Pan-European Opinion Poll on Health & Safety The European Agency for Safety & Health at Work has released the results of a poll conducted in April and May of this year which involved over 27,000 interviews.  The results provide current data on people’s perception of their working environment and are compared to the other participating countries.  Read more … https://osha.europa.eu/en/statistics/eu-poll

Amanda’s Column

With Christmas socializing just around the corner, Amanda shares some thoughts about how we handle disappointing nights out.

Stress in the News

NHS Health and Well-being Review Dr Steve Boorman, Lead Reviewer, has published an interim report setting out the results of the work and thinking on how to improve the health and well-being of NHS staff. He made a number of recommendations to improve staff health and well-being and highlighted the next steps to be taken.  Read more … https://www.nhshealthandwellbeing.org/InterimReport.html

A response to the NHS Health and Well-being Review After the publication of the report, the following comment was printed in The Guardian which puts the case that the figures used are inaccurate as they will include those who have to stay away from work when perfectly well in order that patients are not put at risk.  Read more … https://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/sep/04/nhs-sick-leave-response/print

… and finally …

Sweet Dreams, or are they? According to an expert, sleeping together may be bad for you and getting a good night’s sleep is more important than cosying up between the sheets with your partner.  Sounds like the basis for a good “discussion” over the Christmas holidays! 

Quotations
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” Marie Curie Scientist & Nobel Prize Winner (1867 – 1934)

“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives … not looking for flaws, but for potential.” Ellen Goodman Author, Journalist, Speaker & Commentator (1941 –    )

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter, your comments are always welcome.   Although a little early, may we take this opportunity to wish you a peaceful Christmas and a very happy 2010 when it comes.