Staff benefits and wellbeing update
05 Dec 2019
A follow up on our Staff Wellbeing Fair and save a date for the Blackwell’s Christmas Shopping event!
On Thursday, 28 November it was the annual Staff Wellbeing Fair at Whitworth Hall. This was officially opened by Mandy Tootill from Media Services following her successful fundraising comedy show, Twin Peaks, about her own experience of breast cancer. Her show took place at Manchester Museum for the charity Prevent Breast Cancer. At the opening of the fair Mandy was able to present a cheque for £1,340 to Prevent Breast Cancer, that had been raised at the show.
Mandy said, “it was an honour to be asked to open this year’s staff wellbeing fair. Cancer is a bit like Voldemort, we dare not speak its name and the shear mention can send people running into the opposite direction. Through my solo comedy show Twin Peaks I have been challenging people’s perceptions and breaking down the barriers of talking about a subject people often fear. I am always humbled by people’s reactions to the show and as long as the show is reaching out to people and raising awareness I will continue with the show. It has been one of my favourite places to perform to date at Manchester Museum, such a stunning venue and to perform at my place of work, supporting a charity that is close to my heart - Prevent Breast Cancer, made it really special. Thank you to everyone who came to support the show.”
Well over 800 staff dropped in to listen to the Eskandari Quartet, the Wellbeing Choir and the Library Choir, as well as visit the 36 exhibition stands and donate toys to Wood Street Mission and food and pyjamas to Emmeline’s Pantry foodbank and enter prize draws. A massive thank you to Mandy Tootill, all the fabulous volunteers, Media Services, House Services, exhibitors, performers, photography and staff who took the time to attend and donate!
The prize draw winners will be announced soon!
Further information
Catch Mandy and her Twin Peaks next at VAULT Festival Saturday, 29 February – Sunday, 1 March 2020
Where to donate food to Emmeline's Pantry on campus (deadline Friday, 13 December)
Short video of the Staff Wellbeing Fair!