Staff benefits and wellbeing update
08 Dec 2021
How to support local Christmas appeals, last minute shopping, wellbeing, mental health support and how to access our employee assistance programme now and over the holiday period
Christmas appeals
University staff continue to be incredibly generous with volunteering and your support for many causes via the payroll giving scheme. Here are some local appeals currently being shared on StaffNet:
- Give care leavers a day to remember
- Support the Wood Street Mission Christmas appeal
- Support Manchester Museum's Christmas Appeal for Invisible Cities
- Support the Emmeline's Pantry foodbank Christmas Appeal
Christmas shopping
A reminder that the Manchester Museum shop is open and have 10% staff discount. Just show your staff ID card. The museum cafe is run by Food on Campus so you are also entitled to 10% discount when using FoodinAdvance.
Check out The Jodrell Bank Christmas Shop which has some extra-special, out-of-this-world gift ideas, from toddling space explorers to fully-grown astronauts. There is 10% discount in the Jodrell Bank gift shop, online or in person, for all UoM staff. The code to use online is SPACE10. When purchasing in person, remember to bring your staff ID card.
Vivup
Our Home and Electronics employee benefit gives you access to thousands of home and technology must haves from both John Lewis & Partners and Currys, Whether you want to upgrade a home appliance, spruce up your space with new DIY tools or start getting organised for the festive season, your Home and Electronics employee benefit makes it more manageable by enabling you to spread the cost of items through monthly salary reductions. To access this benefit and the full range of lifestyle benefits you’ll need to be registered on our Vivup benefits website, so if you haven’t yet done so register now at vivup.co.uk . You will need to enter your employee/payroll number when registering for the first time. You can find this on your payslip online or staff ID card. All orders up to 11pm on 14/12/21 will be processed in time for Christmas delivery.
Wellbeing
Christmas can be a stressful time for many people for varying reasons. Validium are a specialist external provider of staff wellbeing and mental health support services. Support is free and anonymous. They provide our staff with:
- Telephone Support
- Counselling – online and face to face
- Signposting to Specialist Agencies
- vClub Information & Resources
- General Health & Wellbeing Support
- Legal Information
- Money & Debt Support
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – you’ll always be able to speak to someone who can help. Calls are confidential and what you say will never be shared with anyone at the University. If you are struggling do contact Validium to get the support or advice you need.
The mental health charity Mind has a web page on How Christmas may affect my mental health.
The next bookclub meeting is the 17 December and will be discussing A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and did you know that Complementary therapies are available on campus.
For further information see staff benefits and wellbeing.