Garrett Learning has created the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Calendar which is full of meaningful dates with national and global initiatives to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness in the workplace.
Download the calendar directly to learn and discover more from the links embedded within the PDF. Discover what you and your workplace could do each month to promote wellbeing at work and in life.
Want to learn more?
Develop your skills as a Workplace Wellbeing Champion. Join us on the second Monday of the month to help make positive changes within your workplace or community. It’s a chance to inspire others by sharing ideas, learn from our guest speakers, develop yourself and encourage others. See you there!
Sign up for £20 per month forever! Or drop into a one-off session for £35. More details can be found here.
The Garrett Learning newsletter. A mental health and wellbeing update to find out what has been happening, what’s new & what’s coming up!
We are * Supportive * Curious * Welcoming * Encouraging * Straightforward *We are Garrett Learning.
Inside this month’s issue:
Happy New Year! What’s your word of the year?
Winter wellbeing
What’s coming up! Lots of fun stuff! Ask me anything in a Q&A
Firstly, thank you for reading and engaging with me, I appreciate you and the help, support and encouragement I’ve received in 2024.
Happy New Year to you all – Let’s make Janaury Happier with the Action for Happiness Calendar:
What’s been happening?
Other than the festive celebrations, I’ve had a good break, just over three weeks off, which means I have returned to work today raring to go!
Starting with my focus for the year. Last year’s Word of the Year was ‘Connection’. This worked well for me. Each decision made was with ‘Connection’ in mind.
This year, I’m keeping the theme, however it will be ‘Connecting with Intention’.
Ok, the ‘Word of the Year’ should probably be just one word, but this is me, so I’m having 2 ish words.
Do you have a ‘Word of the Year?’
What’s new.
Let’s talk about Winter Wellbeing.
In December we saw in the shortest day of the year, signs that Spring is on it’s way – the snowdrops are already out in my garden and the daffodils are starting to grow.
Let’s remember that mornings will become lighter and the evening light will last longer as the days pass us by.
Sometimes I will walk for 10 minutes, other times it may be 2 hours. It depends on schedule. Some of my favourite walks are in the crisp fresh air, sometimes I even take a water bottle with me tucked inside my coat!
2. Check-in with yourself and your sleeping patterns. Are you getting enough sleep? There has been lots of research about the benefits of sleep and that we process the day when we’re sleeping which enables us to start the next day more refreshed.
Is there anything you can do to improve your sleep? Minimise technology in the bedroom? Plan in an early night?
I work backwards, I figure out what time I need to wake up and then set my bedtime that allows me to ‘try’ and have 8 hours of sleep.
3. Remember to do you!
If you need to take a break, please take one. Give yourself a break. There can be lots of pressure to go into January, perhaps you’re full steam ahead with all the plans, fitness routines, change to diet and achieve the life you dream of. Some of this can feel exhausting.
Life has increasing challenges for some, be mindful not to burn yourself out. Take note of how you spend your day/time. What is working for you, and what isn’t? Can you make some small changes to improve your wellbeing?
What’s coming up – Dates for your diary:
I’m so excited for what 2025 will bring!
Clear your diary and make some plans:
THANK YOU!
Saturday 11th January is Thank You Day. Let’s be grateful and thank someone. Find out more here: https://thankyouday.org.uk/
Monday, 13th January at 14:00-14:50 GMT the Workplace Wellbeing Heroes will meet again. The guest speaker this month is Rachel Nicholls who encourages people to move their body. Quite an appropriate topic for January!
During these sessions, we’ll talk about workplace wellbeing to help you raise awareness in your organisation. Come and join us! Sign up for £20 a month or join for a one-off session for £35. Take away some support and wellbeing guidance for your business.
Join me on Wednesday 22nd January 15:00-15:45. We will have an informative, open and honest Q&A about MHFA England training – Is it right for you and your organisation?
Ask your questions and get informed – We’re here to help without the hard sell – I love the training, if it’s not right for you, that’s ok.
Wednesday 26th to Friday 28th February, whether you’re self employed or considering a career change/embarking on self employment options, come and join us at The Garrett Learning Work and Wellbeing Retreat.
During the three days, we will work ON our businesses rather than IN it.
We’ll focus on ourselves, our wellbeing, reduce the feeling of overwhelm and burnout. We’ll get off the hamster wheel for a couple of days.
We’ll end our stay connected, refreshed and also enjoy a massage!
What’s not to love!
It’s a £650 investment in you, which includes your own ensuite room in a castle, breakfast and dinner, workshops, activities and a 55 minute massage.
Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals. Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning ( www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:
Book a chat with Wendy here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/garrettlearning/1-1-cuppa-and-chat
We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself.
Want to talk to me about group (corporate discounts apply if booking 8+ people) or bespoke training, please send me an email on wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
Mark Taylor
During the lockdown, we recognised the need for Mental Health First Aiders within our Firm all across the UK. Wendy was flexible, accommodating, and knowledgeable, and when I had to organise 22 members of staff with all different diaries and commitments - she made it feel easy. The course was exactly what we needed and gave great insight and take-home messages for the team that we have continued to embed into our business strategy for employee wellbeing. It offered additional resources and support for the first aiders as and when they feel they need them in the future. Thank you to Wendy for your time and support
Hollie Edmonds
MHA Macintyre Hudson
“This course has definitely improved my confidence and knowledge on responding to
people experiencing mental health issues. I cannot praise Wendy highly enough, she is a fantastic trainer with a very positive and supportive approach that is always relevant to your experience. It was great to do the training with other people from different work environments and to share common challenges and experiences.
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Wendy was a fantastic tutor. Extremely personable and easy to talk to. This course did not feel like a pass/fail type situation. Everyones's opinions and experiences were valued. I would highly recommend doing this course, both on a personal and professional level. Thank you!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Thank you Wendy for a really great afternoon exploring MHFA. I loved the ease of facilitation style and the way I felt confident to say as much or as little as needed. I didn’t feel put upon or any high level of expectation to get involved if I wasn't comfortable. I look forward to using my skills when I can, and telling people about the course!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider half-day Aware programme. 6th April 2023
I attended a Mental Health First Aider refresher course and found Wendy did an excellent job of highlighting and reinforcing
new and existing skills. It also gave me more confidence to approach and support people who might need help
Charles Smalley
Having completed the full course and the refresher I feel the skills I learned will give me the confidence I need to assist someone if needed. Wendy is an exceptional trainer with vast knowledge and delivers the course with understanding and empathy
Kirsty Culloty
Wendy is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, respectful of everyone, well-informed, and so much fun! We studied a serious and emotive subject and were riveted and engaged throughout. Highly recommended!
Vivienne Ronan
Wendy is a thoughtful, compassionate, and inspiring trainer! I've worked with her as a student and colleague over the past few years. She is a fabulous mental health trainer and I feel lucky to know her.
Michelle Boardman
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
Mark Taylor
During the lockdown, we recognised the need for Mental Health First Aiders within our Firm all across the UK. Wendy was flexible, accommodating, and knowledgeable, and when I had to organise 22 members of staff with all different diaries and commitments - she made it feel easy. The course was exactly what we needed and gave great insight and take-home messages for the team that we have continued to embed into our business strategy for employee wellbeing. It offered additional resources and support for the first aiders as and when they feel they need them in the future. Thank you to Wendy for your time and support
Hollie Edmonds
MHA Macintyre Hudson
“This course has definitely improved my confidence and knowledge on responding to
people experiencing mental health issues. I cannot praise Wendy highly enough, she is a fantastic trainer with a very positive and supportive approach that is always relevant to your experience. It was great to do the training with other people from different work environments and to share common challenges and experiences.
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Wendy was a fantastic tutor. Extremely personable and easy to talk to. This course did not feel like a pass/fail type situation. Everyones's opinions and experiences were valued. I would highly recommend doing this course, both on a personal and professional level. Thank you!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider Adult programme. 18th to 19th April 2023
Thank you Wendy for a really great afternoon exploring MHFA. I loved the ease of facilitation style and the way I felt confident to say as much or as little as needed. I didn’t feel put upon or any high level of expectation to get involved if I wasn't comfortable. I look forward to using my skills when I can, and telling people about the course!
Anonymous
Taken from MHFAider half-day Aware programme. 6th April 2023
I attended a Mental Health First Aider refresher course and found Wendy did an excellent job of highlighting and reinforcing
new and existing skills. It also gave me more confidence to approach and support people who might need help
Charles Smalley
Having completed the full course and the refresher I feel the skills I learned will give me the confidence I need to assist someone if needed. Wendy is an exceptional trainer with vast knowledge and delivers the course with understanding and empathy
Kirsty Culloty
Wendy is a wonderful teacher. She is kind, respectful of everyone, well-informed, and so much fun! We studied a serious and emotive subject and were riveted and engaged throughout. Highly recommended!
Vivienne Ronan
Wendy is a thoughtful, compassionate, and inspiring trainer! I've worked with her as a student and colleague over the past few years. She is a fabulous mental health trainer and I feel lucky to know her.
Michelle Boardman
I attended the two-day MHFAider course this week. I can highly recommend this course for anyone looking to widen their knowledge of mental health. The course content was thorough and comprehensive, tackling sensitive subject matter well. Wendy is an excellent tutor, extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. Thank you.
