Category: Other

Background

Black History Month is held Globally on an annual basis.

Black History Month was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland in the United States of America (originally named as “Negro History Week” until after 1976). The UK’s first celebration of Black History Month was in 1987.

According to history.co.uk: “Every October in the UK since 1987, the country has celebrated Black History Month, a month dedicated to remembering the contributions of those people from African and Caribbean heritage, as well as Asian, to our country’s history. All too often the history books have written their stories out of our past and Black History Month acts as a constant reminder that our country has a rich and diverse cultural heritage.”

Theme

For 2022, the theme for Black History Month is “Time for change: Action Not Words”.

According to blackhistorymonth.org.uk: “To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.”

Black History Month aim is to raise awareness and for more individuals to celebrate this month and become an advocate for diversity and inclusion by ensuring that individuals of different race and ethnicities are treated equally both publicly, privately and in the workplace. According to harperbazaar.com: “Black History Month enables both adults and children to gain a broader understanding of Black histories, going beyond racism and slavery to also spotlight Black achievement. It helps us all to see that Black history is also British history.”

Why is Black History Month so important?

According to Gov.uk: “Ultimately, Black History is all of our history. Not only is it important to remember the achievements of Black people, but it’s important to recognise the that make us both unique and alike and to celebrate diversity.

Diverse teams are the best way to foster understanding of the needs of people from all backgrounds. It helps us understand how to relate with our colleagues, customers and society as a whole. Diversity fuels our innovation and helps create more vibrant and engaging workplaces.”

Black History Month gives individuals an opportunity to assist in creating a more inclusive workplace by removing racism. According to motivationalspeakersagency.co.uk:” Studies revealed that 60% of Black professionals still experience racism in the workplace, so a key motivator behind Black History Month is to highlight how people from such communities have made pivotal contributions to society.” If you would like to read more into the survey which contains these studies, then please click here.

How do I join in Black History Month?

You can join in Black History Month by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information regarding Black History Month.

• Join an event hosted for Black History Month – Multiple events are being hosted by Black History Month and other collaborators throughout this month, if you would like to join an event, we recommend you to go to www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/listings.

• Read up about recent highlights – Black History Month posts recent highlights, including achievements, opinions and much more. If you would like to read up about Black History Month’s recent highlights, then please go to www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/section-tag/highlights.

• Research and share achievements and historical milestones of black people in the UK – There are lists of hundreds of achievements and key figures on the internet. For example, you could speak about Lewis Hamilton, the first black British man to join Formula 1.

If I can’t join in Black History Month, is there any other way to help?

You would like to donate to a charity focused on helping racial equality, we have listed a few below:

• Stop Hate UK – “Stop Hate UK is a leading anti-hate and anti-discrimination organisation for corporate, statutory and community sectors. Today, we operate the UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour anti-Hate Crime reporting service for all monitored strands of a person’s identity or perceived identity (Disability, Race, Faith, Sexual orientation and Transgender identity, as well as Age and Alternative subculture).” If you would like to donate to Stop Hate UK then please go to https://www.stophateuk.org/donate.

• Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) – “We’re a charitable organisation that’s here to support victims of hate within our community. We also aim to promote equality and good relations between people with protected characteristics, as defined by law.” If you would like to donate to SARI then please go to https://saricharity.org.uk/help-us/donate.

• Runnymede – “Proudly independent, for over 50 years Runnymede’s esteemed research, analysis and policy development has provided the evidence to challenge racial injustice.” If you would like to donate to Runnymede then please go to https://www.runnymedetrust.org/donate.

Background

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on the 10th of September on an annual basis.

World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and seeks to raise awareness of suicide prevention and provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Theme

For 2022, the theme is “Creating Hope Through Action”, which focuses on giving others confidence to take action.

According to the IASP: “By encouraging, understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain.”

The hashtags being used this year is #WSD2022 and #bethelight

How do I join in World Suicide Prevention Day?

You can join in World Suicide Prevention Day by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information about world suicide prevention day and why it is so important and help to raise awareness.
  
  The IASP has added a “resources” section on their webpage which includes content that you can use on your social media such as posters, facts and figures, banners and much more. If you would like to use these resources, then please visit https://www.iasp.info/WSPD/resources. The hashtags which are being used this year is #WSD2022 and #bethelight.

• Join an event – The IASP has a events section on their website so you can find either face-to-face or online events hosted by charities which are local to you. If you would like to join a World Suicide Prevention Day event, then please visit https://www.iasp.info/wspd.

• Spend time with family and friends – With how tough the last couple of years have been on us all, check in regularly with your family and friends, spend some time with them, go for a night out, a meal or even a little movie night in to see how they are doing, sometimes a little chat is all that an individual requires.

If you feel like you are struggling to cope, be sure to reach out to your support network as soon as possible.

We recommend that you reach out to the Samaritans to talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can call the Samaritans anonymously on 116 123, which is free from any phone. If you do not wish to speak to someone on the phone, then you can send an email jo@samaritans.org.

Background

Migraine Awareness Week is celebrated nationally on an annual basis. It seeks to raise awareness of migraines as a serious public health issue and to reduce stigma and is organised by The Migraine Trust.

The Migraine Trust was founded in 1965 and are focused on helping people who are affected by migraines. According to The Migraine Trust: “The Migraine Trust is dedicated to helping people affected by migraine. We are the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven million people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives.”

This year Migraine Awareness Week will place from the 5th – 10th September 2022. The hashtag which will being used this year will be #MigraineAwarenessWeek2022.

What is a Migraine?

According to the NHS: “A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.”

The NHS further states about the different types of migraine: “There are several types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights.

• Migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs.

• Migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop.”

How can I raise awareness of Migraine Awareness Week?

Raising awareness is simple and straightforward:

• Sharing on social media – by sharing this article and other articles and information about migraines and why Migraine Awareness Week is important and to help raise awareness.

• Sharing experiences – most of us during our lifetime will have suffered from migraine(s), and so it is important to share our experience in the event it aids another individual.

Background

International Day of Charity is celebrated globally on the 5th of September on an annual basis.

It was founded through a Hungarian civil society initiative with the support of the Hungarian Parliament and Government in 2011. In 2012, International Day of Charity was declared as an official event by the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the United Nations: “The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 ‘for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace’”.

Why is International Day of Charity important?

According to the United Nations: “Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies.

Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.”

Charity is one of few ways to help people and countries in need of help, as a result of:

• Natural disasters,
• Poverty,
• Lack of food, water and access to other basic necessities.

How do I join in International Day of Charity?

You can join in International Day of Charity by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information which details why International Day of Charity is so important and what you, your family or your business are doing to join in today. By doing this you will also encourage others to join in and to provide support.

• Join an event hosted by a local charity – You can check with your preferred charity if they have organised any local events and join in the festivities or make a family day out of it.

• Volunteer to help – You can help your local charity organisations by volunteering in a capacity where both your personal and professional skills can be utilised to aid the work  that your local charity is focused on.

• Donate to charity – By donating to a charity, you are supporting them and assisting the charity with the work that they do. If you have a charity day at work you can organise an event in order to collect money for charity.

Background

Cycle to Work Day is celebrated nationally on an annual basis.

Cycle to Work Day was founded by Cyclescheme to encourage individuals to cycle to work, according to Cyclescheme’s website: “Cycle to Work Day is absolutely for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t cycled in years or have never cycled at all. This is just about giving it a go.”

Cyclescheme was founded by Gary Cooper and Richard Grigsby. According to Cyclescheme: “Born out of passion for cycling as a practical and sustainable form of transport, Cyclescheme Limited was incorporated in February 2005, meeting the governments three cycle to work objectives: CO2 emission reduction, Congestion reduction, and improved public health and wellbeing.”

This year Cycle to Work Day will place on the 4th of August 2022. The hashtag used for this event is #CycletoWorkDay.

Why should I cycle to work?

There are multiple reasons why cycling to work can help you, we have listed a few below:

• Saves money – Cycling to work will lower the amount of fuel you are using, which saves you money.

• Lower your carbon footprint – by ditching your car, even if it is for one day, you are lowering the amount of greenhouse gasses that are entering the atmosphere, which lowers your carbon footprint.

• You might enjoy it – you might enjoy the ride to work, no more traffic jams and you can enjoy the fresh air and maybe take a scenic route into work.

• Lowers the risk of heart disease – According to an article posted on www.health.harvard.edu: “bike commuting was associated with a lower risk of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or cancer.”

What if I don’t have a bike?

If you don’t have a bike and would like to join in Cycle to Work Day, there are many ways to participate:

• Hire a local bike – many cities now have pay-as-you-go bikes as a way to promote cycling, if you are unsure, get in touch with your local authority.

• Visit a local bike shop – many small and big retailers have options which allow you to rent a bike for an occasion or a small period of time.

Is there any schemes that can support me with purchasing a bike?

There are many ways to purchase a bike:

• Vouchers – from time to time, the government release discounted vouchers to financially assist the general public with their purchase, please speak to your local authority for further information

• Salary sacrifice schemes – there are many different schemes out there, which allow you to spread the cost of a purchase through payroll sacrifice – please speak to your employer as there may be a provision which exists already for employees or to bring to their attention.
  
  You can use Cyclescheme’s cycle to work scheme, where you can hire a bike for 1 year or 4 years, at the end of your hiring period, you can choose to pay an additional payment to keep your bike. If you would like to find out more about the cycle to work scheme, then please go to www.cyclescheme.co.uk/how-it-works.

How do I join in Cycle to Work Day?

You can join Cycle to Work Day by:

• Cycle to work – Dust off your bike, check the tires and brakes and cycle to work, please remember to wear a helmet and use your arms to signal if you are going left or right. Why not encourage your neighbours and colleague to do the same and ride as a group?

• Sharing on social media – By sharing this article and other articles and information about Cycle to Work day, you can encourage others to also cycle to work, and you can also post some selfies of your journey to work.

• Join Cyclescheme’s Love to Ride community – According to Cyclescheme’s website: “All the cycling action will be happening in our free Love to Ride online community. You can sign up with Facebook, Strava or simply by entering your details, and then connect a smartphone app so you can log your rides.”
  
  If you would like to join the Love to Ride community or would like to find out about Love to Ride, then please go to https://www.lovetoride.net/cyclescheme.

Background

Samaritans Awareness Day is held nationally on the 24th July on an annual basis.

It was founded by the Samaritans to “raise awareness, that Samaritans are here to listen to anyone who’s struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night. Whether it is a virtual chitchat, or a picnic in the park, “Talk to Us” is one of the ways we raise awareness that we’re here – for anyone who needs someone to listen, 24/7, without judgement or pressure.”

The hashtag which is being used this year is #WeListen. Samaritans state: “Samaritans are here to listen 24/7 for anyone that needs us. But we’re also encouraging people to become better listeners.”

How do I join in the 24/7 Samaritans – The Big Listen?

You can join in The Big Listen by:

• Pledge to become a better listener – According to the Samaritans: “Becoming a better listening can help you to support loved ones who may be struggling to cope. It can also help improve your relationships with family, friends and colleagues. You could help your loved ones open up about how they’re feeling by making some small changes to the way you listen.”
  
  The Samaritans would like for you to pledge to become a better listener on social media such as Facebook or Twitter, they also have a page on their website which contains materials that you can use to post on your social media. If you would like to look at the materials and maybe use it for your pledge, then please visit https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/talk-us/downloadable-materials.

• Sharing on social media – by sharing this article and other articles and information which details about why The Big Listen is important and how important it is to reach out to your loved ones.

• Join one of the Samaritans events – Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness that Samaritans are here to listen. If you would like to join one of the Samaritans events or you would like to search for your local Samaritans branch, then please go to www.samaritans.org/branches.

• Check in on your family and friends – By checking in on your family and friends, you can help them to open up about how they are feeling and then assist them with their worries.

If you or anyone you know are going through a rough time and don’t know who to talk to, or require support, then please call the Samaritans at 116 123, which is a free service. If you do not wish to speak to someone on the phone, then you can send an email to jo@samaritans.org.

Background

World Youth Skills Day is celebrated globally on the 15th July on an annual basis.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Youth Skills Day in December 2014. The first World Youth Skills Day was celebrated the following year on 15th July 2015.

According to the United Nations website: World Youth Skills Day is “to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. Since then, World Youth Skills Day events have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocation education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organisations, policy makers and development partners.”

What is Technical and vocation education and training (TVET)?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO): “’Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is understood as comprising education, training and skills development relating to a wide range of occupational fields, production, services and livelihoods.

TVET, as part of lifelong learning, can take place at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels and includes work-based learning and continuing learning and professional development which may lead to qualifications. TVET also includes a wide range of skills development opportunities attuned to national and local contexts.”

What role does technical and vocational education and training (TVET) play?

According to the United Nations website: “TVET can equip youth with the skills required to access the world of work, including skills for self-employment. TVET can also improve responsiveness to changing skill-demands by the companies and communities, increase productivity and increase wage levels.

TVET can reduce access barriers to the world of work, for example through work-based learning, and ensuring that skills gained are recognised and certified. TVET can also offer skills development opportunities for low skilled people who are under- or unemployed, out of school youth and individuals not in education, employment and training (NEETs).”

How can I raise awareness of World Youth Skills Day?

You can raise awareness of World Youth Skills Day by:

• Sharing on social media – by sharing this article and other articles and information about World Youth Skills Day and why it is important.

• Sharing your experience – sharing your journey is a great way to showcase the steps which you have undertaken to get to where you are. This can prove to be invaluable for someone who is just about to start their career

“Everyone else knows what they’re doing except me.”

“If I can do it, anyone can.”

“I didn’t earn this, I just got lucky.”

If you’ve ever had similar thoughts or felt like an imposter at work, you’re not alone.

Many people are all too familiar with the experience of feeling ill-equipped to fill their own shoes, or lack internal acknowledgement of their own success. Research suggests these feelings affect 70 per cent of the population, however when it takes seed inside us, it often feels as if you’re the only person to ever have such destabilising feelings.

These feelings are known as imposter syndrome (IS), also sometimes referred to as imposter phenomenon. It is characterised by chronic feelings of inadequacy and fraudulence despite objective success.

Common signs

Some of the common signs of imposter syndrome include:

• Undervaluing your performance
• Attributing your success to external factors (i.e., luck)
• Setting excessively challenging goals and feelings of failure when you fall short
• Worrying you won’t live up to expectations
• Avoiding seeking promotions

5 types of Imposter Syndrome

• The Perfectionist – Perfectionists set unrealistically high expectations for themselves, therefore are never satisfied and often feel like their work could be better.
  
  For this type, success is rarely satisfying because they believe they could’ve done it even better. However, that’s neither productive or healthy.
  
  Celebrating achievements is crucial if you want to avoid burnout and nurture self-confidence.

• The Superwoman/man – These individuals tend to push themselves to work as hard as possible. This often stems from an individual’s feelings of inadequacy, but the work overload may harm their mental health and their relationships with others

• The Natural Genius – These individuals, like the perfectionist, set excessively high expectations and judge their own ability based on how easily and quickly they can succeed at a goal, even if it’s their first try.

• The Soloist – These people often like to work alone and feel as though asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. This can lead to tasks taking longer to complete because they’re hesitant to ask for help.

• The Expert – Experts are always trying to learn more. They measure their competence on what and how much they know, even though they are often highly skilled, they undervalue their own expertise.

What can be done to overcome imposter syndrome?

Share your feelings

Hearing that an advisor or mentor has experienced feelings of imposter syndrome, can often help to both minimise and/or relieve them. So, reaching out, whether it is to a personal mentor, line manager or HR Department, can be extremely beneficial for combatting thoughts and feelings related to imposter syndrome. In fact, just finding out that there’s a term for these types of feelings can be an incredible relief for some.

Once you’re aware of the phenomenon, you can combat your own imposter syndrome by collecting and revisiting positive feedback and achievements.

Reframe your thinking

If you have long-held beliefs about your lack of skill or experience, make a realistic assessment of your abilities. Question whether your thoughts are rational and write down your accomplishments, then compare that with your self-assessment.

For example, your management team may decide to give you a raise which may result in feelings of guilt or stress, because you believe you don’t deserve it. However, this is where you should reflect and review as to why you may be are having these thoughts.

Embrace success

Try to celebrate even the smallest successes.

Invalidating any of your achievements as ‘not good enough’ fuels the feelings of not belonging. Resist that by listing your successes and allowing them to inspire you emotionally. Over time, this will give you a realistic picture of your accomplishments and help affirm your self-worth.

Many organisations now regularly acknowledge hard work publicly as a way to boost motivation, wellbeing and productivity. This can help individuals practise self-acknowledgement strategies to help tackle feelings of imposter syndrome. If you think you might be negatively affected by symptoms of imposter syndrome, try contacting your company HR Department for support and advice.

Reshape HR is here to assist. We work with a variety of clients based across the UK, so if you are looking for HR or Payroll support or simply looking to run something past us, please do get in touch with us via:

T: 0141 471 5510
E: info@reshapehr.com
W: reshapehr.com

Background

Cervical Screening Awareness Week is organised by the charity Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

It was founded by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in 1999 by James Maxwell in memory of his dead wife Jo, who died from Cervical Cancer. According to Jostrust.org.uk: “it was her (Jo’s) wish that women affected by cervical cancer would have the opportunity with others facing similar challenges.”

Cervical Screening Awareness Week is celebrated nationally on an annual basis. It seeks to raise awareness of cervical screening (smear tests), highlighting the challenges of cervical screening, why it is so important and tips to help those who find cervical screening difficult.

This year Cervical Screening Awareness Week will take place from the 20th – 26th of June 2022.

What is Cervical Cancer?

According to Cancer Research UK:” Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour).

If not caught, early cancer cells gradually grow into the surrounding tissues and may spread to other areas of the body.”

What is a Cervical Screening?

According to Cancer Research UK: “Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer. It tests for a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). High risk HPV can cause cervical cells to become abnormal. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are linked to high-risk HPV.”

The NHS offers a cervical screening programme, according to the NHS: “All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.”

If you would like to book an appointment to have a cervical screening, then please contact your local General practice.

What are the main symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

According to the NHS: “Symptoms of cervical cancer include:

• Unusual bleeding

• Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis)”

The NHS also states that these symptoms are common. Having these symptoms does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but it is important to get them checked by your GP.

Is Cervical Cancer preventable?

According to Cancer Research UK: “99.8% of cervical cancer cases in the UK are preventable.”

Even though most cases are preventable, this does not mean that you are protected from cervical cancer. The best way to protect yourself from Cervical cancer, according to the NHS is through “Cervical screening and HPV vaccination”.

How do I raise awareness for Cervical Screening Awareness Week?

You can raise awareness by:

• Sharing on social media – By sharing articles, information and previously shared stories about Cervical Cancer and how important it is to have a Cervical Screening.
  
  Sharing with friends and family – According to a press release article from gov.uk: “Latest figures from March 2021 show that nearly a third of eligible individuals – women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 – were not screened.”