Keep In Mind

Harmonising Minds.........

One of my very first posts I placed on here after joining Facebook was to inform of a new mental health and wellbeing initative that I had introduced into the workplace.

A workplace choir called Tune In.

I came up with an idea back in 2019, following a random conversation with the two founders of OnSong, George Bell & Greg Staw, to set up a number of small groups, across Lloyds Banking Group, where colleagues could come together and not just learn to sing, but improve their own mental wellbeing.

Tune In was formed and over 300 colleagues participated, culminating in a grand finale in London and raising nearly £50k for our charity partner then MHUK and not to mention the wellbeing benefits it had to those who took part

So, why tell this now?

After a few (many!) conversations, I am so pleased to announce:

''HARMONISING MINDS'' 👏 👏 👏

our reborn workplace choir!

This time around we have an expanded programme, delivering six simultaneous lunchtime singing groups between September and Christmas, taking place around the country from Edinburgh down to Bristol.

Colleagues will also be raising funds for our Charity Partner, Crisis (working with Simon Community in Northern Ireland) and helping to end homelessness.

We launched at the beginning of this week and the response has been phenomenal with over 200 signed up to date in just 3 days!! 👏

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed so much to get this from just another idea I had, to now making it a reality.......and we have so many surprises along the way that will make this something very very special.

Having the opportunity to have fun, collaborate, learn to sing, meet new people, improve your own mental wellbeing and then learn about the great work Crisis do whilst raising funds for them (via the release of a song at Christmas....that's one surprise that is no longer a surprised 😀 !).......why wouldn't you want to join?

And if you think the attached picture is good (our new choir logo)...you haven't seen nothing yet!

It made the news....✍️

Delighted to see that our wellbeing initiative 'Growing for Growth' has made the regional news 👩‍🌾

As a keen gardener myself, I know only too well of the overall positive benefits being outside has to our wellbeing 🦾

All this came about from reading an article that Louise Iredale had posted which got me thinking on how we could scale this up and introduce to colleagues within Group Chief Operating Office (GCOO) at Lloyds Banking Group, especially as we enter the change in seasons which can be difficult for many people.

A few meetings later and in a matter of weeks we launched 'Growing for Growth' and which ''grows'' from strength to strength (sorry, couldn't resist that!😂)

Sometimes we have try different things, just like we did back in 2019 with our TUNEIn Choir and by doing so we not only introduce support mechanisms, tools and techniques for our mental wellbeing, but also start conversations on more topical environmental and social issues that affect ALL OF US.

Growing for Growth, ticks all the boxes👏

And coming up, In December we have invited The Woodland Trust one of our charity partners to join us at a live session, where we will learn all things arounds responsible foraging plus the benefits of reconnecting with nature....

So, I will leave you to have a read of the article below and I would love to hear any feedback or any similar initiatives you have planned for your employees..

If your a Lloyds colleague and would like to know more and hopefully join us one lunchtime (virtual or in person)..just drop me a message for more details.

We have lots more planned for next year plus an extra special event...more to follow...

https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/people/halifax-mans-initiative-helps-lloyds-banking-group-staff-improve-mental-well-being-3933252

I genuinely believe that we all go through storms in our lives, have a story to be told and have a reason for being who we are.

That story or that significant event may not be that one defining moment that changes our lives.......but is it our emotional response to it either at the time or years after.

How can we then use this as a catalyst to better inform, better educate and make a difference regardless of how small or insignificant?

Being afforded any platform to get this message across, is in some ways for me a sense of duty and responsibility.

Only by working and supporting each other can we make a difference.

I am therefore delighted to have been asked by deliver a talk in this the first Football Mental Health Alliance webinar.

In association with West Riding County Football Association Limited, this free webinar will take place on Monday 14th November 2022 at 6.30pm.

If you work or are involved in football at any level or if you have an interest in learning about and building your own or others' mental health, then this webinar will benefit you.

West Riding FA is working towards making this CDP accredited and we will announce this ASAP.

For more information and to book your free place, visit the link below

http://www.thefmha.com/events