Staff Wellbeing

This webpage is for all staff of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

Keep your mind and body active

If you are feeling stiff or tense, try an home workout - NHS or exercise videos - NHS.

The table below lists apps you can download to keep your mind and body active.

Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies Surrey is a free, confidential NHS service for Surrey GP patients aged 17+. They provide free and confidential psychological support to people who are experiencing feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or depression. They offer short courses of individual or group therapy treatments which are delivered by fully trained, IAPT approved practitioners either online, by phone or video call or in-person.

Eat well

What we eat can have a massive impact on our mood. Eat regularly and drink lots of water to boost your energy levels. Eating the right food can stop you feeling sluggish in the afternoons or reaching for sugary snacks. Visit the eat well - NHS for tips on eating a balanced diet.

Stop Smoking

Even if you've tried before, don't give up on giving up. The health benefits from quitting start from the moment you stop. One You Surrey offer specialist support which can improve your chances of success.

Watch a short YouTube video: Go smokefree this New Year

Take a break

Whether you are working from home, at the Harlequin Theatre, a Community Centre or the Depot, making time for breaks is important to help manage feelings of stress. Try to take lunch and regular screen breaks. Even just 5 to 10 minutes of short breaks each hour can really help your productivity.

If possible, set a time to go for a walk, run or bike ride for some fresh air, or a coffee.

Book annual leave as normal, when you need it.

Stay connected

Stay connected with colleagues, friends and family to boost your mental wellbeing. In and out of work, pick up the phone or make a video call instead of emailing or texting, and consider joining the RBBC Staff Social Group on Facebook. Remember to talk to someone if you need support, your manager, colleagues, friends or family.

Keep learning

Upskill and challenge yourself – try something new, learn a new skill, or check out our eLearning courses via the Surrey Learning Pool – find out more on The Knowledge or via your line manager and or Head of Service. If you don’t currently have a log in to access the training, please speak to your manager or Human Resources.

Find out more:#

• elearning website: Surrey Learn
• The Knowledge: eLearning courses (this website will only be visible on a Council computer or network)
• email: hr@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
• telephone: 01737 276 061
• telephone: 01737 276 058

Tips for working from home

Working at home can be challenging. Looking after yourself should be your number one priority. Read the tips below to help you find the right work-life balance.

Set and stick to a routine

Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas. Try scheduling in your "commute time" and spend it exercising, reading or practising a hobby before logging in. Discuss these arrangements with those you live with to ensure your needs are met. Most importantly, when your workday stops, stop working. Shut down, stop checking emails and focus on your home life. And at the end of the day, try to get to bed at your usual time.

Make a dedicated workspace

If you can, find a quiet space away from people and distractions like the TV or the kitchen to avoid snacking. While it might be tempting to sit on the sofa, it's much better to sit at a desk or table.

If you have a room that's warmer or has a window that lets in a lot of light, could you work there instead?

Read the council’s display screen equipment guidance (PDF) (this website will only be visible on a Council computer or network), If you need help regarding your home work station, please complete a self assessment and send it to our Health and Safety Advisor:

• email: Matthew Hewitt
• telephone: 01737 276 277

More information

For more advice on how to look after your own wellbeing and supporting colleagues while working through this pandemic, visit the pages below.

• website: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council: - has a wide range of information and guidance on where to go for support
• website: Mental Wellbeing Audio Guides - a series of audio guides to help boost your mood
• website: Mind - for hints and tips on managing your wellbeing at this difficult time
• website: Healthy Surrey - advice and support to help you lead a healthier life, whether you want to be more active, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, need mental health support and more physical apps
• website: Wheel of Wellbeing - research shows our health and happiness can be boosted by doing certain things on a day-to-day basis, with the Wheel of Wellbeing is your guide to some of them
• website: NHS Choices - information on healthy eating, couch to 5k, smoking, alcohol and mental wellbeing
• website: OneYou - NHS - get a free personalized health score when you complete a 10-minute quiz
• website: Better Health - NHS - free tools and support to improve your health
• website: Crisis Mental Health Helpline - NHS - helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for mental health advice and support

• see our: staff handbook (PDF)
• website: emergency contacts including contact details for the Samaritans and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
• website: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council staff