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Category: Health and Wellbeing

  • Calling all Volunteers – Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applications opened on 12 January for volunteers to join the cast of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. 

    Organisers are inviting Midlands-based people who are passionate about music, dance – and can move a beat, to apply to be part of something spectacular this summer. Athletes Hosts are also required to welcome the athletes taking part in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This role should appeal to those who want to be part of the ceremony but don’t want to appear on stage.

    Successful applicants will perform in front of a full capacity audience in Birmingham’s newly developed Alexandra Stadium, as well as a worldwide broadcast audience of up to one billion people.

    The Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies Team is made up of some of the finest West Midlands creative talent, including, theatre director Iqbal Khan, award-winning writer Maeve Clarke, rapper Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.  This team is calling for the most ambitious, outgoing, and dedicated local people to apply to be part of the performance that opens and closes the biggest sporting celebration since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

    There are 2000 volunteer roles available and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. Applications close Monday 7 February

    Help make history by becoming a volunteer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Applicants can find more information and register their interest for this great opportunity by completing the online applications form at birmingham2022.com/ceremonies

  • Action for Happiness: Happier January

    Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

    Each month they release a “Monthly Action Calendar” which are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.

    This month’s theme is Happier January. This month, we’re encouraging everyone to focus on small steps to try to boost happiness – for ourselves and others around us – to spread kindness and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

    Let’s all use their calendar below, or the Action for Happiness App, to do more good this month.

  • Volunteers Needed for the NHS

    To support the national effort of vaccinating all adults with a Covid-19 Booster, the NHS is once again calling out for Volunteers. Details of how to volunteer can be found here: https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/i-want-to-volunteer/volunteer-roles

    If you would like to volunteer and are successful, please do discuss this with your line manager to determine how this can be accommodated amongst your regular work obligations.

  • UPDATED INFORMATION: Colleague update in response to the Government’s introduction of ‘Plan B’

    Important update. The Government has issued new rules around self-isolation and testing:

    From Tuesday 14 December, fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case – whether Omicron or not – should take a rapid daily lateral flow test (LFT) for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus.

    • People who are fully vaccinated and identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19 should take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days.
      • Anyone who tests positive via LFT, or develops symptoms, should self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test to verify the result. If the PCR is positive then people must self-isolate for 10 days from either the day they took the positive LFT, or from when they developed symptoms. People do not have to continue with LFTs while they isolate.
      • If the PCR is negative, fully-vaccinated people can stop self-isolating, but should continue to do daily rapid tests for the remaining 7 days.
    • Anyone who tests positive, or develops symptoms will need to self-isolate
    • Anyone who is unvaccinated is not eligible for this new testing policy and must self-isolate for 10 days

    Internal Staff Communication

    Following the UK Government’s announcement (08-12-21) in response to the Omicron Variant of COVID19, the Museum has prepared an internal document to share the latest update, the actions that are being taken to comply with the guidance and the protocols we’ve put in place to provide additional reassurance.

    The Museum is fortunate in that we do not have any event where we can hold 500 people internally planned at any one time, and are well below the 4,000 outdoor event capacity. Therefore, visitors will NOT be required to produce the NHS COVID Pass.

    We are reviewing the changing advice regularly and will update and inform everyone of these changes as we know about them.

    The latest guidance that directly impacts us include:

    • Face coverings in almost all internal areas are now mandatory – with the exception of hospitality  – from Friday 10 December
    • Guidance on isolation has changed – from Tuesday 14 December, people who are fully vaccinated and identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take an NHS rapid lateral flow test every day for 7 days to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please see update above for further details
    • Guidance on working from home has changed – from Monday 13 December

    Full details can be found here.

    In addition to the mandatory steps we must take in line with the latest guidance, we have also decided to take some additional measures to help manage our Christmas period:

    • Respraying of all distancing markers where queues may form
    • Respraying of ‘no entry’ markers
    • On entry to the Museum – Visitors will be offered a mask if they do not have one
    • Information  on admissions screens and entry boards as people enter
    • Doors and windows opened wherever possible
    • Hand sanitiser stations across site
    • Repeated signage across site referring to masks and social distancing – especially in high traffic areas.
    • COVID event risk management form regularly completed (minimum 3 times a day) to allow for a dynamic Risk Assessment of events
    • Track and trace points updated and made obvious at relevant catering outlets
    • Additional staff to act as stewards to provide extra engagement opportunities for visitors. Particularly in expected areas with heavy traffic or where queues may form
    • Communication material will be sent to all expected visitors prior to our events, including key messages on what we’re doing at the museum and what we require them to do

    The planning of our current programmes (Unwrapping Christmas and An Enchanted Christmas)  and Enterprise offer already includes COVID-safe protocols for front line colleagues. These can be found below, or via your team manager:

    Key Information Enchanted ChristmasDownload

    As you would expect the Museum has consistently maintained its compliance with  COVID-safe protocols and we will continue to follow these. Noted below are a few additional measures, as well as a reminder to all colleagues of adherence to existing protocols, these include:

    • Wearing a face covering at all times whilst in indoor public areas, unless exempt
    • Washing and/or sanitising hands on entering the Museum
    • Observing respectful behaviours re social distancing when passing others
    • Ensuring COVID protocols in terms of sanitising any ‘touch points’ in common areas are adhered to  
    • Taking a  Lateral Flow Test (LFT) Twice weekly
    • An increase the number of rest areas – details of this will be shared shortly via team managers
    • All rest areas will have limits on numbers using these areas at any one time

    We appreciate that staff may have strong views on compliance with face coverings, however, please do not offer an opinion or enter into a debate about the wearing of face coverings with visitors.

    Working From Home (Office Staff Only)

    Our approach to working from home has to take into consideration that we remain open to visitors and the support that is required for our frontline colleagues, visitor programmes, and site maintenance.

    As a result, we recommend the following:

    • Individual teams are required to assess the onsite operational  support required versus work that can be effectively carried out from home,  with the aim of reduced staff in offices on any given day
    • Office staff that cannot work from home, can continue to work on site

    Meetings

    • Default position for all meeting should be via Teams
    • If face to face meetings are essential , then these should be undertaken following the COVID protocols in place, ensuring that surfaces are sanitised, masks are worn and ventilation is present
    • Capacity limits in meeting rooms will return
    • External meetings should be restricted to business critical only, where a meeting is required (e.g. contractor) please ensure that the COVID paperwork is completed. This can be found below:
    BCLM-Contractors-Covid-19-Information-10-December-2021Download

    Lateral Flow Tests

    We are no longer able to access free Lateral Flow Tests as an employer. However, these are given for free by NHS-affiliated organisations (e.g. pharmacies, test centres etc). We would encourage all colleagues to access a Lateral Flow Test kit from one of these. Visit the .gov.uk website to do find more information.

    Isolation Rules

    At the time of this communication the rules are as follows:

    If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test.

    For those who are close contacts the official guidance has now been updated, as per the notice at the top of this post: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/daily-rapid-testing-for-covid-19-contacts-launches-this-week

    If you are contacted by NHS T&T please inform your line manager for further advice.

    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

    If you have any questions or concerns please speak to your line manager.

  • Action for Happiness: Do Good December

    Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

    Each month they release a “Monthly Action Calendar” which are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.

    This month’s theme is Do Good December, encouraging you to carry out small acts of kindness!

    “This has been another difficult year of uncertainty and ups and downs for many of us. Kindness is contagious, and helping others has been proven to make us feel better too! Let’s try to focus on being generous with our time and attention rather than money – it’s free and better for everyone, as well as our planet!”

    Let’s all use their calendar below, or the Action for Happiness App, to do more good this month.

    Click on the above image to view a larger version.

    Find out more about Action for Happiness and view their previous monthly action calendars.

  • Important Update – Current Covid-19 Guidance (30/11/2021)

    In light of the Government’s recent announcement regarding mandatory face coverings in certain settings from 30 November 2021, the Museum will require all visitors, unless they are exempt, to wear a face covering in the following areas;

    • All indoor retail settings; the Gift Shop (including Admissions), Morrall’s, Cakes and Sweets
    • On Public Transport
    • Hobbs and Village Fish and Chip Shop
    • The enterprise unit located near the mine (formerly Rock and Fossil)

    Signage across the Museum will be changed to reflect where a face covering is mandatory for visitors, and Admissions will be highlighting to visitors the areas on site where a face covering will be required. Colleagues are not expected to enforce this.

    All colleagues must continue to follow the Museum’s current requirement to wear a suitable face covering, unless exempt, in all indoor settings where the public are present. We also continue to advise all colleagues to follow the Government’s recommendation to wear a face covering in any indoor setting where they may come into close contact (within 1 metre) with those who aren’t in their household.

    As a reminder, all colleagues should continue to observe Covid-safe behaviours by;

    • Not attending the Museum if you have symptoms of Covid or have received notification to isolate.
    • Regular hand washing or sanitisation where hand washing is not possible.
    • Wearing a face covering as outlined above.
    • Maintaining appropriate safe distancing with colleagues and visitors.
    • Ventilating meetings rooms and sanitising after use.

    Please continue to contact your line manager and email the People & Culture team ([email protected]) if you test positive for Covid or receive a notification from NHS test and trace to isolate.

    The Museum will continue to review the need for any further precautionary measures in line with Government guidance and to mitigate any safety risks for colleagues and visitors.

    If you have any questions regarding the above please speak to your line manager.

  • BCLM Mental Health First Aiders

    A reminder of the support available to all colleagues at BCLM. Our team of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) are on hand to offer support as appropriate. If you click on their names below, you will see a brief bio of each.

    Carla Jasper
    Carla Jasper

    Contact: [email protected]
    Location on site: Main Reception/Admissions

    “     Hi, I’m Carla. I am the Area Lead for the Retail and Admissions Team and I have worked at the Museum for just under 2 years.

    My main hobbies include running, crafting, watching films and singing. These all make my heart happy. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family when I am able to.

    Mental health is as important to overall health as is physical health, although we don’t treat is as such. I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider to support my colleagues during what has been and what may continue to be, a very trying time for everyone.     ”

    Dawn Hampton
    Dawn Hampton

    Contact: [email protected]
    Location on site: Rolfe Street Office

    ”     Hi, my name is Dawn. Many of you have seen me around the Museum, but for those who haven’t, I am part of the Finance Team.

    I have worked at the Museum since 2001 – starting in the Sales and Ticketing (Bookings) Office.

    I am currently studying for my AAT Level 3 at Dudley College, and enjoy volunteering with my daughter, at the Greyhound Trust on a Sunday, walking and feeding the dogs and cleaning their kennels.

    At the moment, we are still able to volunteer, and getting out has helped with our mental health during this pandemic.

    I am married and have two teenage children, and two greyhounds at home. Life is never dull!

    Being a Mental Health First Aider is very close to my heart, and I want people to know there is always someone there and to never feel alone.     “

    Hayley Boswell
    Hayley Boswell

    Contact: [email protected]
    Location on site: Canalside Office

    ”     Hi I’m Hayley, I work in the People & Culture Team and I have worked at the Museum for over a year. 

    Alongside full-time work, I am studying part time for my Level 7 CIPD Advance Diploma in Human Resource Management. This requires me to have strong organisational and time management skills to effectively manage my priorities at work and in my studies.

    In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, walking and spending time with my family and friends.

    COVID-19 has disrupted important milestones and caused a lot of anxiety and stress for all of us. For me in particular, there has been significant disruption to my studies and I was faced with the difficult decision of postponing my wedding just a couple of months before I was due to get married.

    I became a MHFA to provide support to my colleagues and to help the Museum in its commitment to creating a health working environment.     “

    Jo Turner
    Jo Turner

    Contact: [email protected]
    Location on site: Hartills Office

    ”     Hi – I’m Jo and I’ve been Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive at the Museum for the past 5 ½ years, also providing support to the Board of Trustees and Leadership Team.  Previous to this I worked for children’s charities, supporting management and key workers with projects and services for young people, sometimes dealing with challenging and often traumatic issues.  One of the projects I supported introduced young people to new activities and experiences to help improve their mental health.

    Finding what brings you joy, what’s meaningful to you that gets you through the day or helps with a difficult situation can be really powerful.  For me, what’s got me through the last year and what helps with my own anxiety, has been staying connected to others, practising yoga and getting creative with crafts and DIY at home.  Getting outside more has also helped and I’m currently attempting the Couch-to-5K scheme to help improve my fitness.

    I also currently mentor 2 admin professionals outside of work, supporting them with the challenges they face in their roles, with personal issues and with their thoughts and hopes about the future.

    I wanted to become a Mental Health First Aider to support colleagues with their own wellbeing and to help the Museum with its commitment to creating a happy and healthy workforce.     “

    Lee Adams
    Lee Adams

    Location on site: Main Village

    “     Hi, my name is Lee, I work as part of the Historic Characters team. I have been at the museum for 5 years and enjoyed every minute.

    During lockdown I did an introductory course in child psychology to help my daughter with her anxiety. This course helped me to understand her worries and offer solutions.

    In my spare time, I love to read, knit and spend time with my family. Covid has definitely put a spanner in the works on my social life but it hasn’t stopped me chatting on the phone or online.

    I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider because I wanted to help others and give my support to them in any way I can.     ”

    Lewis Turner
    Lewis Turner

    Location on site: Bottle & Glass Pub

    “     Hi, I’m Lewis, I am the Area Lead in the Bottle & Glass. I’ve worked at the Museum for around four and half years now.

    Outside of work I’m a passionate Musician and I enjoy performing. I also try to make time to keep fit and exercise although, like many of you at the moment, this has been difficult to maintain a routine in due to COVID-19.

    I became a Mental Health First Aider, because I wanted to gain a stronger understanding of how to be most effective in providing support for my colleagues and friends.     ”

    Lindsey Butler
    Lindsey Butler

    Contact: [email protected]
    Location on site: Morralls Office

    “     Hi, I’m Lindsey one of the Team Managers for the Engagement and Operations team. I have worked at the museum for over 10 years and still love the day to day challenges that my role brings.

    I am a mom to two great kids, one grown up, and the other in school and still very much at home!

    My lifetime loves are singing and song writing and I am never far away from a good book. My lockdown hobbies, which thankfully I am still managing to find the time to do, are running, HITT and weight training. Without all of the above I know that my mental health would have seriously struggled throughout lockdown and beyond.

    I have in my lifetime had some “very wobbly moments” and like many, know that I am only a stone’s throw away from mental health conditions. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider will hopefully help me to better understand issues that could affect my colleagues, friends, family and even myself.     ”

    If you do decide to reach out to any of the MHFAs, please be assured that your contact and discussion will remain confidential between the two of you. They are able to listen if you simply want to share your concerns, but are also able to direct you to further appropriate support if you need it.

    As always the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) scheme is available for all. The EAP offers 24/7 support on a range of topics, including mental health, overall wellbeing, financial and legal support, etc. You can access this service by calling 0800 015 7287 and quoting “Black Country Living Museum”. Alternatively you can access the online portal by visiting www.colleaguesupport.co.uk, using ‘72160’ as your username and password.

  • Action for Happiness: New Ways November

    Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

    Each month they release a “Monthly Action Calendar” which are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.

    This month’s theme is New Ways November, encouraging you to try something new!

    Learning something new is great for our wellbeing. Keeping our brains active is not only good for us physically but it can help you feel you are flourishing as you see yourself make progress with a new skill. And remember that it’s OK not to get it right first time – change “I can’t do it”, into “I can’t do it…yet!”

    This month’s calendar is full of ideas to help you decide what to do next, so let’s all use this, or the Action for Happiness App, to try something new this month.

    https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/1056826/nov_2021.jpg

  • Pre Paid Flu Jab Vouchers

    BCLM is committed to providing a healthy working environment and improving the quality of working lives for all staff and volunteers. As part of our continued efforts under the umbrella of ‘Health and Wellbeing’ of all our staff and volunteers, we are pleased to confirm that prepaid flu jab vouchers are available for anyone wishing to have one. The vouchers are redeemable at Boots outlets.

    If you would like a voucher please contact any of the People & Culture team via [email protected] or pop into our office at Canalside. All we need from you is your name and your preferred contact method (either email or text message) in order for the voucher to be sent to you.

  • Action for Happiness: Optimistic October

    Action for Happiness is a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

    Each month they release a “Monthly Action Calendar” which are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.

    This month’s theme is Optimistic October.

    Especially when things are feeling a bit tough, it can help to set some goals.  Making goals achievable and ensuring that you have a few short term as well as longer term, more ambitious goals helps us feel we’re making progress. It doesn’t matter if your goal for the day is something really small, the important thing is to give yourself the opportunity to feel like you’ve achieved something and to celebrate that! This month’s calendar is full of ideas to help you think about how you can put this into practice.

    Let’s all use their calendar below, or the Action for Happiness App, to celebrate our achievements no matter how small.

    Find out more about Action for Happiness and view their previous monthly action calendars.