You may have read our update about IT Services (ITS) health and wellbeing activities in last month’s Communications team update. We have been busy planning some interesting new activities for you to join in with – all completely optional, of course.
Book club
It has been known for some time that there are many health benefits to reading; it helps alleviate stress, keeps your mind active – potentially staving off Alzheimer’s disease – and helps you sleep better. A recent study has even indicated that enjoying literature might help strengthen your “mind reading” abilities!
We will soon be introducing an ITS book club. Planning is currently under way – the idea is that the club will meet once per month on a lunch hour. We plan to rotate genres, so there should be something for everyone.
Please register your interest so we can gauge roughly how many people would like to join the book club.
Once we have a better idea of numbers, we can firm up plans and decide on a venue. We will endeavour to ensure that the venue is easily accessible to ITS staff in all areas of the University – not just those in Elms Road.
Great Birmingham 10k run
On Sunday 06 May, the SimplyHealth Great Birmingham 10k comes to Birmingham City Centre. Due to the huge success of 2017, the University will once again be entering a UoB team.
Whether you’re an experienced runner, complete beginner or plan to walk the route, everyone is welcome in Team UoB. By joining Team UoB you will receive a discounted entry rate and a free team t-shirt to wear on the day. Book your space now!
Stephen Cotton, College IT Manager for Life and Environmental Sciences, has signed up:
I’ve signed up to run the Birmingham 10k as part of #teamUoB. It’s a great distance to start with, to get into running. I am by no means fast – if I can do it, anyone can!
The chosen charity for this year is the University’s 10,000 Lives campaign – your fundraising will support our mission to change the lives of 10,000 young people connected to the University.
Keep up to date with the latest information – join the Team UoB Facebook group.
Lunchtime walks
We have been running a series of lunchtime walks since last summer. Did you know that walking during the working day can help increase productivity? It’s also a great opportunity to meet people from different areas of ITS, outside the constraints of the office. Why not join us and give it a go?
We’re currently running lunchtime walks every couple of weeks – weather and other commitments permitting! Invitations and updates about other activities are sent out by email to the ITS Wellbeing mailing list; email Lucy Turner to join the list.
Get involved
If you’d like to join the ITS Wellbeing mailing list, please email Lucy Turner, CX and Communications Assistant.
You can also join our Facebook group, to share your stories and ideas for activities.
If you have any ideas for further wellbeing related activities, please let us know.