At the end of another very busy academic year, Gower College Swansea held its annual staff Wellbeing Day on 6 July.

The event has become a real highlight for teaching and support staff across all campuses, an opportunity to enjoy a range of taster sessions and activities with colleagues and friends.

This year’s packed itinerary included shamanic healing, cold water therapy, gardening, pickleball, reflexology and bingo.

Staff were also able to gain free advice on a range of issues such as legal matters, HRT, health and fitness, and the College’s Cycle to Work scheme.

• Stonewall’s Bronze award recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting their LGBTQ+ staff and customers
• Gower College Swansea was praised for its work creating a workplace where LGBTQ+ employees can bring their full selves to work
• Gower College Swansea joins a number of construction, legal, health, finance and education firms who achieved the Bronze award for LGBTQ+ inclusive employers

Just before the Christmas break, Gower College Swansea held a dedicated Wellbeing Day for their staff.

Over 400 staff across all campuses enjoyed the free activities which included one-to-one experiences and social activities. 

The wellbeing activities included, but were not limited to:

Gower College Swansea recently held its annual Wellbeing Day, where staff enjoyed a range of sessions from workshops and fitness to relaxation. 

This was the first face to face Wellbeing Day since 2019, and staff enjoyed getting together and joining in with team activities. Over 400 staff got involved across all campuses.

Gower College Swansea recently held its third annual Health and Wellbeing Day – its first ever virtual one!

Over 400 members of staff enjoyed the wellbeing sessions which were a blend of live and pre-recorded video sessions on YouTube and live webinars on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

The sessions included

Staff and students at Gower College Swansea have launched their first ever Rainbow Week with Welsh international rugby union referee Nigel Owens, MBE.

GCS Rainbow Week is dedicated to raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and celebrating inclusivity and the safe and supportive environment of the College.

The week started by signing up to Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme and an address and Q&A by Nigel Owens, MBE. Nigel talked about his struggles with his own sexuality and mental health, highlighting the importance of being true to yourself.

Gower College Swansea’s HR department is in the running for another top award.

The team have been shortlisted in the Best In-House Team category at the CIPD Wales Awards, which take place at Cardiff City Hall on 15 November.

This particular award recognises HR teams that have worked closely together to deliver value through people-focused initiatives and practices. 

Sarah King, HR Director at Gower College Swansea, has been named a finalist in this year’s Leading Wales Awards.

Sarah has been nominated in the Leadership in the Public Sector category for her role as HR Director where she has transformed the human resources function from a policy driven department to one that puts staff wellbeing and engagement at the heart of everything it does.

Gower College Swansea recently held its second annual Health and Wellbeing Day at the Tycoch Campus.

Over 400 members of staff enjoyed the free activities which included yoga, swingball, inflatable basketball, guided walks, tai chi, gardening, a Greatest Showman-themed dance lesson, singing and relaxing massages

Staff were also able to browse the stalls set up at the College’s Sport Centre and find out more about gym membership, fitness and nutrition and other initiatives such as the College book club and Health Assured employee assistance programme.

Gower College Swansea has been recognised by Welsh Government for the high standard of health and wellbeing of its staff through successfully achieving the Gold Corporate Health Standard award.

Run by the Welsh Government through Healthy Working Wales, the Corporate Health Standard (CHS) is the quality mark for workplace health promotion in Wales. The standard recognises good practice and targets key preventable ill-health issues and the Health Challenge Wales priorities.