Reminder: QPR Suicide Intervention Training: June 12
QPR Suicide Intervention Training is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you question, persuade, and refer. UBC offers free QPR Training for students, staff, and faculty to help them recognize suicide warning signs, approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate health services, and connect the person to resources that will help resolve crises. QPR acts as an emergency mental health intervention designed to save lives much like CPR or other methods of emergency medical intervention.
Our next QPR training session is June 12, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
At this training, you will learn:
- How to get help for yourself;
- Common causes and warning signs of suicidal behaviour;
- Tools and skills on how to intervene;
- How to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone at risk;
- How to get help for someone in crisis; and
- Familiarity with referral resources both on and off campus.
Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge begins June 17
All UBC staff and faculty are invited to participate in the annual Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge (June 17 – July 12). This four-week challenge is a free, easy, accessible way to get active or keep fit – no matter the level of motivation or ability. Register as an individual, or make it social and participate as a team.
There will be weekly random prize draws, photo challenges, meet-up events, and an overall prize for both the top team and top individual.
The registration deadline is June 12, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Visit the Stair Challenge website to learn more and to register.
Help us understand Occupational First Aid on the Vancouver campus
Over the past year, UBC has been working to design an occupational first aid system that reflects UBC’s highly diverse, semi-municipal structure. You are invited to help us assess staff and faculty’s awareness and experience with first aid services on campus and the efficacy of the current occupational first aid program.
Please fill out the survey by the end of day tomorrow, May 17, at: https://openminds.ubc.ca/c/a/5ZqsNDTllEvAiiNBw6nNEa
EFAP microsite in support of mental wellbeing
Click and enter “University of British Columbia” in the organization field to access the resources
May 6-12, 2019, is Mental Health Week in Canada. To bring awareness to this aspect of wellbeing, UBC’s EFAP provider, Morneau Shepell, has a new Mental Fitness microsite available with resources on how to care for your wellbeing in four pillars of mental health: physical, emotional, social and financial.
Visit https://www.workhealthlife.com/mental-fitness and enter “University of British Columbia” in the organization field to access the resources.
Understanding Your Travel Benefits Information Session: May 7, 12-1pm
UBC staff and faculty who are enrolled in the UBC extended health benefits plan are invited to attend this free, upcoming information session to understand your travel benefits. This session is an great opportunity to hear about such topics as:
- Should I purchase additional travel insurance?
- What is my UBC coverage while travelling?
- What is the maximum amount I can claim?
- Am I covered by other plans?
- What if I am pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition?
- What are the exclusions and limitations?
Date: May 7, 2019
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Vancouver: Centre for Brain Health, Room 101 (lower level), 2215 Wesbrook Mall. Register now.
Okanagan: Reichwald Health Sciences Centre (RHS), Room 257, 1088 Discovery Ave (via videoconference). Register now.
Mental Health First Aid training for UBC faculty and instructors: April 29-30
Mental Health First Aid training aims to improve mental health literacy. This workshop provides participants with the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.
By the end of the training, participants will recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, be able to provide initial support to a person who may be developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis, and be prepared to guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
Course information
Mental Health First Aid Training for UBC faculty and instructors
Date: April 29-30, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (both days)
Location: Rm 610, TEF III, 6190 Agronomy Road
Register online
Please note that you must attend the full training in order to receive the course completion certificate.
Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based internationally recognized program through the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
30-Day online mindfulness challenge starts April 15
Registration is now open for the next 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge, which runs April 15 – May 10. Whether you’re new to mindfulness, practicing already, or part of a unit looking for a team-building activity, everyone can benefit from this simple practice. The program is free and open to all UBC staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
For more information and to register, visit the 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge webpage.
Free Health & Wellbeing workshops this spring
We have several free noon-hour Health & Wellbeing workshops over the next two months for UBC staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows:
Reminder: Application deadline for healthy workplace funding: April 18
Applications for the UBC Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) are due April 18, 2019. The program provides start-up funds for all UBC units that are interested in promoting workplace wellbeing. HWIP has previously funded initiatives such as yoga classes, health challenges, mental health training and creative activities.
If you know of a UBC department or unit that would benefit from HWIP funding, please encourage them to apply by April 18. For more information, visit the HWIP webpage.
Register now for Staff & Faculty Sports Day: May 3
This year’s Staff and Faculty Sports Day is May 3, 2:30-4:00 p.m. Open to UBC faculty, staff and grad students, this free, inclusive, accessible event is a fun team-building afternoon encouraging mental and physical wellbeing.
Apply now for Healthy Workplace funding
Applications are now being accepted for the UBC Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP). The program provides start-up funds for all UBC units that are interested in promoting workplace wellbeing.
HWIP has previously funded initiatives such as yoga classes, health challenges, mental health training and creative activities. Last year, UBC staff at the Alex Fraser Research Forest in Williams Lake used HWIP funds to create a xeriscape garden, which combines water conservation with the role plants can have in reducing physical and physiological stress.
If you know of a UBC department or unit that would benefit from HWIP funding, please encourage them to apply by April 18, 2019. For more information, visit the HWIP webpage.
Save the date: Staff & Faculty Sports Day is May 3; registration opens March 18
This year’s Staff and Faculty Sports Day is May 3, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open to UBC faculty, staff and grad students, this free, inclusive, accessible event is a fun team-building afternoon encouraging mental and physical wellbeing. Visit our Healthy UBC Newsletter article for more information.
Visit UBC Rec’s Facebook page to view last year’s photo gallery.
Ergonomics workshops this spring
We have three free upcoming office ergonomics training sessions – all UBC staff and faculty are invited to attend.
- Feb. 26 (1:00-4:00 p.m.)
- April 6 (1:30-4:30 p.m.)
- Feb. 13 (1:00-2:00 p.m.)
- March 13 (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
- April 2 (3:00-4:00 p.m.)
Ergo Your Office: 1hr Tutorial:
- Feb. 13 (2:30-3:30 p.m.)
- March 13 (9:30-10:30 a.m.)
- April 2 (1:00-2:00 p.m.)
Learn more about UBC Ergonomics.
Move UBC month: Feb. 1-28
This February, invite your team members to move more! Move UBC is an annual university-wide initiative to encourage physical activity and reduce the time students, staff, faculty and the UBC community spend being sedentary. By inspiring people to move more through inclusive and accessible events and activities, Move UBC aims to improve everyone’s overall wellbeing. Check out the following Move UBC events:
- Feb. 1: Cha Cha Slide (Vancouver)
- Feb. 6, 13 & 27: Lunchtime Staff & Faculty Volleyball (Vancouver)
- Feb. 11: Wellbeing Challenge Kick-off (Vancouver)
- Feb. 28: Wear Your Active Wear Day (Vancouver & Okanagan)
Click here for a full Move UBC calendar of events taking place in Vancouver and the Okanagan.
Let’s talk about mental health on Jan. 30
On Jan. 30, let’s talk about mental health. Bell Let’s Talk Day is an opportunity to join a national conversation about mental health challenges and help reduce the stigma around mental illness.
UBC is committed to building mentally healthy workplaces where all employees can thrive – and we all have a part to play. Bell Let’s Talk Day is one of the ways we encourage UBC faculty, staff and students to think about mental health, to reach out to one another and connect with the resources, services and supports available at UBC and in the broader community.
Here are some simple ways you can support mental health at UBC:
- Learn about the mental health supports available.
- Find out how you can help a colleague in distress.
- Register for a mental health training program or workshop.
Thank you for supporting Bell Let’s Talk Day and for contributing to a safe, healthy and respectful community at UBC.
A few spaces left in the Working Mind for Managers: Jan. 31
We have a few spaces left in the Jan. 31 Working Mind for Managers. All supervisors, managers, and members of the distributed UBC’s HR community of practice are invited to attend.
About this workshop
The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based, workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for supervisors/managers.
Program goals
- To provide supervisors and managers with the confidence, tools and resources to support employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges
- To reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health
- To provide learners with a broad understanding of mental health and wellbeing
- To promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
Course information
Date: Jan. 31, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: Free
Register online
Working Mind for Employees: Feb. 25 (half-day)
In partnership with our Working Mind for Managers program, we are hosting a session for all employees, the Working Mind for Employees, on Feb. 25. This half-day workshop will address and promote mental health, and reduce the stigma of mental illness in a workplace setting.
Program goals
- To reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health;
- To provide learners with a broad understanding of mental health and wellbeing;
- To help participants maintain mental health and improve resilience; and
- To promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Course information
Date: Feb. 25, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: Free
Register online
Wellbeing workshop: Parenting Tips: How to Talk to Your Kids about Sexual Health (Jan. 23, 2019)
On Jan. 23, we are holding a noon-hour session for parents on How to talk to your kids about sexual health.
About this workshop
The prospect of talking to your children about sex and sexual health can be a difficult one, but these conversations do not need to be feared or avoided. Why not arm yourself with knowledge, age-appropriate information and fantastic resources? Learn how to speak to your children about comprehensive body science and sexual health information. You will also take away a helpful formula for answering questions and discover some fantastic resources for both parents and children of any age. Help provide your children with the tools to keep themselves safe and to make healthy and informed decisions.
Course Information
Date: Jan. 23, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: CEME Room 1215, 6250 Applied Science Lane [map]
Register online
Wellbeing workshop: Working Mind for Managers (Jan. 31, 2019)
We present Working Mind for Managers, to be held on Jan. 31 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). All supervisors, managers, and members of the distributed UBC’s HR community of practice in Vancouver are invited to attend.
About this workshop
The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based, workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for supervisors/managers.
Program goals
- To provide supervisors and managers with the confidence, tools and resources to support employees who may be experiencing mental health challenges
- To reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health
- To provide learners with a broad understanding of mental health and wellbeing
- To promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
Course information
Date: Jan. 31, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610 [map]
Cost: Free
Register online
Walkabout Challenge begins Jan. 21, 2019
Walkabout is an annual nine-week health and wellbeing challenge that promotes regular exercise in social settings. Everyone is welcome to participate, either individually or by creating teams of five and walking the distance of the virtual route. The challenge runs Jan. 21 to March 24, 2019.
Register your team before Jan. 27 at http://walkabout.educ.ubc.ca/.
Walkabout was designed and launched in 2005 by Dr. Joy Butler and is a partnership initiative between the Faculty of Education, UBC Recreation and UBC Human Resources.