Humansolutions Bulletin - May 2nd 2023

A much-needed resource in these pressurised times. Keeping pressures within manageable limits is a very demanding undertaking in these modern challenging times. This manual provides important practical guidance eon managing pressure and keeping stress at bay. Essential reading for all busy practitioners and managers. Available from https://neilthompson.info/shop/ or Amazon

Busy people can easily get themselves into a whirl of activity that strongly resembles a hamster wheel – an awful lot of energy being expended, but not necessarily much progress being achieved. What can therefore be of great value is to take a step back from time to time and think about what our current pressures are and work out what is the best way of dealing with them. Can we change anything in the way things are currently working out? Can we deal with certain issues differently to ease or remove certain pressure points? Can we reschedule or reprioritize certain things? Do we need someone’s assistance or support in some areas? All these important questions can remain unanswered if…

When I began going to ecotherapy sessions at my local allotment, I was in a dark and difficult place. I was chronically stressed, highly anxious and so burnt out that in work meetings and social gatherings I would cling on to whatever I could in case I collapsed. My head was awash with worry and my body was ready to fall apart. I was terrified and at war with myself – until ecotherapy, an outdoor therapy involving activities in nature, showed me a better way. “In my family, stress and exhaustion were synonymous with who we were and how we existed.” My road to burnout had been lifelong. In my family, stress and exhaustion were synonymous with who we were…

How it works: You'll start by talking to an Acas adviser about the challenges you're facing and what you've tried already. They will work with you and your staff to put together practical solutions. They can also work with your trade union or employee representatives where appropriate. What we can help with: The support can range from a couple of days to a longer-term project, depending on what you need. We can: run workshops lead working groups and focus groups help set up an employee forum work with your management and staff representatives to solve problems Click here to read more

Our Volunteer Ambassador programme champions grass-roots development and teams up experienced Shed leaders with like-minded peers who want to start Men’s Sheds in their own areas. We equip and empower Volunteer Ambassadors across the UK to raise awareness of the Men’s Sheds movement and its life changing benefits, and share their knowledge and experiences with the next wave of Shed leaders. Our Volunteer Ambassadors are experienced Shedders who have a track record in setting up safe and sustainable Sheds. Click here to read more

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