CELEBRATED DAYS & EVENTS

Just some of those that attended to share the benefits available to all of our NEXT colleagues.

On the 6th February we arranged for a drop in session in our restaurant to provide the opportunity for us all to encourage conversations about mental health at home and work.  We realise that talking about how you are feeling isn't easy.  But talking and opening up has the power to change lives.  We hoped to encourage us all to look out for each other, checking in with people and opening up a conversation if you notice someone who is seemingly not themselves. We shared some healthy treats, some fun games with openers to start a conversation as well as some True OR False questions. We wanted to use this forum to thank our MHFA's who made themselves available for a conversation with a welcome FREE hot drink for all who participated.  For tips on how to offer support to a colleague click for our  Peer to Peer Support

Menopause can be seen as a negative change, as part of ageing when the ability to reproduce has ended.  We wanted to celebrate this life change and invited author Kate Rowe-Ham to share her knowledge and experience of Menopause with us at Head Office.  We chose Kate as her message is one of positivity.  She believes that this life change can be embraced and used as an opportunity to look at our nutrition and exercise.  She showed us how gaining strength through weight training can help us through the perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Kate met with some colleagues to discuss all things menopause and demonstrated some exercises that can be done at home which would with continuous effort and practice enable us to maintain our full range of movement.  Although Kate wasn't able to visit all of our sites she produced two videos for us to share with colleagues throughout our business so that they too could get involved.  Everyone had the opportunity to enter a prize draw by just answering a few questions to win one of Kate's books 'Owning your Menopause  Fitter, Calmer Stronger in 30 days.'

See below a few snaps of the day.

We wanted to celebrate and remember those we have lost on National Grief Awareness Day and show those around us that are experiencing grief that we know that it is life changing, that we care and are here for them.  We know losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, even if the death was expected.  As part of the human experience, grief encompasses the emotions that appear in response to loss.  We are often unprepared for how unpredictable grief is.  We used this opportunity to remind everyone of the support that's available whenever you experience the death of a loved one.

Each Business area gave colleagues the opportunity to share the name of those that had passed on before them as sometimes it feels good to spend a moment in remembrance of loved ones.  At Head Office colleagues were able to add a name to a seeded heart which we then planted with the help of some children in the  garden at our 'NEXT STEPS' nursery.  We know whatever grows will be well cared for.  

From Physio to the joys of sound vibrations, with Travel at NEXT in attendance, Retail Trust, British Heart Foundation and Andy's Man Club we gave our colleagues at Brands & Joules the opportunity to experience a Mini Well Fayre event.  We showcased some of our wellbeing products & Benefits that help us keep well and even offered the opportunity to attend Becky's 'Mindful Art' class. With refreshments supplied by 'Something and Nothing' and healthy lunches on offer too, it really was a worthwhile experience for all who were able to attend.  

We went even bigger for our Second Well Fayre event.  Most of our support partners attended to share with you all the wellbeing benefits that are available to you as a NEXT employee.  Rest assured if you weren't able to attend you have access to all of the benefits on this your Wellbeing site.  We again welcomed Retail Trust, Aviva Digicare+ workplace, Simply Health, Carers UK, Work baby Life, WOAH - NEXT Beauty, Top Tier Physio, Andy's Man Club, British Heart Foundation and Halfords with all things Travel2NEXT.  Our internal network groups were also available to give more information about how they can help.  We're grateful for the time they took out of their working days to show up for you.  Thanks to UNITY, ABLE, PRIDE, our MHFA's, SPORTS & SOCIAL, CHARITIES and my NEXT BENEFITS. We can't wait for Well Fayre 2025 🧡💛💚

We celebrated Healthy Eating Week, with healthy dishes for lunch and a range of healthy snacks.

Inspired by Samaritans annual awareness-raising campaign, Talk to Us on 24th July (24/7). We want to remind everyone that Samaritans volunteers are available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope. Click here for more.

At NEXT we are proud to have a whole range of internal and external support in place to help you through the different challenges that life presents.  Whether that's family, relationships, health, bereavement or work, you can Talk to us about what you need help with and we can direct you to support.  See above or click here for more