Colleague News 04.08
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Published 4 Aug 2026 in Colleagues
Welcome to this week’s issue of Colleague News – your round-up of the latest updates from across our Society.
This week, discover exclusive Colleague Travel Offers at TravelCoop, our August Wellbeing Update with support for parents and carers, and details of upcoming wellbeing events for colleagues.
Colleague Travel Offers are back at TravelCoop!
Discover a fantastic range of family holiday deals, some with FREE child places included! 😍☀️ Whether you're dreaming of relaxing on the beach, making memories by the pool, or exploring somewhere new, now is the perfect time to book.
Plus, you can save even more by using your colleague discount, making your next family getaway even better value. Don't miss out on these amazing savings.
Enjoy 7 nights All Inclusive in Fuerteventura Oct Half term for a family of 3! Enjoy a FREE Child Place and an extra £100 saving!
Your holiday includes
- 4* BLUESEA Corralejo Village, Fuerteventura
- 7 nights
- 26 October 2026
- All Inclusive
- Birmingham flights
- Luggage and coach transfers included
- Free child place included
- Based on family of 3
Colleagues save 10% with Jet2holidays: £1,974 total for a family of 3. (Non-colleague price £2,194)
Escape to the sunshine this summer with a family-friendly stay at the newly refurbished Coral Star Hotel & Apartments in beautiful San Antonio Bay!
Your holiday includes
- 4* Coral Star Hotel & Apartments, Ibiza
- 7 nights
- 9 September 2026
- All Inclusive
- Birmingham flights
- Luggage and coach transfers included
- Free child place included
- Based on family of 3
Colleagues save 10% with Jet2holidays: £1,376 total for a family of 3 (£1,340 to agent, £36 tourist tax payable locally) (Non-colleague price £1,528)
This hotel blends in perfectly with its surroundings, complete with low-rise bungalows made from local stone – all dotted across expertly manicured gardens that're teeming with fresh flowers and fruit.
Your holiday includes
- 5* Blue Sea Beach Affiliated By Melia, Stalis, Crete
- 7 nights
- 2nd September 2026
- Half board
- Luton flights
- Luggage and coach transfers included
- Free child place included
- Based on family of 3
Colleagues save 10% with easyJet Holidays: £2,065 total for a family of 3. (£1,975 to agent, £90 tourist tax payable locally) (Non-colleague price £2,295)
Jet off with your family of four to La Palma, Canary Islands for a luxury getaway this October. 1 free child place is included!
Your holiday includes
- 5* La Palma Princess, La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
- 7 nights
- 22nd October 2026
- All inclusive
- Manchester flights
- Luggage and coach transfers included
- Free child place included
- Based on family of 4
Colleagues save 10% with TUI: £3,162 total for a family of 4 (Non-colleague price £3514)
Swap the usual half term rush for fresh sea air. Stay at the Merton Hotel, one of Jersey’s most popular family hotels and a fantastic base for exploring the island’s coastline, castles and harbour towns.
Your holiday includes
- The Merton Hotel
- 7 nights
- 24th October 2026
- Bed and Breakfast
- Family suite
- Gatwick flights
- Min.15kg hold luggage per person
- Based on family of 4
Colleagues save 15% with Co-op Holidays: £1,459 total for a family of 4 (Non-colleague price £1716)
August Wellbeing Update
This month's wellbeing update focuses on supporting parents this summer with practical wellbeing tips, money-saving ideas, and support for the holidays and the back-to-school period.
Supporting Parent Wellbeing This Summer
For many parents and carers, the summer holidays are a time to make memories and enjoy quality family time. However, they can also bring added pressures, from childcare responsibilities and changing routines to the cost of activities and back-to-school preparations. Remember, looking after your own wellbeing is just as important as caring for those around you.
Top Tips for Parents
Create a flexible routine – A little structure can help reduce stress and provide stability.
Make time for yourself – Even 15 minutes a day to relax and recharge can make a difference.
Talk about challenges – Don't be afraid to seek support from friends, family, colleagues, or support services.
Avoid comparisons – Social media often shows highlights, not reality. Focus on what works for your family.
Celebrate small wins – Every achievement counts, no matter how small.
Be kind to yourself – There is no perfect parent. Doing your best is enough.
Keep expectations realistic – Not every day needs to be packed with activities. Simple moments together often mean the most.
Making memories doesn't have to be expensive. Many attractions, museums, parks, libraries and community groups offer free or discounted family activities during the school holidays.
For ideas on free and low-cost days out, click here and click here
Fun doesn't have to cost a fortune. Sometimes the simplest days out create the best memories
Feeling Overwhelmed?
The school holidays can be a wonderful time for families, but it's also normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Managing childcare, keeping children entertained, balancing work commitments, and the added cost of summer activities can all take their toll.
If you're feeling stressed or stretched a little thin, take a few moments to pause and reset. This simple grounding exercise can help bring your focus back to the present moment and create a sense of calm when things feel overwhelming.
1. Take three slow, deep breaths and allow yourself a moment to pause.
2. Look around and identify five things you can see - Notice colours, shapes, or objects you may not have paid attention to before.
3. Notice four things you can touch - Focus on the feeling of your clothes, a chair beneath you, or the ground under your feet.
4. Listen for three things you can hear - Perhaps birds outside, distant conversations, or the sound of your breathing.
5. Identify two things you can smell - Take a moment to notice any scents around you, however subtle they may be.
6. Notice one thing you can taste - Focus on the taste in your mouth or take a sip of a drink and pay attention to the flavour.
Remember, looking after your own wellbeing isn't selfish. When you take care of yourself, you're better able to support those who depend on you.
GroceryAid is available to all colleagues and their immediate family members, offering free and confidential emotional, practical, and financial support. Whether you're facing money worries, personal challenges, or simply need someone to talk to, GroceryAid provides a range of services including a 24/7 helpline, counselling, financial assistance, and wellbeing resources. If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out.
Find out more: Click here
Back-to-School Readiness
The return to school is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a source of stress for both children and parents. After weeks of relaxed routines, adjusting to earlier mornings, busy schedules, and new expectations can take time.
One of the best ways to support children through this transition is to gradually reintroduce school routines before term starts. Encouraging open conversations about any worries they may have can help ease anxieties and build confidence. It can also be helpful to focus on the positive aspects of returning to school, such as seeing friends, meeting new teachers, and learning new things. Ensuring children get enough sleep in the days leading up to the new term can make a significant difference to their mood, concentration, and overall wellbeing.
As parents and carers, it's important to recognise that these changes affect you too. Alongside supporting your child, you may be managing back-to-school costs, changes to childcare arrangements, and the return to busier daily routines. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotional, remember that these feelings are completely normal. Be kind to yourself, take things one step at a time, and remember that a successful transition doesn't have to be a perfect one. Small steps and realistic expectations can make the return to school easier for the whole family.
Foodbank Support and Financial Wellbeing
The summer holidays and the return to school can place additional pressure on household finances. Costs such as childcare, school uniforms, stationery, footwear, and packed lunches can quickly add up, leaving many families feeling worried or overwhelmed. If you or someone you know is struggling, it's important to remember that support is available and that no one should feel embarrassed about asking for help. Foodbanks and community support services provide more than just emergency food parcels. Many can also offer advice on budgeting, benefits, debt support, access to school uniforms, and signposting to other local services. The earlier support is sought, the easier it can be to access the help available. For more information about food banks, including what they are, who can use them, what to expect when visiting, and how you can support your local community through donations or volunteering? Click here
Finding Local Food Bank Support
You can access support through a range of organisations and community groups:
Trussell Trust Food Bank Finder Click here
Community Fridge Network Map Click here
Upcoming Events
These sessions are free to attend and open to all colleagues. We encourage you to share them with your teams to help build confidence and understanding around these important conversations.
Suicide in the workplace
9th September, 1pm
Exploring practical steps organisations can take to support suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention in the workplace.
How to support a colleague experiencing suicidal thoughts
16th September, 1pm
A practical session covering how to start conversations, what to say, and how to support someone who may be struggling.