August 2026

For our August calendar, we are focussing on two important themes - Breastfeeding Awareness and the benefits of cycling to work.  Read on below to find out information, support and signposting on these two My Wellbeing themes.

In support of the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative, Glasgow Life recognises the health benefits to both parent and child which breastfeeding provides. If you’d like to continue to breastfeed your child when you return to work, you must let your manager know in advance. This should be in writing, using the Maternity Return to Work form at least 28 days’ in advance of your expected return date. This will allow your manager to ensure suitable facilities are available. If you choose to continue breastfeeding on your return to work, your manager will adopt a supportive approach and depending on your individual needs, make arrangements for access to suitable facilities.

Once an employee has indicated they’d like to continue to breastfeed, line managers should arrange to carry out a risk assessment to ensure suitable facilities are made available. Consideration should be given to providing appropriate facilities for employees who are breastfeeding to express and store milk. For example, if stored in the venue communal fridge, you may want to designate a specific shelf for this or ensure that the employee is using a suitable container to ensure good hygiene. You should ensure that you discuss and agree preferred options with the employee.

Managers or colleagues seeking further advice can contact the Health and Safety team on the risk assessment process and facilities available.

Relevant Glasgow Life policies and guidance

·       H&S policy for new and expectant mothers

·       New and Expectant Mothers at Work Risk Assessment Form

·       Employee Guide to Maternity and Adoption Leave

·       Manager's Guide to Maternity and Adoption Leave

 

Additional sources of support

Ø  Infant Feeding Support Groups

In partnership with the Breastfeeding Network and Glasgow City HSCP, Glasgow Life Libraries and Communities host weekly free, relaxed, and friendly Infant Feeding Support Groups in selected venues across the city. These drop-in sessions provide access to trained peer support and advice.

Ø  Infant and Early Years Reading List

Glasgow Life Libraries have worked with Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership to put together a curated reading list on all things infant feeding and early years. These books are available from your local Glasgow Library.

Ø  NHS Inform - ready steady baby!

From NHS Inform, this webpage provides a guide to pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenthood up to 8 weeks.

Ø  Vitamin D - NHSGGC 

Healthy Start vitamins, which contain vitamin D, are available free to all pregnant women in Scotland. Free vitamin D supplements are also available for mothers who breastfeed, as well as for infants and children up to 3 years old. For information about giving your child vitamin D, visit Vitamin D - NHSGGC or speak to Your Midwife, Health Visitor or Family Nurse.

Ø  Parent Club Scotland

Through pregnancy and toddler tantrums, to starting school and all the way up to those tricky teenage years, Parent Club Scotland can help online. The site offers tips and advice for all the challenges that family life throws up, from experts and parents and carers who’ve been there before.

Ø  Maternity Action

Maternity Action is the UK’s maternity rights charity dedicated to promoting, protecting and enhancing the rights of all pregnant women, new mothers and their families to employment, social security and health care. Their Continuing to breastfeed when you return to work guide discusses your options and your legal rights on returning to work whilst breastfeeding.

Whether you're a regular cyclist or considering your first commute on two wheels, cycling can help improve fitness, reduce stress, boost mood and increase energy levels. Even a short ride can make a positive difference to your day.

 

Why give cycling a go?

Cycling offers a range of benefits for both your physical and mental wellbeing:

·       Improves cardiovascular fitness and overall health

·       Supports mental wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety

·       Helps increase energy and productivity throughout the day

·       Provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors

·       Reduces your environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions

Remember, cycling doesn't have to be your full commute. You could cycle part of the journey, use a park-and-ride location, or simply enjoy a short ride during your lunch break.

 

Resources to help you get started

Ø  Plan your journey

Glasgow offers an extensive network of cycle routes, including dedicated cycle lanes, traffic-free paths and National Cycle Network routes. Use Glasgow City Council cycling maps to find a route that works for you.

Ø  Save money with Glasgow Life’s Cycle to Work Scheme

Did you know you can spread the cost of a new bike and cycling accessories through our Cycle to Work Scheme?

The scheme enables colleagues to make savings on:

·       Bicycles

·       Safety equipment and helmets

·       Lights and locks

·       Cycling clothing and accessories

 

Ø  Free bike maintenance and security checks

Throughout the year, local organisations and Glasgow Life venues often host free Dr Bike sessions, offering:

·       Basic bike health checks

·       Minor repairs and adjustments

·       Cycle safety advice

·       Security marking services

 

Ø  Join the cycling community

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, local cycling communities can help with route advice, confidence building and motivation. The Love to Ride platform is a great way to:

·       Track your rides

·       Set personal goals

·       Take part in cycling challenges

·       Access rewards and prize draws

 

Keep an eye on events and resources from Cycling UK, Scottish Cycling and local organisations such as Sunny Cycles who work in partnership with Glasgow Life to offer free training and support.  

 

Colleague stories

Crawford is a commuting cyclist travelling to and from Albion Street and Glasgow Life venues by bike.

“Building exercise into a regular routine is a ‘no-brainer’. Door-to-door it takes me around 30 minutes. There’s never any congestion and I know exactly how long it takes. I can vary my routes always making use of the growing cycle infrastructure in the city providing for a far less stressful journey. The cycle to work scheme is excellent value and my preferred local bike shop (in Glasgow) has always delivered a great bike.”

 

This August, take the challenge

Why not:

·       Cycle to work for one day

·       Swap a short car journey for a bike ride

·       Explore a local cycle route at the weekend

·       Encourage a colleague to join you

·       Share your cycling story or photos with the team

Every pedal counts towards improving your wellbeing and creating a healthier, more sustainable future.

Happy cycling!