wellbeing

Parliamentary Working Through Cancer Network

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The new Working Through Cancer Network was featured this week on page 47 of The House magazine. (The House | If you have cancer, Parliament can be a hard place to work – our new network will help change that)

A cross-party group of staffers, is hosting a small, informal launch on Thursday 12 March (drop in 9.30–11am) in the Jubilee Room. It will be a chance for both Members and their staff to hear first-hand experiences and understand what we are hoping to achieve.

1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer – yet many people in Parliament are still working through it quietly and alone. 

We hope the network will :

  • offer practical support
  • develop resources and information
  • provide a safe, confidential space for anyone in our parliamentary community who is affected, directly or as a loved one’s carer through a buddying system.

Our immediate focus is to:

  • Encourage colleagues to join
  • Help line managers recognise the value of the network
  • Equip supporters to champion it more widely

What we’re asking today is simple:

  • Add the Network’s Launch event to your diary right away!
  • Share this invite with colleagues and WhatsApp groups so people know where to turn before they need it.
  • Come along to support us and find out more…
  • If you can’t attend, let us know that you support the network and would like to hear more.

For more information or to support, please email robertsg@parliament.uk

Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards: Nominations Now Open 

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Launched today: a new national awards programme recognising leadership and impact across the UK

Today marks the launch of the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards, recognising and celebrating individuals, teams and organisations across the UK working to prevent abuse and support victims and survivors. With this issue high on the national agenda, the awards, produced by Total Politics, provide a timely platform to recognise leadership, innovation and sustained commitment. 

The awards aim to shine a spotlight on those who champion change, challenge injustice and provide vital support in communities across the country. From frontline services and charities to policymakers and campaigners, the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards will honour the leadership and innovation driving progress in this critical area. 

The 2026 awards are proudly sponsored by TSB, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness and driving meaningful change across sectors. Organisations and individuals are invited to submit entries highlighting outstanding achievement, impactful initiatives and inspirational leadership in preventing violence against women and girls. 

Full details of the award categories and the nomination process can be found at: 
https://lp.totalpolitics.com/VAWG_Awards 

Angus Parsad-Wyatt, Director of Political Engagement at Total Politics, said: “Through Total Politics and our media title The House magazine, we are proud to provide a national platform to recognise those leading work to prevent violence against women and girls. These awards shine a light on the individuals and organisations strengthening support, shaping policy and delivering vital services across the UK.”

Kate Osiadacz, TSB Head of Responsible Business said: “Supporting the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Awards reflects TSB’s commitment to helping people escape their abuser and access safety. Through initiatives like the TSB Flee Fund and the Safe Spaces available in our branches, we are working to provide practical and immediate support for those who need it most. These awards highlight the individuals and organisations whose dedication is driving real change, and we are committed to standing alongside them.”

Those working across the sector are encouraged to nominate colleagues, volunteers, teams or organisations whose dedication and impact deserve recognition. 

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service

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Webinar hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Time: 1300-1400
Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/

Paladin is a trauma-informed service established in 2013, to assist high risk victims of stalking in England and Wales and who support a nationwide network of accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) who ensure that high risk victims of stalking are supported and that a coordinated community response is developed locally to keep victims and their children safe.

This session will provide you with an overview of stalking behaviours and how you can support and signpost victims of stalking.

To receive the link to the session, please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk

Members’ Staff Annual Conference – 26 March 2026 

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The Members’ staff Annual Conference will be taking place on Thursday 26 March 2026.  This year, the event will centre on the theme of security and wellbeing and will highlight the crucial role that Members’ staff play in making parliament happen in Westminster and in the constituency.  

The full-day event will feature practical workshops, external guest speakers, and plenty of opportunities for Members’ staff to share experiences and best practices between offices. This will be a hybrid event with limited spaces available to attend in-person and spaces online via Teams. 

For more information about the conference and to apply to attend the event, visit the ParliNet event page. Please note that the deadline for applying for an in-person space is midday on Friday 13 February.  

A Short Introduction to Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

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An event hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Time: 1400-1500
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Location: Online via Teams

Please join Kate Golding, Jo Rees and Sarah Hussey for a short introduction to autism, dyslexia and ADHD where you will enter the world of neurodivergence.

We are experts by lived experience as well as by profession and we will raise awareness and share our knowledge which we hope will enhance your working, and in some instances, home life.

The three conditions are interconnected and we hope to exemplify a cultural shift away from focusing on impairments which need fixing, to empowerment and a strengths based approach.

Please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk to receive the link to the meeting.

House Services Fair 2025

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Start: 10:00 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Finish: 17:00 on Wednesday 10 December 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration.

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration. 

  • Visit stalls in the Portcullis House Atrium to learn about the wide range of support, services, and facilities available to you. 
  • Take part in a special programme of talks and Q&A sessions
  • Enjoy exclusive tours

Please note there is no booking required to visit the stalls. However, booking will be required for talks and tours. The full programme and information on how to book will be available closer to the event.

The House Services Fair is for Members and Members’ staff of the House of Commons, and colleagues from the House of Commons Administration and Joint Departments.  

For full details, please see here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/december/House_Services_Fair/

Join MMSST for Coffee and Chat: Flourish and Nourish

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A celebration of nutrition and wellbeing.
Communications and Administration Network

Food is our fuel, but do we truly understand what nourishes us best? Do you know your food facts? Join us at Flourish and Nourish for a food quiz to test your nutritional knowledge! Your brain, body, and tastebuds will thank you as we explore ways to nourish, flourish and thrive during the colder months.

Agatha Wiseman (our Quiz Master), will be available to talk about the range of wellbeing services available to help you to look after your health and wellbeing as we approach the winter months.

  • Come in person on Thursday 30th Oct 1:30pm – 2:45pm, the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House – Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Come and connect with us virtually on Thursday 6 November, 1:30pm -2:30pm via Teams

Email MMSST@parliament.uk for the link

Maternal Mental Health Alliance

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Virtual training hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Speaker: Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Date: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Location: Online via Teams

Join us to hear from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) who will provide us with information about how we can help support ourselves, colleagues or constituents who may be struggling with their own, or someone else’s mental health during pregnancy, or beyond.

Please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk for the details and link.