The importance of a cuppa

The humble tea break has become more important in these days were social distancing, isolation, shielding and cocooning have become part of everyday vocabulary.   For many organisations this daily, weekly or just-when-you-can-make-it ritual has changed format.

Ellie Bradley, Deputy Head of School of Health, Early Years and Adult Education and one of the Mental Health First Aiders at SERC  has organised a Zoom Teabreak for staff to come together each Tuesday and reminds us about taking that all important tea break when we can.   She said, “I wanted to make sure that people had a space just to come and have a chat and know that on a Tuesday at 10am someone will be there to talk back.  When everything is up in the air, it's good to have a constant and to see the people we're used to chatting to in the corridors.  The idea is simply, everyone is invited to take time to fill a mug, and come and share it online. 

“This week was was the fourth online tea break and the numbers are growing.  For me, the nice thing is that we are from all areas of SERC - from the training organisation, business services, customer support, academic, careers, HR.  It was supposed to be for half an hour but thankfully, just as Zoom lifted the 40 minute time restriction for those in colleges, we realised that assigning an  hour slot allows people to drop in from 10am to 11am when they can.

“It's lovely to see people as they come on screen and everyone else giving a wave to recognise they've arrived and shouting out names, ‘Och there's such and such’ and a big ‘hello, how are you?'

“We've been chatting about everything, from what we're missing - hugs and haircuts and getting our nails done,  and tried to work out how we could sign a virtual hug and shared some tips for hiding the grey hairs and the grown out hairstyles, but just missing people is the main one. 

She continued, “We chat about how we've been passing the time - today, Ruth and I were being very enthusiastic about our sourdough bread starters which we're bringing to the screens next week to show off.  This turned out to be very useful for somebody whose husband can only eat sourdough and she didn't know where to start so we’ve been able to  send an email off to them how to make bread without yeast. 

“Other colleagues, Ruth, told us how to make yoghurt and Pat showed off her budgie and we watched him fly around the room.  Today was the first day that my cat hasn't shared something he's found in the garden, usually, but not always, a dead thing. 

“We share the things we have been watching on Netflix and TV catch up sites - we're all going to be watching DEVf which was made by Anne Marie's brother.  Some of us are shielded so can't leave for exercise and we recognise how hard that is - I'm one of those people so I really can say 'I know how that feels'.  

“We laugh a lot but also are a bit reflective about being anxious and concerned - about how our families are coping and about how our students are coping.  Some folks have family members in hospital so we're chatting about what we know from nurses and medics and about what they're doing to make their patients feel safe.  We are sharing news from our friends - about those who maybe need a wee email to let them know that we're thinking of them. 

She concluded, “People have commented that when they sign off, they are feeling better and a bit uplifted which is what I hoped would happen.  We are all looking forward to having a tea break -  with a delicious SERC scone or a Friday-Fry - in the McNeill Room, in Scribbles in the Birches, in the Linen Room or Zest  but until then we can meet online – just bring your own cuppa.”

The code for joining the tea break will be issued to all staff on Monday.

Apply now for courses commencing September 2020. For more information visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.