The two-week pre-Christmas campaign has been launched by Trinity Wellbeing, a peer network established by Leeds Trinity to build an online community for staff and students to connect and support each other virtually during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Festive Fortnight campaign has been set up specifically in the run up to Christmas with a different activity or message from colleagues being shared daily. 

A series of virtual festive and wellbeing related activities have been organised, including a Santa 5km fun run complete with fancy dress and prizes, launch of the annual staff Christmas jumper competition, festive recipes and wreath making classes. 

A total of 235 members of staff have engaged with the Trinity Wellbeing platform, which includes wellbeing resources and remote sessions on mindfulness, relaxation and switching off from work. 

Other video messages include staff and students being invited to help make up food boxes for the Cookalong Club organised by Horsforth Children’s’ Services; 12 ways to be more sustainable at Christmas; positive reflections from new staff members on the support and welcome they have received during lockdown; and a message of goodwill from Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Egbu. 

As part of the Festive Fortnight programme, Leeds Trinity’s Executive team has also pledged to match donations of up to £2,000 towards the Mission Christmas fundraising appeal. All donations will be given to Cash for Kids, a charity which supports children and young people, to buy Christmas presents for local families on behalf of the University. 

Elisabeth Holdsworth, HR Services Manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Trinity Wellbeing was introduced in April 2020 to support staff and students during a really challenging time. In the run up to the Christmas period, the University would usually host a number of festive-related events and this year it has been more important than ever to provide our community with activities to support their wellbeing, spread messages of positivity and connect with others. 

“We hope that everyone has enjoyed taking part in Festive Fortnight, watching video messages from familiar faces and we look forward to continuing our work in 2021.” 

Brett Arnall, Alumni Relations Officer at Leeds Trinity and co-organiser of the Santa fun run, said: “Events like this epitomise the tremendous community spirit at Leeds Trinity and it was great to see so many colleagues, students, alumni and former staff take part. Although we weren’t able to host the event in-person, it was amazing to see our community come together and I look forward to supporting the event next year.”