The Power of Sleep for our Immune System

Hospitality in good health as Galgorm Collection and Duality Healthcare partner on innovative staff healthcare initiative in £250,000 investment 

Industry leader invests in employee wellbeing with Duality’s new corporate healthcare initiative

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, has announced the launch of a corporate healthcare membership scheme for its team, delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland’s leading private primary care provider Duality Healthcare, and representing a significant investment by Galgorm Collection of £250,000 over the next five years.

The innovate initiative delivered for Galgorm Collection by Duality Healthcare, and which provides individuals, families and businesses with a host of healthcare services including instant access to private GP care across Northern Ireland, is part of Galgorm Collection’s ongoing efforts to enhance benefits and support for its team.  It will provide convenient and confidential healthcare to help employees with their health and wellbeing needs.

Demonstrating its commitment to employee care, Galgorm Collection is offering Duality’s corporate healthcare offering to all personnel with over one year of service across all the hospitality group’s properties, including Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Parisien, Fratelli Belfast, and the newly acquired Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort. 

John McEvoy, Executive Chairman of Duality Healthcare, commented;

"We’re thrilled to partner with Galgorm Collection to deliver this tailored corporate healthcare offering, ensuring that employees have timely access to medical care and advice. The service offers flexible appointments, including virtual consultations and in-person visits, an annual medical, and a host of other vital healthcare services, giving staff the convenience and discretion to address their healthcare needs without delay. 

Our corporate healthcare memberships include comprehensive support for preventative health measures, chronic condition management, and personalised medical advice, ensuring that employees across all industries receive truly proactive care. 

This initiative underscores Galgorm Collection’s forward-thinking and compassionate approach to supporting employee health and wellbeing in the workplace and sets an inspiring example for all businesses across Northern Ireland to provide much-needed primary healthcare cover for their employees, and we look forward to working with them as they roll out the programme across all their properties."

The new Duality Healthcare initiative at Galgorm Collection adds to the suite of industry-leading benefits already offered to its staff. Employees with over one year of service also receive comprehensive private healthcare through Vitality Health, alongside free confidential counselling services provided by Spectrum Life, to support mental health and wellbeing.

Employees also enjoy an increased holiday allowance after a year of service, as well as complimentary access to Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village, discounts on a range of spa treatments, golf memberships at Galgorm Golf Club, free dining opportunities with a paying guest at several of the Collection’s restaurants, and access to fitness suite facilities.

Additionally the Collection rewards and recognises its team members through an Employee of the Week scheme, a referral incentive bonus if their recommended candidate is hired, and a complimentary stay voucher upon successful completion of their probation period.  

Galgorm Collection is committed to fostering career growth and professional development, offering in-house and external training in areas such as Mental Health, First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Wines and Spirits, and also runs several apprenticeship schemes in partnership with Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College.  

Laura Millar, Associate Director of Human Resources at Galgorm Collection, said;

“At Galgorm Collection, we place the highest value on our team members, and this investment in their wellbeing reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for our staff. 

By partnering with Duality Healthcare’s award-winning team, we’re ensuring that our employees can access professional medical advice and support when they need it most - across any of Duality Healthcare’s clinics in Northern Ireland.

This is just one of the many ways we aim to set the standard for employee benefits and support in the hospitality industry, and to foster a workplace culture that prioritises health, happiness and personal development. 

We believe that by taking care of our people, we empower them to deliver the outstanding service and experiences that our guests have come to expect from Galgorm Collection.”

With a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, Galgorm Collection continues to lead the way in creating a positive and supportive working environment. The launch of this innovative corporate healthcare offering for its staff is the latest milestone in the commitment Galgorm Collection made in 2021 to roll out an enhanced programme of progressive benefits for its team members. 

In 2023 the hospitality business was the first on the island of Ireland to achieve Great Place to Work certification, based on exceptional employee experiences.

For more information about career opportunities at Galgorm Collection, visit

https://www.galgormcollection.com/work-with-us.html

Portavogie Prawn & Chilli Pasta

Serves 2

• 150g peeled Portavogie prawn meat
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
• 200g linguini

1) Heat the olive oil in the pan and fry the garlic and chilli over low heat for 2 minutes. Turn up the heat (be careful not to burn the garlic) add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes, until the prawns are pink.

2) Cook the Linguini in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente. Using tongs, remove the pasta from the boiling water and add it to the frying pan with the prawns, along with 3 tbsp of the cooking water. Toss together and cook over a low heat for about 2 minutes.

3) Place the pasta between the serving bowls. Top with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

At Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned resort, we understand that true luxury lies not only in relaxation but also in nurturing the vitality that sustains us. This World Wellness Weekend, we are focusing on one of its key pillars: Movement and Vitality. This pillar reminds us that the energy we exude stems from how we care for both our bodies and minds. Movement is essential for well-being, and vitality is the feeling of being truly alive—both can transform the way we experience life.

The Importance of Movement

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to come home after a busy day and simply unwind. But while rest has its place, staying physically active is key to maintaining not just physical fitness but also mental clarity and emotional balance. Movement should become as routine as sitting down for lunch or dinner—a daily ritual that you look forward to.

To ensure that movement becomes a seamless part of your lifestyle, choose activities that bring you joy. This way, you’ll return to them regularly, embedding movement into your daily routine with ease.

Ideas for Incorporating Movement into Your Day:

• Early Risers: Start your day with some yoga. There’s nothing quite like welcoming the morning with a gentle yet energising flow, setting the tone for the rest of the day. By starting early, you’re less likely to cancel it as your schedule fills up.
• Midday Boost: Make the most of your lunch break with a brisk walk. Whether it’s a walking meeting, a stroll with your dog, or simply an opportunity to clear your mind, adding movement to the middle of your day boosts productivity and mood. Why not set a step goal and challenge a colleague or friend to a little friendly competition?
• Group Workouts: If you struggle with motivation, consider joining a group workout. When you commit to an activity with others, you’re far less likely to back out. The collective energy of a group can be incredibly motivating, helping you push through and reach your fitness goals.

Vitality: The Key to Feeling Truly Alive

While movement helps us stay physically healthy, vitality is the essence of feeling alive and vibrant. It encompasses emotional and mental well-being, and it’s just as important as exercise. Nourishing your vitality ensures that you are not just surviving but thriving.

 Ways to Cultivate Vitality:

• Mindful Meditation: Taking time to centre yourself through mindful meditation can do wonders for your mental clarity. These moments of stillness allow your mind to reset, bringing a sense of calm and balance to your day.

• Healthy Eating: A well-balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Choose nourishing foods that make you feel good from the inside out, energising you to fully embrace the day.

• Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is often overlooked, but it is crucial for your body’s ability to rest, repair, and rejuvenate. Ensuring you get enough quality sleep each night is one of the most luxurious gifts you can give yourself. A well-rested body and mind allow you to move through life with more energy, clarity, and joy.

By incorporating regular movement and nurturing your vitality, you can experience life at its fullest. Let Galgorm be your sanctuary, a place where you can rejuvenate and restore your sense of wellness, both physically and emotionally.

Marinated Heritage Tomato Salad, Ewings Smoked Salmon, Torn Sourdough, Fennel, Mint Pesto

Serves 2

• 100g smoked salmon
• 200g mixed ripe heritage tomatoes, sliced into even sizes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 bulb fennel, finley sliced
• 100g sourdough, torn and lightly toasted
• 80g fresh mint
• 50g toasted pinenuts (keep 1 teaspoon back for garnish)
• 1 garlic clove
• 125ml olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Edible herbs and flowers

1) Place the tomato pieces into a bowl and coat with the oilive oil, sherry vinegar and season with sea salt, black pepper and half a teaspoon of caster sugar. Allow to marinade at room temperature for one hour before eating.

2) To make the pesto, place all ingredients into a food blender and blitz until smooth. This can be placed into a refrigerator in a sealed container until needed.

3) Slice the smoked salmon into ribbons and finely slice the fennel on a mandolin.

4) To serve put a spoonful of pesto in a bowl and toss the shaved fennel in pesto, layer up all the ingredients, and finish with the remaining toasted pine nuts, herbs and flowers.