8 June 2023
Staff in our services have been awarded for their commitment to improving health and wellbeing.
The Better Health at Work Awards (BHAWA), which is open to all employers in the North East and Cumbria, is a partnership programme between 12 North East local authorities, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and local NHS providers, that recognises the efforts of employers in addressing health issues within the workplace. It aims to promote health and wellbeing in workplaces, and to recognise and celebrate the hard work and commitment of local employers making the effort to improve the health of their employees.
Staff in our NHS Durham and Darlington Talking Therapies, (previously Talking Changes) received the Silver Standard in April last year.
Since then, everyone ‘stepped up’ their motivation and continued with the ‘step count challenge’, with the aim to increase their activity even more, so much so, the team collectively walked over two million steps within a month!
They have now received the Gold Standard, one of the highest achievements.
The team transformed their steps into regular walking where some staff encouraged friends to take part too. Rambling team members said “During the walks everyone laughs and chats non-stop about life, shared interests, hobbies and TV shows. We connect in a way that isn’t possible virtually or when in a busy office.
“I felt like I have made four new friends” and “I was really ready to unwind today, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, what a nice achievement.”
Greg Hawman, service manager and Charlotte Artrill, senior high intensity therapist and her friend Kerry began training for the Great North Run. Charlotte completed the run in a time of two hours, four minutes. Greg also fundraised for the Anthony Nolan Blood Cancer charity along the way and raised a fantastic £422.
Julie Winter, administration assistant, previously embarked on a weight loss journey where she lost an incredible seven stone, the health and wellbeing challenge meant she became more active, she now has much more energy and an improved lifestyle.
Julie said: “I feel so much healthier now, the chest and knee pains have gone, and best of all I can enjoying walking without getting out of breath.
“I now love long walks with my dog and enjoy shopping for new clothes and buying something because I like it, not just because it fits. It’s still a confidence boost to catch sight of my reflection in a shop window and realising that it is really me. My partner is very proud of me, as am I.”
So, what does the future hold? Greg still runs and Julie maintains her weight loss and fitness level. The team continue to deliver weekly 10-minute mindfulness sessions, and they’re currently collecting ideas for new activities and challenges.
Not only that, but the team has also received a prestigious accreditation for the quality of its services, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists for its self-help, counselling and talking therapies service. They help people in County Durham and Darlington deal with common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression, as well as panic phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our Trust health and wellbeing team has also been presented with the Bronze standard for Trustwide health campaigns.
The team runs campaigns throughout the year, including mental wellbeing (work-life balance), women’s health (menopause support and cervical cancer screening) and physical wellbeing (musculoskeletal health). They also focused on alcohol use and links to cancer, how our employee support service can offer mental wellbeing support and healthier food options.
There are 267 dedicated and enthusiastic health and wellbeing champions across our Trust who help to maintain a healthy staff workforce. Champions do this alongside their normal role, and they have a passion and interest in all things wellbeing.
Russell Smith, project manager (pictured with Diane Taylor, wellbeing coordinator) said: “The Better Health at Work Award Scheme provides a focussed structure to our Trust’s health and wellbeing campaigns and allows access to a wealth of wellbeing support experience and guidance along with other public, local authority and private organisations who are involved with the scheme.
“Taking part means our staff gain greater awareness of health issues and practical help in improving their wellbeing, which also helps their families and friends.
“We’ve had some very positive outcomes where staff have told us they’ve changed their routine to improve their work-life balance. They’ve gained tips on how to reduce the impact of health issues such as menopause, or raised concerns with their GP about support needed with these symptoms, and been given practical advice to improve their financial wellbeing and planning.
“We’re thrilled that we achieved this award and that so many staff are working on or have improved their health and wellbeing.”
