Wellbeing at the heart of the NHC

From recipe calendars to laughter yoga, wellbeing at the NHC is no laughing matter! Guided by results from an all-colleague survey a volunteer group of employee advocates have put in place a range of initiatives. This includes support for colleagues to get their brains and bodies active, look after their mental health and financial wellbeing, and to have some fun!

The NHC takes a holistic approach to wellbeing with campaigns to encourage colleagues to get outside, sessions to improve sleep, and time to review personal finances, sitting alongside flexible working, health insurance and an employee assistance programme. With support to buy a standing desk, volunteering days in the local community and buddy catch ups there really is something for everyone.

Kate Maughan, Director of Member Engagement and wellbeing group member, said:

“It’s so important to give people time for fresh air and fresh thinking – I think sometimes we underestimate the positive impact it has. Being part of our internal wellbeing group has allowed me to do my part in making sure everyone can get involved. I’ve loved all of our activities this year, but I think my favourite was the year-long exercise campaign: it had something for everyone (no matter how much they love or hate exercise!) and culminated in some of us taking part in the Sunderland City Runs 10K and half marathon, where we raised £635 for the NHC’s Unlocking Success Bursary.”

Kay Wiseman, HR Manager and wellbeing group member, said:

“Promoting employee wellbeing plays a huge part in enabling individuals to thrive both physically and mentally. Being part of the wellbeing group has enabled us to raise awareness of a number of important mental health and wellbeing topics.

“I have really enjoyed being part of all of our campaigns but one of my favourites was our ‘Get Moving’ campaign, the main aim of this campaign was to encourage habit-building of moving throughout the day to encourage people to move away from their screens and desks. Throughout this campaign we organised several activities including team walks and a laughter yoga session.”

Last year the NHC achieved a Better Health at Work Silver Award. This followed a bronze award in 2022 and our HR Manager Kay Wiseman winning Health Advocate of the Year for Sunderland as part of the award.

The Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) recognises the efforts of employers in the North East and Cumbria in addressing health issues in the workplace.