On Tuesday 28 May, the Nursing Times announced that First Community Health and Care were shortlisted for the Best Wellbeing and Staff Engagement award at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards.
Following NHS staff survey results, and supporting the NHS prevention agenda, First Community decided to do more to support and empower 450 employees to focus on their health and wellbeing.
75% of employees said they were inspired to making lasting changes following a month-long programme called #StartsWithMe, which then kick started an on-going physical and mental health and wellbeing programme called #HealthyMe.
A health and wellbeing project group comprising of staff from all levels throughout First Community was set up to oversee #StartsWithMe in September 2018 which encouraged staff to set month long goals and provided opportunities to try new activities and develop new skills.
A variety of activities took place ranging from yoga classes, book clubs, choir groups, running clubs and health assessments using the clinical expertise within First Community to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
At the end of the month, results showed a 13.5% increase in the NHS staff survey question about First Community taking positive action on health and wellbeing between 2017 and 2018.
The long-term #HealthyMe programme is continuing with an on-going activity programme available for all employees.
First Community plan to run #StartsWithMe every year to renew interest and keep a focus on physical and mental health and wellbeing within the organisation.
Following the success of the programme, First Community submitted an award entry for the Best Wellbeing and Staff Engagement Initiative at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2019.
The award is aimed at an employer that has made a real improvement to its staff engagement activities and demonstrated a continued commitment to the mental and physical wellbeing of its staff.
First Community are delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award and await to hear the winner which will be announced on 25 September 2019.
Val Frost, Interim Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that First Community have been shortlisted for this award. Our #HealthyMe campaign is fully embedded in our culture with staff taking part in various activities from the running club to choir sessions. We will continue this focus on physical and mental health going forward and look for ways to ensure our staff wellbeing is always first rate”.
