Two Welsh businesses are reaping the benefits of support from Healthy Working Wales to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Summerhouse Out of School Club, in Denbighshire, and asbestos removal firm Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd, in Neath Port Talbot, have each received support and advice from the Welsh Government funded Healthy Working Wales (HWW) programme which is delivered by Public Health Wales, and supports employers, individuals and a range of health professionals.
HWW aims to help working age people in Wales stay fit and healthy so they can remain in employment, or return to work following a period of ill health. Reducing the impact of mental and musculoskeletal disorders are among the key aims of the HWW programme.
Summerhouse Out of School Club, which achieved a HWW Silver Small Workplace Health Award, has been promoting a better understanding of the importance of the wellbeing of others, and received recognition for this among parents and other professionals.
Providing day care and after school club service in Rhyl and employing seven staff members, the business received advice from HWW on reviewing and strengthening policies through face to face visits and telephone support.
Mandy Dickin, nursery manager of Summerhouse Out of School Club, said:
“Taking part in the HWW Awards scheme has helped us gel more as a team and given us a better understanding of the importance of each other’s wellbeing. Personally it has also given me an understanding of another ‘gateway’ of knowledge and learning in my professional life.
Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd, meanwhile, achieved a HWW Bronze Small Workplace Health Award by identifying a management lead to implement health and wellbeing systems and activities, organising internal training courses on health and wellbeing issues, and establishing an internal support line within the company.
Thanks to HWW advice and guidance the company has been able to foster a more positive and motivated workforce, and a general feeling of health and wellbeing among employees.
Christopher Richards, lead auditor at Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd said:
“The Healthy Working Wales Practitioner was very helpful and gave us many recommendations such as improving our stress management policy, improving no smoking policy, improving wellbeing policy and carrying out a full Health & Safety risk assessment on our main office. All supervisors and managers have also been booked onto a mental health first aid course.
Following a speech at the Together for Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference 2019, in Cardiff, Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said:
“Summerhouse Out of School Club and Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd are excellent examples of businesses who have taken action to make a real difference to the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.
“In this tough economic climate it is vital we have policies in place that help people in Wales stay fit, healthy and in work, and Healthy Working Wales plays a vital role in helping achieve that. I would encourage business of all sizes to get involved with the programme and look at their current policies and culture to ensure their workplace is supportive of people in terms of these issues.
“Events like today’s Together for Mental Health and Well-being Conference are also crucial in terms of raising further awareness and I was delighted to speak about how we as a Government are determined to see a healthier, more prosperous and more resilient Wales.
The Together for Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference 2019 has been organised to bring together healthcare professionals and encourage partnership working in relation to the Welsh Government’s 10-year strategy to improve mental health and well-being in Wales. It was organised by registered social enterprise GovConnect.