We are incredibly proud to announce that Helen & Douglas House was recognised on 19th November as having the Best Not-for-Profit/Charity Internal Wellbeing Programme at the This Can Happen Awards in London! We were shortlisted against Dementia UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
The judges commented positively on wide range of wellbeing initiatives offered and our proactive approach to staff survey feedback. Alongside this, as part of a wellbeing strategy adopted by the organisation, the ‘Big Conversation’ was launched which aimed to bring together support services, our clinical teams and our retail network to give them a place to share their views. This conversation led to access to positive impactful changes including access to more wellbeing resources and a dedicated staff room for our clinical teams – a peaceful space for relaxation which has in turn helped to boost morale and resilience.
Guest speakers and Learning Lunches have also been big on the agenda with speakers covering topics such as neurodiversity, menopause, fertility, grief, men’s health and suicide. These talks have allowed staff to access and participate in conversations that foster a culture of awareness and understanding.
Mental Health First Aiders and access to counselling services are also in place to offer mental health advice and guidance for those who need it and therefore ending stigma around mental health in the workplace.
A wellbeing culture
The judges also commented on the following Helen & Douglas House wellbeing initiatives:
- Developing our Wellbeing Strategy,
- Having excellent provision of ongoing support such as our Employee Assistance Programme,
- Occupational health services,
- Access to Financial coaching,
- Having a peer-led Community of Practice for Managers,
- The invaluable work our Mental Health First Aiders and MHFA Champions do,
- Using employee feedback from the ‘Big Conversation’ and staff surveys
You can read our winning case study here
Judges comments
“A clear and well thought through strategy where people seem to have been taken on the journey so that wellbeing becomes part of the culture”
“Some great work has taken place to support employees working in a charity that must be emotionally challenging. I’m sure that many employees have benefitted from this programme”
A word from our HR team
“The HR team are proud to have won the Best Not-for-Profit/Charity Internal Wellbeing Programme award at the This Can Happen Awards. This achievement reflects the collective effort of our managers, exec team, mental health first aiders, and colleagues in delivering a shared and holistic approach to wellbeing. By supporting each other, we ensure we can provide the very best care for the patients and families who remain at the heart of everything we do. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success.”