NHS CHARITIES Together has launched an ambitious new programme to support the wellbeing of healthcare staff across its services.
The Workforce Wellbeing Programme was announced at the annual member conference of more than 230 NHS charities, with more than £6 million committed to the initial implementation.
The fund will be shared proportionately between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the provision of a possible further £5 million over the course of the planned three years.
In England, the programme will be match-funded by NHS England, who are contributing a further £5 million.
The programme will see a slew of initiatives co-designed and co-led by NHS staff, after which a wave of grants will open for application from NHS Charities.
Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: “NHS staff work under immense pressure with unprecedented staff shortages and vacancies and the extra help we provide to support their wellbeing and mental health is now more important than ever.
“The NHS needs to be able to attract and retain the caring workforce to look after the ageing population and meet the growing needs of the public, who face more complex and long-term conditions than ever before.”
She explained: “There’s lot of work going on across Trusts to support the wellbeing and mental health of NHS staff but more needs to be done.
“We’re delighted that NHS England has matched our £5m investment in support across England, and we are also putting proportionate investment across the devolved nations.
“We have ambitions for this programme to grow so that we can make sure we continue to deliver this important and much-needed support for as long as it’s needed.”
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “Our hardworking NHS staff are busier than ever but go the extra mile for patients every day, so it’s right that we look to do everything we can as employers to support their health and wellbeing.
“As part of our NHS Long Term Workforce Plan every local employer should have a comprehensive offer for their staff to help them stay well and stay within the health service, but this new programme will support those small, extra improvements which staff tell us will make a big difference to their working lives.”
She explained: “Charities have played an important role alongside the NHS throughout our 76-year history, and it’s great to take that relationship to the next level with this first-of-its-kind national partnership, with thanks to NHS Charities Together and all those who have donated or raised funds.”
Don Fairley, Chief People Officer at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden includes a free gym, wellbeing classes and a vibrant green space where staff can relax and unwind.
“The centre is also used for events to reward and recognise staff and promote inclusivity, recently commemorating International Day of the Midwife and hosting our cultural diversity celebration event.
“The Oasis campus also provides staff health checks and counselling services, which can be a lifeline.”
He explained how one member of staff “was able to access invaluable help and understanding and face to face counselling which prevented them from self-harming and potentially going on to take their own life.
“We’ve seen a 40% increase in positive responses to staff surveys regarding our support for health and wellbeing since the campus opened, with RBFT now proudly one of the top-performing acute NHS Trusts in this area.
“With over 3,400 staff accessing the centre and garden over 36,000 times in 2023 alone, its role in boosting staff wellbeing, and consequently enhancing patient care, is clear.”
