The Happiness Hub
Elevating Wellbeing in the Workplace
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FEATURED STORY
Transforming Lives, One Volunteer at a Time
A heartfelt story of how St Andrew’s Healthcare’s incredible volunteers, including therapy dogs (like Winnie here), have enriched the workplace and patient recovery.
St Andrew’s Healthcare Honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Hearing about the award in the Great Hall
In a prestigious recognition of its dedication to community care, St Andrew’s Healthcare has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024, the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. This accolade, equivalent to an MBE, recognises the volunteer team's invaluable support to patients, enriching their lives and bolstering their well-being.
Deputy Lieutenant Miranda Wixen made the announcement in St Andrew’s Great Hall, acknowledging the hard work of the volunteer team led by Dawn Wright. St Andrew’s volunteers play a critical role, with 450 individuals giving their time across sites in Northampton, Birmingham, and Essex. Among the impactful services they provide are patient activities like weekly social clubs, Pets as Therapy visits, and on-site charity shop roles.
One patient, Simon, shared how the Befriending service has positively influenced his recovery journey. He explained, “Having a Befriender offers support without expectation. Even though I have family visits, there’s something special about these volunteer connections—they’re a true lifeline.”
Dawn Wright expressed her pride in the award, “Each volunteer brings a unique touch to our patients, enhancing their lives in ways that family and staff simply cannot replicate. This award shines a light on their vital contribution to our community.”
The legacy of volunteering at St Andrew’s dates back to 1838, with Lord Compton – The Marquess of Northampton – remembered as one of its earliest supporters. Today, the tradition endures as volunteers bridge community care with patient needs.
Dr. Vivienne McVey, CEO of St Andrew’s, added, “Our volunteers brighten our patients’ lives, fostering confidence and connection. We’re enormously proud to receive this award, which recognises the significance of our volunteers’ impact.”
The Voluntary Services team will officially receive their award from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson Esq, next year, and two team members will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. This honour celebrates St Andrew’s volunteers' unwavering commitment and extraordinary service to the community.
One particular mention needs to go to Ken Ainsworth, who is a staff member at St Andrews, but gives up his free time every week to run the Patient Recreation Club. He is dedicated to helping create a relaxed, informal environment for patients to socialise and learn inter-personal skills to help them in their recovery, and does this all as a volunteer. The world needs more 'Kens'!
Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters
In today’s fast-paced world, workplace wellbeing isn’t just a perk—it’s essential. Wellbeing impacts not only the health of individual employees but also the overall success and sustainability of a business. Studies show that happy, healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal, contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Wellbeing Boosts Employee Productivity
When employees feel physically and mentally well, they perform at their best. Programs that support mental health, reduce stress, and promote physical health help employees stay focused, energetic, and engaged.
The Costs of Absenteeism and Presenteeism
Poor mental or physical health can lead to more sick days or reduced performance at work. This costs companies millions in lost productivity each year.
Wellbeing is Key to Employee Retention
Employees who feel cared for are more likely to stay and engage in their roles, creating a loyal and motivated workforce.
Creating a Culture of Care and Support
Prioritising wellbeing creates an inclusive, supportive environment, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration.
Wellbeing as a Business Responsibility
Companies are legally obligated to ensure employees’ mental and physical health. Neglecting this can lead to legal and reputational damage.
Wellbeing and Your Bottom Line
For every £1 spent on wellbeing, studies show up to a £5 return in savings from healthcare costs, fewer sick days, and reduced turnover.
Key Insights on Workplace Wellbeing
The following insights illustrate the importance and impact of mental health and wellbeing support in the workplace:
Poor mental health costs UK employers approximately £51 billion annually, affecting absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. (Deloitte)
For every £1 invested in mental health, employers can expect a return of £4.70. (Deloitte)
1 in 5 UK workers struggle to manage workplace stress. (Mental Health First Aid England)
9% of professionals report experiencing thoughts of self-harm. (Mental Health First Aid England)
Mental health-related sick leave has increased by 20% in the past year among SMEs.
Sick leave in the UK has risen by 55% since 2019, with each business averaging 128 sick days in 2023. (Access PeopleHR)
Resources to Support Workplace Wellbeing
To support Northampton businesses in fostering a positive and healthy work environment, we’ve curated a selection of resources from the Action for Happiness Northamptonshire Hub:
10 Days of Happiness
A free online programme designed to boost wellbeing. This 10-day journey explains the '10 Keys to Happier Living' and provides a personalised action plan for ongoing wellbeing.
Happiness Champions Training
Free training sessions aimed at developing wellbeing leaders within workplaces to foster a culture of happiness and support.
Wellbeing Resources on Linktree
Discover a wealth of resources, including guides, activities, and tools to enhance workplace wellbeing. Look under the Organisations section for tools.
Future Wellbeing Events
November 20: Building a Healthier Workplace / Inclusive Futures
Join Paradise Computing, in partnership with Reed Talent Solutions,
for a must-attend event focused on creating a healthier and more inclusive workplace:
Event Schedule:
9:00am - 9:30am: Coffee & Networking
9:30am - 10:30am: Building a Healthier Workplace: Northamptonshire's Wellbeing Toolkit, with a Spotlight on Men's Mental Health / Speakers: West Northamptonshire Council | Goodwill Solutions | Reed HR
10:30am - 11:30am: Building Inclusive Futures: Supporting Neurodivergence in the Workplace / Speakers: Goodwill Solutions | Café Track
You are welcome to attend one or both sessions. To confirm your place, please register here: Building a Healthier Workplace & Inclusive Futures Event Registration
Location: Reed, Brackmills Business Park, 900 Pavilion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7RG
December 3: Empowering Leaders to Foster Wellbeing and Drive Productivity – with Insights into the Future of AI in the Workplace
When leaders prioritise people, productivity follows. Join us on December 3rd for our Leadership Roadshow with Esther Ruth Consulting, Mensah Wellbeing and three times TEDx speaker, Damian Mark Smyth.
This exclusive event is designed to equip you with the insights and tools to lead with empathy, adaptability, and a focus on wellbeing.
Discover strategies to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged. Discover how AI can enhance future mental wellbeing by reducing mundane tasks, improving early diagnosis of stress, and boosting productivity, empowering us to focus on meaningful work.
Let’s build workplaces where wellbeing boosts productivity, open communication thrives, and teams are empowered to perform at their best.
Only 20 seats available—reserve yours now!
Date: December 3rd Location: The Holistic Hub, 16 Kent Road, Upton, Northampton NN5 4DR
Happiness Hub Features
Don't miss out!
Starting next week, the “Happiness Hub” will appear regularly in the Elevate Northampton newsletter, showcasing workplace wellbeing resources, training opportunities, and success stories from Northamptonshire organisations. Each week, we’ll spotlight a resource or event to provide continuous value to our readers.
Let’s Collaborate for a Happier Northampton!
We look forward to partnering with you to promote a happier, healthier workplace culture in Northamptonshire. If you have any questions or would like to collaborate, please feel free to reach out to us or contact David Smart, Chair of the Northamptonshire Action for Happiness Hub.
Damian Mark Smyth
Founder of Elevate Northampton
Tejashree Jadhav
Marketing Volunteer, Elevate Northampton
Donna Walker
Member the Northamptonshire Action for Happiness Hub & REDS Recovery College Manager at St Andrew's Healthcare
We would like to help more people in Northamptonshire with their businesses and their wellbeing. Please pass this on to anyone who you think might benefit from either or both. It's free!
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