Health, Work & Well-Being

In this overview Polly James reflects on her learning after attending the National Health and Wellbeing Conference.

"On the 8th October 2019 I was grateful to be representing HEE working across the North West at ‘The National Workplace Health and Wellbeing Conference’ aimed at outlining the latest insights currently being used by public and private sector companies, to support employers in developing high quality health and wellbeing strategies."

Since its inception in Norway in 2014, “What Matters to You?” Day has grown into an international phenomenon. Two years after its launch, Scotland was the only other country in the world to join Norway in the ground-breaking initiative. Since 2016, 41 countries have embraced the day. On the 6th June 2019, Wirral University Teaching Hospital’s (WUTH) Critical Care department joined in with the conversation.

The purpose of this document is to provide some guiding principles to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that are working with HEE North to establish community outreach opportunities for undergraduate health care learners in community settings.

The Health and Wellbeing Outreach programme for undergraduate learners was funded by Health Education England (HEE). Universities in the North West of England were tasked with developing innovative ways their health and social care undergraduate students could
highlight issues around health and wellbeing in their local communities – particularly in school settings and offer an age appropriate health and wellbeing intervention.

Several North West universities took part, each developing different approaches:

A Human Book Club event was held to help student nurses and Trainee Nursing Associates
gather evidence for the communication section of their portfolios. The Human Book Club
provided an opportunity for healthcare learners to get a better understanding of how an
individual’s culture, social identity and expressed beliefs impact on the choices they make
about their care and treatment.

A 'Learning Matters' awards 2017 Case Study.

A 'Learning Matters' awards 2017 Case Study.

A 'Learning Matters' awards 2017 Case Study.

A 'Learning Matters' awards 2017 Case Study.

It was recognised by the Patient Participation Group of Court Thorn Surgery in Cumbria, who work closely with the GP Practice, that the services of General Practice are not the panacea of all ailments and care. Much can be done by the patients for the patients and their community. The balance of power can be shifted, to the patients and the public, by the provision of better information and advice.

A 'Learning Matters' awards 2017 Case Study.

The Natural Health Service has been running since 2012. The programme was initiated with support from Champs Public Health Collaborative to address four key issues:

1. A need to focus on a greater range of assets that could support improved community health

2. A need to have a coordinated approach from those involved in developing health programmes based in the natural environment to provide a focus for commissioners and enhance opportunities for collaboration