Wellbeing support for health and social care sector staff, including Third Sector Organisations and volunteers

Sam Powell is Joint Workforce Experience and Wellbeing Manager working out of the Health, Care & Social Care Academy in Bronllys.

The Health, Care & Social Care Academy is part of a Wales-wide initiative to increase local access to education, training and development across the health and social care sector, specifically focusing on the workforce in Powys.

The Academy aims to support the health and social care sector to be among the top choices for people entering or returning to the jobs market in Powys.

Sam took up his post in March 2023. He supports the wellbeing and experience of health and social care sector staff across the Powys partnership, including Third Sector organisations and volunteers.

Sam says: “I contribute to the Joint Workforce Futures Strategic Framework by seeking to improve overall workforce engagement and wellbeing across the Partnership by collating, measuring, and analysing workforce experience data.

“This means we can share best practice across the partnership, helping staff and therefore improving the experience of service users.

“For example, in the summer of 2023, I conducted a Wellbeing Survey across the Partnership,  feeding the results back into the heads of organisations within the Regional Partnership to inform next steps and offering my own recommendations.

 

“In the coming months, I will be working in partnership with the various organisations - with the aim of continuing, creating and delivering wellbeing activities, benefits and resources for staff.”

Sam has also created the RPB Employee Experience Toolkit

“The Toolkit is designed to help individuals and teams explore what is on offer in terms of workplace experience and wellbeing,” he says.

“The kit includes a self-assessment tool for staff and teams at all levels to use to understand and improve their workplace experience. The aim is to prompt discussion about wellbeing, resources, and workplace culture.

“You can also contact me directly to request support using the Toolkit.”

Sam also supports cultural transformation and improved citizenship across the Partnership space.

He says: “I sit on various Wellbeing, Volunteering, Engagement, Community Spaces and Staff Voice groups. 

“And I offer a broad range of activities linked to the development of high-quality, high performing teams - alongside the provision of tailored support to teams identified as needing more dedicated assistance.”

Sam is keen to work with and support all partners, including Third Sector Organisations and volunteers. 

He says: “I am available to join team meetings – large or small - and help organise or run team events.  

“My experience in both teaching and coaching means I can create bespoke sessions.

“At a recent Development Day, I ran a session for PAVO staff where I passed on wellbeing tips and we practised mindfulness exercises together.

“Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future, and can help manage stress.

“Playing with Lego can be a simple way to calm your mind and unwind.”

He continues: “I also provided ideas, contacts and in-person support at a wellbeing event for Powys County Council’s Children’s Services team, facilitating the sharing of expertise from across the partnership space.

“For example, staff shared their existing skills on the day, offering alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Reiki at the event.”

Sam leaves us with seven tips that can help improve your wellbeing at work:              

• Use the resources available in your workplace – Occupational Health, Staff Benefits, Wellbeing protocols and pledges

• Allow yourself time to focus on wellbeing -  take a break, go for a lunchtime walk, do a 1 Minute Guided Body Scan Meditation, and stay hydrated

• Invest in yourself – eat healthily, exercise, read up on wellbeing, and know your personal triggers 

• Look after your mental health with Wellbeing Apps like Finch, Headspace or Calm

• Take time to reflect on your achievements, for example, start a folder of emails containing positive feedback or write praise down on Sticky Notes

• Connect with work colleagues, friends, and family - go see them or simply pick up the phone

• Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. You are not alone

To find out more about the support Sam can offer you and your teams, contact him via email at Sam.Powell@wales.nhs.uk. He is always available to give advice and provide contact details or resources.