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Health and wellbeing underpin everything we do here at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. We know that sometimes, things can feel a little overwhelming – particularly during the added pressures brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
No matter what our work schedule or personal situation might be, it is crucial to create opportunities to rest, not only for our physical health, but also our mental health and wellbeing.
This page features advice and resources for coping with stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
HEALTH, WELLBEING & HR EVENT
Health and wellbeing underpin everything we do. We know that sometimes things can feel a little overwhelming – particularly during the added pressures brought on by the recent pandemic.
Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce partnered with Wellbeing at Work for a special Health, Wellbeing & HR Event at The Market Hall in Devonport. This unique event in 2022 aimed to help employers better understand the ways in which they can best support their staff.
As well as a range of exciting and interactive activities throughout the day, there were also opportunities to network with other businesses, workshops and a ‘Chill Zone’ in the venue’s Immersive Dome.
UNDERSTANDING THE MENOPAUSE
Menopausal women are the fastest-growing workforce demographic, so it makes sense that forward-thinking organisations recognise the importance and value of introducing menopause policies and guidance, raising awareness of menopause and putting the right support in place.
Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce regularly runs events which look at the menopause from a women’s perspective but also from the angle of an employer and the HR processes surrounding the issue.
We teamed up with SW Women in Business CIC to host a special hybrid event at China Fleet Country Club in Saltash. Our guest speakers were: Carolyn Giles, Head of People & Operations at Plymouth Citybus; Jane Sargeant, Healthcare Account Manager at Nuffield Health; Helena White, Head of HR Services at Delt Shared Services Ltd; Nikki Harris, owner of Women’s Hormone Health; and Briony Goldsmith, Chair of the Menopause Network at the University of Plymouth.
In February 2023, we also hosted a special Crunchy Breakfast to find out more about the menopause and what we need to know as businesses and employers. Our speakers were Nikki Harris, from Women’s Hormone Health; Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth; and Merika Longhurst, Head of Sales and Services at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital.
In the build-up to World Menopause Day on 18 October, the International Menopause Society (IMS) has provided some useful resources – click the buttons below to find out more.
One-to-one interviews
Videos and podcasts with experts
Free training courses
A two-part course for health care professionals
A monthly webinar series
Expert advice for health care professionals
OUR SPONSORS AND SPEAKERS
Tools and resources
Men’s Health in Torbay and South Devon
This report by Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay presents findings from a December 2022 to January 2023 survey on men’s health and the feedback shared by 132 local men.
Supporting your mental health while working from home
Mental Health First Aid England is inviting people to join the campaign for workplace culture change by getting involved with their My Whole Self campaign. Find out more here.
Coronavirus: 8 ways to look after your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. Here, Mental Health Europe (MHE) offers advice to keep a sense of control and ease anxiety.
Coping with stress during COVID-19
It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. The World Health Organisation has put together this essential guide to help you cope with stress.
Looking after your mental health during the pandemic
The Mental Health Foundation is part of the coronavirus national mental health response. Here, they offer tips to help you, your friends and family to look after your mental health.
Self-care resources from Livewell Southwest
Taking care of yourself is important. This in-depth page from the team at Livewell South West will provide you with some resources to help you to look after your mental health.
Support with employee health and disability
Guidance for employers and managers to help you support employees and understand legal requirements, as well as links to government and other organisations who can help.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Many of us are struggling to maintain our mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This excellent page from mental health charity Mind has tips to help yourself cope.
HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & SUPPORT
Introducing Horizon Counselling Services
Horizon Counselling Services provides bespoke health and wellbeing coaching services to companies and individuals.
Coaching and training employees in the workplace can provide benefits which include:
- Lower absenteeism
- Mutual trust
- Improved confidence and communication
- Productivity benefits
- Staff retention
- Improved employee engagement
With the growing emphasis on improving employees morale and boosting productivity, coaching and training employees in the workplace is rapidly becoming standard practice.
Horizon Counselling Services can assist your company in designing appropriate solutions which will make a real difference.
Often, simple things can be overlooked and misunderstood, and having the experts at Horizon implement positive solutions can positively impact your workplace environment.
Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace
Being able to manage your health and wellbeing in your place of work is incredibly important. It can help you be more productive and achieve greater things when you know how to look after yourself.
South Devon College‘s Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace (Online) Level 1 course will help you to understand health and wellbeing in the workplace and assess the risks in your own area of work or future career.
