Help us shape what wellbeing looks like at Wellgate
By Ash Akhtar, Head of Culture and Engagement (Club Director)
Over the past few months, I've been having conversations with various people across the business about wellbeing at Wellgate.
We all know that how you feel at work doesn't stay at work. And equally, what's happening at home doesn't stay there either.
Some days are great, because you've made someone feel safe, helped them do something they couldn't do alone, and you’ve gone home feeling like you’ve made a positive impact, knowing exactly why you do this job.
Other days are harder, because you're tired before your shift starts. You're carrying something from the day before, you get home, and there's not much left to give.
So, I get it; no two days are ever the same, and that’s why having a discussion about wellbeing is so important for us.
When I think about wellbeing, I think about four areas.:
Your mental health: How you're feeling emotionally, and whether you feel supported.
Your physical health: Your body, your energy, rest and movement.
Your finances: Money worries are one of the most common things that affect how people feel, and they don't often get talked about enough.
Your connections: The people around you, your team, feeling like you belong.
We've already got some things in place, and it's worth knowing what's there because we’re not always shouting about it or remembering when we might need it the most.
Through Westfield Health, every Wellgate colleague has access to:
A 24/7 GP service
Up to six free counselling sessions a year
A 24/7 advice line covering financial, legal and personal worries. No referrals, no waiting lists.
And with your Blue Light Card, there are real savings on everyday things like food, shopping, days out that can help you save more than you'd think.
For more information, visit the Benefits page.
But having things in place isn't the same as actually feeling looked after. And I want us to do more.
For example, we could have a wellbeing forum, where a group of colleagues come together every quarter to shape what we do. Activities around awareness days like Mental Health Awareness Week, Movember, Menopause Awareness Month, Cancer Awareness, and World Mental Health Day. Fundraising for causes that feel close to home, given the incredible people we support every day. Talks, podcasts, things you can dip into in your own time. The idea is that whatever we do, it's inclusive, and something for everyone.
But before I plan any of it, I want to hear from you. Please use the survey below to share the things that will make the biggest difference to you and your teams.