The £2,478 grant helped to create new spaces to support the mental health and wellbeing of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) staff.
The Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund has awarded £2,478 in funding to Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. The grant was to help create new wellbeing areas for TEWV staff across five locations. The initiative aims to support the mental health of NHS staff across the Trust.
Tackling financial vulnerability
The new wellbeing spaces are the latest initiative by the Trust to prioritise staff wellbeing. Russell Smith, TEWV Staff Health & Wellbeing Lead, explained some of the challenges the Trust have been aiming to address: “We are seeing lots of financial wellbeing issues, financial vulnerabilities, staff worried about paying their bills. It’s a huge issue and we are well aware of it. Financial stress can lead to staff being unproductive, worried about work, unhappy at work, feeling burnt out and stressed.”
The Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund has supported the development of wellbeing rooms for TEWV staff at West Park Hospital, Auckland Park Hospital, Lanchester Road Hospital, Hunden’s Lane Centre and HMP/YOI Deerbolt. These spaces include CD players with CDs, mini fridges, cold water, wellbeing boxes with sanitary and hygiene products, and snacks such as cereal bars, porridge, tea and coffee.
Caring for those who care
Diane Taylor, TEWV Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, commented, “Having access to funding to buy these products is a great way to say thank you to staff for all their hard work and to let them know they are appreciated.”
TEWV is the mental health and learning disability trust for much of the Northeast and Yorkshire. Their staff work to give people the mental health care they need to live their best life. However, for this to happen, employees must also look after their own wellbeing. As a result, initiatives from the Trust are an important part of caring for their people. This, in turn, helps them care for those who need their support.
TEWV staff have already expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Comments from employees describe the spaces as relaxing, attractive, and a place to wind down when working in a busy environment. “WOW! Thank you… the room is gorgeous lots of lovely thoughtful touches.” said one team member, with another commenting, “Really enjoy using the massage chair.”
Improving financial resilience
Serve and Protect Credit Union launched with the Trust back in 2024. The staff wellbeing team were exploring ways to improve financial resilience and tackle vulnerability. By enabling TEWV staff to save direct from payroll, employees can build a healthy savings habit. As a result, staff have a place to turn in the event of financial emergencies. This approach is just one way the credit union is supporting TEWV staff.
Business Development Manager at Serve and Protect Credit Union and member of the Friends of Serve and Protect committee, Rob Lovesey, commented on the initiative, “As a member-owner financial cooperative, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. By funding wellbeing spaces for TEWV staff, we hope to help staff find some quiet time in their day to relax and reset, helping them provide the best possible patient care. The staff wellbeing team at TEWV have done a fantastic job with the spaces and we are extremely proud to provide opportunities like this for our members.”
About the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund
Friends of Serve and Protect is an incorporated association established for the benefit of individuals, organisations and communities served by Serve and Protect Credit Union. Funded by the Friends of Serve and Protect Lottery, Reg No – 4866, the Community Fund was established in 2024 to provide funding for projects and initiatives that support the greater community good of those who Serve and Protect. From wellbeing spaces to helping injured keyworkers through rehabilitation, the Community Fund helps make a difference to those who need it.
Funding is open to Serve and Protect members and must be for the direct benefit of the Serve and Protect community. For more information, click here.
