More than 80 businesses from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire came together for a high‑impact event focused on improving employee mental health and building stronger, more resilient workplaces.
Delivered as part of the WorkWell Insights programme, the event series aims to help businesses across the two counties with their workforce wellbeing, keeping staff happy, healthy, and in work.
Participants heard from expert speakers, Dr Helen Scott from University of Worcester, Paol Stuart-Thompson from Mind and Mark Bilau from Public Health. Attendees gained insight into effective management behaviours that foster a culture of care, inclusion, and resilience.
The event also provided actionable strategies to help leaders recognise early signs of poor wellbeing, respond confidently, and create environments where employees can thrive.
WorkWell is a joint programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), delivered locally through the NHS. It provides early, personalised support for people with health conditions or disabilities who are struggling at work or are at risk of falling out of employment.
Through one-to-one coaching, WorkWell helps people understand their health, access the right support, and make practical changes so they can stay in work, return to work sooner, and feel more confident about managing work alongside their health.
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, who deliver WorkWell within the two counties, are working to engage with local employers to help spread awareness of the WorkWell programme to their employees. This helps employees to access support when they need it, enabling them to be supported to stay healthy and in work.
Judy Gibbs, Joint Programme Director at WorkWell, said: “It was fantastic to be able to bring together over 80 local businesses to support them with keeping their workforce happy, healthy and supported. We are delivering WorkWell Insights, and wider programmes like Inclusive Worcestershire Leaders, to ensure businesses have access to expert advice and guidance to best support their workforce, which in turn reduces absenteeism, improves employee wellbeing and boosts business productivity.
“We will be running more events as part of WorkWell Insights, and I encourage any businesses from Herefordshire & Worcestershire to get involved.”
WorkWell Insights, is delivered via a partnership between the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, Worcestershire Growth Hub, Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire Growth Hub and Herefordshire Council.
The Growth Hubs, are national supported business support organisations, designed to engage with businesses of any size and sector to ensure they can access support & funding to achieve their growth ambitions.
