As the rising cost of living continues to impact staff at NELFT, we organised a marketplace event, along with a free health check for eligible colleagues. The event was  part of our Essex Working Well Accreditation and organised by the. Staff Wellbeing and Benefits Team.

Colleagues across the Trust donated various household items  such as blankets, jumpers, baby products, dry or tinned foods over the course of a month for the marketplace event, held in the boardroom at CEME. Staff could take as many items as they wanted for a £2 fee upon exit in aid of . the Trussell Trust – a National Charity and our chosen foodbank referral partners.

The event also offered an opportunity for staff to hear from the Wellbeing Team about upcoming wellbeing sessions and resources available to support mental and financial wellbeing. A representative from the NELFT Chaplaincy Team was also on hand to provide pastoral care for colleagues and a friendly chat while signposting to internal and external support.

As part of our Essex Working Well Level 1 Accreditation, a free onsite NHS Health Check was available for eligible NELFT colleagues.

The NHS Health Check is a health check-up for adults in England aged 40 to 74. It's designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing one of these conditions. An NHS Health Check helps find ways to lower this risk.

The appointment lasts between 20 - 30 minutes colleagues can be referred back to the GP or to health improvement services for additional guidance.

Colleagues who completed their health check also received a goody bag, packed with healthy meal ingredients or self-care items to support their wellbeing.

For more information go to NHS Health Check - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

“Very much appreciate being able to access these checks through work, rather than having to book a GP appointment. Thank you!”

“It was nice to have the check so that I could see how physiologically I am compared to how I might think I am! Was great to get instant results on cholesterol and heart health.“

The ease and convenience of coming into work as normal and having a quick health check onsite, was well received by colleagues. As healthcare professionals, with busy work and personal lives, it is easy to put the wellbeing of others before themselves, but this initiative reminded staff to look after their health and ensure they are keeping well.

We look forward to running additional initiatives to support our staff with their wellbeing.

Are you looking for a friendly organisation to join, that is committed to staff health and wellbeing? Visit our careers website to see all our current vacancies - www.careers.nelft.nhs.uk.