April Shining Star: Cornforth Partnership

The Cornforth Partnership's mission is to provide the right support in the right place at the right time. Cornforth Partnership recently completed the Bronze level of the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) - read all about their journey so far!

Why did you decide to sign up to the BHAWA?

"The Cornforth Partnership have always tried to promote a healthy working environment alongside the promotion of a good work life balance. The BHAWA enables us to formalise the wide range of offer and support we have available to our staff and encourages healthier habits to reduce stress and boost morale.

The award also shows to our funders and partners our commitment to improving the Health and Wellbeing of local people and residents within our local community. We want to ensure The Partnership offers an overall good working environment which is responsive and reflective of need."

How do you find that the award benefits the organisation, and its employees?

"The Partnership have created a key team of staff who are responsible for the delivery of the award and activities, we have also embedded health and wellbeing at every level of our organisation, showing our staff and funders we are passionate about promoting better health.

From previous experience we have identified that the award helps to promote a positive work culture, and supports staff to work together better as a team.

The award has taught us to take our time in developing new staff initiatives and to ensure that staff are involved at every level. It has helped us to identify needs and gaps for our staff and supported us to refocus our staff training and development days.

Staff have reported better physical and mental health and increased awareness of issues affecting them, through the delivery of workshops, display boards and information awareness sessions. Staff also have an opportunity to raise any personal issues or support requirements during supervisions or with our Health and Wellbeing champion."

What kind of activities have you organised in line with the award so far?

"The Partnership have provided a range of opportunities for its staff this has included, staff wellbeing days, training all staff to be Mental Health Fist Aiders as well as adopting policies to allow staff to take time off from work to attend medical and dental appointments.

We have created opportunities for staff to participate in physical activity sessions within the community, promoting better relationships with our service users.

Staff have also been given more opportunities to talk and group as a team over lunch or during themed “Tea & Talk” events.

In 2024 staff and volunteers took part in Tough Warrior to raise funds towards our young people’s projects, with staff taking part in a gruelling 12k run with 25 obstacles.

Kaye is working hard to listen to the wants and needs of staff, to then implement ideas and sessions to meet demand and gaps going forward. We have our first wellbeing day of 2025 booked for April where staff will enjoy a leisure activity and food on us."