Devon Wellbeing Hub reflect on the past two years

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News, Recovery and wellbeing on 29th March, 2023

Today (Wednesday 29 March), the Devon Wellbeing Hub is celebrating its second birthday. Since our launch in March 2021 we have reached thousands of staff across the Devon System. This year alone, we have received nearly 800 individual referrals and had 5,760 contacts with colleagues for individual and team support.

The Hub is one of 40 NHS mental health and wellbeing hubs that was set up across the country to offer free, confidential support for healthcare, social care and police staff impacted by COVID-19.  It is designed to be a place where colleagues concerned about their wellbeing can come, unpick their needs and be supported to get to the right services quickly. We also offer support for teams, giving colleagues an opportunity to think about their collective wellbeing. Read about some of the teams we have supported in the links below:

• Public Health team at Devon County Council
• Clinical Community Dietitian Team at Torbay Hospital 
• Trainee Clinical Associates in Psychology 
• Intensive Care Unit at Royal Devon NHS 

Throughout the last two years, the Hub has developed and become more accessible. Our team of Psychologists, Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners and Chaplains work with colleagues on a range of issues, whether they’re related to the pandemic or not. Alongside individual assessments and team workshops, we now run drop-in sessions and host virtual workshops for individuals who would like tools and advice to support their everyday wellbeing – topics include managing imposter syndrome and seasonal self-care.

Our website has also developed to have more readily available support, including a useful resources section, with a list of some of the services we use, and a wellbeing check-in guide to help support those who are worried about a colleague.

In 2022, we were awarded the Pride of DPT Board Award. The award recognises people who have had made a difference, demonstrating their commitment and compassion in helping to achieve Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s (DPT) vision.

Beth Fisher, Clinical and Operational Manager at the Devon Wellbeing Hub, said: “Having worked in health and social care services over the last 20 years I understand some of the pressures and challenges our colleagues face every day; I have such an appreciation for the incredible work they do. I believe it is essential that our colleagues feel valued and have the opportunity to access appropriate support for their own wellbeing in a timely way.

“It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the Wellbeing Hub team over the last two years and have the opportunity to help develop this new and innovative service. We have supported thousands of colleagues over the last two years, and I hope that we have made a meaningful difference.”

Get in touch

Getting support from the Devon Wellbeing Hub is simple. If you work in healthcare, social care or the police and are struggling with any aspect of your wellbeing, or you lead a team who would benefit from support, the Hub can help you today. Please get in touch by emailing dpt.devonwellbeing@nhs.net or by calling 0300 303 5455. You can also fill out the referral form on the Devon Wellbeing Hub website.

If you’ve been supported by the Hub and would like to share details about your experience, please get in touch with Lauren Batten, Staff Wellbeing Communications and Engagement Coordinator, at lauren.batten1@nhs.net