Health and Wellbeing Festival supports staff

University Hospitals Tees’ annual Health and Wellbeing Festival invited organisations from across the Tees Valley to come together once again to support NHS staff with health, wellbeing and cost of living challenges. 

The Health and Wellbeing Festival, formerly known as the Festival of Finance, has been running at the University Hospitals of Hartlepool and North Tees since 2022 and successfully held its first event for colleagues at The James Cook University Hospital just last year.  

This year the marketplace event hosted external organisations and internal departments throughout the week at the University Hospital of North Tees, University Hospital of Hartlepool, the Friarage Hospital and James Cook.

The festival included a range of advice and offers from foodbanks and eco shops, holistic therapies, financial support, will writing, citizens advice, physiotherapy and exclusive gym and cinema discount offers. 

Group chief people officer, Rachael Metcalf said: “Our Health and Wellbeing Festival offer has gone from strength-to-strength and we are continuously looking at how we can expand upon the practical and pastoral support and advice we can offer our staff at University Hospitals Tees. 

“The rebrand reflects how the festival has grown. From its initial intention of supporting staff during what was a challenging financial time nationally, it has become a wider marketplace event that looks after all aspects of our employee’s wellbeing.  

“We know that budgets continue to be stretched and we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to support our staff – who in turn are vital in delivering first class healthcare to our patients. 

“We’re thrilled to see just how many local businesses, charities, support groups and departments have gotten involved again this year.”

Staff speak with two stallholders. One of the stallholders wears a t-shirt which reads "Ask me about menopause".

What did staff think? 

Dr Vikram Mitra, consultant gastroenterologist at University Hospital of North Tees, said: “This is the first year that I’ve been able to come along to the event and I think it’s a really great initiative, with some great organisations and support services all in one place. 

“I’ve found it really helpful both personally and professionally. There were discussions with staff from the smoking and alcohol teams, which I know will now actively benefit my patients. 

“From a personal perspective, getting to talk to someone about things like tax and pensions – especially when you don’t always get the time outside of work to do so – has also been great!”

Alison Kerr, allied health professional workforce strategic lead at The James Cook University Hospitals, said: “The Health and Wellbeing Festival has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with so many internal and external services under one roof.

“I’ve had a really positive interaction with the Andy’s Man Club and been able to pick up lots of useful advice and resources from our health and wellbeing and legacy mentor teams.  

“A lot of time, commitment and energy has gone into this event to help look after our staff and their well-being and it has been such a huge success.”