County health boss confirmed for Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Conference

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, the county’s director of public health, is the latest expert to be added to the line-up of speakers for the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Conference where insight, advice and first-hand case studies will be shared on Thursday 8 April

The Conference is the latest in a series of in-depth events designed to support the county’s business community and will raise awareness and give practical pointers for developing healthier workforces.

Physical and mental health strategies will form the themes of the event with a focus on:

• Wellbeing strategies for remote and hybrid working
• Employee engagement strategies
• Returning to work strategies
• At work strategies

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health at Lancashire County Council will deliver a keynote talk drawing on his vast experience working in the realms of population health management, evidence-based policy-making and general health promotion.

The event will also feature interviews and panel conversations. Speakers confirmed so far are Jo Rigby, HR director at Beever and Struthers; Shelley Perry, clinical director of Breathe Therapies; Heather Aust, partner of CG Professional; Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, Ross McWilliam, owner of Mindset Pro, Dave Scholes, director of Mindsight, Tom Wilcox, marketing executive at Physiofusion, Paul Nugent, CEO of Santé Group; Claire Rhodes, manager of The Landmark; Sue Smith director, centre of SME development at The University of Central Lancashire; and Gabriela Hammond, head of human resources at VEKA UK.

They will share their expertise from the perspectives of human resources and employment law, supporting mental and physical wellbeing, boosting employee engagement, Covid-19 specific issues, practical tips and real-life examples of best practice.

Richard Slater, publisher of Lancashire Business View and chair of the Conference, said: “Employee health and wellbeing had been rising on the agenda for many businesses, but the global pandemic has accelerated it to the forefront of many employers’ minds.

“We have brought together experts who will be able to support Lancashire businesses as they rise to the next challenges and provide practical advice which attendees can begin to implement within their own organisations right away.”

Jo Rigby, HR director at Beever and Struthers, said: “We are proud to be sponsoring this conference, especially since the response to Covid-19 has brought new challenges that will undoubtedly have long term effects on employees’ mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. We look forward to sharing best practice with other like-minded employers and participants.”

Heather Aust, partner of CG Professional, said: “CG are pleased to once again be involved with Lancashire Business View. The focus they bring to important topics such as this and

their ability to bring the business community of Lancashire together means we’re always keen to be involved and add our expertise to the mix.”

Gabriela Hammond, head of human resources at VEKA UK, said: “Putting people first has never been more important. Being part of this conference, collaborating and sharing initiatives will help us all ensure that our employee’s welfare remains top of the agenda.”

Click here to find out more and book your place at the Conference.

The event is being hosted in association with Beever and Struthers, Breathe Therapies, CG Professional, Lancashire Mind, Nugent Santé, Physiofusion, The Landmark, The University of Central Lancashire and VEKA UK