Lancashire Mind to host virtual Wellbeing at Work Conference 2022

Mental health charity, Lancashire Mind, has confirmed keynote speakers and current themes for its fifth annual Wellbeing at Work Conference to support positive workplace mental health and wellbeing across Lancashire.

Held virtually on Thursday 3 February, businesses are invited to hear keynote speakers challenge stigmas around mental health within the workplace, share best practice and address key mental health themes for 2022.

Expert speakers include Dr Paula Holland, senior lecturer in public health at Lancaster University Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at national mental health charity, Mind; and Sarah Jane Cale of Positive Menopause.

Dr Paula Holland will explore the challenges and opportunities that homeworking and hybrid working pose for the workforce, focussing on remote and hybrid working in better supporting the employment, health and wellbeing of disabled people at work.

Dr Holland said: “One in five people in the UK have a disability, including mental health conditions or physical impairments, which can impact their ability to work. While many employers refused homeworking before the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of working from home, and more recently hybrid working, during the pandemic can offer disabled workers greater flexibility and autonomy over the way they work, which is important for their health, wellbeing, recruitment and job retention. We will explore the challenges and benefits of the past 18 months, and what businesses can learn from this time of change.”

Also speaking is Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at national mental health charity, Mind, who has played a pivotal role in helping to position mental health in the workplace as a key priority for employers and Government.

Emma said: “1 in 4 people experience poor mental health and the pandemic has undoubtedly raised significant challenges for business leaders and employees, when it comes to workplace wellbeing and mental health.

“Many organisations are struggling to navigate today’s turbulent landscape and understand exactly what they can, and should, be doing to support employees’ overall wellbeing. It is crucial that businesses ensure they have the correct policies and procedures in place, regardless of size or sector.”

Emma added: “We will share insight and practical tips as how best to support anxieties around returning to the workplace, transitioning to hybrid working and useful tools for supporting colleagues’ wellbeing.”

Ben Goode, CEO of LSI Architects, will also share how his company won Mind’s 2020/2021 Wellbeing Index Gold Award Company of the Year award, sharing practical wellbeing changes for businesses to implement.

Other themes include menopause and the workplace, and gambling addictions and mental health.

Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind said: “Workplace mental health has never been more important. Understanding the current state of your workforce’s health and wellbeing is absolutely vital in protecting staff productivity, retention and overall staff engagement.

“This year’s annual conference will explore how best to connect virtual teams, forge new hybrid working practices, encourage mindfulness exercises and highlight key mental health themes for 2022.”

Tommy added: “Lancashire Mind believes all colleagues of all seniorities deserve to have access to mental health and wellbeing support. We are encouraging businesses across the county to make 2022 the year of prioritising mental health within the workplace.”

Tickets are £60 for the day and can be purchased via https://bit.ly/workplaceconf22

photo caption:Dr Paula Holland