South Kensington & Chelsea Community Hub raise money for CNWL NHS Health Charity

On 28 September 2024, staff members from the South Kensington and Chelsea Community Mental Health Hub embarked on the Thames Bridges Trek as one of many initiatives to raise money for the CNWL NHS Health Charity.

As part of staff wellbeing initiatives at the community mental health hub, a sub-group of staff have been meeting regularly to strengthen relationships between themselves as a team and to also have the opportunity to network with each other outside of work. Joanna James initiated the wellbeing project at the South Kensington and Chelsea Community Mental Health Hub during her time on the 21 Century Leadership Programme (21CLP). On the programme, Joanna mentioned that self-compassion and compassionate staff support were emphasised as “crucial elements in the work environment”.

“Based on these principles, I initiated the staff well-being project not only to support my team, but also to prioritise my own health and wellbeing as their manager.  I recognised that many staff members were struggling with high workloads, stress, and the lack of regular breaks, which was affecting both their professional performance and overall mental health” Joanna continued. “By implementing practical changes such as, more flexible working hours, dedicated wellbeing spaces, a staff compliments box, and team-building activities, I aim to foster a positive workplace culture where both staff and managers can thrive both personally and professionally.”

The Thames Bridge Trek consisted of 12 major bridges over the River Thames. Starting from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge, the trek was 8.5km long in total. The weather was great for the trek as the day before it was raining heavily. A total of £275 was raised by the sub-group for the CNWL NHS Health Charity. Reflecting on the day, Joanna James said: “As part of my commitment to staff well-being, I organized a team walk to encourage everyone to step away from the office, be active, and connect outside of the work environment.  It was a great opportunity to bond, enjoy the outdoors, and raise funds for our well-being room, which will further support a positive and healthy workplace”.

Sofia Jorge, who also helped organise the walked, said: “It was a really enjoyable day out with colleagues with lots of chats and laughs shared. I felt so proud that we supported each other to the finish line of Thames Bridges Trek and that we are promoting our staff well-being initiative that prioritising our wellbeing in the workplace is incredibly important. Following the walk, I felt relaxed and recharged ready for Monday!”

The team at South Kensington and Chelsea Community Mental Health Hub also awarded £700 to support the setup of a wellbeing hub at Kensington & Chelsea Community Mental Health Hub. This will help in the purchase of massage chairs, beverage machines, books, magazines, puzzles, bean bags, and other similar amenities.

Well done to Joanna, Sofia and the rest of the team involved in this wellbeing initiative and fundraiser. We hope to see many more of activities that unite staff and raise money for great causes!