WCVA’s David Cook and Amanda Harvey-Cooke examine the benefits of supporting Hapus.
WCVA’S PLEDGE
WCVA is proud to support the Hapus initiative, a movement to spark conversations and action around mental wellbeing.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. In support of Hapus, WCVA pledges to:
- Encourage our staff, and volunteers across Wales, to embrace the Hapus ‘5 Ways to Happiness’ – Connecting, Learning, Being Active, Giving, and Taking Notice and lead by example to inspire others.
- Empower our people to collaborate with communities and organisations across Wales to create inclusive, supportive environments that foster mental wellbeing.
- Provide ongoing opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning, equipping our team to make meaningful contributions to the Hapus movement.
- Foster a culture of kindness, gratitude and mindfulness within WCVA, extending these values to our interactions with partners, communities and the people of Wales.
WELLBEING OPPORTUNITIES AT WCVA
We’re committed to creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment for our staff.
We’ve plenty of options to help WCVA staff improve their wellbeing, including:
- Flexible working: Staff can adapt their schedules to create a better balance between work and personal life.
- Hybrid and remote working: Options to work from home help reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
- ‘My Possible Self’ App: A digital tool offering self-help strategies for mental wellness.
- CareFirst: A service providing counselling, wellness webinars and financial guidance.
- A health cash plan: to help staff with costs around dentistry, opticians, physiotherapy and more.
- Potluck Lunches: These encourage social connection and camaraderie among staff.
- Encouraging staff to get outside: We’re keen for staff to get out and go for a walk, and even encourage ‘walking meetings’.
- Wellbeing activities at Staff Day: In 2025, we’ll offer wellbeing and mindfulness activities to help staff refocus and de-stress.
- Board game sessions: A fun way to foster connection and relaxation in the staff lunch area.
- Macmillan Coffee Mornings: Supporting a great cause while promoting social interaction.
- Time to Talk Day activities: Encouraging open discussions about mental health.
- Lunch with a view Photo Competition: Encouraging staff to go outdoors and take photo’s of where they lunch.
- Drop-in Sessions in North Wales: Providing accessible support and connection for staff in the region.
- Happiness: Staff are asked about their general level of happiness in our staff survey.
IDEAS FOR FURTHER INITIATIVES
To strengthen our commitment to mental wellbeing, WCVA is considering several new initiatives, including, organising volunteering opportunities for staff during Volunteers’ Week to boost morale and community engagement. WCVA are also considering hosting healthy eating events and introducing a subsidised weekly fruit scheme for the office, arranging vegan and gluten-free events to promote inclusive dietary options and monthly yoga and relaxation classes.
Some of the other new initiatives, include:
- Line Managers are soon to be given training in empathetic support.
- Planning outdoor activities during warmer months to encourage physical activity and fresh air breaks.
- Encouraging staff-led hobby clubs, in person and virtually, to foster community and shared interests.
- Implementing awareness campaigns to highlight different aspects of mental health and wellbeing.
- Emphasising the importance of regular breaks and encouraging staff to take all their annual leave throughout the year.
- Exploring the feasibility of a four-day working week to improve work-life balance.
- Allowing staff an additional day of leave on their birthday.
A CULTURE OF WELLBEING
A commitment to mental wellbeing is embedded in WCVA’s culture. We also recognised that our people can often feel pressure to deliver consistent and high standards of work. We cannot eliminate all workplace pressures, but we can create the right environment for people to do their jobs well and able to maintain a feeling of wellbeing while working for WCVA. We want staff to feel safe to speak up about their wellbeing and encourage conversations with line managers or our people team. By actively promoting and implementing these initiatives, we hope to create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued and empowered to prioritise their mental health.
Through Hapus, we’re committed to providing resources, support and opportunities to improve the mental health of our staff.
Together, we’ll make a lasting impact on mental wellbeing and champion a healthier, happier future for everybody.