Even before the Covid 19 pandemic started, the pressure on primary care services was already high; contributing to increased levels of sickness absence and sadly, even causing some people to leave the service. That pressure increased during the pandemic, when primary care staff kept working to support the general population, and even now, post-pandemic, the demand on our NHS workers continues to increase. But – as this episode explores – Manchester’s primary care staff who are experiencing high levels of stress and fatigue can now find support through the organisation’s Health and Wellbeing pr ..read more

Continuing on the theme of social prescribing link workers, this episode focuses on those who specifically help children and young people to access health and wellbeing services in their community; a key area of need given the increasing issues relating to the mental wellbeing of our younger people that are regularly spotlighted. Charlotte Leonhardsen returns and is joined this time by Rosie Luery – a Young Person Social Prescribing Link Worker – and Joseph Campbell – a Young Person Pathway Team Leader. Both Rosie and Joe are from Be Well, the social prescribing service for Manchester.  S ..read more

In this episode we highlight the vital work of our social prescribing link workers, who are trained to identify and support all those non-medical reasons why a person might be experiencing a dip in their general health and wellbeing. Nicola Spiby-Roberts – the Social Prescribing Operations Manager at Wellbeing Matters in Salford - and Charlotte Leonhardsen – who leads on social prescribing within the recently formed NHS Greater Manchester – explain how social ills, such as loneliness or poverty, can’t be fixed by doctors or medicine, but can be helped by local activities or services. See omnys ..read more

In this episode we’re joined again by Rusty Carroll – NHS leader, clinician and PTSD survivor – to explore the role a leader plays in ensuring the wellbeing of teams and individuals at work. And as Rusty explains, a little extra attention can go a very long way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

As a line manager do you feel confident talking to a member of staff about their mental health and wellbeing? As a staff member, how valuable would it be to speak to your manager about how your feeling, especially if they were able to help in a practical way? And, as an individual, how aware are you of what’s happening with your own mental health and wellbeing? Created with guidance from line managers and staff in the Greater Manchester area, Touch 10 is here to stimulate open and honest conversations … and provide a way of tracking your own mental wellbeing … with the  aim of nipping pot ..read more

Over the past few years the signs of deterioration in the health and mental wellbeing of frontline dentistry staff have increased. This episode outlines some of the work that has been undertaken through a programme to develop a network of Health and Wellbeing Champions; not only supporting our staff but also having a positive effect on our patients who may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Our guest is Beverley Moorhouse, Dental Education Programme Manager at Health Education England. Follow HEE North West on Twitter: @NHSHEE_NWest   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

What does resilience mean to you? It’s a term often used in the healthcare sector, especially in the last few years as we’ve dealt with the pandemic. Lynn Marsland’s guest for this episode is Lucy Martin, a GP in the West Midlands who has carried out research into resilience – specifically in General Practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

If you’re feeling even a little bit run down at the moment, just listening to the voice of today’s guest will help you unwind.       Ian Rigg is a mindfulness and meditation expert. He’s been talking to our host Lynn Marsland about what inspired his mindfulness journey and giving you some simple, practical tips to help you unwind – both at work and in your personal life. If you would like to find out more go to https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more

As part of the GM Health & Wellbeing Podcast series, we have created a mini-series of discussions exploring the topics that you have told us matter to you. In this last special episode, GM Wellbeing Toolkit creator Sheni Ravji-Smith is joined by Dr Cath Munro, who has been working as a GP in Stockport for the last 17 years. Cath shares her insights about how we can look after ourselves through menopause in the workplace, and the things that we might want to pay attention to keep ourselves well. You can find more information about the Menopause support and resources available in the GM Well ..read more

Trigger warning: this episode deals with suicide and bereavement.  As part of this wider Health and Wellbeing podcast, we have created a mini-series of discussions exploring the topics that you have told us matter to you. It’s hosted by GM Wellbeing Toolkit creator Sheni Ravji-Smith and in this episode she’s joined by Bereavement and Suicide Prevention lead Adele Owen. Adele shares insights into the impact bereavement, grief and suicide may have on us personally or professionally – and what we can do to find help. Remember to speak with someone if you are struggling with grief or suicidal ..read more