Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Staying Well at Work project has been highly commended in the prestigious Society of Occupational Medicine Occupational Health Awards 2021.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Council led, Staying Well at Work (SWAW) project was established in 2018 and is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. Staying Well at Work was specifically designed to meet the needs of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Rhondda Cynon Taf and aims to help individuals in work locally who may benefit from the planned interventions.
The dedicated team were highly commended in the Outstanding Occupational Health Team Award category and the judges particularly noted the project for its high-quality application and outstanding work in the field.
As a multi-disciplinary collaborative team covering both business and people support, counselling and therapeutic support, physiotherapy and occupational health advice, the Project team seek to make a difference to those individuals and businesses that they work with putting health and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.
The psychological and physical wellbeing of the area was identified as an area of high risk because of the impact of Storm Dennis, high Covid related death rates and from increasing delays in accessing both primary and secondary care. Staying Well at Work set up a telephone helpline during lockdown and have worked collaboratively with Living Life to the Full and St Oswald’s Hospice to develop community-based workshops around mental health and wellbeing, bereavement as well as education and exercise programmes for chronic joint pain.
They rapidly adapted delivery models to include telephone, Attend Anywhere, and Rehab My Patient whilst maintaining face to face appointments in Covid secure environments. The team responded with compassion and dedication, rising to the challenge of maintaining and developing services in a community setting, addressing the fears and concerns of the community ensuring excellent care and support in an on-going time of need, whilst providing the same level of care and support to each other.
Cllr Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of RCT Council and Cabinet member for Council Business, said:
“I would like to congratulate the team for their commendation and thank them for their hard work and dedication to helping those who have been struggling over the last few months. The team has provided a lifeline to many individuals and businesses at a time of great need and I’m delighted that their work has been recognised and highlighted on such a prestigious platform.
“Well-done to them all and keep up the good work!”
Alison Smith, Staying Well at Work Project Lead added:
“I would like to thank all the team for the hard work they have put into supporting our clients during what has been an extremely challenging time for everyone and for their compassion and dedication which has contributed to making a difference to our local community. Your work has been life changing for some and is truly valued”
If you are employed or self-employed, and either live or work in Rhondda Cynon Taf for a small business of less than 250 employees, the Staying Well at Work Team are here to help.
For further information on how Staying Well at Work can support you or your business (subject to eligibility) please contact us on 01443 827317 or email us at stayingwellatwork@rctcbc.gov.uk
Posted on 09/02/2022