Duchy Health Charity Health & Wellbeing Conference and Awards

A line-up of exceptional speakers included: Sarah Newton – Chair of HSE; Professor Dame Carol Black, Government Advisor and Chair of the Centre for Ageing Better and Chair of Centre for Homelessness Impact; Professor Anthony Woolf – speaking on Musculoskeletal Health; Dr. Alison Flanagan, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine;  Matthew Thomson, WorkWell Consultant, ICB; and Kate Mitchell, Relationship and Strategic Director, Age UK Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

The event covered different aspects of ‘working well’ and what is needed to promote health and wellbeing, prevent health problems arising in the workplace and how to support people in work with health conditions.

Barbara Vann, Chair of Duchy Health Charity said:

“We were thrilled to welcome an inspiring line-up of speakers and leading experts who shared insights into national and emerging priorities in the ‘Health and Work’ field.

The programme offered valuable opportunities to learn from local examples of best practice – celebrating the incredible work happening right here in our communities.

Awards were presented to 23 organisations that demonstrated high levels of commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of employees including:  Coastline Housing, Cornwall VSF, Cornwall Rural Community Council, Nancealverne School, Phoneta, Stephens Scown and Whyfield.

Professor Anthony Woolf – Trustee of Duchy Health Charity and keynote speaker said:

“The conference communicated what good practice looks like and showcased examples from across Cornwall, with awards presented to organisations who are really demonstrating what ‘working well’ looks like. It was an opportunity for employers of all sizes from across Cornwall to share their challenges and demonstrate their achievements and ambitions in the areas of improving health and wellbeing for people of working age. 

Barbara continued:

“Duchy Health Charity would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the event possible, especially our dedicated Award Assessment Panel: John Brown – Chief Executive, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce; Rachel Wigglesworth – Director of Public Health (Interim) at Surrey County Council; Professor Antony Woolf – Duchy Health Charity Trustee & MSK Expert; Jade Hanson – NHS Team Manager, Children & Young People Eating Disorder Service; and Olivia Miller – Duchy Health Charity Trustee & Associate, Stephens Scown.

We are also grateful to the many local business networks who helped promote our event and champion health and wellbeing in the workplace across Cornwall.”

Professor Dame Carol Black said:

“Health and wellbeing in the workplace has never been more important.  At the moment, our country is going through a difficult period of economic inactivity and rising numbers of people experiencing ill-health which limits their capacity to work.  We need to do all we can to keep people well and happy in their jobs, ensuring a healthy workplace culture and appropriate interventions.”