Awards success for Trust wellbeing sessions
Wellbeing sessions at the Trust have seen NHS staff stress levels drop.
96% of employees who took part in the sessions have said they now have lower stress levels and sleep better.
The staff wellbeing sessions focus on functional breathwork and movement. The sessions are going to be celebrated at the Working Well Conference and Awards 2025. The awards ceremony is on 14 October at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge.
The awards show the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace. They share best practice and inspirational success stories. It recognises people's achievements.
Revolutionary breathwork sessions
The NHS employs over 1.5 million staff. Mental health issues such as stress account for 25 to 27% of sickness absences. The sessions will help to improve sickness rates for Trust employees.
The sessions run over 4 weeks and are delivered in person and online. This is to allow for instant stress relief during face-to-face sessions and longer-lasting benefits online.
The sessions blend breathwork, movement, and evidence-based behaviour change.
They support NHS staff to regulate their nervous system, improve sleep and focus. Staff report that they feel more grounded, even in high-pressure environments.
Exploring the benefits
Lucy McCormick is a sports and exercise technician for the Trust. She runs the wellbeing sessions. Lucy had a positive experience with breathwork. She wanted to share the benefits with her colleagues.
Lucy commented:
"I looked into functional breathwork after experiencing a period of stress. I was interested in its benefits for sports performance. I found it effective for reducing stress and helping me to sleep better.
"I felt driven by the benefits. In 2023, I signed up to breathwork training. As a health and wellbeing champion, I thought it could help my colleagues."
Functional breathwork is a science-based approach. It uses nasal breathing and engaging the diaphragm to ensure proper breathing. Benefits of functional breathwork include:
- improved physical health
- stress and anxiety management
- better sleep quality
- enhanced mental focus
Lucy adds:
"We had great feedback from staff. They report feelings of calm, reduced stress, and improved focus. Many fell asleep during the sessions! It shows breathwork's potential as a wellbeing tool."
Speaking about the awards ceremony, Lucy commented:
"We are excited that our breathwork and movement programme will be recognised at the Working Well Conference and Awards! We are looking forward to meeting others who are delivering inspiring workplace programmes."