Staff Lottery funding was recently secured to support a one-off yoga session for the Pharmacy Team at University Hospital Llandough.
Following a period of vacancies, staff shortages, and the pandemic having curtailed previous social activities, members of staff at the Pharmacy Department had few chances to socialise outside of work hours. The team had collectively suggested to organise a yoga and staff wellbeing session for a morning in June 2024.
The morning yoga session provided a chance for staff to bond and socialise outside of work, while participating in an activity that benefited their physical and mental wellbeing. This session boosted morale and inspired colleagues to continue exploring ways to improve their health and wellbeing, potentially positively impacting their work.
Laura Humphrey and Caroline Sutton from the Pharmacy Department said: “The feedback from the event has been really positive – 11 members of the pharmacy team attended the yoga and mindfulness wellbeing session which was rather good for a 7.45am start for a voluntary event!”
“Staff appreciated the opportunity to experience something new as many were new to yoga and mindfulness. It also allowed the team to see each other outside of the usual day to day responsibilities which has hopefully helped to develop better working relations. We hope this is the start of more social and wellbeing events for the team in the coming months.”
Pharmacy Team colleague, Wan Yee Lee, said: “Thanks for organising. It was a great start to the day.”
You can apply for Staff Lottery funding for your department if your project aligns with any of the following themes:
- Improving patient and staff environment, including art and other aesthetic and other improvements
- Improving patient dignity, respect and experience including amenity improvements and cultural awareness
- Promotion of health and wellbeing
- Promotion of quality and safety
To find out how to apply, please visit https://healthcharity.wales/hospital-staff/how-to-apply-for-funding/ or email fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk if you have any queries.