College shines a light on wellbeing and equality during one day roadshow

Staff from the Eastern Education Group in Bury St Edmunds took part in a day of equality diversity inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing activities as part of a one day roadshow.

Around 500 employees who work at Abbeygate Sixth Form College, West Suffolk College and University Studies at West Suffolk College took part.

Sessions gave staff fresh insights on a range of subjects and included talks on the menopause and neurodiversity.

Everyone was given free food that was purchased by the group from a company called The Latin Table.

In addition to this, creative workshops took place relating to art therapy and cupcake making.

Reflexology and hypnotherapy professionals were in attendance as were a number of guest speakers and industry professionals including Nuffield Health and the NHS.

One of the organisers was Stuart Henty - the HR manager of wellbeing and development for the Eastern Education Group. Stuart said; “This is part of our ongoing programme of EDI and wellbeing roadshows across the group. We had a range of activities that took place during a professional development day to support people with their health and wellbeing as well as offering advice and guidance in relation to EDI.”

Stuart added: “We spend so much time at work and we need to take time to focus on our wellbeing and health and this was what the event was essentially about - everyone really engaged with the day.”

Jilly Roberts is the course director of level one art and design and she helped oversee a number of drawing sessions. Jilly said: “I created some sketch and smile sessions where people tried out lots of different drawing styles and it was about having lots of fun. There was lots of smiles - this was a good way of reaching out and meeting new people and coming together through art.”

Jannath Mostafa is a partnership and senior employer engagement executive for Reed. Jannath said: “I talked to employees based around their wellbeing and finances, and reassured them that there is a lot of support available.”

In terms of wellbeing advice Jannath added: “Put yourself first is my advice in terms of ensuring your wellbeing in the workplace.”

Emma Palmer works for Emma’s Little Cake Shop and we are based in Bury. Emma said: “I’ve been baking for 25 years and doing this professionally for three. Today we have been making cakes and it’s been brilliant. I think work life balance is important in ensuring your wellbeing.”

Elise Plant is a physiologist at Nuffield health. Elis said:  “We talked to people about how they can improve their blood pressure. The event is promoting good health for everybody and I think the more we look after our health – the less pressure we put on the care system.”

Andy Barton also came attended. Andy is a team leader for Suffolk Wellbeing Service and works with people who are 16 and above, helping them cope with stress, anxiety and depression by encouraging them to make small changes in their life to help with their recovery.

Andy said: “We tried to get to as many people as possible and it’s been good. My advice is to others is always try and find a way of communicating. That is a great place to start in terms of wellbeing.”

Kirsty Winterton is the company director of cyclone works and she also came along. Kirsty used old LPs, a bike and paint to create art that is in the style of ‘a Damien Hirst’ that people take away in a pizza box.