The Time Out for Wellbeing Program was delivered with We Care as a 6 month pilot running to March 2023. The pilot offered all Facilities and Estates staff the chance to opt in to scheduled health and wellbeing activities to improve physical and mental health for individuals and teams.  A wide range of activities were offered. The initiative’s objectives were to:

• Improve health and wellbeing of staff in Facilities and Estates
• Provide educational opportunities around health & wellbeing
• Provide information and signposting to health & wellbeing activities
• Help staff to develop long-term habits for healthier lifestyles

We recognised that our staff were spread over a large geographic area, so whilst there were some face to face activities during the Time Out for Wellbeing pilot, many activities were online.  Along with the timetable of activities there was an opt-in form where staff could indicate the activity they wished to participate in, and request line manager approval. This was so line managers could assess service cover, ensure equity and know their team’s whereabouts.  All the wellbeing activities were structured with facilitators; activities included wellbeing walks, financial planning, yoga, breathing, smoking cessation, guided journaling, as well as many more.  In general terms, the proposal was that staff could request a half hour activity a week/2 hours a month.  Part-time staff would be pro rata.

We are delighted to now be able to share the report (pdf) from the project for your information, if you have any queries please contact us via gram.wecare@nhs.scot