Stress Awareness Week 2025: Supporting workforce wellbeing across our Trust
This week (3rd–7th November) marks International Stress Awareness Week 2025. This year’s theme focuses on optimising employee wellbeing through strategic stress management – a reminder that creating a culture of care and support in the workplace benefits everyone.
At Mersey Cares this is central to our mission. Supporting the health and happiness of our NHS colleagues is one of our core charitable objectives, and we have been working hard to introduce charitably-funded wellbeing initiatives across the Trust, which have had some incredible feedback.
Supporting staff wellbeing - at a glance
This year, we have continued to work closely with the Trust’s Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service — a partnership that is proving to be both impactful and inspiring. Together, we are delivering a varied programme of activities designed to support staff wellbeing across Cheshire and Merseyside, offering opportunities to connect, recharge and take meaningful time for self-care. The programme includes a rich mix of creative, physical and nature-based experiences to help support different approaches to managing stress.
Highlights so far include our Wellbeing Through Wildlife social prescribing sessions at Knowsley Safari Park, and our Wellbeing on Wheels mobile wellbeing lounge, which brought relaxation and support directly to staff in their workplace. We have also introduced online mindful origami sessions, which have received fantastic feedback and offer an accessible, calming activity to support stress management and everyday wellbeing.
Looking ahead, we are excited to be launching a new partnership with The Gym Group, which will provide access to personal training sessions both on-site and at Gym Group facilities. This initiative aims to support staff in enhancing physical fitness while also promoting mental wellbeing and resilience as part of a holistic approach to stress management.
"The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service deeply values our partnership with Mersey Cares Charity, whose support has been instrumental in addressing the wellbeing needs of our colleague community during increasingly complex and challenging times. The Mersey Cares team has been exceptional in helping us develop engaging and innovative initiatives that not only meet the evolving needs of our staff but also demonstrate how much we value and care for our workforce."
Read more about we have been supporting staff wellbeing in our new Impact Report which was launched on World Mental Health Day.
More about the initiatives we've funded for staff
Wellbeing Through Wildlife
Our charitably-funded Wellbeing Through Wildlife sessions offer staff the opportunity to spend time away from busy clinical and operational environments, allowing them to reconnect with themselves, each other, and nature in a setting that encourages calm, reflection and balance. Feedback shows that these sessions have helped staff to reset and recharge, while also increasing awareness of the benefits of spending time in nature. Staff are encouraged to continue using the mindfulness techniques introduced during the sessions in their day-to-day routines, supporting ongoing well-being beyond the day itself.
Dr Chris Barker Clinical Lead of Community Pain Service and Clinical Director of Long Covid said about the programme:
"It’s often stated by trusts that they invest in their staff – sometimes without the clarity on how they do things that matter to real people; this really felt the complete antithesis of virtue signalling - it was a great example of an organisation proactively taking staff wellbeing seriously. Well done for getting this so right – and big thanks from a very happy team."
Wellbeing on Wheels
Last year we funded Wellbeing on Wheels — a mobile well-being lounge that travelled to staff across Trust sites. This pop-up mobile space encouraged colleagues to take a moment during the day for rest, breathing space, and stress relief. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with staff describing the experience as uplifting, restorative, and a meaningful reminder that their wellbeing matters.
"The bus was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the mental health initiatives available for Mersey Care staff. It was relaxing experience; great to take a short break and try out the massage chairs! I would 100% visit again."
The bus was also present to support staff in the aftermath of the Southport Attacks. A weeklong residency at Hartley Hospital provided support to 113 staff members who were involved in the community response to the Southport tragedy and personally affected by its traumatic impact.
New for 2025: Online Mindful Origami
We have recently partnered with Origami Pulse CIC to deliver a series of online mindful origami sessions for NHS staff. These monthly sessions, led by Dr Lizzie Burns, have been incredibly popular, offering colleagues a calming space to pause, refocus and learn a new creative skill that supports emotional well-being.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One participant shared, “Thank you so much — really fun and made me smile! It was great to take some time away from a busy day.” Another commented, “This has really helped my stress levels today. I feel so much calmer and more focused after this session.”
These sessions are proving to be a simple yet powerful way to support staff to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves — even on the most demanding days.
How you can help us to help our NHS staff
If you would like to play a part in supporting the wellbeing of our incredible NHS staff, you can support with a one-time donation or even become a 'Friend of Mersey Cares' and give regularly. Our fundraising enables us to continue to invest in programmes that support wellbeing, relieve stress and show our teams how valued they truly are.
