Sunflower initiative launched to support staff’s wellbeing

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) Sunflowers for Staff Well-being initiative was launched across the health board in May, to support staff well-being

The scheme is part of the wellbeing champions initiative which is funded by NHS Charities together. The aim is to  encourage staff across the health board to grow sunflowers, to take advantage of the benefits of being outdoors, to take notice and learn about nature, and to create some positive conversations within and across teams, all of which contribute to our five ways to wellbeing.

Five Ways to Wellbeing includes connecting with people, being active, taking note of the world around us, continuous learning and giving. It is recommended by public health professionals that the Five Ways of Wellbeing is incorporated in our daily life to improve well-being.

Paul Harries, Play Specialist in Angharad Ward, Bronglais Hospital said: “The Sunflowers for Wellbeing initiative has been very popular amongst the team of staff on Angharad Ward.

“As Wellbeing Champions for the ward, my colleague Sian Davies and I decided to provide ward staff with not just the seeds, but a whole pack of items – compost, a pot, a label and stick to grow the sunflowers to enable them to plant their seeds at home.

“We’ve all enjoyed growing the sunflowers and the initiative has been a constant topic of discussion, both at work and on our ward WhatsApp group! We’ve also created a display on the children’s ward with photographs of different staff member’s sunflowers showing how they’re progressing.

“The initiative has given staff a focus of conversation that’s non-work-related, allowed us to share progress and tips on growing both in the staff room and on social media, and has engaged staff who perhaps wouldn’t usually grow plants or spend much time in the garden. This has all definitely helped the wellbeing of everyone involved, both as individuals and as a team.

Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda UHB said: “We are delighted that our wellbeing champions have been successful in securing the funding to get this initiative off the ground and achieving their goal. It is great to see that our staff are connecting with nature and supporting their wellbeing in the process.”