The Work
Health Hub

The Work Health Hub is an online platform for organisations, that will support them driving positive mental health and wellbeing forward in their workplace. 

Mission

The mission of the Work Health Hub is to empower and support everyone in the workplace to create a culture that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.

Background

The University of Derby was successful in becoming a partner in becoming a partner in the Mental Health and Productivity (MHPP) in July 2019. The main aim of MHPP is to reduce absence and presenteeism related to poor mental health and reduce the stigma and discrimination around mental health in the workplace.

MHPP has worked with organisations across the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area (D2N2), Stoke and Staffordshire and the Marches supporting them to integrate effective health and wellbeing interventions into their workplace, influencing culture, employee engagement and productivity. 

Several gaps have been identified in existing wellbeing provision, including:

  • Ongoing support for mental health first aiders, managers and HR professionals 
  • Accessibility to mental health resources
  • Awareness and understanding of the variety of wellbeing issues that may impact on the workforce and support available 
  • Connectivity for businesses on their wellbeing journey
  • Awareness of experts in the field that can support wellbeing provision 

The Work Health Hub will draw upon our experience working with organisations across a variety of sectors and provide:

  • Up to date research and recommendations in the field of mental health in the workplace
  • Practical resources for managers, leaders, mental health first aiders and HR professionals, enabling them to support staff effectively 
  • An active wellbeing community for businesses to share best practice, common challenges, explore new and emerging initiatives 
  • Online events throughout the year, presenting a panel of expert speakers, with the aim of raising awareness of different issues that may impact on the workforce
  • Access to experts/academics in the field through our support directory 
  • A learning community with practical resources, tools and information
  • Consultancy opportunities for knowledge exchange 

For the University of Derby, specifically, the Work Health Hub will provide:

  • Income generation from annual membership, business introduction agreements, online courses and consultancy
  • Opportunities to get involved with university research, demonstrating impact on business growth, productivity and sustainability 
  • Alignment with our strategic focus, supporting core areas of academic excellence, including public service, business, economic and social policy
  • Knowledge exchange opportunities for academics to work alongside business, sharing knowledge, expertise, research and impact
  • New opportunities for student placements in mental health nursing, investing in the next generation
  • Additional opportunities for strategic partnerships
  • Further exposure of and engagement with the wealth of employer engagement initiatives the University has to offer

The Work Health Hub is underpinned by 6 pillars

 

Learning Community

A learning community, housing research, resources and practical tools to support you in your quest to build a resilient and engaged workforce. 

Online Courses 

Access to our new, 10-module, self-led course, 'leading wellbeing at work,' guiding you through a clear process to ensure you keep mental health on your agenda and support your staff in an effective way. Members will also have access to a range of courses that will enhance their knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

Events

4 online events during the year, drawing upon the latest research, and hosted by professional guest speakers, focusing on different issues that employees may be presented with, and how you as their employer can support them.

Support directory

Bringing together experts in the field and useful contact details for organisations who can support mental health and wellbeing.

News and research

Presenting the latest news and research in the field of mental health. This will also link our academics and researchers into organisations, acting as a conduit for knowledge exchange.

Solution finder

A solution finder where you can post questions and challenges you may be facing, enabling our online panel of experts in the mental health and wellbeing field, to offer potential solutions, and liaise with you directly to drive this forward.

Membership

These prices will be reviewed in January 2024.

Get involved

If you have an interest in mental health, wellbeing, business growth, productivity and sustainability, and want to get involved, please contact Kate Wood - MHPP and Work Health Hub Manager, k.wood3@derby.ac.uk and Nardia O'Connor - MHPP and Work Health Hub Project Support, n.oconnor@derby.ac.uk 

A black and white image of a lady smiling

Kate Wood
Project Manager Mental Health and Productivity Pilot

Kate works in the Research & Knowledge Exchange Office and brings over 20 years experience in business development and management, specialising in the area of mental health. A drive for positive mental wellbeing in all sectors is at the heart of her role and she feels honoured to lead the project.

Email
K.Wood3@derby.ac.uk

Nardia O'Connor
Work Health Hub & Mental Health & Productivity Pilot - Project Development

Nardia is part of the Research & Knowledge Exchange Team and works on the Work Health Hub project as well as the Mental Health & Productivity Pilot Project. She is passionate about positively supporting those struggling with mental ill health and working towards breaking the associated stigma.

Email
n.oconnor@derby.ac.uk