The 4th annual conference of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network takes place at the Swindon Marriott on Monday 15th October and aims to support local businesses with keeping their staff healthy and productive in these difficult economic times.  This year’s event has also received the backing of the recently formed “Influence” which provides a collective voice to Swindon businesses.

Since it was formed in 2008 the Swindon Mindful Employer Network has provided support and advice to many local employers from all sectors on issues relating to mental health and well-being.  Attendance has quickly mushroomed and the regular events are now a firm favourite in the Swindon  business calendar. Managed by Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire and funded by NHS Swindon, the initiative has received its share of attention outside of the town as well which recently included a mention in the House of Commons.

This year’s conference features David Frost CBE,DL who is Chairman of the National Network of Local Enterprise Partnerships and former Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce who co-authored an independent government report on sickness absence.

There will be a special feature with Nicola Oliver of the Centre for Mental Health who will be interviewed by BBC Wiltshire’s Mark Jones on her experience of mental illness and the implications this had on her life and career.

Nicola says of her appearance in Swindon:

“I have heard a lot about the Swindon Mindful Employer Network and how popular the network conferences are.  I am looking forward to speaking at the Swindon Marriott in October and meeting the town’s business people and employers.  I hope to share some experiences and advice with delegates which can help with issues surrounding mental health at work – a subject which is gaining increasing importance in these difficult economic times.”


Also taking part will be John Gilbert who is Board Director Commissioning at Swindon Borough Council, Adrian Embling of Richmond Fellowship WorkLife, Mark Jones of BBC Wiltshire and Melanie Richens who is the current Chair of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network.

For the third time in a row the event is being hosted by BBC Points West presenter Ali Vowles.

Ali says of her involvement in the network :

“These conferences are so important !! I am fascinated by the speakers that come along each year.  We hear a lot more on the subject of mental health and well-being at work these days and I think people are starting to realise just how essential all of this is.”

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