Mindful Employer celebrates conference success in Swindon

A packed conference room at the local hotel enjoyed presentations from a variety of speakers including Nicola Oliver of the Centre for Mental Health and David Frost CBE, DL who is Chairman of the National Network of Local Enterprise Partnerships and is co-author with Dame Carol Black of "Health at Work - An Independent Review of Sickness Absence" which was commissioned by Government last year.

David Frost says of the conference:

“I was very pleased to visit Swindon and take part in this event. I am surprised and encouraged by how well attended the conference was and the superb support given by businesses to this important effort. Mental health and well-being is certainly a considerable issue for employers of all sectors.  I wish this initiative continued success in the future”.

Delegates attending from local Swindon employers also heard from John Gilbert - Board Director Commissioning at Swindon Borough Council, Geoff Windle of Lift Psychology Service and Derek Caren the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Richmond Fellowship.

Contributions were also provided by BBC Points West presenter Ali Vowles, network Chair Melanie Richens, BBC broadcaster Mark Jones and Adrian Embling of Richmond Fellowship Work Life.

Derek Caren of the Richmond Fellowship says:

“For me a healthy workforce, is fuel for successful business, and a must for organisations to get right. This event very successfully focussed on building healthier businesses”

The Swindon Marriott hotel supported the event and its manager Adam Flint also took part in the conference.  He says:

“I was delighted to welcome back the Swindon Mindful Employer Network which was launched at the Swindon Marriott in 2009.  It is very gratifying to see this network grow from strength to strength and I am certain we shall welcome everyone back again in the near future.”

The Swindon Mindful Employer Network is managed by Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire and funded by NHS Swindon.  Frances Mayes, Senior Public Health Manager at NHS Swindon says of the conference:

“The conference highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace at a national, local and individual level. I was delighted to see the range of local employers from large, medium and small businesses attending.  Swindon is justifiably proud of the success of the Mindful Employer Network which highlights the benefits of a mentally healthy workforce in relation to productivity and social responsibility.”

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here