June Shining Star: Groundwork

Groundwork supports local communities through thousands of projects each year. Groundwork are well-established within the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) and have now reached Maintaining Excellence level for three years! Read all about their journey below.

Why did you decide to sign up to the BHAWA?

Groundwork North East & Cumbria signed up to the Better Health at Work Award because we are committed to creating a healthy, supportive workplace where staff wellbeing is a priority. While we have always promoted a positive work-life balance and healthy working environment, the BHAWA provides a structured framework to formalise and enhance the support we offer our employees.

By taking part, we aim to further encourage healthier habits, reduce stress, and boost morale across the organisation. The award also helps demonstrate to our funders, partners, and the communities we serve that we take health and wellbeing seriously—not just externally, but within our own teams too.

Ultimately, BHAWA supports our goal of providing a workplace culture that is inclusive, responsive to staff needs, and aligned with our values as a community-focused organisation.

How do you find that the award benefits the organisation, and its employees?

Being part of the award has helped us take things to the next level, making sure our approach to staff health is consistent, inclusive, and truly embedded in our workplace culture.

For our staff, the BHAWA has sparked more conversation around wellbeing and created real opportunities to take positive action. From mental health support and healthy eating tips to wellbeing challenges and awareness events, we’ve seen more engagement and enthusiasm around personal health than ever before.

Importantly, it’s not just about individual health—it’s about creating a supportive environment where people feel valued and cared for. That kind of culture boosts morale, reduces stress, and helps everyone feel more connected.

For Groundwork as an employer, the award reinforces our commitment to looking after our people. It supports staff satisfaction, retention, and helped us stand out as an organisation that walks the talk when it comes to wellbeing. It also strengthens our relationships with funders and partners by showing that we take health seriously—not only in the communities we serve, but within our own walls too.

Ultimately, the BHAWA is more than just an award to us, it is a practical way to live out our values and make Groundwork North East & Cumbria a better place to work, every day.

What kind of activities have you organised in line with the award so far?

Here's a glimpse into our 2025 activities:

Nature and Wellbeing Initiatives

• World Bee Day Celebration: In May, we commemorated World Bee Day by highlighting the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. Staff participated in educational sessions about bees' contributions to biodiversity and healthy food systems.

• Green Spaces Engagement: We've encouraged staff to engage with nature through lunchtime walks and gardening activities, promoting mental relaxation and physical activity.

• Health Checks: We ran a campaign to remind staff the importance of regular eye tests and how they can access a free test and support towards paying for glasses.

  
  

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

• Nutrition Workshops: We hosted sessions focusing on balanced diets, understanding food labels, and meal prepping, empowering staff to make informed dietary choices.

• Healthy Recipe Sharing: Employees encouraged to share and discover nutritious recipes, fostering a community around healthy eating.

  
  

Mental Health and Resilience

• Mindfulness Sessions: Regular mindfulness and meditation sessions have been introduced to help staff manage stress and enhance focus.

• Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: We've organised campaigns to destigmatise mental health discussions, providing resources and support for those in need. Focusing on Neurodiversity Celebration and Mental Health Awareness Week

• International Women's Day: To mark the day, Groundwork refreshed and circulating guidance on Menopause and Menstrual Health at Work and is encouraging everyone to use this guidance as a basis to #AcceleratingAction this years theme.

Encouraging Physical Activity

• Step Challenges: Company-wide step challenges have been initiated to motivate staff to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

• Active Commuting Incentives: Employees are encouraged to walk or cycle to work, with incentives provided for those who participate regularly.

  
  

Community and Social Engagement

• Volunteer Days: Staff have been given opportunities to volunteer in local community projects, strengthening our ties with the community and promoting a sense of purpose.

• Team Building Activities: Regular team events have been organized to foster camaraderie and a supportive workplace culture.

  
  

These initiatives reflect our holistic approach to employee wellbeing, recognising that physical health, mental resilience, and community engagement are all integral to a thriving workforce. 

On 7th June we had our Water in Our World Day! This also linked with our Green Doctor Service that we offer to staff which helps them to learn ways of staying warm, reducing energy bills, and improving their overall wellbeing.

This event provided staff with an opportunity to connect with nature, reduce stress through meaningful interaction, and build stronger relationships with colleagues and the community.

Activities included:

•  Build your own floating LEGO ecosystem – inspired by the real one on the River Tyne!

•  Discover the amazing world of wild oyster reintroduction and its impact on the North Sea.

•  Learn how we can manage rainwater in rivers and cities to protect nature and our communities.

•  Get hands-on with watery wildlife through arts, crafts, and more!