Positive activities to help improve physical and mental health
NHS Ayrshire and Arran are putting staff wellbeing at the heart of their culture through a series of creative and inclusive wellbeing events. From a full World Wellbeing Week to tailored Ward Wellbeing Sessions, the initiative gives staff time and space to focus on themselves; boosting morale, encouraging healthy habits, and showing that their wellbeing truly matters.
Listening to staff, shaping support together
The idea was simple but powerful: create opportunities for staff to take a break from their busy working day and engage in activities that support both physical and mental health. The team designed a mix of drop-in and bookable sessions, timed to coincide with breaks and early afternoons. Online options ensured staff working remotely could also take part.
In one ward, the Charge Nurse wanted to do something meaningful for their team but wasn’t sure where to start. The solution? Ask the staff directly. Their feedback shaped the content of the wellbeing sessions, ensuring relevance and engagement.
Overcoming challenges with creativity and collaboration
Running events during the working day was a challenge, especially with no dedicated budget. The team successfully secured a small amount of endowment funding and were supported by facilitators who volunteered their time.
For the ward sessions, it was difficult to secure speakers for every session – but the team adapted and made it work.
Real impact for staff, patients, and the organisation
For staff: The events gave people permission to pause, reflect, and recharge. Staff felt heard and valued, especially in the ward sessions where their input shaped the content. One key success was rostering staff to attend, which removed the barrier of finding time.
For patients: Research shows that when staff feel well and supported, the quality of care improves. Happier, healthier staff deliver better outcomes.
For the organisation: These initiatives reinforce NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s reputation as a compassionate and forward-thinking employer, one that recognises the vital link between staff wellbeing and organisational success.
Advice for others
NHS Ayrshire and Arran recommend:
- Ask staff what they want – don’t assume.
- Design activities based on their interests – this increases engagement and participation.
How does this align with the Leadership Success Profile?
“Creating an inclusive, compassionate and stimulating environment that enables teams to flourish and individuals to display their potential.”
This initiative aligns beautifully with the “Shaping Cultures” cluster of the Leadership Success Profile, particularly under the “Fostering Inclusion and Psychological Safety” dimension. By asking staff what they wanted and acting on their feedback, the initiative created a culture of trust, inclusion and psychological safety.
The Scottish Government has published Improving Wellbeing and Working Cultures (IWWC), which sets out a vision to support and enhance local cultures across our health, social care and social work organisations through programmes of work at a national level that focus on the three pillars of wellbeing, leadership and equality. You can find out more about IWWC by reading this blog by Dr Elizabeth Kelly.
