Awen was one of 119 organisations to take part in Mind’s sixth annual Workplace Wellbeing Index, which is a benchmark of best policy and practice, and celebrates the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health in their workplace.

Announcing the awards, Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer said that every employer depends on having healthy and productive employees – valued and supported staff are far more likely to perform better and achieve peak performance.

Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, added that:

“Change has continued to be one of the few constants across workplaces in recent times and whilst this provides the opportunity for improved ways of working, getting to grips with the ‘new normal’ can, at times, be difficult for employers and employees alike.”

Awen was keen to use the Index, which includes surveying over 150 members of its staff, to assess the impact of some of its newly implemented wellbeing initiatives including ‘reducing burnout’ workshops with managers, ‘time to talk’ days, a laughing yoga session for all staff, and #myhappyplace and #healthyselfie internal communications campaigns.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“We are totally committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff and will continue to break down barriers and do all we can to encourage our staff to recognise and speak about their mental health and wellbeing challenges in a safe and supported environment.

“In addition to some of the more informal initiatives, I have been particularly pleased that we have invested time and resources into developing our policies and procedures, including our Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan, Working Well at Awen guidelines, and signing the Menopause Pledge and Dying to Work Charter.

“Collectively, these will help us to continue promoting the importance of wellbeing at work, and at home, ensuring Awen’s organisational culture supports positive mental health, and provides our staff with the tools and guidance to look after themselves and help their colleagues to do the same.”