In Work Support Service- POWYS
by Karen Greenough
As a newly appointed line manager I recently attended a training session; supporting staff wellbeing (for managers) delivered by Mid and North Powys Mind. The training held on zoom was 3 hours long and very well paced with time for breaks and questions.
The course itself was delivered by 2 members of the team, I was immediately made to feel very welcome and comfortable to ask and answer questions and chat with other attendees. We covered a range of topics around supporting staff wellbeing, some of which I maybe knew but was good to be reminded of and some new ideas and advice that I would not have previously considered and I came away feeling so much more confident about my new role.
These sessions are free and places are available for the upcoming round of training see below.
Mid and North Powys Mind provides the Welsh Government funded In-work Support Service in Powys. The service offers FREE training and wellbeing support to businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Private or Third sector
- Headquarters are in Powys
- Fewer than 250 employees
- Turnover is less than £50m per annum
This is a Welsh Government funded initiative that is currently on offer until March 2027.
Frequently asked questions.
Q: How do I or a member of my staff sign up to one of the courses?
A: An organisation has to register with the programme (a manager has to complete and sign a form) and then anyone from the organisation can access the training. To sign up contact Jo@mnpmind.org.uk
Q: Do I have to tell my manager if I want to go on a course?
A: If your organisation is already registered with the programme you can book on without having to tell them but if you are able to discuss your request with your line manager they will be better able to support you in your role.
Q: Can I tell a member of my staff to go on a course?
A: It always works better if people request to come on a course, rather than being told, however if your organisation is registered with the programme you can sign up a staff member but it would be good practice to discuss this with them first.
Q: Where are the course held?
A: All courses are online over Zoom. You will need access to either a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop pc and reliable connection to the internet.
Many people have already benefited from the IWSS but don’t just take my word for it !!?
“I found both courses to be of interest and benefit in so much as they provided another tool by which to proactively maintain and monitor my own good mental health and wellbeing. (in both workplace and private life)”
“The Assertiveness course was very interesting – really communicating effectively I hope that this has benefited me in terms of how I interact with colleagues and those I line manage and has helped me in my work day to day.”
“I would say the benefits are that I have maintained good mental health and this has benefitted my organisation by my work attendance (ie not requiring sick leave due to poor mental health) and also by being more aware of potential signs of poor mental health and also the confidence to ask colleagues if they are OK and more importantly to make time to listen and hear them – if they wished to talk. This benefit is a transferable skill and can also be used within my direct work with clients also.”
“I find I benefit from any training in that is gives me time to reflect on my own personal situation (no matter in what area) and take away information and pointers on how to improve. Time to absorb and learn is just as important as the subject matter itself, the magic isn’t just in the course content; it’s in the designated space it gives you to step back and analyse your own habits.”
“Resilience was more about dealing with stress and building resilience – prioritising self care and this is something I’m getting better in work and life.”