A quick glance back at the last quarter at Medigold
The benefits and challenges of Dry January and how to support your staff
Is your business doing enough to support people with disabilities?
The Learning Loop: What does a Mental Health First Aider do?
Men’s health matters: Conversations with our team
Well, here we are: 2025. Christmas seemed to go by in a flash, didn’t it?! Still, I hope you found some time over the festive period to rest, recharge and enjoy some quality time with loved ones and are now ready for the new year and all the opportunities it promises. January, with its unavoidable associations with fresh starts and new beginnings, can bring a lot of pressure to make huge, sweeping lifestyle changes in an effort to transform ourselves. Despite our best intentions though, these are inevitably hard to stick to for long. So perhaps this year, we should instead focus on taking smaller steps towards establishing sustainable habits that will lay the groundwork for achieving improved health wellbeing for the long-term.
I’ll definitely be taking inspiration from some of Medigold’s male team members, who share their personal tips for staying healthy year-round in our People are at the heart of everything we do feature on page 15. Their message emphasises that balance, not perfection, is key, and that’s also the approach championed by the increasingly popular Dry January initiative. Taking a break from alcohol is something that many of us will likely be planning to do anyway after the overindulgence of December, and committing to just one month booze-free (rather than swearing off it
forever) could be the reset we need to kickstart more mindful drinking habits for the rest of the year and beyond. To find out more about the benefits that cutting back on alcohol can bring for both you and your workplace and pick up some tips to help you on your way, flip to page 7 now.
With the number of people out of work due to longterm sickness reaching a record high in 2024, we also explore some of the things that employers can do in 2025 to help attract and retain talent in their organisation and prevent people falling out of the workplace. In our service spotlight on page 10, we introduce you to our disability training and awareness courses, designed to help your teams become disability confident and equip them with the tools to create an environment where every employee can thrive, regardless of disability or the individual health challenges they face. And in the Learning Loop (page 12), we discuss the value that Mental Health First Aiders can bring to your business definitely worth checking out if your focus this year is on improving the mental health support you provide for your workforce.
I really hope you enjoy this issue, and if there’s anything you’d like to see us cover in future newsletters, please do get in touch to let us know we always welcome your feedback.
All that remains is for me to wish you a very happy, and healthy, new year, from me and the entire Medigold team.
benefits and challenges of Dry January and how to support your staff
January often marks a fresh start, making it the perfect time to hit reset on our habits. For many, that includes taking a break from alcohol. Whether you ’ re looking to recover from an indulgent festive season or are simply sober-curious, we explore the benefits of Dry January and offer tips to help you succeed!
Is your business doing enough to support people with disabilities?
This time in our Spotlight feature, we ’ re putting the focus on our Disability & Health Awareness courses and how they can help you to cultivate a more inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
The Learning Loop: What does a mental health first aider do?
With one in four UK adults experiencing a mental health challenge every year, we speak to our Mental Health First Aid and Disability Trainer, Barrie Norman Jnr as he dives into exactly what Mental Health First Aiders do and the positive impact they can have on workplace wellbeing.
We know that January is all about looking forward, but we’d just like to take a moment to share a quick snapshot of the last few months of 2024 here at Medigold Health…
Coming together in support of good causes
On 26th September, we held our third Macmillan coffee day. With drop-in events and bake sales at our Matrix laboratory and our Sheffield, Northampton and New Broad Street offices, plus a host of virtual coffee catch-ups for our remote teams to join in from home, the event was a huge success. Amid feasting on a smorgasbord of cakes, bakes and other tasty treats, we also took the opportunity to raise a cuppa in memory of much-missed colleagues and managed to make a whopping £633 for the charity!
We got the SEQOHS seal of approval!
In October, we were delighted to learn that Medigold Health had been reaccredited by SEQOHS for another five years following our assessment in September!
SEQOHS is a voluntary accreditation scheme developed and managed by the Faculty of Medicine. Aimed at improving the quality of care offered by occupational health services, it is the accepted industry standard of good practice within the OH sector.
We’ve held our SEQOHS accreditation since 2014, but this was our first time being assessed against the all-new standards, so we were doubly proud of our achievement and the outstanding rating we received in several key areas! You can read more about our SEQOHS journey here.
We’re continuing to see excellent engagement with our Community Impact Programme’s Corporate Giving initiative. For our latest Giving Window in support of The Trussell Trust, we invited our people to nominate a foodbank to receive a grant. We had an amazing turnout and have now distributed grants totalling £1,400 to 28 food banks across the country!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas jumper day!
As has become a bit of a Medigold tradition, on 12th December, our teams once again got all dressed up in their fabulous festive pullovers and seasonal sweaters for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. Donations from our colleagues will go towards the charity’s work providing essential healthcare, education and protection to
Celebrating our people’s success!
Throughout the year, our Code Champion initiative allows our employees to celebrate and recognise those colleagues within our business who regularly go the extra mile at work and who every day demonstrate the company values encapsulated within our Genetic Code. This time, we’re delighted to introduce you to our 2024 Q4 Champion, Lizzie Heyes, one of our Nurse Managers.
Lizzie was nominated for the award due to her unwavering passion, pride and commitment to exceeding expectations in all aspects of her work. Always offering proactive solutions, stepping up to help others and taking an active role in assisting with the development of our new technologies, she consistently goes above and beyond and is an invaluable asset to the Medigold team.
A thoroughly deserving winner – congratulations, Lizzie!
January often marks a fresh start, making it the perfect time to hit reset on our habits. For many, that includes taking a break from alcohol. Enter Dry January: a popular initiative developed and led by the charity Alcohol Change UK that encourages people to go alcohol-free for the first month of the year.
Whether you’re looking to recover from an indulgent festive season or are simply sober-curious, Dry January is a fantastic way to kick off the year with a focus on health and wellbeing!
While alcohol may be a fixture in many social settings, there’s no disputing its negative impact on our health. According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units per week (equivalent to 6 pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine) increases your risk of multiple health conditions, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, neurological damage and many types of cancer, as well as mental health challenges.
So, it’s safe to say that giving your body a break can only be a good thing!
What are the benefits of Dry January?
In the UK, around 6 million people took part in Dry January in 2023, with many reporting significant improvements to their overall wellbeing and drinking habits throughout the rest of the year. Going alcohol-free offers a host of physical health benefits, including improved sleep, increased energy, clearer skin and even weight loss. But the rewards go beyond the surface. Individuals also commonly report better mental clarity, heightened focus and improved productivity, which is a huge positive when we’re all juggling such busy personal and professional lives.
How can Dry January positively impact the workplace?
The perks of participating in Dry January extend beyond the personal. The abovementioned health benefits mean that employees are less prone to sickness and are likely to feel more focused, more creative and more emotionally resilient at work. All of which can translate into better workplace performance.
For leaders, participating in the initiative can set a positive example, demonstrating a commitment to health and wellbeing. Encouraging your teams to take on the challenge together also creates an opportunity to build stronger connections at work.
Of course, giving up the booze isn’t without its hurdles. For many, drinking is a social norm. Work and social events often revolve around drinks with colleagues or friends, and turning down alcohol at social gatherings can still feel awkward or isolating. Work-related stress and the general busyness of life can also make it all too tempting to reach for a drink as a way to unwind.
However, with Dry January becoming increasingly mainstream, the movement has gained broad acceptance. So, if you’re considering joining in for January 2025, rest assured you’re not alone and there are plenty of ways to make the journey easier!
Employers can play a significant role in encouraging staff to embrace Dry January. Start by raising awareness with light-hearted campaigns, such as newsletters or posters highlighting the benefits of cutting back on alcohol. Offering incentives, like a prize for completing the month, can add an extra layer of motivation. Creating a supportive workplace culture perhaps by organising alcohol-free social events or promoting alcohol-free alternatives at gatherings can also make a big difference.
Remember, the goal of Dry January isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building awareness of habits and equipping you with the insight to make healthier choices more often.
For employees who may be dealing with alcohol-related challenges, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care and understanding. A private, compassionate conversation can help create a safe space for them to share their concerns, while offering access to occupational health services, counselling or an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can encourage and enable them to seek the support they need.
If you’re looking for support to help you address alcohol-related challenges in your organisation, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in prioritising employee health and wellbeing.
On the next page, you’ll find a free top tips poster full of ideas to keep you motivated if you’re taking on the challenge this January.
Print this page of the newsletter out, or click below to download a copy of the poster.
1 Tell everyone
2
Whether it’s achieving better sleep, saving money or proving to yourself that you can, having a goal makes it easier to stay motivated.
3
Share your plan with friends, family and colleagues. Their support can help you stay on track, and you might even inspire them to join you!
6
Use apps like Try Dry® or keep a journal. Seeing your sober streak grow is incredibly satisfying!
4
Team up
Grab a friend to do Dry January with. You can share tips, keep one another motivated and reach out to each other if you’re struggling or need a pep talk.
7
Swap pub nights for coffee dates, long walks or game nights. You’ll still have a great time, plus you’ll spare yourself the hangover.
5
Choose alcohol-free alternatives
From mocktails to alcohol-free beers, there are plenty of delicious options to enjoy without feeling left out.
Shift your perspective
Reframing your mindset from “I can’t drink” to “I’m choosing not to drink” immediately empowers you, helping you feel in control rather than deprived.
8
If certain environments make it hard to abstain, steer clear for now or bring your own alcohol-free options.
9 Go easy on yourself
Whether it’s clearer skin, better sleep or more energy, take a moment to enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
10
Slipped up? Don’t worry. Just jump back in the next day! Every alcohol-free day is a win and will do wonders for your health and wellbeing.
Having last month celebrated International Day for Persons with Disabilities (3rd December), this issue, we wanted to put the focus on our Disability & Health Awareness courses. Keep reading to learn how they can help you to better support people with disabilities and create a more inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Disability is a complex concept influenced by various factors. While an individual’s physical or mental health condition might contribute to their disability, unfortunately it is society that often creates the barriers and challenges that ultimately limit opportunities or access for disabled people, including at work. By not addressing these barriers, employers are missing out on the unique skills and perspectives that people with disabilities can contribute to the workplace.
More than one in five of us will be affected by disability at some point in our lives, and 4.6 million people in the UK have a disability.
Family Resources Survey 2022
8.4 million people of working age are disabled, representing 20% of the working-age population.
Disabled people in employmentHouse of Commons Briefing Paper 2021
In 2022, the disability employment gap was 29.8%, with 52.6% of disabled individuals employed compared to 82.5% of non-disabled.
Employment of disabled people 2022
Every business has disabled employees – whether they know it or not. Any employee can acquire a disability, and with an ageing workforce, the likelihood of individuals developing disabilities while employed is on the rise. There’s a desire among disabled individuals to work, yet hurdles in the recruitment process and workplace pose challenges in securing and maintaining jobs.
It’s clear that more organisations need to embrace a truly inclusive approach to disability, one that ensures disabled employees can access equal opportunities throughout the employment journey and are given the support they need to be able to stay in work, well and performing at their best.
Could your organisation be more disability inclusive? We can help!
If you think your business could be doing more and you want to start benefiting from the skills and talents that people with disabilities can bring into your workplace, we offer a range of services to help you.
Our courses are designed to improve your teams’ awareness and understanding of different disabilities and their impact and what they can do to help cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Providing a safe and open forum for discussion, they aim to equip your people with the confidence and the practical tools and strategies needed to effectively support those with health conditions or disabilities and remove the barriers that so frequently prevent them from entering and staying in work.
Courses can be tailored for all employees or specifically for managers, with both online and face-to-face delivery options available. We also offer enhanced courses.
Our Disability Champion programme is focused on helping you achieve organisational culture change. It aims to equip designated individuals with the knowledge, confidence and skills necessary to be able to promote and engender positive behaviour and process improvements at every level of your business through implementing and driving engagement with relevant initiatives, activities and support services.
Alongside our awareness courses, we also offer consultancy services aimed at helping you develop a clear strategy on disability, diversity and wellbeing and supporting you to achieve your organisational objectives.
Whether you’re looking to undertake a general assessment to gain a better understanding of where you’re at right now and the action you still need to take to enhance inclusion and support within your business, or require support with achieving Disability Confident accreditation, our expert team is here to help.
To find out more about any of these services, click here.
Check out our webinar, Unlock the power of disabled talent in the workplace. In this insightful session, led by by our Disability Training and consultancy specialist, Kath Wood, we explore:
Best practices in disability-inclusive recruitment
Strategies to support disabled talent within your business
How to implement effective workplace adjustments to create an inclusive environment.
Why not also download our handy booklet, Disability Inclusive Practice: A Guide for Business.
Learn about the simple changes you can introduce to help your business attract, support and retain disabled talent.
With one in four UK adults experiencing mental health challenges every year, workplace support is more crucial than ever, and many organisations now have Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) to help their teams.
MHFAiders are trained colleagues who offer immediate support to those struggling with poor mental health. They are not therapists or counsellors, but are there to listen, provide reassurance and guide individuals towards professional help.
Here, we discover more about their role and the positive impact they can have on workplace wellbeing.
Welcome to the Learning Loop! This regular feature is brought to you by our Training & Consultancy Team, the expert team behind Medigold’s training programmes, open courses and popular webinar series.
When someone is going through a tough time, whether it’s feelings of anxiety, depression or extreme stress, a MHFAider is someone they can turn to for immediate support. MHFAiders are trained to be a listening ear when someone needs it most and are there to:
Listen without judgment, offering a safe space to talk openly. Reassure and guide, validating feelings and discussing ways to seek help.
Assess crises calmly, addressing serious issues like self-harm or suicidal thoughts by connecting individuals to appropriate resources and support.
The MHFAider’s role is not to have all the answers, but to provide emotional support and make sure the person knows they’re not alone.
One of the key skills MHFAiders learn is how to spot the early signs that someone might be struggling. People don’t always ask for help directly; sometimes, their behaviour speaks louder than words. MHFAiders are trained to notice things like:
Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
Physical signs of stress, like fatigue or restlessness
Altered work habits, such as increased absences or disengagement. By picking up on these signs early, an MHFAider can step in before things get worse. This doesn’t mean being pushy; sometimes, just checking in with someone and asking how they’re doing can open the door for them to talk.
Article written by Barrie Norman Jnr. Operational Lead & MHFA and Disability Trainer
MHFAiders aren’t mental health professionals, so their job isn’t to fix problems or provide therapy. Instead, they act as a bridge to connect people with the right help from professionals who are equipped to handle their specific needs..
This might mean encouraging visits to a GP or counsellor or sharing information about your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or external mental health services like Hub of Hope.
One of the most important things MHFAiders do is help reduce the stigma around mental health. They promote a culture where it’s normal to ask for help and where people don’t feel ashamed if they need support. This can involve:
Encouraging conversations about mental health in the workplace.
Promoting mental health awareness events or activities that get people talking.
Challenging harmful stereotypes or outdated views about mental health.
When people see that mental health is taken seriously at work, it makes them feel safer and more supported.
Sometimes, talking to your manager or HR about mental health can feel intimidating. Employees might worry about how they will be perceived or think it could affect their careers.
MHFAiders offer a confidential, trustworthy alternative and create a safe space where people can talk honestly about what they’re going through, without fear of consequences. This helps ensure that employees feel comfortable reaching out for support when needed.
MHFAiders don’t just support individuals they also help managers and HR to foster a more supportive workplace. If managers are unsure on how to address mental health concerns, MHFAiders can step in to:
Provide guidance on approaching colleagues who might be struggling.
Assist in sensitive conversations about mental health.
Raise awareness of mental wellbeing across teams. By supporting managers, MHFAiders help promote a culture where mental health is a shared priority rather than an individual responsibility.
Being an MHFAider is rewarding but can also be challenging. Listening to others’ struggles and offering support can take a toll. To maintain their wellbeing, MHFAiders are encouraged to:
Practice self-care and set boundaries to avoid burnout.
Seek support from other MHFAiders or professionals if they find their role emotionally demanding.
Keep learning through refresher courses and ongoing training to stay confident in their role.
MHFAiders are vital in today’s workplaces. While not a replacement for professionals, these dedicated individuals can recognise the early signs of mental health challenges, provide immediate support, and guide colleagues toward professional help when needed. As importantly,they can help break the silence around mental health and reduce stigma, helping you to create a more open, supportive work environment.
If you’d like to learn more, click the link on the right to watch our webinar, From Blue Monday to brighter days: Promoting mental wellbeing at work, in which Barrie and our Lead Health and Wellbeing Coach, Adele Edwards and Training and Consultancy Specialist, Zoe Woodworth explore:
The origins and impact of Blue Monday
Mental health fundamentals
Identifying stress
Effective self-care
Accessing professional help
Helpful resources
Watch and share now!
Empower your teams with Mental Health First Aid Training
Looking to improve the mental wellbeing of your workforce?
Appointing a Mental Health First Aider is a great first step and our training courses will provide them with all the tools and knowledge they need to confidently support your teams.
Click below to find out more and book today!
Very insightful, the trainer was very good at allowing us to share our opinions and nobody felt that they couldn't share. Personal experiences were shared which helped add to the experience of the course and allowed the information we were learning about to have context.
Learner from ITP Aero who attended our MHFA 2-day face-to-face course
Looking after our physical and mental wellbeing is essential to living a balanced, fulfilling life, and it’s something we should all prioritise.
During Men’s Health Awareness Month in November, we connected with members of our team to find out what health means to them and pick up their secrets to staying well. They offered lots of practical tips and advice that we can all learn from, especially right now when many of us are just embarking on our new year’s health resolutions.
So, we thought we’d share their personal insights and strategies for how they look after themselves with you, too. We hope they inspire you and help you make 2025 your healthiest year yet!
First up, we speak to Tom Butcher, our
Sales Director.
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
In my career, I’ve worked with some of the UK’s leading professionals in physiology, nutrition, mental and musculoskeletal health. However, while personal health and wellbeing is about all these things, I most believe that it is about consistency. You can achieve most things in life (including your health goals) if you keep building on a foundation of good decisions, self-honesty, self-awareness and underlying drive. Just keep on continually tweaking and amending your choices and behaviours and you will get to where you want to be, or near enough.
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
Sleep is absolutely crucial. Regularly getting good sleep has a cumulative effect that helps you come out fighting each day, regardless of the challenges you’re facing. Being in a sleep deficit will creep up on you gradually, but you can’t undo it with a single lie-in. Ever since I met my wife, she has insisted we go to sleep by 10pm most nights. I was reluctant at first (what about all the great TV we’d miss?!), but 15 years later I’m a total convert. I’ve also started mouth taping (taping your mouth up before sleep), which I know sounds a bit odd! It’s not for everyone, and you should definitely do your research and speak to your GP before trying it out, but I’ve personally found it really beneficial for helping to improve the quality of my sleep.
Winter can be a tough time for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
It’s always easier to find excuses in the winter—I’ve been guilty of this recently. My advice is to focus on finding a balance. Don’t be too hard on yourself and avoid going from boom to bust. Instead, always aim to restore the equilibrium!
If you’re struggling to do your weekly outdoor exercise, try not to compound that by also increasing what you eat and drink. If you find yourself reaching for the comfort food more often when it’s cold, look for ways to make it more nutritious and maybe get a longer walk in at the weekend. If the long nights are getting you down, find a new way to enjoy the daylight while it is there.
Last but not least, we chat to Mark Rowley, our Marketing Manager!
When you think about health and wellbeing, what does it mean to you personally?
For me, health and wellbeing means looking after both my body and my mind. It’s about trying to be physically active and at the same time focusing on my mental health by doing things that keep my mind active and make me happy, like spending time with my daughter. Taking time for myself is also important. Having free time lets me relax, reflect and unwind.
What’s one health habit or tip that’s made the biggest difference in your life?
“You are what you eat” is an old saying but definitely rings true for me. I notice a massive difference in my energy and happiness when I eat healthier food, and I find it easier to exercise and feel better about myself. It is about finding a balance for me as well; if I deprive myself of foods I enjoy (like chocolate!), it doesn’t take long for me to fall into bad habits again.
Winter can be tough for staying healthy – do you have any routines or practices that help you keep well during the colder months?
I try to get outside for a walk most days. I find that being outside helps lift my mood and makes me more energised for the day. It is too easy to sit on the sofa and scroll through my phone, so I make a concerted effort to have a break from technology when I go on a walk, so no headphones or podcasts.
Thank you to Tom, Mark and for speaking to us about what health means to them! We hope you can put all their tips and advice to good use!
For more information on how Medigold Health can support you in promoting better health and wellbeing among your workforce, click here.
We hope you enjoyed this issue of The Medigold Memo and that you’ll look forward to the next one! In the meantime, you can stay in the loop with what’s happening across the Medigold Health Group via our social channels.
Interested in learning more about what we can do for your business? Get in touch!