TUESDAY 28 APRIL 8:30AM - 6:00PM
Energise your body and check your health with individual lifestyle
MOT’s, blood pressure / cholesterol checks, marketplace stalls, FiveDinners cooking demonstrations, keynote speakers and a range of fun, physical activity taster sessions including: kurling, table tennis, bowls and much more!
The festival is designed to inspire healthier lifestyles, promote holistic wellbeing, and support our colleagues to feel their best – physically, mentally and emotionally
This all‑day event offers something for everyone – whether you’re looking to get moving, try something new, learn more about your health, or simply take time out for yourself.
Expect a range of speakers, workshops, marketplace stands, health checks, cookery demonstrations, fun games, physical activtity taster sessions and loads more!
The Wellness Festival supports our wider Health and Wellbeing Strategy by encouraging active lifestyles, promoting the link between physical and mental health, and raising awareness of the fantastic resources available both across the Trust, and through our community partners
Search ‘Wellness Festival’ on the hub to find out more.
Here’s some great feedback from staff who attended our first Wellness Festival:
98% of staff said the festival was good or excellent
“Great eventmore like these please ”
“Best event I’ve been to. Not just for the information, but for the activities too – there was something for everyone ”
89% of staff said it provided a good opportunity to find out more about Health and Wellbeing support
91% of staff would recommend similar events to their colleagues
“Would love this as a yearly event ”
A wellbeing reset for busy working minds – step out of the constant demand and climb into the POD Drop in to enjoy a calm, private space offering 10 uninterrupted minutes to rest, reset and regain clarity. Calming sensory music through noise cancelling headphones helps reduce stress, alongside an immersive starry ‘sky’ lightshow A free bottle of vitamin water is included to support hydration, energy and focus. No need to book – visit Room 2 upstairs in the Education Centre between 08:30 and 18:00.
Weston Park Cancer Charity brings our cancer support services directly to the local communities, across the region, with the Big Purple Bus The Big Purple Bus brings Healthcare Professionals and Advisors to the community, making it easier than ever to access support The team on board are friendly and welcoming, no question is too big or too small for them So if you spot the Big Purple Bus parked outside the Education Centre on the day of the Wellness Festival, please feel free to come and have a chat
BPL will be offering 1-1 ‘Lifestyle Support Sessions’ where you can have an informal chat about Nutrition, Exercise, etc and get tips on making some small changes No appointment necessary, just pop in
The Occupational Health & Wellbeing team and the BMBC How’s Thi Ticker? team will also be offering free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks These checks must be booked in advance via EventBrite - check the Wellness Festival Hub page for details.
Quilter Financial Advisers is the trusted financial advice partner of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Pension experts dedicated to helping you plan for the future As part of the Wellness Festival, they are offering free 30‑minute one‑to‑one pension surgeries to help you understand the NHS Pension Scheme, recent changes, retirement options, AVCs, and ways to protect your income Sessions are to be booked in advance and are tailored to your circumstances. Appointments will run 9:00–16:00 at Occupational Health & Wellbeing, Block 9 Simply scan the QR code or click here to book
Anyone who books onto, and attends, either of these keynote speaker sessions (or both) is welcome to enjoy a free lunch between 12:30-13:15 which can be taken away if you’re short on time.
Healthcare professionals spend their days caring for others at some of the most difficult moments in people’s lives. It’s deeply meaningful work but it also comes with long shifts, emotional demands, and the constant responsibility that-can make it hard to truly switch off.
In this honest and engaging keynote, mental health trainer and wellbeing consultant Julie White explores what balance really means in caring professions. Rather than offering unrealistic advice, Julie focuses on the realities of healthcare work from emotional labour and compassion fatigue to the importance of recovery and supportive teams.
Simply scan the QR code or click here to book.
Taking place in room 3 upstairs from 11:30 - 12:30
Louise is a Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in sleep posture, helping people improve sleep quality through evidence-based positioning strategies. She has worked in hospitals, rehabilitation units, and community settings, and has also served as an NHS commissioner. In 2021, she joined Levitex to expand her work on sleep posture, collaborating with experts to promote better sleep positioning for health and wellbeing.
Louise emphasises the importance of sleep posture management, which involves optimising the position people fall asleep in and avoiding provocative postures that cause discomfort and pain. Her approach is grounded in clinical evidence and practical strategies, aiming to reduce sleep disturbances, improve restorative sleep, and support overall health.
Simply scan the QR code or click here to book.
Taking place in room 3 upstairs from 13:30 - 14:30
Forest Bathing - Helen Todd
09:30-10:15
Experience the calming essence of nature with a guided Forest Bathing workshop inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin yoku. Participants are encouraged to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a moment of stillness that supports relaxation and overall wellbeing
Suicide Awareness – Adrian Ellis / Gina Mansell
09:30-10:45
A safe space for colleagues to look at recognising where someone may be struggling, supportive conversations, and the value of listening It aims to foster emotional wellbeing, reduce stigma, and strengthen our commitment to caring for one another Personal stories bring an additional, human insight into the realities of mental health struggles
Physical Activity Workshops – Jamie Towl
08:30-09:00, 12:00-12:30 or 16:45-17:15
Join our Occupational Health Physiotherapist for a 20–30-minute physical activity workshop, identifying the benefits of increasing physical activity and considering the potential barriers to moving more Take a break to learn how to get your body moving, and learn techniques that support long term wellbeing
Alcohol Awareness Session - Mandy
12:45-13:30
Mandy is the newly appointed expert by experience in the alcohol care team at BHNFT
Discuss / explore stigma and rumours around being a staff member who is at an increasing/ higher risk when it comes to alcohol consumption. Barnsley Recovery Steps share info re the pathway, support and treatment options available to staff. This session aims to provide information that contributes to a healthier lifestyle
Art for Wellness – Debbie Crouch
14:00-15:00 or 15:00-16:00
Reconnect with your creativity in this calming Art for Wellness workshop Through simple, guided art activities, participants can explore self expression, reduce stress, and enjoy a mindful break from the busy day. No artistic experience is needed - simply book on to either session to relax and discover how creative play can support your mental health and wellbeing.
Cancer Awareness – Emma Bairstow / Amy Bassinder
15:00 - 16:00
Join us for an awareness raising session around recognising the signs / symptoms of cancer, take part in an interactive quiz, find out what support is available across Barnsley and in the workplace. Get your questions answered in a safe, supportive environment.
Barnsley is a free local service supporting unpaid carers - anyone who looks after a family member, friend or loved one. Visit: https://barnsleycarers.co.uk/
Barnsley Council’s Sport and Physical Activity team – helping the people of Barnsley to move more, live well and feel better Visit: https://wwwbarnsleygovuk/services/sport-and-leisure/
Barnsley Hospital Charity is committed to providing the best possible care, treatment and experience for our patients, funding projects that go above and beyond that which the NHS is able to provide. Visit http://www.barnsleyhospitalcharity.co.uk
At Barnsley Premier Leisure, we don’t just operate venues, we’re different, we bring spaces to life. Visit: https://bpl org uk/
The trading name of Community First Credit Union, is a member-owned, not for profit financial cooperative providing fair, accessible, and community‑focused financial services across South Yorkshire and surrounding areas.
Meet the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team and discover how we’re working to make Barnsley Hospital a welcoming, fair and supportive place for everyone
Five Dinners is an online meal planning service that supports over 30,000 people to bring you FREE membership (usually £86) to get a brand new, fully personalised meal plan every week with a complete shopping list Join Theo for live cookery demos and tasters!
Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing yourself in a forest environment and engaging all your senses – noticing the sights, sounds, smells and textures of the natural environment
Reducing health inequalities across the trusts’ services and working with partners to promote an inclusive society and economy in Barnsley through the trust’s role as an ‘anchor institution’. Visit the healthy lives intranet page for more information
The Barnsley Occupational Health & Wellbeing Service (OH) operate independently, and provide confidential support and advice to staff about the effects of work on health, and health on work. Visit the Occupational Health intranet page for more information.
Professional Nurse and Midwifery Advocates help staff process challenging events, prevent burnout and compassion fatigue, and promote psychological safety within teams
Visit the Professional Nurse and Midwifery Advocates intranet page for more information
The Library space itself is a calm, quiet, welcoming space that is open 24/7, with private pods and a quiet room, if staff ever feel they need somewhere away from their busy work area
Samaritans of Barnsley have been offering emotional support to people in the Barnsley community for over 50 years. Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/barnsley/
The organisation focuses on tackling stigma, encouraging open conversations about suicide, and creating spaces where people feel safe to talk honestly about their struggles.
Visit: https://wwwsuicidesucks co uk/
Work Well is a brand-new service for people and employers in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield The service offers free support to help people find, stay and succeed in work
Visit: https://wwwsouthyorkshire-ca govuk/pathways-to-work
As part of the festival, Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) will be hosting a variety of physical activity sessions including the ‘Triple Threat Tournament’ to support our patients. For just £1, you can test your skills and aim for the highest score across Bowls, Kurling and a Table Tennis Rally, with prizes up for grabs. To take part, text BPL to 70085 to donate £1 (texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message). Cash and card machine donations will also be available on the day. So come along, get active, and help raise vital funds for Barnsley Hospital Charity!
Thank you for your interest in Barnsley Hospital’s Wellness Festival, delivered in partnership with Barnsley Premier Leisure. We’d love you to share your feedback after attending the festival. Your thoughts on the activities and wellbeing information provided will help us understand what works well and how we can continue to promote the positive relationship between physical and mental health - both inside and outside the workplace.