On Monday our Health Champions Andrea & Janine went to the Better Health at Work Awards ceremony hosted at the Town Hall.
They collected our Silver Better Health at Work award which we worked towards over 2025, we ran campaigns on Mental Health & Stress Awareness, Work Life Balance, Social Isolation & Loneliness & Physical Health Awareness. Through these campaigns our lunch break room was developed and also the Northern Rights Support Wall which has a variety of support services for not only staff but our participants to access and take away any of the leaflets for the services they would like to find out more about.
A surprise on the day was that Andrea, our Health Champion and Senior Occupational Therapist was awarded the Special Recognition Award for her outstanding efforts throughout our Better Health at Work journey.
Awards were given out by the South Tyneside Mayor Cllr Stan Wildhirt who was very interested in the work going on in local organisations. Mayoress Dawn Wildhirt very kindly gave Andrea & Janine a tour of the Mayors chambers and told them a bit about the history of the town hall and the duties involved with being Mayor and Mayoress of our amazing South Tyneside area.
Many thanks go to Patrick McKeown & Caroline Hall for their support during our journey with Better Health at Work.
#BetterHealthAtWork #BHAWAwards #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness #WorkLifeBalance #PhysicalHealth #SocialConnection #HealthChampions #OccupationalTherapy #SouthTyneside
🌟 We're at Hebburn Central today until 4:30pm! 🌟
Looking to boost your health and wellbeing? 💚
Come along to the Connected Health and Leisure Event for a FREE afternoon of movement, learning, and local support.
✨ Discover local health and wellbeing services
🏃 Find fun ways to get active
🤝 Meet friendly local organisations
💬 Get advice, information, and support
Whether you're taking the first step on your wellbeing journey or looking for new opportunities to stay active, we'd love to meet you!
📍 Hebburn Central
🕟 Today until 4:30pm
Come and say hello – we look forward to seeing you! 😊
#ConnectedHealth #HealthAndWellbeing #Hebburn #SouthTyneside #CommunitySupport #HealthyLiving #GetActive
🌟 **Good News Story – From Service to Success** 🌟
We're delighted to celebrate Kasem's incredible journey from military service to a successful new career offshore.
After being medically discharged from the Armed Forces, Kasem faced a difficult period of uncertainty. Determined to create a new future, he spent 12 months gaining the qualifications needed to work in offshore oil rigging. Despite his hard work and determination, finding employment proved challenging, with many applications leading to dead ends.
When Kasem joined our programme, he continued to demonstrate resilience, commitment and a genuine determination to succeed. Working together over several months, we explored alternative routes into the industry, which led to a breakthrough opportunity with a specialist agency supporting ex-veterans as they transition into civilian careers.
That support made all the difference. Kasem successfully secured a role with Atlas NextWave and has gone from strength to strength ever since. He is currently on his second offshore trip aboard the Well-Safe Defender in the Shetland Islands—a fantastic achievement and a testament to his perseverance, hard work and positive attitude.
Kasem's story is a reminder that while the journey to employment isn't always straightforward, the right support, determination and willingness to keep moving forward can open the door to life-changing opportunities.
Congratulations, Kasem—we're incredibly proud of everything you've achieved and wish you every success for the future! 👏⚓
#SuccessStory #Veterans #EmploymentSupport #CareerSuccess #Offshore #Resilience #NewBeginnings
✨ **Success Story: Roy’s Journey to More Stable Employment** ✨
When Roy joined the Connect to Work programme in January, he was already working part-time as a support worker – a role he had dedicated 18 years to. Due to reduced hours outside of his control, Roy was looking for ways to increase his income and secure his future.
With tailored support from his Employment Advisor, Jane, Roy built his confidence, developed his digital skills, enhanced his CV, and prepared for interviews. Together, they explored new opportunities that matched his strengths.
A part-time cleaning role at a local school was identified – and with support throughout the application process, Roy was successful at interview 👏
Today, Roy is balancing two part-time roles, increasing his working hours and financial stability. His new employer has already recognised the value he brings to their team.
💬 *Jane said:* “It has been a delight to see Roy’s journey. He arrived with amazing transferable skills – he just needed a little support to access the digital world and reflect on his strengths.”
💬 *Roy said:* “Your support over 5 and a half months has been a massive help for my confidence. I 100% recommend the programme – I cannot thank you enough.”
This is what personalised support can achieve 💙
#ConnectToWork #SuccessStory #Employability #ConfidenceBuilding #NorthernRights #BackToWork #CommunityImpact
💙 Men's Health Week 2026 | 15–21 June 💙
This Men's Health Week, we're helping to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by men and encouraging open, honest conversations.
Mental health affects everyone, yet many men still feel unable to speak about how they're feeling. Research shows that around 1 in 8 men experience common mental health problems such as anxiety, stress or depression, while many more suffer in silence.
Some key facts:
▪️ 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point in their lives
▪️ Fewer than half have sought medical advice or support
▪️ 40% of men say they wouldn't discuss their mental health with friends or family
▪️ Around three-quarters of suicides registered in England and Wales are male
These statistics highlight why it is so important to challenge the stigma surrounding men's mental health.
Signs that someone may be struggling can include:
• Changes in mood
• Anger, irritability or aggression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Low energy and motivation
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Neglecting personal care
Checking in with a friend, colleague, family member or neighbour could make a real difference. Sometimes a simple conversation can be the first step towards getting support.
💬 Please feel free to drop in and meet our Connect to Work advisor Matthew at The Action Station, Boldon Lane, South Shields on Wednesday 17th between 9:30am and 12pm for a chat about health and work.
Let's use Men's Health Week to remind every man that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don't have to face challenges alone.
#MensHealthWeek #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #ItsOkayToTalk #EndTheStigma #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #SupportEachOther
Looking for support or advice? We’re here to help 👋
We offer support and advice — just drop in and have a chat!
📍 You can find us at:
Mondays | 1–3pm – Bilton Hall Community Trust
👤 With Janine
Wednesdays | 1–3pm – Jarrow Mindset
👤 With Jane
Pop in, ask questions, and get connected to the right support 💬
#SouthTyneside #CommunitySupport #DropIn #NoAppointmentNeeded #HereToHelp
