How Powys Teaching Health Board developed a more resilient workplace
Discover how Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) supports staff with a MAC approach at work to improve employee resilience.
About Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB)
PTHB is the largest rural health board in Wales, spanning mid-Wales and serving around 133,000 people. They employ approximately 2,500 staff across nine community hospitals and over 20 outreach hubs and community settings (plus an additional group of around 500 bank workers).
The challenge
To support the NHS staff survey findings around wellbeing, burnout and stress, it was identified that a radical, multimodal evidence-informed approach was required.
Staff feedback showed an apparent and growing demand for an accessible, independent and psychologically safe support service beyond traditional HR/Occupational Health offerings.
In addition, there was a need for interventions that could support those at work and minimise the risk of absenteeism.
What did PHTB do?
PHTB set up a tri-disciplinary MAC Team (Mindfulness, ACT, Compassion), delivered by three practitioners, specialising in those fields.
- Between February and April 2025, the programme was piloted. The offer was advertised via marketing/communications and a direct email offer to clinical managers.
- 73% of attendees were self-referred; 13% were manager referrals; 6% attended via Occupational Health.
- The team created a mindfulness SharePoint page of MAC support tools
- Attendees received practical mindfulness, compassion and ACT practices (breathing, compassion, defusion, reframing, values clarification), handouts, recordings, intranet resources, and signposting to wellbeing offers/national services
The results
Both quantitative and qualitative data were captured. Overall, there was a 55.7% average reduction in distress among attendees.
Attendees reported reduced overwhelm, feeling calmer and more in control, and that to feel safe and not judged was priceless. Staff felt more supported, valued, and resilient at work.
Feedback from attendee who benefited: “Helping to understand the practical process [of mindfulness] and how to incorporate it into our daily lives”.
Avinash, Wellbeing Mindfulness Development Practitioner shared:
“We see PTHB MAC not as a single intervention – but as a living, adaptive wellbeing culture rooted in kindness, evidence, and prevention. Our next phase builds on these strong foundations.”
Nikki, Wellbeing Compassion Development Practitioner shared:
“In creating a non-judgmental space, we walked beside staff. And that made all the difference.”
Tom, Wellbeing ACT Development Practitioner shared:
“ACT helped staff reconnect with values, rebuild self-efficacy, and reshape internal narratives.”
What’s Next?
The MAC pilot has not only demonstrated strong immediate outcomes but has now received formal recognition through:
- £77,402 of grant funding awarded by Powys Charitable Funds to expand the model over 2 years
- Board-level praise and inclusion in PTHB development priorities
- Requests to explore Social Care delivery, MAC Champions models, and a Wales-wide toolkit
| Goal | Target (2025-27) |
|---|---|
| Staff Reach | 400+ staff supported across 2 years |
| Staff Reach | 1,600+ interventions |
| Absence Days Prevented | 100+ days (est.) |
| Ambassadors Trained | 0–15 across teams |
| Evaluation |
SUDS tracking + wellbeing reflections + Warwick Well-Being Scale |
| Expansion | Pilot support in Social Care, Mental Health and leadership teams |
The MAC team will work in collaboration with colleagues and departments to secure long-term evaluation frameworks that align with the interests of the Welsh Government and HEIW in workforce wellbeing.
Sarah Powell, Assistant Director of People and Culture shared:
“This pilot created a safe, accessible space for staff to care for themselves, build resilience, and navigate real pressures. It’s a compassionate offer and a strategic investment in a healthier, more engaged workforce—and safer patient care.”
Top tips for other employers
Here are some top tips for other employers thinking of developing this type of workplace intervention.
- Accessibility is key – 73% of participants self-referred; ease and speed of access were vital
- Preventing sickness absence models work – majority of employees accessed MAC while at work
- Cross-disciplinary approaches (Mindfulness, ACT, Compassion) have a broader reach
- Staff needed support not just for stress, but also for:
- Feedback and communication skills
- Leadership transitions
- Menopause, bereavement, and team burnout
- Team-based delivery and co-reflection helped us maintain psychological safety for all attendees, strengthen integrity, and align on boundaries and impact.
Resources for employers
-
Mental health and wellbeing at work
Find out more about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and the things you can do to support employees.
-
In-Work Support Service
Find out about In-Work Support services available across Wales and get information about eligibility and how to get in touch.
-
Campaigns and events
Find out about campaigns events promoting mental health and wellbeing that workplaces can support