May 2025
Welcome to the Healthy Working Wales (HWW) newsletter
Our monthly newsletter provides regular updates from the HWW team, including workplace health and wellbeing news and links to upcoming campaigns and events.
This month:
- Managing Sickness Absence (MSA) for Employers webinar
- Economic inactivity trailblazer in Wales
- Screening – Community training and education
- Campaign dates for June
Feel free to share our newsletter with your colleagues or networks, along with our sign-up details and previous editions.
Join HWW’s Free Webinar: Managing Sickness Absence (MSA) for Employers – Back by Popular Demand!
Wednesday 11 June 2025
Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Following the strong interest and positive feedback from our previous session, Healthy Working Wales is pleased to offer a second opportunity to join our free webinar: Managing Sickness Absence for Employers. As employee needs evolve and organisational costs continue to rise, having effective strategies for managing sickness absence is more crucial than ever.
This practical session, delivered by HWW Advisers, will provide essential insights to help you improve workplace wellbeing and reduce absenteeism.
What you’ll learn:
- Trends in sickness absence in the UK and Wales
- How to engage employees in preventative approaches to health
- Insights from Melin Homes (Hedyn) on effectively managing sickness absence
- How to access resources, including a free e-learning package on MSA
Don’t miss this chance to access expert guidance and practical tools to support your organisation—free of charge.
Participation is free.
Speakers:
- Nikki Davies, Workplace Health Adviser
- Deanna Hughes, Workplace Health Adviser
If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected].
Economic inactivity trailblazer in Wales
Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnerships announced on 22 April 2025 that £10 million in UK Government funding will be used to deliver three trailblazer pilot projects in Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire and Neath Port Talbot in 2025-26.
The trailblazer pilots will support localised approaches to reducing economic inactivity for people who are disabled and/or have health conditions or are caring for others, with a particular focus on people out of work and who are not currently engaged with employment, skills support, education or training.
The aim is to maximise existing place-based support to reduce economic inactivity by bringing together services and providing a seamless journey for local people that is easy to navigate.
The schemes will test new innovative approaches to identifying and engaging people who are economically inactive, working with a wide range of partners including Local Health Boards, GPs, Jobcentre Plus, social care, community health services and the Third Sector to shape a strong, joined-up local work, health and skills offer to address gaps and local needs.
For further information on the local Trailblazer proposals please contact:
Blaenau Gwent – [email protected]
Denbighshire – [email protected] / [email protected]
Neath Port Talbot – [email protected]
Screening – Community Training and Education
Public Health Wales is offering free online sessions to boost awareness of NHS screening programmes in Wales, tailored to help you understand the benefits these can bring to your workplace and wider community.
Enhance your team’s health knowledge and encourage wellbeing by booking your place today!
Campaign dates for June
Diabetes Week (9-15 June)
Diabetes Week, led by Diabetes UK, is a key opportunity for organisations to raise awareness about diabetes and support employee wellbeing. As an employer, you can play an important role in promoting understanding, offering resources and encouraging healthy habits in the workplace.
Explore how your organisation can take part in Diabetes Week – from hosting educational sessions to sharing resources that support staff living with or at risk of diabetes.
Men’s Health Week (9-16 June)
This Men’s Health Week, organised by the Men’s Health Forum, focuses on the need for a national Men’s Health Strategy and the steps needed to achieve it. Employers can use this week to spotlight men’s health in the workplace, encourage open conversations and share resources.
Find out how your workplace can get involved in Men’s Health Week.
Clean Air Day (19 June)
Learn about the importance of tackling air pollution in the workplace, ways to support National Clean Air Day and how to create a cleaner, healthier environment for employees.
Employers can take simple, effective actions to reduce air pollution and engage staff in clean air initiatives.
Here are some ways to get your workplace involved:
- Hold an event
- Share information and resources
- Celebrate success
Learn more about how your workplace can support Clean Air Day.
Information and resources about a range of health and wellbeing awareness campaigns can be found on our website.