OUR APPROACH TO WELLBEING
Photo by Dario Pichini
We began our work supporting displaced people in the Calais refugee camp. Working alongside grassroots activists, we saw the toll this service took on them. Pushed to the brink, even the most dedicated burned out.
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We learned quickly that wellbeing enables ChangeMaking.
Returning home, we recognized similar dynamics everywhere. With mounting societal pressures, nearly every environment has become high-stress.
Offering a few wellbeing activities or the odd day off is not enough to really meet the needs of stressed out humans. To do that we need to change our working culture.
That’s where we come in!
Want to find out more about our Approach to Wellbeing? Watch our Free Wellbeing Webinar
WHAT IS A CULTURE OF WELLBEING?
Our definition of wellbeing is the combination of a foundational sense of SAFETY, a sense of BELONGING to a community or team AND a sense of PURPOSE in what you are doing. If people are stressed or unhappy at work, it’s generally because one or all of these fundamental feelings are missing.
To build a Culture of Wellbeing we consider how each human’s unique identity - gender, sexuality, race, culture, religion, dis/ability, socio-economic background - affects their ability to feel Safety, Belonging and Purpose in any interaction, project or organisation.
We therefore approach wellbeing from the inside out, starting from an understanding of how the nervous system is affected by stress and building self and co-regulation on three levels:
Me - the needs of the individual
We - the needs of the group
Us - the needs of the wider community
When humans understand how to take care of themselves and each other, they can be far more effective ChangeMakers and thrive in any environment they find themselves in.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
Bessel van der Kolk
THREE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF WELLBEING
1. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Too often no thought is given to wellbeing until someone burns out. But by then the damage has already been done. Spot the symptoms of burnout early and take speedy action to address problems before they get out of hand.
2. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
People’s wellbeing needs are unique. Offering everyone the same massage or course in mindfulness is a band aid on stress and is more likely to annoy people and make them feel you’re not listening to them.
3. WELLBEING IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION
Wellbeing is dynamic. Needs change as circumstances change. A Culture of Wellbeing evolves with your people and adapts as they and the environment changes.
There are a few different ways we can work with you to develop, build and maintain a Culture of Wellbeing in your organisation or project. We take a modular approach, which means you can choose the level of support you need to suit your current needs and context. We will work with you to build a package that works best for you.
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WELLBEING CONSULTANCY
WELLBEING
TRAINING
We aim to build a Culture of Wellbeing in every institution, organisation and community, so all people feel able to make positive change and do their work without sacrificing their health in the process.