A new staff support hub was officially opened at Derriford Hospital last week to improve the health, wellbeing and experiences of colleagues across University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP).

Working alongside UHP’s Staff Engagement and Experience team, the charity was so pleased to support this project by securing a grant from NHS Charities Together and NHS England’s Workforce Wellbeing programme, to create and transform the hub into a calm and welcoming space for staff.

Located on Level 5, next to the Discovery Library, the new Thrive@UHP hub is a space dedicated to staff and supporting their wellbeing. Open five days a week, the Staff Engagement and Experience team are there for a friendly chat and to give advice. They can also signpost to local services and arrange confidential conversations when needed.

Jayne Middleman, UHP Staff Engagement and Experience Lead, cutting the ribbon at the official opening, with Rachel O’Connor (Director of Integrated Care, Partnerships and Strategy), and Scarlett Mander (Project Support Officer for Learning and Organ

Close up image of information stand with printed support materials inside for staff

Image of the empty hub during the transformation once the floors, walls and fittings were completed. The space has deep purple walls and light wood flooring with glass doors to the corridor and a pillar at the centre of the room.

Close up image of the new furnishings - two grey comfy chairs and a small white table.

We know colleagues across the Trust work incredibly hard caring for patients, often putting others first and not always taking time for their own wellbeing or knowing who to speak to. The hub is here to provide a supportive and approachable space where staff can take a moment for themselves and access support when they need it.

Nikki and Julie, End of Life Educators, smiling for a photo. They are stood next to a small table with led pillar candles and a box of tissues. — Nikki and Julie hosting the first staff bereavement cafe in the new hub.

The hub will also host a range of wellbeing cafés, workshops and network sessions throughout the year. One of the first being a monthly Staff Bereavement Café, led by End-of-Life Educators Nikki Wood and Julie Theisinger, for anyone who wants to talk, or take a moment to sit quietly with others.

We look forward to seeing how the space develops and hope it becomes a valued part of working life across the Trust.

We would like to thank all our colleagues across UHP who helped bring this project to life, as well as NHS Charities Together and NHS England for their funding and continued support through the Workforce Wellbeing Programme. To learn more about this funding, you can read our recent update on the £49,980 grant award here.

Your Staff Hub is Now Open!

The Thrive@UHP hub is open Monday to Friday, 10:00am–2:30pm. Staff are welcome to drop in during opening hours, no appointment needed.

More information about Thrive@UHP is available on the Staff Hub page.