We want all our employees to be aware of the importance of good physical health and feel empowered to achieve it within the scope of their ability. Our physical wellbeing initiatives cater to differing abilities and disabilities.
A Weight Off Your Mind (AWOYM) is a programme primarily aimed at people who are being supported by our mental health and disability services. It was developed by CNTW in collaboration with regional partners to support weight management for people with mental health conditions and/or learning disabilities.
Our Tobacco Dependence Treatment Service can help you to stop smoking.
We can offer you a free vape kit (including 12 weeks of replacement pods and e-liquids), with or without behavioural support.
Research shows that people are three times more likely to quit smoking with support. So, we highly encourage people to join our programme and get the tailored help available.
Even if you have previously tried to quit with us, we’re happy to support you again.
If you would like to learn more about your options and the support available to help you stop smoking, please email quitteam@cntw.nhs.uk or visit Tobacco Dependency | North East and North Cumbria NHS
We are here to help you on your journey toward a smoke-free life!
“I received support from the QUIT team. I found that Lisa was very down to earth [and] very professional, which helped me stop smoking. I do feel confident that I am not going to start smoking again, as I have been smoke-free now for around four months which is a huge achievement.”
Free stop smoking support for Health and Social Care staff across NENC
Working in health and social care is demanding, and stopping smoking can feel difficult alongside busy shifts, stress and irregular hours. That’s why the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Integrated Care System is offering free, flexible stop smoking support designed specifically for our health and social care workforce. NENC has secured 4,000 premium licences for the Smoke Free (app), providing universal digital behavioural support for health and social care staff across the region.
With premium access, staff can benefit from:
✓ FREE 24/7 digital support from LIVE NCSCT-certified advisors with Smoke Free: Help to build motivation, manage cravings and stay smokefree; Support that fits around shift work, nights and weekends; Help to set a quit date and stay on track
✓ FREE Nicotine replacement therapy products like patches and inhalators
✓ FREE Nicotine vape kit, replacement pods and liquids
The digital cessation tool Smoke Free provides information and direct support to help staff access local community Stop Smoking Services if they would prefer face-to-face or additional support.
The digital cessation tool Smoke Free provides information and direct support to help staff access local community Stop Smoking Services if they would prefer face-to-face or additional support.
To Self-refer to the staff offer just complete the referral form
Local Authority Stop Smoking Services
Local stop smoking services offer expert support to help you quit smoking and improve your health. Support may include:
To find your local service, visit the NHS Better Health website.
Many of our hospital sites have gyms that all staff can use for free.
Staff must attend a short induction before using our on-site gyms. This will help them learn how to use the equipment safely. Contact the Exercise Therapy Team at the gym you wish to start using; they will be happy to show you around and assist with your setup.
These are available for all staff to access at the following sites:
Email ExerciseTherapyCentral@cntw.nhs.uk for both sites.
Click the link below to view the discounts available at local leisure centres
and gyms.
There are signposted walking routes at many of our sites to encourage staff and service users to get active and enjoy the health benefits of being outside in nature.
They are all between 1-1.25 miles, or about 20-30 minutes of walking – perfect for a lunch break!
St Nicholas Hospital – blue route
St Nicholas Hospital – yellow route
St George’s Park – yellow route
Hopewood Park – blue route
Hopewood Park – yellow route
Walkergate Park
Our Cycle to Work staff benefit enables you to enjoy tax-free bikes and accessories for your commute to work.
Cycle to Work not only keeps you active, it helps save you money as it is a tax-free initiative, helping you save up to 30%* on the latest cycling equipment. Plus, if you contribute to the NHS Pension Scheme you can save up to 37%*. Log into VIVUP for more information: https://www.vivup.co.uk/
Bike storage facilities are available on most of our Trust sites as follows:
Staff can access free eye screening.
Staff who need an eyesight test can get a Specsavers eye care voucher from the Patient Safety department.
Complete an eye test application form, and we will supply a voucher.
For any queries, please email: StaffExperienceTeam@cntw.nhs.uk
Our Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community run twice weekly virtual Meditation Cafes and a Chair Yoga session (on a Friday) for CNTW staff. Both are recorded so staff can watch them if they are not available to attend on the day.
For further information regarding the cafes and Chair Yoga session please contact: Lindsay Hamberg (Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community Co Chair): lindsay.hamberg@cntw.nhs.uk
Our Staff Experience Team runs regular Menopause Café sessions which are an open, respectful and confidential space where people can express their views and experiences safely. Take a look at our upcoming events on the link below.
We’ve also put together a handy page of online menopause support resources.
DrinkCoach enables all colleagues across the North East and North Cumbria to access a completely confidential and simple-to-use platform to review drinking habits.
Here staff can make use of the DrinkCoach Two Minute Test to evaluate and help better understand drinking and the associated risks, as well as access further support where needed.
To begin your DrinkCoach journey, please take the two-minute alcohol test here.