Wellbeing at Work Awards 2025 – Year 3
Striking Gold: Businesses That Shine
Awarded Employers with Trophies
Organisations across East Sussex have been recognised for their commitment to healthier workforces at the 2025 Wellbeing at Work Awards Ceremony and Conference. The event took place at the historic Observer Building in the heart of Hastings on the 13th March. The Observer Building is owned and managed by community-led regeneration organisation Hastings Commons.
Over 80 people joined us and Public Health Consultant Rob Tolfree to celebrate the achievements of all employers taking part in the East Sussex Wellbeing at Work Programme. 32 awards from range of different sizes and industries were presented with their awards.
The scheme provides local employers with an accreditation scheme to help them boost the health and wellbeing of their employees. It also shares useful resources and delivers free training.
Wellbeing at Work Conference & Awards 2025: A Celebration of Health, Creativity, and Commitment
This year’s theme, ‘Inspiring Wellbeing Through Creativity,’ set the tone for a day filled with innovation, inspiration, and meaningful conversations. Creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about finding fresh ways to support mental and physical health, foster resilience, and build thriving workplaces. From interactive workshops to powerful discussions, the event showcased how creativity can be a catalyst for change in workplace wellbeing.
Kicking Off with Public Health in East Sussex
Public health—it’s something we all benefit from, but do we truly understand it? Rob Tolfree opened the day by taking us on a journey through East Sussex’s public health landscape, from its rich history to the evolving needs of its diverse communities. His talk set the stage, reminding us why wellbeing at work isn’t just a nice-to-have but a fundamental part of a thriving workforce.
Rob Tolfree, Public Health Consultant
What is Creative Health?
Teresa Salami-Oru brought research to life with her compelling presentation on creative health—an approach that uses creativity to support employee wellbeing. Her message? Workplaces that embrace creativity are workplaces where employees feel valued, engaged, and mentally resilient.
Culture Shift: Creative Journaling for the Workplace
Julia Roberts had us picking up pens and getting introspective with her interactive session on creative journaling. Not just for personal diaries, this tool can help employees process stress, spark new ideas, and boost mental clarity. Who knew a notebook could be a secret weapon for workplace wellbeing?
Creative Journaling
Marketplace Stalls: Networking & Community Support
Alongside the inspiring talks, a bustling marketplace of charity and VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations provided valuable support and networking opportunities. Attendees connected with brilliant local organisations, gaining insights and resources to further enhance wellbeing in their workplaces. It was a fantastic chance to collaborate, share ideas, and build meaningful partnerships.
Marketplace Stall – Soundcastle & Seflie with Wellbeing at Work
Showcasing Workplace Health Excellence
The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust took centre stage as Stacey Bolingbroke and Sarah-Jane Collard shared their journey of embedding high-quality wellbeing support across a large organisation—earning them a well-deserved silver award. Their passion and dedication proved that no matter the size of the business, wellbeing can be woven into the very fabric of an organisation.
Commitment & Bronze Awards
A huge round of applause for the 19 businesses receiving their Bronze awards! Hosted by Matt Ellis and Rob Tolfree, this segment highlighted those laying the essential foundations for a healthier workplace. It’s just the beginning for these organisations, but their commitment is already making a difference.
Breaking the Stigma: A Conversation on Men’s Health
Travis Mains-Marten and men’s health expert Roger Prentice took to the stage for a raw and much-needed discussion on men’s health. Tackling stigma, sharing personal experiences, and offering practical advice, this session was a powerful reminder that conversations around men’s wellbeing need to happen more often—and more openly.
Travis Mains-Marten, Mr Hastings & St Leonards
Celebrating Silver & Gold Award Winners
The dedication didn’t stop at Bronze! 13 organisations were honoured with Silver and Gold awards, with five achieving the prestigious Gold status. Their commitment to long-term wellbeing practices is paving the way for healthier workplaces across East Sussex.
Gold Award Trophy
Wealden District Council: The Journey to Gold
How do you reach the top? Wealden District Council shared their innovative approach to achieving Gold, proving that creativity, persistence, and a people-first mindset are key to embedding workplace wellbeing successfully. Presented by Karen Rosier, and Kim Pocock.
A Harmonic Ending: Acapella Singing
And finally, what better way to round off a fantastic day than with some acapella singing? Led by Sarah Stephenson, this uplifting session brought everyone together in harmony—literally! It was a perfect reminder that wellbeing isn’t just about policies and programmes; sometimes, it’s about finding joy in the little things
Attendees singing
Award Winners:
Commitment Award – Eastbourne Foodbank, Education Futures Trust, Change Grow Live, Firle Church of England Primary School
Bronze Award – East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Age UK East Sussex, Horder Healthcare, Marshall-Tufflex, Posturite, Change Grow Live, Oakdown House
Small Business Bronze Award – Saffrons Park Nursery, Peacehaven Town Council, Eastbourne Food Bank, Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council, Hastings Advice & Representation Centre, Sussex Community Foundation, Education Futures Trust, Rother Voluntary Action, Phoenix Health Hub
Silver Award– East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Sussex County Council
Small Business Silver Award – Dawson Hart Solicitors Limited, Mitchell & Cooper, Let’s Do Business, One You East Sussex, APAC Ltd
Gold Award – Wealden District Council, St Wilfrid’s Hospice
Small Business Gold Award –Havens Community Hub, Dawson Hart Solicitors Limited, Ridgeview Wine Estate
Read more about those organisations’ achievements on our Awarded Employers webpage. Any questions about the awards or how to sign up, please contact the team at healthyworkplace@eastsussex.gov.uk