Care and support workers play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our communities across Bristol. Support staff often work in demanding environments, and balancing the physical and emotional challenges of others can take its toll on their wellness.

Talk About Health CIC is applying for grant funding to launch a brand-new, 12-month project specifically designed for paid and voluntary care and support workers across Bristol. Funded to support those who care for others in any professional or volunteer capacity, this free programme aims to boost energy, manage stress, and connect teams with peers across Bristol’s thriving VCSE sector.

Why This Project?

We listened to what local care workers had to say. In our survey of Bristol-based employees we discovered that:

  • 37.2% of care workers reported that caring for others significantly affected their personal health (compared with 9.3% in non-caring roles).
  • Care workers specifically highlighted the heavy impact of workplace stress, low mood, fatigue, and difficulties eating well.
  • You told us you wanted practical, flexible training—not multi-week commitments that clash with busy schedules.

We designed this programme around your feedback: offering bite-sized, accessible sessions that fit flexibly around demanding work patterns.

What the Programme Covers

The training is broken down into three connected, flexible topics. You can book individual sessions, mix and match across months, or join us for the whole journey in a day:

Lead The Way: Health Promotion for Managers

Exploring why staff wellbeing matters, the benefits for both employees and employers, and practical links to productivity, job satisfaction, and reduced sickness absence. We also provide space for managers to consider their own health and wellbeing as they support their team.

Make A Change: Healthy Lifestyle Choices

This interactive session provides the opportunity for support staff to focus on their own health and wellbeing. We share practical, evidence-based information on a range of topics including nutrition for mood and energy, stress management, physical activity and more, with plenty of time for questions. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants will build the knowledge and motivation to improve their health.

Connect: Bringing People Together To Improve Health Outcomes

Building your confidence to share simple, healthy-lifestyle messages and signpost others effectively, while connecting and sharing experiences with workers from different local services.

This course will be CPD accredited, helping employers recognise professional development and adding value to CVs.

How It Works & Where

  • Flexible Schedule with multiple options for attendence
  • Online & In-Person Mix: Each month includes two online sessions on the core topics, plus one collaborative, in-person Very Brief Advice session led by our experienced facilitators.
  • Format: Designed as focused half-day blocks so you can easily fit them into your working week.
  • Workplace Delivery: Dedicated programmes can also be arranged directly at employers’ premises by agreement.
  • Refreshments: At our in-person sessions, we provide delicious refreshments sourced from local community organisations, fully accommodating cultural, religious, and dietary needs.

We’re inviting organisations working in health, social care and community support to get involved in our exciting new programme.

Whether you are a care and support worker looking to boost your own wellbeing and professional skills, or an employer wanting to support your team, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can support the people who support others and create a lasting legacy of better health.

We are in the process of applying for grant funding, support staff and volunteers will receive free training from Talk About Health CIC.

Email us at contact@talkabouthealth.co.uk.