Meet Sean Doogan, a dedicated Wellbeing Champion from City College Plymouth, who completed his Wellbeing Champion Training just four months ago. Sean recently shared his insights on how the training has transformed his approach to supporting his colleagues’ health and wellbeing; while also ensuring he takes care of himself and keeps a balance in the support he provides.
My thoughts before completing the Wellbeing Champion Training made me think about what I could and couldn’t do to support my colleagues in terms of their health and wellbeing. Since completing my training, I have reflected on how I can support my team. Although I have improved my skills in health and wellbeing, it is still very much a journey within my role to get the balance right—to help my colleagues without putting too much pressure on myself to maintain my own wellbeing. I am also balancing being supportive and signposting where necessary without wanting to come across as too virtuous. Everyone has their own idea of what health and wellbeing look like and what it means to them—one size definitely does not fit all!
As well as knowing what I can offer as a Wellbeing Champion, I am also more forgiving of myself and aware that I can only do so much. We aren’t going to be able to do absolutely everything, and I am much more mindful of what my position is and isn’t within my workplace.
Since doing the training, my team and I in the Maths Department have started to do a couple of things which have had a huge benefit for us. One of them is having a team ‘chill out’ on Friday afternoons for an hour between 1pm and 2pm. During this time, we meet for lunch together, play some games, have a chat, share good practices, and generally relax and wind down before the weekend starts—it’s made a great difference to everyone! Additionally, we’re also planning on starting a running group within the Maths team, where will go for an easy paced 2-3 mile run once a week.
We’d like to congratulate Sean for his dedication and achievements as a Wellbeing Champion. His efforts in motivating his team to make positive changes and supporting their wellbeing through simple yet impactful activities are truly commendable.
If Sean’s story has inspired you and you’re interested in becoming a Wellbeing Champion, please get in touch with us today!
