At Weston College, we believe that great education starts with a supported and valued workforce. That’s why, on 5 January 2026, we hosted our first-ever Staff Wellbeing Day, welcoming more than 600 staff members to a day dedicated entirely to wellbeing, connection, and personal growth.

The event was designed to create a positive start to the new term, offering colleagues time and space to recharge after the festive period while reconnecting with one another. Staff took part in a diverse programme of short, engaging wellbeing activities, including mindfulness sessions, creative workshops, nature-inspired experiences, and interactive talks led by wellbeing professionals.

Guest Speakers Kick Off the Morning

The day began with inspiring talks from two expert guest speakers:

• Dr Claire Plumbly – Clinical Psychologist, Amazon bestseller author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, and founder of Plum Psychology, a boutique service supporting individuals to overcome trauma, burnout, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Claire shared insights and practical advice on managing the nervous system, helping staff better understand how to care for their mental wellbeing. 

   

• Dr Mandy Gardner – Representing VANS, she highlighted how staff can use the College’s allowance for voluntary days to make a positive impact in their local communities, emphasising the power of collective action to improve economic, health, and wellbeing outcomes. By offering flexible, bite-sized sessions, the day encouraged staff to explore new ideas and wellbeing practices in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

A Workplace That Cares

Wellbeing days like this are part of our wider commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace. They help to:

• Foster collaboration and strong relationships across teams
• Support mental health and work–life balance
• Create a welcoming and energising return to work
• Build a culture where wellbeing is a shared priority.

Feedback from staff highlighted how valued and supported they felt, with many describing the day as uplifting and motivating.

We are proud to work with a range of local partners and wellbeing specialists who helped make the event such a success, and we are excited to build on this with further wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.

If you’re looking to join a college that genuinely invests in its people, Weston College is a place where wellbeing, connection, and professional fulfilment matter.