We support our staff by funding comfortable rest spaces so that they can unwind after a challenging shift.
The WOW Bus (Wellbeing on Wheels) brought wellbeing support directly to NHS staff across Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, creating a calm and welcoming space for colleagues to pause, recharge and connect during busy working days.
Over the course of a week, the WOW Bus visited five sites across the Trust, connecting with more than 500 staff working across frontline and support services. Designed using staff feedback, the bus offered refreshments, wellbeing resources, mindfulness activities, and back and foot massages to help staff step away from busy environments and focus on their wellbeing.
The response from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with 99% of visitors saying the WOW Bus was useful and that they would like it to return.
Made possible through charitable support, the WOW Bus gave staff a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge and feel supported while caring for patients and keeping services running every day.
Read the full storyA great reset and moment to pause after a busy week. I noticed a real difference in how relaxed I felt afterwards.
— CNWL staff member
The Refurbished Hardy Room at St Pancras Hospital
As part of a wellbeing initiative, CNWL NHS Health Charity secured a grant from NHS Charities together to fund the transformation of staff facilities at St Pancras Hospital - the newly refurbished Hardy Room.
Before the renovation, many staff were left without a dedicated space to take a break. They ate at their desks, in pooled cars, or offsite often without the time or environment needed to truly recharge.
Staff were consulted throughout the planning process - from the décor and furnishings to the layout and amenities. As a result, they now have a permanent comfortable physical room to rest, relax and have lunch.
Just six weeks after the opening, a survey showed a 31% improvement in the number of staff who felt their workplace now provided facilities that met their needs.
"It’s a good place to switch off when you're on a break. The décor, furniture and environment make it feel like you’re not at work, but in a café, just chilling with your food. It's also very calm.'
— A Therapy team member from CNWL's Rapid Access Service
Wellbeing Boxes for Staff Working on Christmas Day
Every year, our staff at CNWL go above and beyond, willingly sacrificing their Christmas Day to care for patients at your local NHS services. We believe these selfless acts deserve recognition. In 2023 and 2024, we funded wellbeing boxes to thank staff working on Christmas Day.
Each box was a small reminder that they are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.
In 2023, thanks to our generous supporters we hand-delivered:
1,049 wellbeing boxes
To 129 services
Across 40 sites
In 2024, we expanded even further:
1,318 wellbeing boxes
Supporting 147 wards and teams
Delivered to 34 locations across the Trust
Each wellbeing box is packed with items to help staff relax, recharge, and feel valued. Each box contained, Hot chocolate, Scented balm, Love hearts, Biscuits, Coffee and tea, Mints, Puzzle cube and more
"Receiving something so nice and special over Christmas made all the difference at a time when we are supporting others during the festive holidays"
— Oscar, Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner