Leeds Mindful Employer Network hosted its 2024 conference at Leeds Beckett University on Tuesday 21st May, with more than 100 Leeds businesses and organisations in attendance.
Around 200 delegates turned out to discuss “Creating Mentally Healthy Cultures for All”, from organisations big and small across many and varied sectors.
The 40+ speakers and exhibitors included: Mind, Leeds Mind, Touchstone Support, Thrive Law, Leeds Autism Services, The Jordan Legacy, Forward Leeds and Leeds City Council. You can find the full list on the conference webpage.
The event was made possible by our sponsors: Barca, Hippo Digital, madeby.studio and Touchstone.
Sessions included: creating an anti-stigma culture and challenging discrimination; suicide prevention at work; being a racial trauma-informed employer; neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace; being a recovery-friendly employer; mentally healthy workplaces for parents and carers; and feedback to promote psychological safety.
As well as the illuminating seminars and workshops, delegates enjoyed wellbeing activities including yoga, massages, breathwork and a lunchtime walk.
Leigh Staunton, Co-ordinator for the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, said: “It was fantastic to get so many employers interested in workplace wellbeing all in one place. It was great to welcome both existing network members and some new faces.
“We had some brilliant, honest and impassioned conversations, and I look forward to the next conference in 2026!”
Conference attendees commented:
“There have been phenomenal speakers on the panels and brilliant workshops!! It was a perfect opportunity to network and engage with many professionals. I will definitely be implementing and sharing tips and tricks from these sessions with my teams and wider organisation.” – Mariya Anees, Leeds Women’s Aid
“If you’re not part of the Mindful Employer Leeds network you’re missing out on so much important advice, resources and expertise that can make your company a place your employees love to work.” – Thomas Nadin, Few and Far
“It’s always so heartening to meet and learn from people genuinely dedicated to driving positive change and putting mental health at the top of their business’ agenda. I am thankful to all the brilliant speakers at the event and my peers for sharing their insight, expertise and lived experiences.” – Daniella Colton, Irwin Mitchell
“We had a wonderful day at the conference! From the second we walked through the university doors we were made to feel welcome! I met likeminded employers and it was a pleasure to spend the day in such a safe place.” – Bridget McDonagh, Dynamic Support Services.
“It was an epic day brimming with insightful talks and valuable takeaways!” – Chris Nightingale, Parallax
The network, running since 2013, is commissioned by Leeds City Council (Public Health) and led by local mental health charity, Leeds Mind, in partnership with local employers. It aims to bring local employers together to champion positive mental health at work.
Learn more about the Leeds Mindful Employer Network and join here.
