The Leeds Mindful Employer Network recently delivered its bi-annual conference, #LMEC24 “Creating mentally healthy workplaces for all”.
The 200+ attendees were treated to a goody bag at the end of the day, filled with a variety of items connected to workplace mental health and wellbeing.
One of the favourite items we included was a magnetic postcard thanking people for attending the conference. This beautiful piece was designed by a Year 6 pupil at Hollybush Primary School in Bramley.
Hollybush Primary School is a Mindful Employer Charter Signatory and Leeds Mindful Employer Network Member. The school’s Business Manager & Safeguarding Officer, Bridgitte Causer, also sits on our Employer Steering Group and was part of the group of employers who helped with the planning and delivery of #LMEC24.
Mindful Employer Project Coordinator Leigh really wanted to get the pupils at school involved in the conference and together with Bridgitte, came up with the idea of getting the children to design a magnet for the goody bags.
The Year 6 children were given the brief to design a postcard thanking attendees for coming and to include pictures of what wellbeing and mentally healthy workplaces meant to them. Leigh then visited the school to choose the winning design.
“I was really blown away by the designs the children had produced. They were all so clever, colourful and considerate and it was clear how talented the Year 6 pupils at Hollybush Primary are!” Leigh explained.
“With the help of Bridgitte and a couple of children from the class, I was able to get the options 
down to my five favourites, and then finally selected the winner. To be honest, the winner was the one that jumped out to me from the start. It just absolutely nailed the brief.
I really loved working on this mini project with Hollybush Primary School. It’s been a lovely, welcoming place to visit, and the children are all extremely polite and always greet you with a big smile! It was so rewarding to let the winner know their design had been chosen. She should be very proud of herself!”
The winning magnet that will now be displayed in workplaces across the city was designed by Year 6 pupil Lily. Leigh visited the school the day after #LMEC24 to present her with a special goody bag just for her and a certificate, and also her very own magnet.
Leigh and Lily had a chat about the project which you can read below.
Well done on winning this competition Lily! Can you talk us through your wonderful magnet design?
I thought what helps the world and how to be happy.
To help Wellbeing you have to be healthy so I used water in my design
I drew the girl in the gym, she might work at the gym or she be might working out at the gym,
Recycling is also a good thing to do for the Environment
I like Cats and they make me happy, even though I am allergic to them, that’s why I put one under the table.
Dogs and cats make you happy.
How does it feel to know that your design will be displayed in 200 workplaces in the city?
I didn’t know that but I am very happy!
What kind of job would you like to do one day and why?
I want to be a Nursery Nurse and work with small children, I love babies and toddlers!
Leigh also spoke to Bridgitte about what it was like from an employer perspective to be involved in the planning and delivery of #LMEC24. Bridgitte also told us a bit about Hollybush Primary School’s approach to wellbeing in the workplace.
Bridgitte, what did it mean for Hollybush Primary School to play a part in the Leeds Mindful Employer Network Conference?
I enjoy working with colleagues from other sectors within the steering group to help drive change, raise awareness of mental health in the workplace and help to promote good mental health amongst the people of Leeds.
I was keen to help with the Conference and help support Leeds Mind and the fantastic work they do whilst also raising the profile of Hollybush.
What you most proud of in Hollybush Primary School’s approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of employees.
Mental health is very much high on the schools’ agenda, supporting those colleagues who need it. We are fortunate to be able to access an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Leeds City Council who provide financial, mental health and personal advice and support for employees.
Our staff Thrive team are also active and visible in school providing support, fun events and treats for staff.
Hollybush Primary School is a Mindful Employer Charter Signatory and sits on Employer Steering Group of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network. Why does your workplace prioritise positive mental health at work?
Here at Hollybush Primary School we value being part of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network Steering Group.
Supporting mental health in the workplace is important and is something high on our school agenda. We have a trained Mental Health first aider and a Thrive team who represent colleagues from across the school, who champion positive mental health throughout the school.
If you attended #LMEC24 we hope you liked your ‘Thank you’ magnet – we’d love to see a photo of where it’s displayed in your workplace!
If you haven’t already, you can join the Leeds Mindful Employer Network. It’s free and simple to do and we’d love for your business or organisation to get involved in championing positive mental health at work across the city of Leeds.
