Thriving at Work
Partnership
Closed for new delivery partnersParticipants
Referrals ClosedLocation
York, North Yorkshire and East RidingAudience
Businesses, non-profit organisations and employed participantsDeadline
Programme finished June 2023Current evaluating impact of project
What is Thriving at Work?
The project aims to support more people to thrive at work. It has a particular focus on supporting inclusive workplaces that can unlock the potential of staff who are neurodiverse, disabled or experience mental health challenges.
Delivered through a network of specialist partners, we can offer 3 packages of support to businesses and people:
- Inclusive Workplace – 1-2-1 business support to create an inclusive workplace.
- Diversity Training – webinar series and specialist training for staff.
- Workplace Support – 1-2-1 in-work coaching and support for individuals.
All support is free to access and available across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding
Funding
This project is part-funded by the European Social Fund. It is supported locally with match-funding provided by North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and HEY Smile Foundation.
The project is led by Better Connect and delivered through our specialist partnership.
About Thriving at Work
The project offers 3 packages of support to businesses and individuals. All support is free to access and available across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding.
Inclusive Workplace
A package of support, aimed at helping businesses realise the benefits of creating an inclusive workplace where all of their staff are supported to thrive.
Diversity Training
Short taster webinars and more in-depth training courses on a range of issues relating to inclusive workplaces.
Workplace Support
Personalised 1-2-1 in-work coaching and mentoring for people who self-identify as being neurodiverse, disabled or experiencing mental health challenges. The support is designed to help in a work context and ensure they are able to thrive at work.
News and Case Studies
West Yorkshire Rise2Thrive Launch – Did you miss it?
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RISE
Thriving at Work
On Thursday 7th December, we ran a virtual launch for our new partnership offering Rise2Thrive West Yorkshire. If you missed out, check out the video below for information about Better Connect, what we do and how we do it and our vision for Rise2Thrive. If you are interested in applying, click here If you
Transformation, Empowerment and Social Change: Real Impact across Yorkshire
Action Towards Inclusion
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Internal
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RISE
Thriving at Work
The Better Connect team are excited to officially launch our Impact Report! Back in July our Impact Team began the process of collaborating with Research Retold on bringing the impact of our projects, alongside our brand and story to life! We’re delighted to share the finished product with you (click below) Transformation, empowerment and
New UKSPF Partnership Opportunity in West Yorkshire.. Apply now!
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RISE
Thriving at Work
We will be running an online event on the 7th December @ 9.30 to talk about Rise2Thrive and meet potential delivery partners, want to come along? Book online here It’s an exciting time as we start to see the People & Skills funding opportunities under UKSPF for Year 3 (April 2024- March 25), which
Better Connections- Wellbeing for Keyworkers
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Meet the Team
Mental Health
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RISE
Thriving at Work
Wellbeing Resources
This week, we’ve shared several posts covering the impact of our former Thriving at Work programme in honour of International Happiness at Work Week, and today, we’re spotlighting our keyworkers & partners as we begin to focus more heavily on supporting their happiness at work. After several discussions about keyworker challenges, the team came
Rise 2 Thrive – New Partnership Opportunity for North Yorkshire
Action Towards Inclusion
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RISE
Thriving at Work
It’s an exciting time as we start to see the People & Skills funding opportunities under UKSPF for Year 3 (April 2024-25), which will be released by various Local Authorities in the coming weeks! After the success of our RISE and Thriving at Work programmes, Better Connect are excited to announce we will be
Better Connect visit Co-Lab to talk about Thriving at Work
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Thriving at Work
Today we had the amazing opportunity to speak at Harrogate’s shared work space Co-Lab. Based in Harrogates Convention Centre, Co-Lab is dedicated to helping businesses grow and create more high-value jobs in the Harrogate district. It is delivered by Harrogate Borough Council, and supported by Leeds City Region and York & North Yorkshire LEPS.
Mental Health Awareness Week – “It is the relationship that you have with yourself that is the most important relationship you will ever have”
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Careers
Internal
Meet the Team
Mental Health
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Thriving at Work
Wellbeing Resources
Mental Health Awareness Week is from the 9th – 15th May and this years key topic is loneliness. Today we hear from our Engagement Manager Hannah about what she has learnt from her experiences of loneliness. “Loneliness can show up in life in many different ways, it can come from feeling the
A Farewell from Sam and Introducing our New CEO…
Action Towards Inclusion
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Careers
Internal
Meet the Team
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Thriving at Work
Today we say goodbye to our amazing CEO Sam Alexander. Sam has worked for Better Connect for thirteen years, taking over as CEO six years ago. Sam has created an inclusive, positive and exciting place to work for all of the staff here. We will miss her greatly, but know that it is time
Emergency First Aid, Neurodiversity Awareness and Mental Health First Aid Training Available
Thriving at Work
Are you looking to upskill your team? Or do you have a particular staff member that is interested in learning more about topics such as emergency first aid, neurodiversity awareness or mental health first aid? The below courses are fully funded by the European Social Fund and Local Authorities so they will be no
Catching up with Autism Plus and The Blue Dolphin Holiday Park
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Thriving at Work
You may remember back in September we shared an amazing story about The Blue Dolphin Holiday Park, an employer that has worked with Autism Plus through the Thriving at Work programme to support some of their staff members that have autism. Autism Plus worked with the employer to make adjustments in the way they work
Reflections on the Local Linking Events so far
Action Towards Inclusion
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Thriving at Work
We have been out on the road again in North Yorkshire! It has felt so good to see people face to face again, to talk in person about real issues our communities are facing and visit amazing local venue’s sampling lots of varied delicious lunch menu’s. Our Local Linking Events are for anyone wanting to
Stigma and Culture Change
Thriving at Work
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We are really happy to post the slides from the most recent Thriving at Work webinar on dealing with stigma and culture change. Follow the link below to download.
Local Linking Events
Action Towards Inclusion
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Thriving at Work
We are really pleased to announce a new round of Local Linking events across York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding as part of Action Towards Inclusion and Thriving at Work. These events are a great networking opportunity – allowing keyworkers, intervention partners, participants and others to get together and share expertise and experiences. For
Celebrating Thriving at Work
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Thriving at Work
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The dream………to create inclusive, accessible and healthy workplaces that increase productivity and create and environment where all employees can thrive. Thriving at Work supports individuals, and organisations to improve their workplace practices, learn how to better support colleagues that may be struggling and provide 121 holistic provision where employees who are neurodiverse, have a
Supporting Employees Mental Health
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Thriving at Work
A big thanks to Nick at York Mind for their recent webinar focusing on supporting people with their mental health. If you would like to see the slides from the session they can be downloaded by following the link below. We are planning new sessions as part of Thriving at Work in the New Year
Understanding Sensory Overload
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Thriving at Work
A big thanks to Autism Plus for their recent webinar focusing on sensory overload. If you would like to see the slides from the session they can be downloaded by following the link below. We are planning new sessions as part of Thriving at Work in the New Year so please check out the
Winter Wellbeing
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Thriving at Work
A big thanks to Nicola Gibbons from York Mind for sharing some valuable tips for winter wellbeing. If you would like to attend one of our next webinars then please visit our booking page. These sessions are free and funded as part of our Thriving at Work project. You can also download the resources
Managing Neurodivergent Staff – Webinar Resources
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Thriving at Work
We were really please to have Suzanne Eusman from Autism Plus share her insights into supporting staff who identify as autistic or nerodivergent. We’ve kept her presentation and you can download it below. There are lots of new Lunchtime Learning webinars and more in depth training planned so please check out the link below.
Neurodiversity Training
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Disability
Thriving at Work
This week Better Connect took part in Neurodiversity Awareness training through the ‘Diversity Training’ strand of Thriving at Work. Delivered by Suzanne Eusman at Autism Plus- one of our fantastic partners on both Thriving at Work (TAW) and Action Towards Inclusion (ATI), the training was certainly invaluable. We wanted to share some of the
Balance in Leadership
Mental Health
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Thriving at Work
Wellbeing Resources
It was great to hear Sam our CEO talking and sharing about the importance of balance in leadership. We are recording all the Thriving at Work webinars but you can book on these free events and find out more about the in depth training being offered as part of our exciting project. You
Thriving at Work Team
Alex Kelley
Head of Programmes
01423 795309 or ext 2001[email protected]
Multiply RISE Thriving at Work
About Alex
Alex is the Head of Programmes at Better Connect, overseeing the amazing programmes that we manage within the team. Leading and supporting the Programmes Team, Alex’s role has a strong focus on development. This includes developing staff, systems, processes and relationships with delivery partners, funders and stakeholders. All to ensure that Better Connect programmes are successful, achieve their aims and ultimately transform people’s lives. Alex is also part of the Senior Management Team contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the company. The best bit of his job is seeing the life-changing impact that programmes have on staff and participants.
“We choose our joys and our sorrows long before we experience them.”
— Kahlil Gibran
The Official Bit
Alex has a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a PTLLS teaching qualification.
Alex began his career in customer service, moved to work in banking and then joined Better Connect following University in 2012. He felt a strong connection to the values and work within the community sector and has developed his career within the organisation, progressing from an Assistant to his current role as Head of Programmes. Along the way, Alex has worked across almost every aspect of the company.
For Alex, the most important part of work is feeling as though it is meaningful and that it is making a positive difference to society.
Fun Fact
Becomes overly competitive when playing sport or games
Piece of Advice
Count your blessings, every day.
About Emma
Emma is the Business Development Manager for Better Connect, working closely with the senior leadership team to find new funding and partnership programme opportunities that support organisations and people to thrive in their life and work. She works closely with existing and potential new delivery partners, external stakeholders and funders to create opportunities that will benefit local communities across Yorkshire.
The Official Bit
Emma has a BA (Hons) in Physical Education and an NVQ Level 2 in Playwork.
Emma worked for 15 years at Harrogate Borough Council within the Community Development Team, providing social inclusion activities to members of the local community. She joined Better Connect in July 2016 and has been very fortunate to contribute to a variety of projects as Programmes Manager including Talent Match, Action Towards Inclusion and Thriving at Work. She is looking forward to a long career at Better Connect, continuing to learn, grown and contribute to both the organisation and wider programmes.
Emma is a strong believer that all people should have the opportunity to thrive in life and in the workplace. Better Connect and our programmes play a vital role in helping/supporting this to happen and it is a privilege to be able to contribute to this.
Fun Fact
Qualified Cricket Coach & played County Cricket until the age of 23
Piece of Advice
Always do your best. Its better to try and fail than it is not to try at all
Favourite Place
Australia and Italy – I love them both equally and it’s too hard to make a choice!
Hannah Prole
Impact Manager
01423 795304 or ext 2010[email protected]
Impact Kickstart Multiply RISE Thriving at Work
About Hannah
Hannah is our Impact Manager at Better Connect. Her role is to show the impact that Better Connect and our programmes are making in many different ways such as through social media, our website, networking, events and presentations. Hannah is passionate about creating positive environments that people feel safe to be themselves in, especially at work. She loves building strong relationships with partners, meeting new people and really getting to know why people are the way they are and why they do what they do!
Hannah loves being creative and getting into ‘flow’ with her work. She loves making things and being involved in the creative process. Hannah loves working for Better Connect because she gets to have variety in her role and appreciates the positive culture and focus on wellbeing.
“The truest, most beautiful life never promised to be an easy one. We need to let go of the lie that it’s all supposed to be easy.
”
— Glennon Doyle
The Official Bit
Hannah has a BA (Hons) in Theatre, specialising in working with and supporting Young People with learning difficulties and mental health issues to gain confidence and feel safe in positive spaces. She thrives in a creative environment and tries to bring those skills into everything she does at Better Connect.
Hannah began her career at 16, working in customer facing roles until the age of 23. She will always be grateful for the experience she gained in these roles and feel that they helped her to engage with partners and stakeholders. After finishing University, Hannah worked at York Theatre Royal as a Research and Evaluation Graduate Intern. Whilst at the Theatre, Hannah learnt about the voluntary sector and began volunteering with various community groups in York delivering theatre-style workshops to vulnerable people.
Hannah has worked at Better Connect since 2017, starting in the Programmes Team as an Assistant. Since then, she has worked across various funding streams and programmes, working her way up to becoming a Programme Manager in 2020. Now our Impact Manager, Hannah is inspired every day by the amazing work that partners do in their communities and loves that she can have a role that helps highlight the impact both Better Connect and our partners are making. She loves being part of an organisation that wants to make a positive difference in the world.
Hannah is also a Trustee for a charity based in Leeds called Purple Patch Arts. Purple Patch Arts exists to provide innovative, inclusive, creative learning opportunities that improve the lives of learning-disabled and autistic adults by expanding their understanding of, and engagement with, the world.
Fun Fact
Obsessed with TV Chef, Rick Stein (and cooking programmes/food in general!)
Things I love
Dogs! I have my own dog called Boba, who is named after the bounty hunter in Star Wars Boba Fett!
Laura Sandiford
Impact Coordinator
01423 795303 or ext 2016[email protected]
Impact Multiply RISE Thriving at Work
About Laura
A keen storyteller, collaborator and engagement enthusiast, Laura works alongside Hannah as the Impact Coordinator, where she measures and highlights the impact of Better Connect across its business, programmes, and partnerships. She does so by working closely with colleagues, partners, participants, and stakeholders to gather information and stories, which she then translates into a range of engaging content across Better Connect’s channels.
Building relationships and networks is a large part of Laura’s role, alongside ensuring the ‘’Better Connect story’’ is woven throughout all communications.
Laura’s favourite part of the role is connecting with the faces behind the case studies and giving voice to their experiences.
“I can resist everything except temptation”
— Oscar Wilde
The Official Bit
Having formerly spent 2 years working as a Participant Experience Coordinator on one of Better Connects’ ESF & Lottery funded projects, Action Towards Inclusion, Laura is a huge advocate for sustainable social change, and believes this begins with supporting and empowering individuals and their communities and championing social inclusion.
Within this role, she managed the collaboration between partners, keyworkers, and participants on an administrative and ESF/National Lottery compliant scale. She also tracked the ‘Participant Journey’ from start to finish, following participant engagement across the programme, and liaising with some truly transformative partners, as they delivered wide reaching support across York, North Yorkshire, and the East Riding area.
Laura has a first-class BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. Whilst studying there, she became involved in a university led volunteering opportunity with a local primary school, where she provided literacy support to the children over several weeks. Following this opportunity, she travelled to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language and gained a TEFL accreditation.
Favourite Place
Sheffield / Mwnt (Wales)
Fun Fact
Was in an amateur production of ‘An Improbable Fiction’ at Harrogate Theatre
Natasha Babar-Evans
Chief Executive Officer
07725447623[email protected]
Finance Team Multiply RISE Thriving at Work
About Natasha
Natasha is the Chief Executive Officer at Better Connect. Natasha is proud to be leading this amazing team at Better Connect who are helping to make Yorkshire a place where every person can thrive in life and work. Better Connect has a great track record of delivery, partnership working and an incredibly committed team which are helping to transform lives. Natasha joined in May 2022 and instantly connected with the team and our vision. Natasha is focused on empowering the team and our partners to do more and be more. She absolutely loves being part of a team who are so full of purpose, thrive on autonomy and are experts in what we do. But it’s not just about the impact we are making and achieving our goals for Natasha, it’s about how we do it and having loads of fun along the way.
““Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible””
— Dalai Lama
The Official Bit
Natasha has always enjoyed working in roles which are focused on enabling people and businesses to thrive in the North.
Before joining Better Connect as CEO, Natasha worked at Relate Bradford & Leeds helping people to develop and sustain healthy relationships and improve their mental health and wellbeing. She has been an entrepreneur and COO of Wizu Workspace a flexible workspace provider supporting the growth of businesses in Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.
Natasha completed an MBA at Leeds University in 2016, where she is now a leader in residence. She then went on to be Regional Entrepreneur Director for NatWest supporting and helping to coach hundreds of entrepreneurs in accelerators across the North to start, scale and succeed. Natasha has both a banking and legal background. She worked as a banking lawyer at Walker Morris following which she joined Regional Lloyds Bank team as the Regional Sales Director and Client Services Director.
Natasha was appointed as a board member and trustee in 2021 for Trust Leeds, she has been on LEP investment steering groups, she has recently been appointed as an independent panel member at AFC(H) and is completing a NED insights programme shadowing NHS boards.
Fun Fact
I love grass roots football! I play for Leeds City Lasses and help coach under 8 and 9 girls football. (I love playing sports…I might be just a little bit competitive!)
Piece of advice
Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens