Meet some our ambassadors and read about their Good Health @ Work Journeys, including what they've learned and their plans as ambassadors to help other businesses like them in creating an ethos of sustainable good health at work across Suffolk.
Orwell Housing Association currently owns or manages over 4,300 homes, providing safe and secure accommodation for over 8,200 people while operating in 12 local authority areas. They employ in the region of 800 people and provide housing, care and support services with customers at their heart.
Michelle Harrison of Orwell Housing was an early adopter of he Good Health at Work Awards, having been a valued member of the Steering Group working with Get Set Uk and Suffolk County Council to ensure that the programme was appropriate, meaningful and sustainable.
Orwell Housing decided to go for the gold award.
Having always had a strong culture of positivity, inclusivity, and employee-led initiatives, Michelle and her team also recognised a key opportunity to shift their focus towards prevention, spotting early signs of stress and providing proactive support before challenges arise. Through the assessment process, they gained a clearer roadmap for the future and updated their Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Strategy. Coupled with their newly finalised Wellbeing Guidance, this not only strengthens their workplace culture but also ensures that every colleague feels supported, valued, and empowered.
Their dedication to continuous improvement has been recognised with them successfully achieving the GH@W Gold Award! But they’re not stopping there. Orwell Housing is now part of the Good Health @Work Ambassador Network, ready to support and inspire other organisations on their wellbeing journeys.
Michelle shared her experience:
“The process was so straightforward! After reaching out via the website, we were quickly connected and given clear criteria to assess where we stood. There were no ‘right or wrong’ answers, just an opportunity to reflect on what we do well and where we could grow. The support throughout was fantastic, and I’d highly recommend it to any organisation looking to boost colleague engagement and wellbeing.”
Gail Jones, GH@W Navigator, commented:
“Working with Orwell Housing has been an absolute pleasure. Their proactive approach to wellbeing is inspiring, and they’ve used this process not just for recognition, but as a foundation for ongoing growth. Their leadership in this space will no doubt inspire and support many others!”
BNA It Solutions
Sam Donovan of BNA IT Solutions took some time to share his thoughts about his experience of the Good Health @ Work Programme.
Sam completed his Good Health @ Work Award with our Navigator Gail and is now working with Kate our Ambassador Project Officer as a Good Health @Work Ambassador.
Maureen Laws, founder of Cashmere Coaching & Consulting, joined the Good Health @Work programme as a solopreneur eager to strengthen her communication skills and deepen the impact of her coaching and consultancy work. Her business helps individuals and organisations overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals through practical, solution-focused coaching.
Maureen worked with her Navigator Laura on building a more structured approach to measuring and using client feedback. By reviewing Maureen’s existing tools, Laura offered suggestions on how feedback could support ongoing improvement, not just for business performance, but for personal wellbeing too. From celebrating positive feedback to identifying areas for development, the process helped Maureen set clear goals, boost job satisfaction, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Maureen successfully earned her GH@W Bronze Award. With a renewed focus on embedding wellbeing into every part of her business, Maureen is looking forward to the next stage of her journey, achieving a Silver Award.
Maureen commented, “Working with Laura has been a great experience! Her support was tailored to my needs, helping me to break down some of the finer details for the Bronze Award as a solopreneur. Laura was always approachable, and nothing was too much trouble. Her knowledge of the Good Health @Work requirements made the process so much more manageable. I’m looking forward to the next stage – working towards my Silver Award!”