New quiet space for Bedford colleagues

Our Hammond Road site now has its own Quiet Room, a space where staff can take some time out and decompress, thanks to funding from the EEAST Charity.

Individuals and teams across the Trust are able to submit a bid to the Charitable Fund to support a project to develop or enhance their working environment, such as a quiet room or wellbeing garden.

Bedford AOC Duty Manager and Wellbeing Lead, Jo Maxwell, said: ‘I submitted a request to the charity for funding to refresh our quiet/wellbeing room. The space we had was very clinical and looked very run down, which I don’t believe helps our staff to unwind or de stress following a traumatic call or if they are experiencing a mental health episode.’ 

Jo’s application was successful and the Bedford EOC Team used the funding to transform the room into a calming, relaxed area which is a real contrast to the noise of the main building. 

Jo said, ‘This room can be used by our teams to rest, relax and focus on their wellbeing, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy EOC building. It makes such a difference to have a space like this available. Thank you and well done to everyone who was involved in the redesign and refresh of the room!’

So far, feedback from colleagues who have made us of the space has been hugely positive. 

‘Thank you for creating the perfect room to take yourself away from the noise of our jobs.’ 

‘It’s warm and cosy, nothing like the rest of the building.’ 

‘Whilst I am in there, I don’t feel like I am at work.’ 

Adrian Blythe, Senior Operations Centre Manager (SOCM) at Bedford EOC, said: ‘Refurbishing and re-launching our wellbeing room as a safe space for staff has been incredibly powerful across our Bedford site. This room has adjustable lighting, calming artwork, new furniture and beanbags, fidget toys and a wealth of information on wellbeing and the associated charities that are available. We're looking to add more calming sensory items in the near future as well. This addition to our wellbeing offering has been project led by Jo Maxwell, and is a shining example of what we can do for our staff.’

How can you access the Charitable Fund?

So far this year the charity has funded a number of wellbeing gardens and rooms across the Trust to enhance working environments, however we would like to support more! To access funds to support a similar project at your station or office please visit our Charitable fund web page or email @charitablefunds for further information. 

The charity is solely funded via donations from our generous supporters, fundraisers, legacy giving and grant opportunities, all of whom wish to make a positive difference for EEAST colleagues, patients and our local communities.

Published 22nd February 2023