Staff Wellbeing Microgrants
Grants of up to £500 available to fund activities that support the health and wellbeing of staff.
NHS Lothian Charity supports Staff Wellbeing Microgrants which are managed and distributed by NHS Lothian’s Work Well team.
Applications must meet the following criteria;
- The duration of the project must not be longer than three months.
- Applicants should outline how they plan to measure the impact of the project on the wellbeing of their staff. This could include a questionnaire, verbal feedback or development of other initiatives as a result of the project.
- If using service providers to deliver particular activities, they need to be qualified with appropriate liability insurance cover in place.
- Funding is not available to support current projects, however it can be applied for to supplement funding from other sources.
To apply for a Staff Wellbeing Microgrant, please complete an application form. This form is available on the Staff Health and Wellbeing pages of the NHS Lothian staff intranet. Please note, you need to be logged into the NHS Lothian network to access the intranet.
Looking for more information?
If you would like more information on Staff Wellbeing Microgrants, please contact the Work Well team.
Find out more about how we are supporting staff wellbeing:
Professional Development Days.
We are delighted to support important Professional Development Days for staff across NHS Lothian, from GP practices to critical care teams. These days allow staff to reflect, learn new skills, and strengthen team cohesion in a non-clinical setting. They also gain practical tips for stress management, communication, and creating a psychologically safe space.
Harmonising wellbeing through a staff choir
Our partnership with Scottish Opera offered staff a unique opportunity to boost their wellbeing through participation in an NHS Lothian staff choir and subsequent performance at the Edinburgh Festival. Staff who took part reported feeling more relaxed, resilient, and even more innovative at work, demonstrating how a fun, creative outlet outside work can positively impact their professional lives. We work in partnership with a number of leading national experts like Scottish Opera to ensure staff have access to high-quality experiences that truly show our appreciation for the work that they do.
Providing a sanctuary for staff
Recognising how important it is for staff to find respite during their busy working day, we worked with teams at the Western General to revitalise 10 break rooms across the site. With input on colours, design and aesthetics from our Tonic Arts team, these spaces have been transformed. Staff have told us that the improvements have significantly boosted their wellbeing, enhanced morale, and provided important opportunities to recharge, which ultimately leads to even better patient care.
Connecting with nature for improved wellbeing
Our dedicated nature rangers are helping staff to find wellbeing solutions in nature. Through facilitating outdoor activities, such as mindfulness walks and engaging nature-based sessions in the many greenspaces across sites, they’re helping staff connect with the natural world. By using our Natural Health Service, we can help staff harness the power of nature to bring much-needed respite, significantly reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall mental and physical health in demanding healthcare environments.
Outdoor spaces to rest, relax and recharge
We’re delighted to have supported A&E staff at St John’s Hospital to create a beautiful, relaxing outdoor haven. The space now boasts comfy seating, a picnic table and a shady canopy. There are also some deep planters where staff can enjoy some therapeutic gardening and trellises for climbing plants to encourage wildlife.