University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has introduced a dedicated men’s health initiative aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of its hospital staff. The trust held its inaugural Chill and Spill group session at Royal Stoke University Hospital, designed to encourage male employees to openly discuss self-care and mental health.
Organised by UHNM’s organisational development department, the session attracted over 40 participants and marked a significant milestone in the ongoing growth of the trust’s Men’s Health Group.
The initiative was spearheaded by trainer James Harvey, who founded the group in June 2023 after a personal loss in 2019 inspired him to advocate for men’s health more robustly within the organisation.
Harvey noted, “It became clear that the organisation wasn’t doing enough to champion men’s health or support the wellbeing of our male colleagues.” Initially, the group met every six weeks and produced regular podcasts before expanding to include in-person sessions.
The Chill and Spill sessions offer a safe, relaxed environment for men at UHNM to discuss a variety of topics—from serious mental health issues such as suicide prevention and burnout to the emotional aspects of fatherhood. Harvey described the response as “overwhelming,” highlighting how participants felt comfortable sharing deep, previously unspoken emotions.
Estate manager Marc Porter, who attended with several team members, described the sessions as “overwhelmingly positive.” He reflected, “It showed me how much I’ve kept things to myself over the years—something many men struggle with.”
Further sessions are planned not only at Royal Stoke but also at County Hospital in Stafford, with interest emerging from other NHS Trusts. Harvey emphasized that the goal is to cultivate a culture where men feel acknowledged and supported, fostering self-care and genuine connection among colleagues.
“We’re just getting started, but already, we’re making a difference,” Harvey said. “I want this to be the best men’s health group in the NHS.”
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