Spark Oldham Employee Benefits Programme

Workplace wellbeing is something I'm incredibly passionate about because I've experienced the other side of it.

Earlier in my career, I worked in organisations where employee wellbeing simply wasn't a priority. I found myself close to burnout, and it taught me just how important it is to make tim

Workplace wellbeing is something I'm incredibly passionate about because I've experienced the other side of it.

Earlier in my career, I worked in organisations where employee wellbeing simply wasn't a priority. I found myself close to burnout, and it taught me just how important it is to make time to look after yourself before it's too late.

I truly believe that when employers invest in their people, everyone benefits. Employees who feel supported and given permission to switch off are happier, more engaged and more loyal.

The other thing I've learned is that wellbeing looks different for everyone. Some people recharge in nature, others through creativity, family time or simply taking an hour for themselves. That's why we've created a programme with something for everyone, whether you prefer daytime or evening sessions, indoors or outdoors, on your own or with loved ones.

Many businesses want to support their teams but don't have the time to organise meaningful wellbeing activities. We've taken that work away, creating an affordable programme that's easy to offer as an employee benefit.

I'm especially proud that every business that joins isn't just investing in their own people – they're also helping Spark Oldham continue delivering vital community projects across Oldham. It's wellbeing that makes a difference both inside and outside the workplace.

Men's wellbeing is so easy to ignore. We put work, family and everyone else's needs first, convincing ourselves we'll slow down later. But if your battery is always running on empty, eventually it stops working.

I know that because I've lived it.

I spent years working as a counsellor and in mental hea

Men's wellbeing is so easy to ignore. We put work, family and everyone else's needs first, convincing ourselves we'll slow down later. But if your battery is always running on empty, eventually it stops working.

I know that because I've lived it.

I spent years working as a counsellor and in mental health support, constantly giving to other people while telling myself I had to keep going for my family and to pay the bills. I worked in a corporate environment where expectations were high, support was limited and my own self-worth was incredibly low. I never listened to what my body was telling me, until eventually I had to leave my job and take time off to recover.

That's why I'm so passionate about helping people realise that looking after yourself isn't selfish – it's essential.

The challenge is that wellbeing looks different for everyone. Men's wellbeing is often centred around sport, but that isn't for everybody. Sometimes what really helps is being part of a group, spending time in nature or getting stuck into something practical like woodworking, gardening or walking. You don't even have to talk if you don't want to. In my experience, conversations often come naturally when you're doing something alongside someone else.

My hope is that more people, especially men, start giving themselves permission to recharge their batteries. Because when we look after ourselves, we're better able to look after the people who matter most.

For many years, from the outside looking in, life looked great. I had a successful corporate career, worked as a personal trainer, travelled the world and was always busy. I was a classic people pleaser who never said no and believed that because I exercised and ate well, I was looking after myse

For many years, from the outside looking in, life looked great. I had a successful corporate career, worked as a personal trainer, travelled the world and was always busy. I was a classic people pleaser who never said no and believed that because I exercised and ate well, I was looking after myself.

The reality was very different.

I never slowed down. I experienced small episodes of burnout time and time again, but I ignored them and pushed through. Eventually, my body had enough. I experienced severe burnout which led to a viral infection that I never fully recovered from. I spent six months fighting against the idea of slowing down before I finally accepted it wasn't failure – it was my body telling me that the way I was living simply wasn't sustainable.

That experience completely changed my outlook. I retrained in nutrition, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and meditation, combining these with my personal training background to create a truly holistic approach to wellbeing. I discovered that real wellbeing isn't about doing more – it's about giving your mind and body the space they need to recover, regulate and thrive.

Having worked in the corporate world myself, I understand the pressures employees face every day. That's why I'm passionate about helping people build simple, realistic wellbeing habits that fit into busy lives. By learning how to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming, people become calmer, more resilient and better equipped to enjoy both work and home life.

For me, slowing down isn't about doing less. It's about creating happier, healthier people who can truly thrive.