Celebrating Success: Ways to Wellness Wins Bright Ideas in Health Award
We are absolutely delighted to share that a collaborative project led by Ways to Wellness has won the prestigious ‘Women’s Health Innovation’ Award at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2024! Described by the Award committee as making a “remarkable contribution to women’s health in NENC” this incredible recognition celebrates our groundbreaking Maternal Mental Health Prototypes project, a true testament to collaboration, innovation, and the power of social prescribing to transform lives.
A Groundbreaking Initiative
The Maternal Mental Health Prototypes project brought together Ways to Wellness and four Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) providers—Everyturn Mental Health, Teesside Mind, Together We CiC, and Sunderland Counselling Service—to deliver evidence-based social prescribing link worker prototypes.
Focused on maternal mental health during the perinatal period, the project utilisessocial prescribing in a pioneering way, providing preventative support for women facing the greatest disadvantage, including those from ethnically minoritised communities. This innovative approach tackles health inequalities and addresses the social determinants of health, firmly placing the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) on the map as a leader in greater VCSE integration in women’s healthcare.
We are delighted to have accepted this award on behalf of the VCSE Maternal Mental Health Service Collaboration.
This project has demonstrated the significant impact the VCSE sector can have supporting women and families through the often difficult perinatal period.
We owe our grateful thanks to the amazing link workers who have demonstrated empathy, compassion and resilience in a challenging environment, our delivery partners who have supported the project from the start and our steering group colleagues who have provided advice and guidance to help shape this project into the success it has been.
(Sandra Mitchell-Phillips, Ways to Wellness Chief Executive)
Photo credit: Bright Ideas In Health Awards official photography from the awards evening
Collaboration at its Heart
This award celebrates a truly collaborative effort, and we want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this project possible. From our incredible link workers and senior leads to the dedicated VCSE Maternal Mental Health Prototypes Steering Group and Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS), your vision and support were integral to this success. Special thanks also to Ang Broadbridge, Maternal Mental Health Project Manager, for leading the nomination process and steering this project to national recognition.
Inspiration from Across the Region
The Bright Ideas in Health Awards is a celebration of innovation across healthcare, and we’re honoured to be part of a program showcasing so many inspirational projects. We encourage everyone to explore the event programme (insert link) and learn about the amazing ideas shaping the future of healthcare across the region. Each finalist represents the spirit of innovation and a commitment to improving lives.
Looking Ahead
This award reinforces the impact of social prescribing in addressing critical healthcare challenges and tackling inequalities. It motivates us to continue innovating, collaborating, and driving positive change.
To all our partners, supporters, and the women and families we serve, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are leading the way in integrating VCSE expertise into women’s health and care. Let’s celebrate this win and continue building a healthier future for all!
For more information about the Bright Ideas in Health Awards see this year’s event programme.
Please direct enquiries about the Maternal Mental Health Prototypes project to Ang Broadbridge ang.broadbridge@waystowellness.org.uk.