Each year, our annual staff conference event brings together colleagues, speakers, and supporters to explore a theme which speaks to the heart of our collective wellbeing. This year, the focus was on belonging – something that is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing.
Through shared stories, insightful talks, and interactive sessions, colleagues came together to reflect on what it truly means to feel seen, supported, and to belong.
Here is a look back at the highlights from the day, and how the theme of belonging was represented and resonated with those involved.
Celebrating our progress
The day kicked off with an introduction speech by our CEO, Duncan. He highlighted what we as an organisation have been working on over the last year, including our Investors in People Silver award, and becoming a Mindful Employer.
We also took a moment to celebrate our collective impact - in 2024 we supported 16,000 people directly, as well as an extra 20,000 people through partnerships across Calderdale, Leeds and surrounding areas.
Speaking to our theme of belonging, Duncan said: “As part of being a growing organisation, it’s important we still look after everybody. You spend a lot of time at work, and if you don’t feel like you belong, you won’t thrive. It is really important that we think about how we continue to move this agenda forward.”
A morning of insightful discussions
We continued the morning by understanding more about our journey so far with Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EEDIB).
Alison Cater, our Assistant Director for Governance and Policy, discussed our commitment to EEDIB, encouraging colleagues to contribute by giving suggestions for the name of this programme of work.
The morning was followed by a clinically-focused session, which introduced Single Session Therapy (SST) and its benefits. Our Director of Children and Young People Services, Helen McGlinchey, pre-recorded an interview with leading psychotherapist and renowned author, Windy Dryden.
Both though-provoking and informative, the conversation provided deep insight into the power and impact of SST.
During the video, Windy explained: “For me, Single Session Therapy is collaborative teamwork. Small can be beautiful in single session therapy. We often concentrate on what is the outcome, but also, we need to think, what is the start?”.
Delving into belonging
A staple of every staff conference, our afternoon began with a series of spotlight sessions. Led by colleagues from across our organisation, these sessions shone a light on how belonging is valued by both service users and team members alike.
Creating connections: supporting belonging for service users
Led by our School Therapist, Imogen Fuller, and Education Mental Health Practitioners, Anum Munir and Martin Waters, this session focused on how we can create a sense of belonging in the work we do for service users.
Imogen shared that many children referred to therapy struggle with a sense of belonging. Therapy can help bridge that gap, offering a space where they feel connected and supported. Drawing on insights from her team, she explained how therapy sessions are designed to meet emotional, physical, and sensory needs - creating a safe, comfortable environment that encourages autonomy, fun, and self-expression.
Martin and Anum explored how the Calderdale Mental Health Support Team creates an environment of belonging for service users. They encouraged attendees to put themselves in the mindset of a service user by designing what they would want in their ideal therapy building.
Belonging at Northpoint
Led by colleagues across our Finance, Business Development and Calderdale teams, this session explored the question: ‘what makes you feel you belong at Northpoint?’.
In a relaxed, informal setting, staff discussed what this meant to them, as well as important factors for feeling a sense of belonging at work. This inspired the creation of some wonderful jigsaw pieces which will come together to create inspirational artwork within our offices.
Authentic belonging: practitioner perspectives
Our adult practitioners shared live examples of how they bring their authentic selves to work. Examples included body scanning to identify tension, using native language to build connection, and drawing on lived experience to strengthen therapeutic rapport.
Practitioners spoke about the value of vulnerability, finding common ground, and creating space for cultural identity and individuality - emphasising that being seen as human, not just professional, is key to meaningful client relationships.
Your voice, your benefits
Members from our People and Culture team gave attendees the opportunity to voice the staff benefits they valued the most. Colleagues worked creatively within the session to contribute suggestions for the future.
Our wellbeing workshops
To round the day off with some relaxation and rejuvenation, we got involved our wellbeing workshops, which included African drumming, breathwork, a sound bath, Qigong, sustainable coaster making, and quiet spaces.
Closing reflections
The day was wrapped up with a speech from our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Fi Grossick, who reflected on the day, and celebrated what we’d achieved.
Fi introduced our new long service pins initiative, which will be awarded to colleagues to recongise their dedication and commitment throughout the years.
Our colleagues brought an incredible amount of enthusiasm, interest and engagement on the day – and we’re already looking forward to next year!
