health

MPs’ Staff Survey of Well-being 2026

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CLOSING TODAY!

The Wellness Working Group undertakes an anonymous survey of MPs staff to better understand the pressures and effects that our jobs have on our wellbeing.  We are delighted that Dr Weinberg from Salford University has agreed to run the survey again for us this year.  The survey is completely anonymous and a chance to be able to help us enact change and to help us all obtain better work places and practices.

Please click here to complete the survey.

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The more people who respond to the survey, the greater the representative nature of the results, but please remember you are under no pressure to participate and you may change your mind about taking part.

Parliamentary Working Through Cancer Network

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The new Working Through Cancer Network was featured this week on page 47 of The House magazine. (The House | If you have cancer, Parliament can be a hard place to work – our new network will help change that)

A cross-party group of staffers, is hosting a small, informal launch on Thursday 12 March (drop in 9.30–11am) in the Jubilee Room. It will be a chance for both Members and their staff to hear first-hand experiences and understand what we are hoping to achieve.

1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer – yet many people in Parliament are still working through it quietly and alone. 

We hope the network will :

  • offer practical support
  • develop resources and information
  • provide a safe, confidential space for anyone in our parliamentary community who is affected, directly or as a loved one’s carer through a buddying system.

Our immediate focus is to:

  • Encourage colleagues to join
  • Help line managers recognise the value of the network
  • Equip supporters to champion it more widely

What we’re asking today is simple:

  • Add the Network’s Launch event to your diary right away!
  • Share this invite with colleagues and WhatsApp groups so people know where to turn before they need it.
  • Come along to support us and find out more…
  • If you can’t attend, let us know that you support the network and would like to hear more.

For more information or to support, please email robertsg@parliament.uk

A Short Introduction to Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD

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An event hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Time: 1400-1500
Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026
Location: Online via Teams

Please join Kate Golding, Jo Rees and Sarah Hussey for a short introduction to autism, dyslexia and ADHD where you will enter the world of neurodivergence.

We are experts by lived experience as well as by profession and we will raise awareness and share our knowledge which we hope will enhance your working, and in some instances, home life.

The three conditions are interconnected and we hope to exemplify a cultural shift away from focusing on impairments which need fixing, to empowerment and a strengths based approach.

Please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk to receive the link to the meeting.

Structure of the NHS in England (ICBs, trusts, etc) – Caseworker Discussion Forum

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Information and booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1953

With Tom Powell, Manjit Gheera and Rachael Harker from the Commons Library.

House Services Fair 2025

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Start: 10:00 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Finish: 17:00 on Wednesday 10 December 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration.

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration. 

  • Visit stalls in the Portcullis House Atrium to learn about the wide range of support, services, and facilities available to you. 
  • Take part in a special programme of talks and Q&A sessions
  • Enjoy exclusive tours

Please note there is no booking required to visit the stalls. However, booking will be required for talks and tours. The full programme and information on how to book will be available closer to the event.

The House Services Fair is for Members and Members’ staff of the House of Commons, and colleagues from the House of Commons Administration and Joint Departments.  

For full details, please see here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/december/House_Services_Fair/

Join MMSST for Coffee and Chat: Flourish and Nourish

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A celebration of nutrition and wellbeing.
Communications and Administration Network

Food is our fuel, but do we truly understand what nourishes us best? Do you know your food facts? Join us at Flourish and Nourish for a food quiz to test your nutritional knowledge! Your brain, body, and tastebuds will thank you as we explore ways to nourish, flourish and thrive during the colder months.

Agatha Wiseman (our Quiz Master), will be available to talk about the range of wellbeing services available to help you to look after your health and wellbeing as we approach the winter months.

  • Come in person on Thursday 30th Oct 1:30pm – 2:45pm, the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House – Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Come and connect with us virtually on Thursday 6 November, 1:30pm -2:30pm via Teams

Email MMSST@parliament.uk for the link

Maternal Mental Health Alliance

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Virtual training hosted by the Wellness Working Group

Speaker: Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Date: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Location: Online via Teams

Join us to hear from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) who will provide us with information about how we can help support ourselves, colleagues or constituents who may be struggling with their own, or someone else’s mental health during pregnancy, or beyond.

Please email mpsstaff-wwg@parliament.uk for the details and link.

Meet the Director: People and Culture

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Time: 11:30 – 14:00
Date: Tuesday 8 July 2025
Location: Portcullis House Hub

Directors from key House Administration teams that provide services to Members will be available to answer your questions, listen to your feedback, or if you just want to learn more about how their teams can support you in carrying out your parliamentary duties.

Meet:

  • Richard Shoreland, Managing Director of People and Culture
  • Margaret McKinnon, Director of Member and Members’ Staff Services
  • Jo Willows, Director of Members’ Staff Engagement
  • Josie Lazenby, Head of Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing.