Before we start if you're reading this and you work for CRH - please know that this is for you... the you that's worked tirelessly and selflessly with only your patients' wellbeing at the forefront of your mind, the you that's risked your life to save another, the you that's separated yourself from your family to protect others, the you that's lost someone too early, the you that wanted to do nothing but curl up and scream but carried on regardless and never once gave up or backed down.

For every single member of #TeamCRH that worked through the pandemic and faced the fear of the unknown head on - the domestics, the doctors, the nurses, admin staff, theatre staff, porters, estates and teams all over the hospital - this is for you and getting you your safe space. 

So let's begin... my name's Emma and I've worked at CRH for over 6 years now and without my job and the people I work with I wouldn't be the person I am today. 

Over the past 6 years I've experienced personal issues and had to take time away from work with anxiety and depression. I've always felt masses of support, encouragement and compassion from my colleagues and my managers both outside of work and on returning to work - it's the CRH kindness and understanding that does give you a little nudge to push through when times are tough. 

As somebody who has experienced mental health issues (and is open about her experiences in the hope this might give someone else the courage to carry on) I am fortunate to have received great support from those around me and whilst I'm proud to say I got to the other side of things, I can only imagine the difference the Health and Wellbeing Hub would have made during the darkest times! 

Now you might be thinking this is a bit of an X-Factor sob story - it's not I promise - it's my way of being open and honest about my experiences and the care and support I have received that could have only been enhanced by a safe place such as the Health and Wellbeing Hub and I cannot wait to see the impact it has on all of us. 

Without a shadow of doubt the past few years has brought us all undeniable trauma, buckets of tears and has impacted every single one of us in ways we could never have imagined, we've lost loved ones too soon, we've separated ourselves from family, we've suffered with COVID ourselves, some of us still struggling with long COVID and infact I write this from my bed as I've just tested positive for a THIRD time! But with every trial and tribulation fired our way, the past few years has also brought the most tremendous courage and bravery, hard work and most days have been relentless and exhausting, but each of those days we have worked selflessly with our patients welfare at the very front of our minds - and every single one of us has made it to where we are today after feeling every emotion possible (sometimes all in the space of one day!) - with the everlasting love and support from our CRH colleagues we've got through. So just stop for a second and imagine having the support of counselling sessions, complimentary therapies, space for one to one reflection - and a state of the art gym on top of that to relieve some of that stress?! 

Now - you might ask - why on earth is she shaving her head? Well to be honest, I've considered many things... I'm not physically fit at all (another bonus I welcome from the hub!) if I was to run a marathon I'd probably finish by the time the hub is up and 'running'! I'm no Mary Berry, my baking skills leave a lot to be desired, so a cake sale is definitely off the cards. I'm terrified of heights and to be perfectly honest I think a bungee cord would snap with me attached to it and that left me with a sponsored silence... you can ask my colleagues why that one wouldn't work out! 

So this is the only 'logical' thing I could think of as my way of giving back to CRH - to contribute to an abundance of positive energy, somewhere that will only ever benefit each and every one of us - somewhere that genuinely has our best interests at heart - and somewhere we can talk and create friendships that will last a lifetime. Somewhere that helps us better ourselves so we can be our best for our patients. 

My event will take place at the Main Reception on Wednesday 27th July at 11am. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this - I understand money is tight for us all, even if you can spare pennies towards a better future for #TeamCRH that would mean the world to me but your attendance at the event is just as welcome.