My passion for staff wellbeing has been a driving force throughout my career, especially after witnessing the lack of space for rest, reflection, or prayer following intense surgical procedures. It became clear to me that our department needed a dedicated environment where staff could recharge. I envisioned a cultural shift—one that truly valued wellbeing as an essential part of a healthier, more productive workplace. This vision motivated my application for financial support from my employer, a challenge in itself, as I sought to create a Wellbeing & Prayer Room within our department.
I chose WPAW to help bring this vision to life. Their stellar reputation for high-quality, accredited training and their holistic, practical approach aligned perfectly with my goals. I appreciated the flexibility of their courses, which allowed me to balance learning with work commitments, and the invaluable support from their experienced tutors. Beyond that, the sense of community among students created an atmosphere of shared purpose. I felt confident that the training would equip me with the tools, knowledge, and credibility needed to drive meaningful change.
The course itself was transformative in every sense. Each module brought unique insights, shaping my understanding of myself, coaching, and human behavior.
The impact of completing this course has been nothing short of extraordinary. I successfully secured funding and established the first Wellbeing & Prayer Room within our Trust—a milestone that broke new ground in promoting mental health and fostering a more compassionate workplace culture. This space became a sanctuary where staff could rest, reflect, or pray, and it inspired a group of Mental Health First Aiders within our department. The initiative’s success even caught the attention of staff from other Trust sites, who reached out for guidance on creating similar spaces. The atmosphere in our department has since transformed, with stronger relationships and a noticeable boost in morale.
Professionally, the course has empowered me to coach senior staff on leadership, communication, and wellbeing, contributing to better team dynamics and enhanced productivity. On a personal level, it became a lifeline during a challenging period in my life. In 2024, I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable blood cancer and began indefinite chemotherapy. Throughout this journey, my tutor Jo provided unwavering support. The course helped me develop resilience, self-awareness, and self-coaching skills—vital strengths that sustained me during this difficult time.
The tools I gained from the training have become essential in both my coaching practice and personal life. Techniques such as mindfulness-based coaching, somatic coaching, and the GROW model have allowed me to bridge the gap between thought and feeling. These approaches help clients connect with their bodies, identify stress, and build stronger, lasting changes. Personally, these tools have helped me remain grounded and calm, even during my health journey. They’ve supported my self-regulation and enabled me to model a more integrated approach to coaching.
If you’re considering joining Wellness Professionals at Work, I can confidently say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For me, it wasn’t just a course—it was a lifeline during one of the most challenging times in my life. I started with a passion for wellbeing and a vision to create change in a high-pressure healthcare environment, but I gained so much more than just skills. I found confidence, direction, and a deep sense of purpose.
The support I received, especially from Jo, was incredible. Her kindness, encouragement, and understanding were a beacon of hope during my darkest days. This course gave me focus, structure, and tools to cope, becoming part of my healing journey. It not only helped me create meaningful change at work, like setting up our Trust’s first Wellbeing & Prayer Room, but also empowered me to grow into someone who coaches senior staff and supports others through their challenges.
If you’re looking for more than just a qualification—if you’re looking for growth, support, and real transformation—this is the place for you. Wellness Professionals at Work truly changed my life.
Added Nov 2025 – We are delighted that Iwona won the CMA Student of the Year award in their Global Excellence Summit! This award recognises the dedication Iwona put into achieving her goal of the NHS Wellbeing Room. Congratulations Iwona!
Connect with Iwona
Iwona King
Senior Operating Department Practitioner and Theatre Learning and Development Facilitator and Coach