About the project
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, focused on helping people stay healthy, well and in work.
In 2024, Wakefield launched an online mentoring platform through Pushfar UK. Additional funding from the Healthy Working Life programme allowed the platform to reach a wider audience across the district.
Programme Manager John Lemm said:
“We wanted to promote mentoring as an enabler for managing stressors in existing roles and to create a space where people can connect with experienced members of the workforce to get real insights into roles they might be considering.”
The platform currently offers free mentoring to anyone working in the health and care sector in Wakefield.
Why mentoring matters
Mentoring can make a real difference in people’s careers. Terri Hazelgrave, System Lead for Workforce Supply, explained:
“If you are thinking about a new role, talking to someone already doing that job can be incredibly valuable. Mentors give you an idea of what a typical day looks like, the opportunities available and what they enjoy about their work.”
Whether someone is looking to transition into a new role or just wants career guidance, mentors provide support, advice, and encouragement.
Benefits of mentoring
Mentees on the Wakefield platform enjoy:
- personalised guidance: mentors provide advice tailored to individual goals and challenges
- accelerated development: feedback from experienced professionals helps mentees achieve goals faster
- networking opportunities: access to mentor professional networks opens doors to new possibilities
- increased confidence: regular mentor support builds self-esteem and professional confidence
- goal setting: mentors help set realistic and achievable goals with a clear roadmap for success
Growing participation
The Wakefield mentoring platform currently (at end of January 2026) has 43 mentors and 55 mentees. Since April 2025 registered users have increased by 63%.
Terri highlighted the diversity of the programme:
“We are proud to have such a broad range of talented mentors, including chief executives, directors, senior managers, nurses, allied health professionals (AHPs) and administrators. Our goal is to keep growing participation and promote a mentoring culture across Wakefield.”
Join as a mentor or mentee
Do you have professional experience, knowledge or skills you can share for the benefit of the Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership? You could become a mentor. Contact the System Workforce PMO team at wyicb-wak.
If you would benefit from one-to-one mentoring, speak to your line manager and visit the coaching and mentoring website pages.
You can also read the 'Wakefield mentoring platform helps health and care staff thrive' case study as a PDF.