Hello!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Health and Social Care Climate Emergency National Programme Newsletter. Here you will find regular National Programme updates, examples of inspirational and sector transforming activity and resources and details of how you can get involved.

In this edition:

• Spotlight on Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW)
• Programme Related Update
• Get involved
• What’s on

SPOTLIGHT ON…..

Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW)

Green care, everyday practice – explore the Climate Education Hub

The new Climate Education Hub from HEIW brings together flexible, role‑specific learning resources to help you build knowledge, skills and confidence in climate‑smart practice, whether you’re an educator, trainee, leader or part of the wider workforce.

The Hub makes it easier to build sustainability into your everyday role. It’s about small, practical changes that add up to a big impact – not as an added extra, but as part of how we deliver daily care.

If you work in NHS Wales, you already make decisions that affect the environment. The good news – many of the changes that make care more sustainable also make it more efficient. No grand gestures required, just consistent and practical habits.

Take 10 minutes to explore the Hub, choose one change to try this week, and share what works with your team.

Programme Related Update

NHS Wales Sustainability Conference and Awards

Following the fantastic success of last year’s NHS Wales Sustainability Conference and Awards at Swansea Arena, we’ve received a number of enquiries about plans for the next event.

While there won’t be a conference or awards ceremony in 2026, this planned “fallow year” gives us valuable time to reflect on what we’ve achieved so far and to plan the next steps.

We’ll continue to share any updates or announcements through this newsletter, so please keep an eye out for further details.

Climate Emergency Spread and Scale Academy

Although the awards are taking a pause this year, there is still an exciting opportunity to get involved in the upcoming Climate Emergency Spread and Scale Academy.

The Academy will take place over three days from 5-7 October 2026 in Cardiff to support teams to develop, strengthen, and expand their climate‑related projects. Participants will be encouraged to think beyond their own organisations, exploring how successful approaches can be spread and scaled across NHS Wales and the wider health and social care system.

The Academy offers a focused and supportive environment, bringing together peers from across the system to share learning, test ideas, and build momentum.

It is open to teams working on both adaptation and decarbonisation projects.

If you have a project you would like to put forward, or would like more information, please contact the Programme Team at HSC.ClimateChangeAndEPH@gov.wales

Get Involved!

The climate and nature crisis is a health crisis—your help matters!

Following the National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature held at Westminster in November 2025, you now have the chance to bring this vital conversation into your workplace.

A 45‑minute highlight film of the event has been produced, and the NEB team is inviting volunteers to organise screenings in healthcare settings.

All that’s needed is a 60–90 minute session (film plus guided discussion). Sessions can fit into existing teaching slots such as Grand Rounds, Clinical Conferences or departmental teaching. Screenings are encouraged during Great British Green Week (8–15 June 2026) but can take place at any time.

Once your date and venue are confirmed, complete this form so partners including HEIW and the All‑Wales Climate Smart Education Group can help promote your event.

• Find hosting guidance and discussion materials
• Register to access the film

What’s On?

No Mow May – Boost Biodiversity

Help nature thrive by leaving your lawn to grow. Simply mowing less and allowing plants to flower can provide up to ten times more nectar for bees and other pollinators – and you may even spot new wildflowers appearing.

No lawn? You can still play a part. Spend time outdoors, enjoy spring, and think about small ways to boost nature where you live or work.

At work, why not raise the nature emergency at a team meeting or run a nature‑focused anchor day? Even small, local actions can improve biodiversity while supporting staff health and wellbeing.

It’s also a chance to reflect: could your policy or service be delivered in a more wildlife‑friendly way, or benefit from nature‑based solutions as our climate changes?

9 July – All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC) Best Practice Day

AWTTC Best Practice Day 2026 will take place in Cardiff, bringing colleagues together around the theme “Medicines Optimisation for a Sustainable Future.”

Expect an inspiring day packed with expert insights, shared learning from across health boards, and valuable networking opportunities with peers from across Wales.

There’s also the chance to enter the poster competition—a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work and innovation. Full submission details will be shared on the webpage soon, so start planning your entries!

Register to secure your place and share this opportunity with colleagues across your teams and networks.