Personal development

Learning is an important aspect of developing and maintaining wellbeing, as recognised by the wheel of wellbeing. This can be learning in the work context or outside of work in your personal life. 

Trying a new recipe, a new hobby, taking up a volunteering opportunity or a different responsibility at work can all help you become more confident, as well as being fun and challenging. 

At work, your manager may be able to work with you on your personal development. Ask about any courses or training you that might help you with your current role and learn new skills.

Many of the links below will lead you to health and wellbeing and personal development opportunities, as well as training related to your job role.

National support 

Open to everyone

FutureLearn provides a diverse range of free courses (with some paid options); learn anything from history to coding and languages, from beginner to expert. 

NHS England provides some useful ‘how to’ guides including ‘Managing your energy in the workplace’.  

For NHS staff 

The NHS Leadership Academy includes bitesize learning, an inspiration library, learning spaces and leadership development. There are also details of ProjectM which supports and connects leaders and managers. 

Health Education England offers free access to a range of e-learning courses for NHS staff.

For social care staff

Skills for Care provides resources and tools to support leaders and managers with the development of their workforce.

The Workforce Development Fund allows employers to claim back money towards the costs of workers completing a broad range of adult social care qualifications, learning programmes and digital learning modules.  

Local support 

Local Life allows you to search for hobbies and pastimes in Kent and Medway. 

Medway Adult Education provides a wide range range of courses from health and wellbeing to languages. Although most courses are paid for, some concessions are available and some courses may be free.

Kent Adult Education includes courses covering the arts, fitness and wellbeing, crafts, languages and many more.

Simply Connect Medway can help you find local community services, activities and social groups. 

Live well Kent and Medway allows you to search for groups available in your area.

Kent Sheds is an open, friendly place where men can meet, chat and undertake activities such as DIY projects or gardening.

Eventbrite’s hobbies section allows you to search for classes and events locally.

Kent and Medway Integrated Care System’s booking site lists training opportunities and events available to all employees of organisations involved in health and care in Kent and Medway. Courses are aimed at enabling staff to support their own health and wellbeing and that of others.

For primary care staff 

Primary care employees can look for courses and support available on the local primary care training hubs: 

For social care staff

Kent County Council provides links to various training for care workers and employers. 

Employees who work in Adult Social Care, but who are not employed by Medway Council or Kent County Council, should contact their line manager to find out if their organisation has an Employee Assistance Programme or Occupational Health programme.

You might also be interested in our mentoring and coaching section which includes ‘looking after your career’ coaching for primary care staff.

For development opportunities specifically for managers, visit our section for managers and leaders.