University of Huddersfield students run self-care clinics to improve staff wellbeing and reduce absences
Four third-year physiotherapy apprentices from the University of Huddersfield are helping Kirklees Council staff manage lower back pain through a new workplace clinic. The aim is to reduce absences by teaching employees how to take care of their own back health.
The students – Charlotte Collishaw, Ellie Waterhouse, Ebony Flood, and Mujahid Umar – are completing a placement with the council as part of a long-term research project led by Bethan Hebberd, Head of Practice-Based Learning for Allied Healthcare Professionals and Midwifery. A second group of students will continue the work in the summer.
Encouraging self-care over hands-on treatment
The clinic takes a different approach to physiotherapy. Instead of giving physical treatments after an injury, the students help employees spot early signs of back issues and find ways to prevent them.
Ellie explains, “We run a back clinic for council workers in Huddersfield and Kirklees who have job-related back pain. They can join the service, have a consultation, and come back for a follow-up. It’s not hands-on physio — it’s about helping them understand their back issues and manage them on their own.”
Simple changes such as taking more breaks, stretching, standing up regularly, or doing exercise after work are some of the self-care strategies encouraged.
Helping managers support their teams
The team also runs workshops for managers to help them better understand back health and support their staff.
Charlotte says, “The sessions help managers learn about back problems so they can understand what their teams are going through. We’ve met a variety of employees – from gardeners and dinner ladies to office workers. It’s great to see how the programme has reached across the council.”
She adds, “Research shows that people off work for more than 12 weeks are unlikely to return. The goal is to prevent back pain from becoming a long-term problem that leads to people leaving their jobs.”
Learning experience for the apprentices too
The placement is also helping the students grow in their roles as future physiotherapists. They’ve balanced the clinic work alongside their regular jobs in the NHS and private practice.
Mujahid shares, “It’s shown me how much people can do to manage their own health when they get the right support. It’s not just about treatment — sometimes we’re just there to listen. I’ve also learned a lot from the other students, as we all have different experiences and backgrounds.”
Positive feedback and plans to expand
Bethan Hebberd praised the success of the project so far.
“I’ve been delighted to co-design the Back Guide with input from council staff, managers, students, and university teams. It’s been great to see the apprentices put self-management support into practice,” she said. “Over 25 people have taken part so far, and we’re looking forward to the next group of students joining in June to see if this could work more widely in the future.”
