Introduction
Connect, Learn, Thrive is Cheshire and Merseyside’s shared approach to supporting the wellbeing, learning and connection of our public health community. Led by the Champs Directors, it brings together practical opportunities, shared learning and peer support to help people build rewarding and impactful careers in public health.
At its heart is a simple belief: when our workforce feels supported, connected and able to grow, we are better placed to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Connect, Learn, Thrive is built around three key ideas:
-
1. ConnectBuilding relationships, peer support and shared learning across our public health community.
-
2. LearnSupporting professional development, career progression and opportunities to grow.
-
3. ThrivePrioritising wellbeing, kindness and creating a culture where people feel supported to do their best work.
The Champs Collaborative is where these three elements come together and work in tandem to produce the best results. With Connect, Learn, Thrive, Champs Directors are ensuring that Cheshire and Merseyside is considered the very best place to practise public health.
What Connect, Learn, Thrive means to you
Hear from colleagues across Cheshire and Merseyside about what Connect, Learn, Thrive means to them and how it has supported their public health journey.
Tracy’s story
After more than 26 years working in public health across Cheshire and Merseyside, Tracy reflects on how collaboration, peer support and shared learning have shaped her career. From progressing through specialist registration to now supporting others as a UKPHR assessor, Tracy’s story highlights the power of connection and development across the public health community.
Jo’s story
Jo shares how her public health career began in research, and how her work with vulnerable communities gave her first-hand insight into the health inequalities many people face, sparking a passion for improving health outcomes and reducing barriers to services. Since then, she has worked across a wide range of public health roles and organisations in Cheshire and Merseyside, building her expertise and ultimately becoming a Consultant in Public Health.
Gavin’s story
Gavin shares how a career rooted in science led him into public health and the wider work of improving communities’ health and wellbeing. From peer networks and development opportunities to practical support through Connect, Learn, Thrive, Gavin reflects on how collaboration has helped shape his journey and support his ambition to become a Public Health Consultant.
Leila’s story
Leila shares how her journey from frontline NHS roles into public health has been shaped by a passion for reducing inequalities and improving access to support. Through networking, learning opportunities and collaboration across Cheshire and Merseyside, Connect, Learn, Thrive has helped Leila build skills, grow in confidence and explore the next steps in her public health career.
Ian’s story
Until March 2026, Ian was Head of Health and Wellbeing at Halton Borough Council. He was able to benefit from a range of support which played a key role in his development, particularly in helping his progression through the specialist registration portfolio route.
Where to start?
The Connect, Learn, Thrive Public Health Career Pathway is here to help you reflect on where you are in your public health career and where you want to go next.
Your introduction to the pathway
This short animation provides an overview of the Public Health Career Pathway, how it works and how you can use it.
Accompanying guide
Ready to explore more? This written guide provides more detail and is broken up into chapters for each stage in your career journey.
Download here.
Helping you Connect, Learn, Thrive
Connect, Learn, Thrive brings together a wide range of opportunities, support and development to help public health colleagues connect with others, build skills and prioritise wellbeing.
Year-round programme of events
A programme of events throughout the year designed to encourage connection, learning and reflection. From networking opportunities and workshops to wellbeing-focused sessions, events bring colleagues together from across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Regular newsletter
Stay connected through regular updates on opportunities, events, policy developments and practical resources through the Collaborate newsletter, website and social media channels.
Communities of Practice
Connect with colleagues working in similar areas through Communities of Practice, where people come together to share learning, discuss challenges and strengthen public health practice across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Kind to Your Mind
Support for mental wellbeing through Kind to Your Mind, helping people take simple steps to look after themselves and each other.
All Together Inspired
Resources, inspiration and practical tools to support action on reducing health inequalities and improving population health across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Population Health Academy
A CPD-accredited programme offering workshops, active learning sets and practical development opportunities to strengthen knowledge and leadership in population health.
Wellbeing Champions network
A network of colleagues from across local authority public health teams who work together to share ideas, support wellbeing and embed positive workplace culture.
Bespoke training within Champs Collaborative Programmes
Access to specialist development opportunities linked to key public health priorities and collaborative programmes across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Explore our ‘What we do’ dropdown section at the top of this page to learn more about our Programmes.
What you can do
Whether you are new to public health or have years of experience, there are lots of ways to make the most of Connect, Learn, Thrive. You could:
- Take some time to reflect on where you are in your career and where you would like to be
- Reach out to colleagues and explore opportunities to connect with others across Cheshire and Merseyside
- Explore the Public Health Career Pathway and start planning your development goals
- Prioritise your wellbeing and think about what helps you thrive at work
- Join a Community of Practice or explore opportunities to start one around a shared interest or challenge
- Sign up to events, learning opportunities and updates through Collaborate – and remember you can contribute to this and share your story too
Get in touch
Connect, Learn, Thrive is part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Workforce Wellbeing and Development Programme. Visit the Programme page to find out more.