North East healthy workplaces are praised

Caring employers have been applauded for their commitment to encouraging better health amongst their staff.

Twenty companies and 91 employees were recognised at the North East Better Health at Work awards ceremony held at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The event commends the efforts made by companies across Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside to bring the feel-good factor to workplaces by providing advice and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

More than 100 companies and 53,000 employees have participated in the Better Health at Work Award since it was launched in 2009 as a partnership between innovative training organisation Amacus, the three local authorities of Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead as well as local employers and health service providers.

Christine Hall, managing director of Amacus, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the success of our health advocates who make such a difference in driving forward the workplace health message with their employers. It certainly provides us all with the ‘feel good’ factor for a job well done.

“It’s so important for employers to encourage good health. Not only does it help the staff themselves but brings enormous benefits to business, the economy of the region and the quality of life of all those who live in the North East.”

The North East Better Health Work Awards helps employers make the most of information and resources available on a range of health topics such as smoking cessation, drugs and alcohol awareness, healthy eating, physical activity and emotional well-being.

The fully funded scheme is open to any size or type of organisation and helps employers to signpost staff to a wide range of health support services and encourages staff to become health advocates by sharing information they have found.

Guest speaker at the Awards celebration was Dr Dorian Dugmore, Director of Beyond the Barriers, who has been working in corporate wellness, sports health and cardiac rehabilitation for more than 30 years.

Among the organisations receiving awards at the annual ceremony were Gateshead Carers’ Association which successfully helped three staff members quit smoking for good; and Sunderland-based Grundfos Manufacturing, which raised £260 for cancer and Alzheimer’s charities with a company weight management campaign and 25-mile bike ride.

Ford Components, of Hebburn, introduced a number of activities to engage colleagues including the Monkton Relay alongside raising funds for local cancer charities; while Gentoo Housing Group launched a weight loss club managed by one employee who lost an amazing seven stones in weight.

Christine added: “Workplace sickness and absence is a significant cost to businesses and the economy. By persuading employers to improve the health of their staff and helping them to identify potential issues and relevant advice and support, then we can prevent that and ensure they are contributing not only to their own wellbeing but also to that of their employer.

“It is only right that those businesses that are fully committed to improving the health of their staff are recognised and applauded via the Better Health at Work Award.”

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