Centre For Life picks up award for employers

NEWCASTLE’S Centre for Life has scooped an award in recognition of its efforts to boost staff health and wellbeing.

The Better Health at Work Award (Silver) recognises the activity of employers in the North East and Cumbria to address health issues and promote healthy lifestyles within the workplace.

Life has been praised for making staff wellbeing a priority and creating a space, both physical and virtual, conducive to it.

The Silver accolade builds on the Bronze accreditation achieved in January 2019.

Initiatives championed by Life over the past two years have included mental health and selfcare awareness sessions led by external experts and internal health advocates, plus the introduction of a confidential helpline and a staff web portal offering advice and practical support.

Life has trained mental health first-aiders and domestic abuse champions and its range of support has included fitness, diet and wellbeing, preparing for retirement and coping with menopause.

The Better Health at Work Award is a partnership public health programme, funded by the region’s local authorities and coordinated by the Northern TUC since 2013. BHAWA programme coordinator Susanne Nichol said: “It is clear that Life is taking health and wellbeing seriously at all levels of the organisation.”

Linda Conlon, chief executive at Life, said: “We have always been committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our team and visitors.”