Business Health Matters - improving wellbeing in the workplace

The Business Health Matters programme has been developed to support local businesses in improving the physical and mental health of their employees so that staff are happier, healthier and more resilient.

South Ribble Borough Council is proud to be a partner in the initiative, which is being led by Active Lancashire and supported by a range of organisations including UCLan, Lancashire Mind, UKactive, Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Chambers of Commerce, Sport England and Lancashire County Council.

By delivering training, health screenings and supportive interventions in workplaces, through a network of local authorities and leisure trust staff, Business Health Matters empowers employees to improve their overall health whilst employers benefit from increased productivity within their workforces.

There are to major strands to the Business Health Matters programme:

• Workplace Health Champion Training
• Workplace Health Screenings

Could your workplace benefit? Register your interest (opens new window) and receive further information.

What is Workplace Health Champion Training?

Funded by the EU's European Social Fund (ESF), this FREE training programme will create a network of 5,000 health ambassadors across Lancashire who will each encourage a healthier and happier workplace environment.

This training offer includes:

• Level 2 Workplace Health Champion qualification (NCFE-accredited)
• Level 3 Workplace Health Champion qualification (NCFE-accredited)
• Basic skills training (inc. Mathematics, English, ESOL)

Training is open to Lancashire-based SMEs who are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of their staff. Delivered by Active Lancashire and a number of partners, via a tutor workforce, the training is designed to:

• Upgrade the health and wellbeing knowledge, skills and competencies of employees
• Drive positive change in workplace health within businesses across Lancashire
• Enhance the employability of working individuals

What are Workplace Health Screenings?

The Business Health Matters screening service delivers affordable physical and mental health screenings to employees of Lancashire-based businesses. Delivered by qualified gym and leisure centre staff, Workplace Health Screenings are available to SMEs that experience lower levels of productivity as a result of poor employee health. The service specifically supports businesses with employees aged 50+ but welcomes employees of all ages to participate in the screening process.

The screenings draw upon expertise from specialist partners, including a physical screening tool developed by UCLan School of Medicine and a mental health element supported by Lancashire Mind. Together, these screenings identify conditions which can lead to poor health in later life.

Based on the results of the screenings, employees are provided with basic wellbeing support packages and businesses are offered tailored interventions so that they can support their employees in improving their overall wellbeing and benefit from a healthier and more resilient team.

Screenings include:

• Lifestyle Questionnnaire 
• Blood pressure
• Puse oximetry
• Pulse rate 
• Atrial fibrillation
• Height and weight
• Body Mass Index
• Blood cholestrol
• Blood glurcose
• Peak flow
• Ten year cardiovascular disease score
• Mental health assessment

Discover more by visiting the official Business Health Matters website (opens new window) and registering your interest.