Over 80 employers in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside received awards for their commitment to workplace health and wellbeing at the North East Better Health at Work Award’s (BHAWA) ceremony which took place on Friday 3 March in Seaton Burn.
The event was hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle Presenter Anna Foster with Beth Farhat, Regional Secretary for the Northern Trade Union Congress (TUC) delivering an inspiring key note speech.
The 2016 achievers also enjoyed a performance from the Newcastle City Council Workforce Choir – an initiative that was created through their holistic approach to staff health and wellbeing.
The annual ceremony, which was jointly hosted by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle City Council celebrates the collective achievements of those employers participating in the Better Health at Work Award
The BHAWA is delivered in the North of Tyne area by Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust health improvement specialists and is a regional public health programme that supports workplaces to develop a sustainable culture of health and wellbeing for their staff.
In 2016 alone there were well over 300 local employers participating in the BHAWA, reaching almost 200,000 North East workers, covering all employment sectors, ranging from a day nursery with 4 staff to an NHS Trust with over 15,000.
Councillor Margaret Hall, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing at North Tyneside Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many of our local businesses being acknowledged with a Better Health at Work Award.
“These are companies who lead by example; taking good care of their staff and embracing a positive workplace culture, in which the health and wellbeing of their workforce is given real importance. They understand that this is integral to their success in business.
“This award is an important recognition of their efforts, as well as an incentive for others to make the same commitment. I would like to congratulate them all on this achievement.”
Beth Farhat, Northern TUC Regional Secretary said:
“It’s always an absolute pleasure to be part of these celebrations and recognise the hard work, effort and innovation that Better Health at Work Award participants demonstrate and deliver for their staff and workplaces year on year.
“Quality employment and ‘good’ work are essential components of a healthy society and healthy economy. Our region has really embraced this principle and is working in partnership to drive it forward and make a difference for the North East as a whole I would encourage even more local employers to take on the BHAWA challenge and join the partnership this year.”
Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP have been participating in the BHAWA since 2014, it is a key part of their ongoing commitment to workplace health and wellbeing. This year they were also the premium sponsors of the event.
Wendy Peffers, Marketing Manager, Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP said:
“We have now reached the 3rd year and have achieved our Gold award with the Better Health at Work initiative.
“The health campaigns we have carried out over the past three years, have made an impact on the health and wellbeing of our staff as well as raising awareness of health issues.
“As a firm, we look forward to continuing with the initiative and supporting our staff in both their personal and working lives.
“We are delighted to sponsor the awards, and would recommend any company to engage with the initiative and encourage wellbeing within their workforce.”
Further information about the North East Better Health at Work Award is available at www.betterhealthatworkne.org
