Workers at a Halesowen adhesive and sealant company, got stuck into a healthy living event, run free of charge by Public Health Dudley

Dudley Council’s Office of Public Health team supported a full-day session at Mapei, to advise and encourage staff to live a healthy lifestyle.

Around 150 employees participated in the event.  As well as advice on how to stop smoking, alcohol awareness, mental health, infection control, cancer awareness and weight management, attendees were able to access health checks and one-to-one support, as well as try out tasty treats, as part of the “Get Cooking” sessions.

All were encouraged to take part in an afternoon of physical activities.  These included a hotly contested game of softball, a smoothie bike activity, where the faster anyone pedalled, the more their fruit smoothie was blended and a remote control car game, where beer goggles were worn to emphasise the effects of alcohol.

The day was organised by the Office of Public Health to promote to employers that all these services are available to them free of charge within workplace settings.

Phil Breakspear, Managing Director, Mapei UK Ltd, commented:

“Mapei UK’s Health and Safety Day encourages the awareness of the health and safety standards across the company. The day allows all staff members to participate in team exercises and also further develop life-long skills on various health and safety scenarios. As a company we aim to continue to strive to improve our safety performance in all areas.”

Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member responsible for health, said:

“Events like these are so important because they allow people to find out about and access health services that are available to them.  Whether they learn about healthy eating, realise that they have high blood pressure, or get support to stop smoking, information that they learn on these days could quite literally change their life.”

Interested businesses in the borough are encouraged to contact the Office of Public Health to see what healthy living services are on offer to support their employees in improving their own health.

For further details on support that is available to employers, contact Kevan McDermott at: kevan.mcdermott@dudley.gov.uk