Healthy bodies, healthy minds, healthy agency

We invited a number of experts to hold group sessions and one-to-one meetings at our site in Filleigh, Devon. These included NHS health assessments, nutrition advice, personal fitness guidance, financial and individual pension advice; plus a really well attended session on mental health wellbeing and understanding signs of stress.

A massage therapist set up shop in one of our meeting rooms for the day to get busy on people’s aches and strains, and we also held a breakfast workshop in The Roost where nifty smoothie-making recipes were tested, tasted and guzzled.

The specialists helped people recognise a few different issues that might have led to problems if left unchecked, from shoulder and neck tension to high blood pressure. And since the event a number of people have made positive changes like improving their diet or implementing a new exercise regime.

Overall we had over 150 attendees to the various activities. A lot of people will only visit the doctor when they’re really ill. “I’ve never had my cholesterol or blood pressure checked before, so it’s good to know I am okay,” said one attendee.

“After the health fair last week I’ve started running again,” reported another. “I already knew I should be taking better care of myself, but my NHS health check gave me the kick up the backside I needed.”

Louise Martin, our Head of HR, said: “I’m really pleased with the take up at the sessions and hope it made a genuine difference to some people. We will be sticking with our health and wellbeing agenda and further health fairs and activities are planned across the Group.”