PRESS RELEASE

14 January 2008

GET YOUR WORKPLACE A HEALTHY START FOR THE NEW YEAR

Foyle Health @ Work is encouraging local workplaces to begin the New Year with a healthy outlook for its workforce. The health at work project currently supports many employers to implement a health promoting workplace ethos. The initiative is funded by the Western Health & Social Services Board and is being implemented by Derry Healthy Cities.

All workplaces are offered a support service to advise on a healthier work environment. Examples of programmes that have been implemented include physical activity sessions, cancer awareness screening and information sessions, healthy eating & nutrition and stress management workshops.

Commenting on their ongoing participation with the programme, Shirley Fulton, White Young Green's Office Manager says

"The directors at WYG Derry recognise that the workplace is an influential factor on employee's health and welcome the opportunity to work with Foyle Health @ Work. The entire workforce has just completed a very successful six-week step challenge, which not only helped promote a healthier lifestyle but also contributed greatly to office moral and team-building which is important in today's busy and stressful working environment.. We are very much looking forward to continued working with Foyle Health @ Work in 2008"

Eamon O'Kane - Director of Derry Healthy Cities said.

"We have been very happy with the way local workplaces from the Public, Private and Voluntary Sectors have embraced the concept of Health in the workplace. We however wish to encourage more to take up the initiative. Programmes being implemented highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle at work and we are continually striving to ensure that the health of employees remains an important corporate responsibility."

To find out further information on how your workplace can get involved in the Foyle Health at Work Programme contact Foyle Health @ Work, Derry Healthy Cities C/O Nurses Homes, Altnagelvin Hospital, 24 Glenshane Road, Derry/Londonderry. Tel: 028 7161 1384.

Foyle Health @ Work

Derry Healthy Cities

C/o The Old Nurses Home

Altnagelvin Hospital

24 Glenshane Road

Derry/Londonderry

BT47 6SB

Tel: 028 7161 1384

Fax: 028 7161 1396

Email: info.dhc@lineone.net

ENDS

Derry Healthy Cities is an inter-sectoral partnership for health that seeks to increase understanding of the social, economic and environmental factors that impact on health and to encourage interagency working and community participation in decision making processes relating to health, well being and quality of life.