Eight Worcestershire companies received Level 1 and Level 2 accreditations at Worcestershire Works Well’s bi-annual event this month, held at the Mercure Hotel in Kidderminster.

The events are one way in which Worcestershire Works Well, a free accreditation scheme, aims to support businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. Over the last seven years, more businesses have completed accreditation and the scheme now has over 90 active members.

Sharon Smith, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed companies to the event. She was followed by Karen Wright, Public Health Consultant at Worcestershire County Council, who spoke about the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Give, Keep Learning, Take Notice, Be Active and Connect. This encourages individuals to volunteer their time, prioritise mindfulness and connect with others around them, as well as remaining active and taking time to learn new things.

As usual, the event featured inspiring and informative presentations from both local and national organisations, with highlights being hands on CPR training delivered by Heartstart Malvern and a presentation delivered by the British Heart Foundation about creating a Nation of Lifesavers.

The companies who achieved accreditation were presented with certificates by Sharon Smith. Hewett Recruitment, St Richard’s Hospice, Cytoplan, Fortis Living and Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire received certificates for Level 1 Accreditation. Mainstay, Malvern Hills District Council and The Phoenix Group received certificates for Level 2 Accreditation.

The event also saw the launch of the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2017, sponsored by Southco. Last year the award was won by Worcester based Titania for their lifesaving Heart Safe Campaign which was established to raise awareness of cardiac arrests and train people from across the community.

Dawn Hardman, Director of HR at the Chamber and Steering Group member for Worcestershire Works Well, said:

“Health and Wellbeing is of significant importance in the workplace and it is brilliant to see so many local companies getting on board. A healthy workforce leads to a healthy business by reducing absenteeism, improving productivity and employee happiness. I am delighted to see a growing number of Worcestershire businesses passionate about caring for their employees and really going the extra mile.”

To find out more about Worcestershire Works Well, please visit www.worcestershireworkswell.co.uk