The Council has been working on a series of physical and mental health initiatives and campaigns to target employees and help to improve health and wellbeing. In order to do this, it has appointed members of staff as health advocates who have been trained to support their colleagues and deliver key health messages. 

It was awarded bronze status in 2017 and it now plans to work towards gold. The Better Health at Work Award recognises the efforts of employers in the North East and Cumbria in addressing health issues within the workplace.  

Carni McCarron-Holmes, Executive Member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “I am thrilled that we have received a silver award as the Council officers have been working incredibly hard for this achievement. Improving health and wellbeing is one of the Council’s key priorities, and that begins with our own. We will continue to run initiatives to support both the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, ensuring we have a happy and healthy workforce.”