A brand new programme to help businesses and organisations in Leicestershire become heathier places to work has been launched.

The Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme from Leicestershire County Council’s Public Health team has been designed to help places of work and local organisations achieve the ‘Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Accreditation,’ with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service becoming one of the first organisations to benefit from the programme.

Businesses and organisations who sign up can benefit from the Workplace Health Needs Assessment, Health MOT’s for staff, training for managers and other support that is available. The programme ensures a fully bespoke and tailored programme for each workforce.

Launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, and with mental wellbeing often under discussed in the workplace, the scheme also offers both Mental Health First Aid training and Healthy Conversation Skills training.

As one of the first to take advantage of Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Programme, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s 700-strong workforce, including 580 firefighters, have committed to undergoing a Workplace Health Needs Assessment for their staff, and hosted a special launch event at Birstall Fire and Rescue Station.

Councillor Louise Richardson, lead member for health and wellbeing at Leicestershire County Council, said: “I am so pleased to see our new Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme launch, especially during Mental Health Awareness week.”

“We spend so much of our adult life at work that it is important that we make steps to ensure both our physical and mental health is looked after in the workplace. Our new initiative will enable local businesses across the county to do just that. I am especially thrilled to see Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service get involved and I wish them all the best in their healthy workplace journey.”

“We are excited to see this new initiative bring a positive impact to the health and wellbeing of our residents and workforce.”

Karl Bowden, Area Manager for People and Organisational Development at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the support from the Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Programme.”

“This will further enhance our ongoing commitment to support the health and wellbeing of our employees and ensure our wellbeing strategy remains focussed where there is identified need.”