MALVERN Hills District Council has scooped a top award for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of its staff.

The council was revealed as the winner of the health and wellbeing in the workplace category of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards 2018.

Judges were impressed by the considerable effort the council has made in recent years to support staff in improving their physical health and to look after their mental wellbeing.

A dedicated physical activity and well-being officer has been recruited who runs a number of activities both with residents in the community and within the council.

They include lunchtime ping-pong sessions, the midday mile walking group and knitting lessons. There are also monthly mindfulness sessions to boost mood and combat stress as well as regular challenges such as Couch to 5k and High Intensity Training.

Incentives are also offered to encourage staff to cycle to work along with free health check-ups, flu jabs and a telephone counselling service.

For the last two years the council has run a Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of issues around mental health, encourage staff to talk about the issue and signpost help available.

Cllr David Watkins said: “I’m so proud we have won this award and it’s a testament to the hard work of all those involved in ensuring we look after our most important asset, our staff. I hope other businesses will follow our example and realise the benefits of a healthy, happy and motivated workforce.”