A WORCESTERSHIRE organisation which aims to improve health in the workplace has won a national award.

Worcestershire Works Well has received a two-year health and wellbeing award from the Royal Society for Public Health. Only 14 organisations across the UK's public, private and voluntary and community sector gained awards this year from the society.

WWW is a multi-agency partnership which includes Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Wellness Works and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

Mike Ashton, chief executive of the area Chamber of Commerce, said: "Promoting a healthy lifestyle in the workplace is not only an employer's responsibility, it is economically beneficial. A happy, healthy and active workforce can have a direct impact on the productivity of a firm, meaning that getting involved in the project should be on the minds of every employer. Worcestershire Works Well has made great strides in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in the workplace, highlighting health risks to employees, and creating a happier and more cohesive workforce in the process. This award is a validation of all the hard work that has gone into the project thus far."

Cllr Marcus Hart, County Council cabinet member for health and well-being, added: "This is a very prestigious award and reflects the commitment by Worcestershire Works Well to helping businesses across the county whilst improving the lives of employees."

The awards recognise organisations which have demonstrated innovation, good practice and significant achievement in health promotion activities in their community or workplace.

The Worcestershire Works Well programme is designed to improve health and well-being through the workplace and to benefit organisations by increasing staff engagement and business productivity. It is free to join and available to all businesses and organisations based in Worcestershire.