North East Better Health at Work Award Promoting Healthy Eating at Work

Who are we? Michael McMullen and Liz Roe Workplace Health Improvement Specialists Newcastle and North Tyneside Community Health

North East Better Health at Work Award Encourages local workplaces to make a contribution to improving the health of the people in the North East Provides a valuable framework Access to a range of resources Provides local support from an Award Coordinator

Benefits to the Employee Improved workplace health Improved corporate image Increased productivity Improved staff morale and loyalty Reduced absenteeism Reduced staff turnover Networking with other partners Assistance in legislation compliance

2009 Regional perspective 93 organisations took part –42% public sector –43% private sector –15% third sector 111,470 employees.

2009 Organisations Newcastle and North Tyneside BAE Systems St Cuthberts Care DUCO Ltd HMRC (NICO) HMRC (TEEL) Newcastle City Council John Lewis Newcastle University (Estates) Nestlé North East Ambulance Service NHS North of Tyne Twinings Your Homes Newcastle North Tyneside Area Command NHS Newcastle and North Tyneside Community Health Reaching over 29,000 employees

Health Needs Assessment If there was one thing in your workplace that would improve your health, what would it be? On which of the following health issues would you like information? How would you like information? How many portions of fruit and vegetables do you usually have each day (including fresh, frozen and canned in juice)?

HNA Summary Common themes Back Pain Mental Health Issues Cancer Prevention Also identified: Healthy Eating Exercise Heart Health Men’s Health Work Life Balance Cholesterol

HNA Summary >80% Not meeting recommended guidelines for physical activity. >70% Not eating 5 portions fruit & veg a day 50% under pressure (>70% due to work)

Health Campaigns Raise health awareness with the workforce, through three local, regional or national health campaigns or events, based on the outcome of your health needs assessment.

Bronze level Criteria Healthy food choices to be available (if there is a canteen, restaurant or vending machine). Otherwise some mechanism for ensuring employees are aware of dietary issues

Silver Level Criteria Healthy food choices will be actively promoted, for example in house/corporate catering. Consultation with employees on the development and implementation of a healthy eating policy.

Healthy Eating Policy Aim Definition and key recommendations Responsibilities Policy Actions Monitoring and Reviewing

Healthy Eating Policy raise awareness of healthy eating and the associated benefits support employees in eating healthily remove barriers and enable staff to eat healthily within and around the workplace

Nestlé (Fawdon) UK Nutrition, Health and Wellness Canteen Provision Vending facilities Night shift and weekend Calendar of Events - Healthy Eating Messages Review

Teel (HMRC) Weekly Healthy eating themed s (Bronze level) –Healthy recipes –Seasonal foods Signposted to News Board Message (silver level)

Newcastle University (ESS) Free Fruit Campaign Sourced from local supplier Twice a week for 8 weeks Positive feedback from staff

Your Homes Newcastle Fruit & Veg delivery to sites across Newcastle Popular at main site Mixed response from other sites

Newcastle City Council Staff survey on canteen provision (2009) Common themes from both canteens More health options Less mayonnaise Easy to understand signposting system

Future Plans Training with Newcastle Nutrition –Silver level –Up to date information on healthy eating –Practical ideas inc. use of available resources Change 4 Life

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Healthy Eating activities Can you support workplaces? Any other ideas? Experiences to share?