Blackpool Coastal Housing named as Active Workplace of the Year

Blackpool Coastal Housing have been named as Active Workplace of the Year at the 2022 Active Lancashire Awards, following their outstanding commitment to the physical and mental health of their employees.

The award, sponsored by Business Health Matters, celebrates those employers who go the extra mile in supporting staff health and wellbeing and those who have enabled local provision to help get their community more active.

Blackpool Coastal Housing, Denise Williams and Stephen Dunstan, presented with the Active Workplace of the Year award at Friday’s ceremony at Ewood Park. — *_{Blackpool Coastal Housing, Denise Williams (left) and Stephen Dunstan (right), presented with the Active Workplace of the Year award at Friday’s ceremony at Ewood Park.}*

In their application, the judges felt that Blackpool Coastal Housing displayed their overall commitment to improving physical and mental health in their organisation, particularly through their implementation of a Workplace Health Champion network, regular mental health first aid training and a range of physical activity sessions. The application also highlighted employees’ access to an ‘annual staff wellbeing event’ which includes ‘health MOTs, reflexology, smoking cessation advice and smoothie-making bikes’, as well as the financial support that they give to Blackpool Stanley Rugby Club and boys’ and girls’ boxing training in the Talbot and Brunswick area.

In their summary, the panel also referenced the organisation’s wellbeing newsletter, which showcases the impact of this work and offers advice for employees wishing to improve their overall health.

Paul Blythin, Project Lead at Business Health Matters, said:

The judging panel were really impressed by Blackpool Coastal Housing’s commitment to their employees through a variety of different initiatives. It’s clear the organisation really values its staff and sets a high standard in the county in terms of workplace health support. Not only this, but the company are also regularly looking at ways to support initiatives and clubs in Blackpool, recognising the impact they can have on local provision. It was great to see buy-in right from the top, shown by the fact that the company’s Director of Resources has set up the only junior parkrun in Blackpool last year!”

Active Workplace of the Year winners, Blackpool Coastal Housing (left) and highly commended Leyland Trucks (right) at Friday's ceremony at Ewood Park. — _{Active Workplace of the Year winners, Blackpool Coastal Housing (left) and highly commended Leyland Trucks (right) at Friday’s ceremony at Ewood Park.}

Manufacturing giants Leyland Trucks came a close second on the night, receiving the ‘Active Workplace of the Year’ highly commended award. In their application, the organisation shone a light on various wellbeing schemes that run across the year, such as the cycle to work initiative and Stop Smoking Day. Judges also commended the organisation’s fundraising activities, including a Guild Wheel cycle challenge that raised funds for St Catherine’s Hospice, as well as their on-site health services, offering annual workplace health checks, physiotherapy and chiropody.

To see all the winners from the 2022 Active Lancashire Awards held on Friday 18^th November, click here.