Active Workplaces
In West Sussex, we are raising the profile of workplace sport, physical activity and health in the lead up to the 2012 Games.
In the current economic climate, businesses face a number of challenges, and the health and well-being of staff is likely to be in the spotlight. West Sussex-Ahead of the Game is part of a Sussex-wide Active Workplace initiative*, offering free advice, guidance and support to workplaces. The initiative takes a holistic approach to health and well-being in and around the workplace, and offers:
FREE advice and guidance for organisations
FREE audit for organisations
Events
Competitions
Funding opportunities
Training opportunities
Discounts
The first `Sussex Sports Series – Battle of the Businesses` tournament has been launched, consisting of 6 events, run over 12 months including netball, basketball, cricket, football, golf and volleyball. View the poster for information. (167kb)
One small business to report benefits from rising to the `Active Workplace` challenge is Nibbles of Worthing, a manufacturer and supplier of 'food on the go' products. It got involved with the Active Workplace programme in April, after going along to a 2012 business support workshop.
After initial consultation staff completed the FREE workplace audit. The results were used to shape an activity programme, tailored to the requirements of the business. With advice, guidance, support and a little funding from the Active Workplace programme, Nibbles have fully embraced all aspects of the programme.
Wendi Knibbs, Managing Director of Nibbles, is very enthusiastic about the benefits “The programme has had a really positive effect on our staff. Not only have they joined the gym at subsidised rates, but we have had great team building events and won the business beach volleyball tournament (which we are still talking about now!) We've taken part in stop smoking advice sessions, healthy eating, and now offer fruit as a staff perk at tea break. As a small business owner, its great to offer staff corporate facilities that I would not be able to offer in normal circumstances.”
For more information, and to find out how to get involved visit the Sussex County Sports Partnership web site, or contact the Sussex Active Workplace Officer, email dimrie@brighton.ac.uk
* The Sussex Active Workplace initiative is coordinated by the Sussex County Sports Partnership Trust, and has received Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England.
