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Ipswich trailblazers are getting Fit for Work

Published: 16/05/2009

Ipswich is becoming a healthier town this year, thanks to the efforts of five local organisations, which are helping improve the health and wellbeing of their staff.

The five companies, Ipswich Building Society, Jewsons, Call Connection, Prettys and Copleston High School, have all devoted time and attention to improving their employee welfare, after being selected as trailblazer companies for the Fit for Work programme last October.

The ‘Fit for Work' scheme aims to raise the levels of participation in physical activity and increase general fitness levels in the workplace. The programme, coordinated by Team Ipswich under the umbrella of Healthy Ambitions Suffolk, is aiming to make Suffolk the healthiest county in the UK by 2028.

Since being appointed trailblazer companies, each organisation has been involved in a variety of different sports and activities, and employees have noticed a real difference in the workplace.

Dave Claxton from Jewsons said; "Under the Fit for Work scheme we have hosted a range of activities such as stop smoking workshops and we've also created a mini gym to enable staff to work out in pairs. It has been great for us - as well as improving the staff morale, it has been an invaluable reminder of the benefits of daily activity."

Fellow Fit for Work champion Joanne Palfrey from Ipswich Building Society added; "It has worked really well for us. We've got 15 members of staff signed up to a lunchtime walking group, which has been a great way to get fresh air and get into shape whilst making friends with new people. I would definitely recommend signing up to Fit for Work."

Alongside the trailblazer companies, Team Ipswich and the Fit for Work team are encouraging any Ipswich business to get involved in the scheme, where interventions can be as simple as a walking club or a weight loss support group. A Fit for Work calendar of events is available for those who wish to participate.

For more information about the Team Ipswich Fit for Work calendar of events go to www.teamipswich.com or email fitforwork@ipswich.gov.uk