A successful Newton Aycliffe-based charity has achieved a new Gold standard – in the Better Health at Work Awards.
Clare Singlewood on behalf of communities charity, DISC received the coveted Gold award last night at a ceremony at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham.
She was part of a delegation from DISC, including Chief Executive, Paul Townsley.
Mr Townsley said: “We are delighted to be amongst the first to strike Gold in the Better Health at Work Awards.
“DISC recognises that the health and wellbeing of the staff is as important as that of our service users.
“The whole purpose of the award is to help staff and the wider community in whatever way we can to be happy and healthy – which has its own benefits”
And Ms Singlewood added: “We have achieved the award through constant awareness-raising, campaigns and promotions.”
The award was handed out by Durham County Councillor Lucy Hovvels, who holds the Adult and Health Services portfolio for the council, and who praised DISC for its work.
The Gold level award builds on the Silver award the organisation already holds and required DISC to spread its health and wellbeing message to the wider community.
The organisation had to demonstrate it had a three year health strategy and a year-long action plan for health improvement activities and task-related health issues.
DISC had to show it participates in local, regional and national health initiatives.
The organisation, which has some 450 staff, also had to show it encourages regular staff health checks, supports people on long term sickness to return to work, has robust, reviewed policies in place on preventing bullying and harassment, has environmental management systems in place, and demonstrates its innovation in maintaining the health and wellbeing of its staff.
• Pictured (above): DISC CEO Paul Townsley and DISC workers Clare Singlewood, Sara Allen and Janeen Colville with the BHAWA award.