Greenfields Community Housing has been recognised for its wide-ranging work with staff, residents, partners and local communities to improve their health and wellbeing. As a result, Greenfields is celebrating being the only housing association in central England to receive a Health and Wellbeing Award from Investors in People. Greenfields wants to help staff and the wider community make healthier lifestyle choices.
For staff, this includes a number of different initiatives, such as a ’Shape Up’ programme for weight loss and exercise levels, stop smoking sessions and lunchtime walks, right through to MOT health checks and exercise sessions. The programme is led by ‘Health Champions’ who are volunteer staff members who promote health and wellbeing across Greenfields.
A member of staff said: “I went for an MOT health check and as a result, was recommended IAPT for a needle phobia course. This supported me to deal with a lifetime phobia. I felt supported and looked after.”
For residents and people in local communities, Greenfields’ Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator organises seated exercise classes in Greenfields’ older persons’ schemes (which has led to increased mobility and independence), provides support for smoking addition, drug and alcohol abuse, and helps people to manage long-term health conditions.
Greenfields’ Empowerment Group, made up of residents, has funded a Tenant Assistance programme for one year to offer free, confidential support for anything ranging from divorce and health issues to debt. A similar assistance programme is also available to staff.
Julie Breed, Head of Human Resources at Greenfields, said: “We are so proud to have been recognised for making a difference to the health and wellbeing of our people. The Government expects all housing associations to go beyond being a good landlord and it is so satisfying to see that what we offer has a genuine and positive impact on people’s lives.”