Wellbeing MOT’s Take Place at Worthing Garage

The tables have turned for staff at a Worthing garage as they became the subjects of their very own wellbeing MOT.

Mechanics, administration staff and managers at Cedar Garage were all given a free check-up by Adur & Worthing Councils as part of a drive to improve health and wellbeing in the community.

The garage in Tarring Road has become one of the first businesses in the local area to take part in the Councils’ workplace MOT’s programme.

After the check-up, garage staff are urging other companies to sign up for this free service which delivers real benefits to employees of all ages.

Rob Mansfield, a manager at Cedar Garage for five and a half years, said: “Everyone I have spoken to has said it was worthwhile, and they were glad they’d done it.

“It’s definitely inspired people to adjust their diet, and adjust their calorie intake from sugary drinks.

“I have personally started riding to work, I’ve cut down on smoking, I’ve cut down on coffees, I’ve had no chocolate in a month. It’s made a big difference to me and it has had a positive impact on everybody who’s had a chance to go through it.”

A Wellbeing MOT is a free resource which usually takes around 30 minutes to complete. The process evaluates a person’s health, including their hydration levels, emotional health, activity levels, lifestyle impacts, weight and internal fat.

The visits to Cedar Garage have been carried out by wellbeing advisor Tyler Slade to coincide with Men’s Health Week, which begins today (10th June 2019).

Tyler said: “I think what really works is that we’re coming to them, they’re not having to make an appointment.

“So rather than having to think about taking time away from their work, or think about it as an extra thing that they’ve got to book themselves in for, we’re coming to them to provide them the service on their doorstep.”

Tyler and his Wellbeing Advisor colleagues offer talks with small groups at a workplace and also hold one to one sessions. These confidential appointments allow staff to check up on their physical and mental health.

Tyler added that it’s never too late to make small changes that end up making a big difference.

He said: “Just jump on- if there is a campaign, put a poster up in your staff room, get your team to go out and raise money for something together, because the more you can do together, the less it becomes a taboo and it becomes more of something that people generally do to support each other in life.”

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Employee wellbeing is a key issue for employers as organisations face the costs and potential impact of high absence levels and employee ill-health. These free Wellbeing MOT’s are invaluable, they support local employees, and in turn support local businesses.”

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “If talking about wellbeing can make a difference to someone’s health, then that is a conversation that is worth having. It’s great to see the proactive outreach that’s had a successful impact on a thriving business, and I look forward to seeing the results of the continued work supporting the local business community and their staff. ”