CALEDONIA Housing Association has teamed up with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to deliver health assessments for colleagues across the organisation.
The initiative is designed to support wellbeing and promote greater awareness of how to stay healthy and take action to address potential health issues at an early stage.
Delivered across Caledonia offices in Renton, Perth and Dundee, colleagues have been offered access to free, confidential 20-minute health assessments during the working day. The voluntary checks included heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring, alongside tailored lifestyle advice from trained professionals.
63 people participated in the assessments across the organisation.
James Pendleton, asset officer at Caledonia Housing Association, said, “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I’m really glad I took part. It’s easy to put your health to the bottom of the list when life and work are busy, so having these checks available during the working day made it simple and accessible. Everyone should look after their health, whatever their age, and opportunities like this can make a real difference in helping people understand their wellbeing and take positive steps for the future.”
Caledonia’s wider wellbeing approach includes a range of initiatives including a network of trained Mental Health First Aiders and access to confidential counselling support through Rowan Consultancy.
Colleagues are also encouraged to support causes and communities important to them through a paid volunteering day each year, while wider wellbeing initiatives include training events, webinars and awareness sessions covering topics such as healthy hearts, menopause awareness, grief and bereavement, breast health and support for new and expectant parents.
Barry Johnston, executive director of people & governance, added, “At Caledonia, we recognise that our people are our greatest strength, and supporting colleague wellbeing is fundamental to creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture. Partnering with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to bring these health assessments directly into the workplace helped make preventative health support accessible, convenient and easy to engage with.”
David Low, health defence lead (east) at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, commented, “Being able to deliver our health checks in the workplace allows us to reach those who might not make it along to our regular hub venue otherwise. The really high uptake has been superb to see, and we hope that everyone has left the sessions with a better understanding of their health and a bit more knowledge on where to go next with regards to goal setting and follow on support.”
