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Employers and schools have been recognised for the efforts they make in keeping their staff  and students healthy and well.

A total of 17 schools and 12 organisations were presented with a Healthy Schools Award or a Better Health at Work Award at South Shields Town Hall.

The Healthy Schools Award aims to embed best practice in health and wellbeing across settings where children and young people learn and is free to all education settings in the borough.  100 per cent of schools in South Tyneside have engaged with the scheme since it was launched. 

Cllr Jane Carter, Lead Member for Education and Skills, said: "It isn't easy to achieve the Healthy Schools Award alongside all the other pressures that schools have. It is fantastic that we have such committed and passionate schools in South Tyneside which choose to put pupil wellbeing at the forefront of what they do.

"As a result of some outstanding initiatives in our schools which promote wellbeing, healthy choices will become the norm for our young people as they move into adulthood."

Maureen McMillin from St Joseph's RC Primary School was named as South Tyneside Health Advocate of the Year.  Maureen received the award due to her passion and outstanding engagement skills with her colleagues to encourage them to improve their lifestyle.

The Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) recognises the efforts of local employers in addressing health issues within the workplace.  The award scheme is free, flexible and open to all employers in the Northeast and Cumbria, regardless of size, location or type of business.   

By running the awards, Â鶹ÊÓƵ is delivering on its ambition to help people stay healthy and well throughout their lives.

Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "The workplace has enormous potential for improving the health of the adult population, and the award encourages local workplaces to make a huge contribution to improving the health of those living and working in our region.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to all those employers who are going the extra mile to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff and I encourage those workplaces and businesses which have not yet applied to consider doing so."

Sara Whittaker from Hitachi Construction Machinery UK received the Special Recognition Award for going the extra mile in developing bespoke resources to suit the needs of the workforce while Â鶹ÊÓƵ achieved the Continuing Excellence level of the BHAWA.

The TUC also awarded Groundwork South and North Tyneside with the prestigious Ambassador Award which is given to employers who have achieved all levels of the award but who consistently go above and beyond to improve the wellbeing of their employees.

Any workplace wanting to sign up for the BHAWA can do so at