A health at work scheme funded by the Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone is proving to be a success - particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

The Tyne and Wear health management and organisational structures; the working environment; health education for employees and links with local communities.

The scheme, which is free, gave its first awards this month and has recently been evaluated by the University of Sunderland.

The first three companies to receive the award were the North Eastern Co-operative Society, Rosalie House Care Home, and VIASystems (Boldon). These companies are now working towards the second stage award and another 12 companies are beginning the award process.

The evaluation results have shown the scheme has had strong support from management, understanding of the long-term commitment required from everyone in the company, it provides a useful focus for tackling the issues, has helped increase awareness of health at work issues, has given recognition of achievement through the award and was a good mean of addressing communication and morale issues.

The evaluation also made a number of recommendations to sustain the scheme and ways of improving the assessment process.

For more information about the Tyne and Wear Health5720.