Pedal exercisers and free fruit help Knowsley Carers Centre get off to a healthy start

Knowsley Carers Centre is an independent, registered charity and local network partner of major UK charity, Carers Trust. This passionate, local team, provide a range of vital services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid carers and the many un-sung heroes of our community. The team are easily accessible with three support bases spread across Knowsley, in Kirkby, Halewood and Huyton.

Sometimes though the carers need to care for themselves and ensure they are all healthy and well. The 16-strong team have recently supported each other and their many volunteers in ways to be healthier in the workplace and to promote their mental and physical wellbeing.

Pamela Cornwall, Senior Administrator and Workplace Health Champion, said: “We signed up to the Working Well programme through Knowsley Chamber and it has given us the push we needed to be well in the workplace. Working Well has been great, providing us with a range of support to get us started. We were awarded a Blood Pressure Monitor and a free training session on Blood Pressure Awareness. The monitor and training means we now have a drop-in testing station for our carers and the core team.”

In addition to the Blood Pressure Monitor and training, Knowsley Carers Centre was also successful for a Working Well grant. The team purchased fresh fruit for their office for 12 weeks, a water cooler and some under desk pedal exercisers.

Pamela continued: “The pedal exercisers have been a big hit in the office. People can sit at their desks and pedal as they work. It has also been used on top of the desk as an arm workout, by a member of staff who is a lower limb amputee.”

The weekly fruit ‘taster’ period has had a big influence on the eating habits of the team too. Following the initial 12 week period, everyone has now continued to bring in their healthy snacks themselves and eat more fruit each week. The watercooler has also been well received. The team has already decided that when the 12 month funding for the cooler has ended, the charity will continue to pay the rental charge, as this is improving productivity and workforce health.

Are you, or could you be a Carer?

Caring can sometimes be demanding, both physically and emotionally. It may help to know that your work is recognised by others, and that there are services and benefits available to help support you in your role. Knowsley Carers Centre is there to support you.

If you would like more information about Knowsley Carers Centre please telephone 0151 549 1412 or visit www.knowsleycarers.co.uk

For more information on Working Well email Lorna Marshall: Lorna.Marshall@knowsleychamber.org.uk or visit www.knowsleychamber.org.uk/working-well/