Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth is one of Cornwall’s largest employers, with over 380 permanent staff onsite, many of whom work in physically demanding jobs.

Last week the company championed a health initiative, Pendennis Health Education Week (PHEW), which was dedicated to the promotion of employees’ personal health. Mike Carr, managing director, said: “Our company has a reputation as one of the best of its type globally. This is largely due to the experience and dedication of the skilled tradespeople and office staff in Falmouth, which is why the long-term wellbeing of our staff is key to the business.”

To kick off the week water bottles were given to all staff, along with information on hydration levels. Each day started with a 30-minute wake-up stretching and high intensity training classes with professional trainers after work proved popular. Personal fitness was supported with back health advice from Falmouth Physiotherapy Clinic, and smoking cessation workshops from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Stop Smoking Service.

Health awareness initiatives included sexual health clinics, cholesterol checks, blood pressure and metabolic rate assessments, with advice on healthy eating and weight management to provide ongoing support. Healthy eating messages were further supported by the onsite canteen which highlighted the healthy options available across the menu.

Mental wellbeing was also a key topic, with stress strategies provided by Outlook Southwest, and a singing workshop to promote social and cognitive skills, breathing techniques and good posture in a fun environment. At the end of the week employees took part in a walking treasure hunt through Falmouth.

Annie Bamford, occupational health nurse, said: "We are very grateful to all of the local suppliers who have made this week a success. Engaging people in discussing health issues and making positive lifestyle choices is always difficult, but thanks to the success of some of the week’s activities we are looking at continuing some of the initiatives forward, including onsite fitness classes and the set up of a Pendennis Choir. We hope that PHEW will have enabled staff to make long-term changes, however small, to the way they perceive and manage their personal health.”