THE AYRSHIRE Hospice hosted an award ceremony this week which celebrated local businesses maintaining a healthier workforce.

The Healthy Working Lives awards were held at the Hospice’s premises on Racecourse Road, Ayr last week.

Guests from businesses across Ayrshire were invited along to celebrate boosting the health and wellbeing of their staff. 

A local health chief in NHS Ayrshire and Arran opened the ceremony emphasising the importance of local businesses engaging with the local workplace Health and Improvement team.

Lesley Reid said: “Our local Healthy Working Lives Advisers are on hand to provide health, safety and wellbeing support to local businesses and organisations who aspire to create a health improving workplace.

"It is great to see such a variety of workplaces taking part and not only supporting staff to keep well, but enjoying the business benefits that result from this commitment.”

The hosts of the event scooped a gold aware along with Onthank Early Childhood Centre in Kilmarnock.

Other winners were Ayrshire College and the Surgery @ 9 Alloway Place.

The businesses participating were part of a national movement towards creating safer and healthier work environments.

Guests were also informed of new public health priorities giving an idea of how workplaces can contribute to the national aspirations of a healthier population.