A RHYL business is leading the way in improving the mental health and wellbeing of its staff.

Summerhouse Out of School Club, which provides day care and an after school club service on Dyserth Road, has achieved a Healthy Working Wales (HWW) Silver Small Workplace Health Award for its work promote a better understanding of the importance of the wellbeing of others in workplace.

The scheme helps working age people in Wales stay fit and healthy so they can remain in employment, or return to work following a period of ill health, with reducing the impact of mental and musculoskeletal disorders are among the key aims of the HWW.

Providing day care and after school club service in Rhyl and employing seven staff members, the business received advice from HWW on reviewing and strengthening policies through face to face visits and telephone support.

Mandy Dickin, nursery manager of Summerhouse Out of School Club, said: “Taking part in the HWW Awards scheme has helped us gel more as a team and given us a better understanding of the importance of each other’s wellbeing. Personally it has also given me an understanding of another ‘gateway’ of knowledge and learning in my professional life.”

The business, which employs seven, received the award - alongside a Bronze award for asbestos removal firm Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd in Neath - after following advice from the HWW which is a service funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by Public Health Wales to support employers, individuals and a range of health professionals.

Ken Skates said:“Summerhouse Out of School Club and Monolithic Environmental Services Ltd are excellent examples of businesses who have taken action to make a real difference to the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.

“In this tough economic climate it is vital we have policies in place that help people in Wales stay fit, healthy and in work, and HWW plays a vital role in helping achieve that.

"I would encourage business of all sizes to get involved with the programme and look at their current policies and culture to ensure their workplace is supportive of people in terms of these issues."