Home > News > May 2011 > 20 May 2011

DHL delivers a healthy interest in learning

A whole day of learning-related activities took place at the DHL Distribution Centre in Darlington to celebrate Learning at Work Day (19th May 2011)

The activities were organised by union learning reps from Usdaw and Unite the Union as part of the Learning Zone workplace project.

This year's event had a Healthy Living theme with health questionnaires being distributed, an information stall of take-home literature on all aspects of health supplied by the NHS Health Improvement Library and a stand dedicated to promoting the already very successful Cycle to Work Scheme at the site.

To complement the healthy body aspect there was also plenty of information, support and encouragement on offer for those looking to exercise their minds, too, with particular emphasis on promoting ITQ and skills for life as distance learning courses to help staff on variable shift patterns and those with other commitments like caring responsibilities.

Local school children were invited to design their own posters promoting a Healthy Lifestyle which were displayed during the day, and the owner of the most popular poster will be receiving a prize - along with a certificate for all participants. A staff competition to complete the sentence 'Workplace health and wellbeing is important to me....' in less than 15 words was also run, with the winner receiving a bumper box of learning supplies donated by DHL and Usdaw.

Lucy O'Brien, DHL/Argos operation support manager said: "The development of adult learning at Faverdale has gone from strength to strength over the last year. Our Learning Centre has become a real hive of activity for the site with many colleagues and managers alike taking part in courses and achieving excellent results. Our excellent partnership is continuing into 2011 with many more activities planned and courses booked. We are looking forward to another successful year of adult learning at Faverdale."

Martyn Warwick, Usdaw lifelong learning project worker who has worked with the Learning Zone project since its inception said: "The learning awareness days at DHL/Argos are always very well put together and supported by unions, learning providers and the company - and this one was no exception.

"With this year's theme being around health and wellbeing the event not only helped to raise the profile, but informs future activity led by workforce needs, such as smoking cessation, diet and nutrition or men's health, and along with improving skills offers a very holistic and practical approach to learning."

Kevin Rowan, unionlearn regional manager said: "Learning at Work Day provides a fantastic platform for a diverse range of learning experiences, activities and topics. The health and wellbeing agenda is a growing area of work for unions and employers and this exemplar partnership approach at DHL/Argos can only be beneficial to everyone involved. Reading a new book, learning how to dance, and even how to eat healthily are all enriching experiences and improve quality of life - both in and out of work."

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For more information about Learning at Work Day, visit: www.learningatworkday.com

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