A group of University of Lancashire students will be using their skills to help keep local employees healthy.
The University has created a Wellness Centre, which will allow current students to work with businesses to offer bespoke health screening services and health checks.
The aim of the venture is to ensure students from a variety of health subjects can get real-world practical experience while helping reduce absenteeism across the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Created on the Preston Campus, the new facility consists of a rehabilitation suite fully equipped with gym machines, a private screening and examination room, a studio for classes and group activities and a secret garden.
Bryan Jones, Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport, said: “Our Wellness Centre is about offering high-quality healthcare to organisations who didn't know they needed it, didn't think they could afford it, and didn't know how they could access it.
Our Wellness Centre is about offering high-quality healthcare to organisations who didn't know they needed it, didn't think they could afford it, and didn't know how they could access it– Bryan Jones, Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport
“The new NHS 10-year plan focuses on ‘Health Creation’ and preventive health strategies, and we aim to identify and support our local community and employers by intervening at an early stage, to reduce the burden on our amazing NHS.
“Our newly created Centre now allows us to help take some of that strain off local health services by offering one-on-one and group-based sessions for workplaces within the North West.
“In addition to helping improve the mental and physical health of employees, it’s adding to our students’ learning experience. They can sign up from Year 1 of their studies, and they will gain so much real-world practical experience by dealing with clients. This is a huge bonus to their University education and will put them streets ahead of their counterparts when they enter the world of work. It really is a win-win situation for everybody.”
Currently, students from nutrition, dietetics and sports coaching courses have signed up to treat clients under supervision, with other students being trained up at regular intervals throughout the academic year.
I first got involved with the Wellness Centre to gain hands-on experience in the field I want to work in– Jake Saunders, MA Nutrition and Exercise Prescription student
Jake Saunders is one of those students who has jumped at the chance to get involved. He has just started his MA Nutrition and Exercise Prescription following his recent graduation from the BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Exercise Science.
The 22-year-old said: “I first got involved with the Wellness Centre to gain hands-on experience in the field I want to work in. When the opportunity came up, I snatched it up as quickly as possible. I’m hoping to be able to assist in any way I can with the growth of the Wellness Centre and making sure the service we provide is safe, enjoyable, and effective.”
To start, clients will be assessed in the new facility, in Foster Building, but there are plans to roll it out so students can go into business premises to deliver the range of services.
It was officially opened on 8 October by University alumnus and Lancashire County Councillor Danny Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing. Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, attended and during the launch event, representatives from regional businesses were given health checks.
If you are a business and would like to find out more information or book an appointment for your staff visit the website.
Photo caption
University alumnus and Lancashire County Councillor Danny Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, cutting the ribbon with University students, staff and local business representatives watching on.
