National recognition for North Northamptonshire projects at prestigious local government awards
Health and wellbeing26 June 2023
A North Northamptonshire Council-led project which aims to improve the health, wellbeing and mental health of truck drivers has been Highly Commended at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
The Council’s Wellbeing team, Environmental Health and Public Health teams reached the final of the MJ Awards 2023 in the Transforming Lives category for their work alongside Welcome Break in supporting HGV drivers using Rothwell Truck Stop.
An event took place at the Truckstop in September 2022 where drivers were given opportunities to speak to the team, use body composition scales, and have their blood pressure checked, as well as two further supporting visits to the site to engage directly with drivers.
A further health and wellbeing promotional event was held at the end of October 2022, timed to be part of the Road Haulage Association’s ‘National Lorry week.’
This has been followed up with an action plan created for 2023 to further support HGV drivers using the facilities and there are plans for future events.
Also reaching the final was the North Northants e-scooter trial which was nominated for the Best Transport Decarbonisation project.
Since the trial started, more than three million rides have been undertaken with over 87,000 registered users. The scheme in North Northants is led by NNC, working alongside West Northamptonshire Council, Voi technology and Northamptonshire Police.
It is estimated that since e-scooters were introduced to North Northants, 1.6 million car trips have been replaced and 700 tonnes of CO2 saved, with an additional £7.57m spent in local town centres as a direct result of the trial. Key workers and job seekers have also benefitted from discounts through the trial.
This is wonderful news for the council and the residents of North Northamptonshire as we have received very high praise for two projects which are greatly improving peoples’ lives.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council
As well as the hard work and determination of the teams from NNC involved, this recognition also highlights the important work that goes on with partners across North Northamptonshire to improve the lives of residents.
The MJ Awards attract hundreds of entries from local government organisations around the country. For 2023, the finals ceremony was hosted by the journalist Huw Edwards.