Sure and local teachers take steps to improve physical and mental health

Sunday 12 August 2018

A total of 91 employees from Sure are joining hundreds of thousands of employees from around the world in a challenge to improve their physical and psychological health.

The Virgin Pulse Global Challenge is a 100-day virtual journey around the globe.

In teams of seven, employees track their daily activity and work towards a daily target of 10,000 steps. The challenge began on 23 May and ends on 30 August.

Sure employees have taken part in the event for 6 years but for 2018 the Sure Community Foundation decided to invite teachers and staff from three local schools to join in the challenge.

“The Sure Community Foundation wants to promote healthy lifestyles to children so we decided to offer sponsorship for local teachers to enter the Global Challenge to set an example to their pupils,” said Garry Coutanche, Health and Safety Manager at Sure. 

“We’re very pleased to have 49 teachers and staff, making up seven teams from Vauvert, Capelles and Melrose, joining us on this challenge and so far everyone is close to or way above the recommended 10,000 steps per day which is fantastic.

“The challenge has motivated everyone taking part from Sure and the schools to think about the level of exercise they do and encourage them to push themselves further.”

At the half way stage Sure teams have taken 16.3 million steps, which is approximately 6,500 miles and the school teams have covered a combined 10.3 million steps which is equivalent to 4,130 miles.

Sue Coughlin, head teacher at Hautes Capelles Primary School said: “Participating in the Virgin Global Pulse Challenge has enlightened the staff to be more aware of their wellbeing and physical activity levels, prompting them, their families and the children in school to increase their physical activity. The Staff have reported a positive improvement in their health and fitness and have enjoyed challenging themselves.”

The Sure Community Foundation was established as a recognised charity in 2012 with a committee made up of staff from across the organisation. Since its launch the Foundation has donated over £100,000 to Bailiwick charities.