Pictured at the Action Cancer Bus when it was at Lagan Valley Island as part of a Council Health Promotion initiative are: (l-r) Julie McGrath, Radiographer, Action Cancer; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive; Tanya Carson, Health Promotion Student; Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee and Malachy Nixon, Health Promotion Officer.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council invited the Action Cancer ‘Big Bus’ to Lagan Valley Island as part of its health promotion initiatives for staff.
 
The bus was located at Lagan Valley Island recently for three days and it was well utilised by both staff and residents of the area.
 
Alderman James Tinsley, Chairman of the Council’s Corporate Services Committee added: “The proposal for this health initiative was presented to the Committee by the Human Resources Unit.  Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council takes its duty of care of staff seriously and is committed to ensuring that it does all it can to help them; and a healthy workforce also means a lower absenteeism rate, which benefits everyone.
 
“Also during the week the Action Cancer Big Bus was present a number of other health promotion initiatives took place including Health ‘MOT’ Checks, and Health Awareness talks to include cancer awareness, mental health awareness, smoking cessation and information on the upcoming health and wellbeing initiatives of ‘Action Man Club’, and ‘Why Weight Lite Programme’.
 
“Health checks should not be reserved for when you are feeling unwell, they are a great way of ensuring your general health is maintained. Some symptoms such as high blood pressure may not produce any obvious physical symptoms, however early detection and treatment can help ensure that the heart remains healthy and that the risk of heart disease or stroke are greatly reduced,” concluded Alderman Tinsley.
 
The Action Cancer Big Bus is an excellent proactive initiative that provides an essential service to local communities throughout Northern Ireland. 
 
Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that staff and residents alike have utilised this resourceful facility, which offers breast screening, supportive listening ear service, complementary therapies, men’s health and health promotion.  The highly trained, friendly staff from Action Cancer ensured a relaxing and confidential atmosphere for everyone using this service. 
 
“The importance of a person’s health is high and the Council values its staff health and welfare and is willing to invest in services to ensure they have healthy minds and bodies.  I would like to the staff from Action Cancer for all their hard work in assessing council officers and I would highly recommend that if the Action Cancer Bus visits an area near you that you make an appointment.”