VIRTUAL College, the Ilkley-based online learning company, has partnered with local organisations to create Wellness Week, a series of lunchtime events designed to support, encourage and draw attention to mental health and wellness.

Get Active Day, the first of the events, offered staff:

• Free trial gym passes from Anytime Fitness

• A complimentary five minute health MOT from Dillons Premium Fitness Training plus a healthy recipe book

• The opportunity to receive information and guidance from a physiotherapist from Physio Fusion.

• A free fitness watch was on offer to staff taking part in the highly competitive, timed Get Active challenge.

Part two of Wellness Week consisted of a lunchtime staff walk from Virtual College’s offices, adjacent to Ilkley station, to the cattle grid on Cow Pasture Road. A free Virtual College branded water bottle was provided for every participant.

A number of local organisations supported Virtual College’s Mental Health & Well-being Day, held on the Friday, with free tasters, games, challenges and goody bags:

• Airedale Hospital nurses offered a free Health MOT of BMI, weight and blood pressure

• Smoooth Café & Deli provided free, healthy homemade soup, fresh smoothies and 10 per cent discount vouchers

• Valley Clinic’s sports & exercise therapist, Liz, was on hand to offer her specialist guidance

• MIND, the Leeds based charity, provided valued advice and resources

• Ilkley Complementary Therapies offered their herbal treatments, recommendations and advice

Fiona Robinson, Virtual College HR Manager, said: "Virtual College’s biggest asset is its people.

“By being proactive on wellbeing, engagement and resilience, we are supporting the Good Day at Work Initiative and the IIP Health and Wellbeing agenda which recognise that a staff’s biggest asset is their health and wellbeing.”