285 EA Staff in Schools and Corporate Services recently took part in our Jump into June Step Challenge.

Our winning team with a staggering 2,214,404 steps over the month was our team from Blackwater Integrated College, well done to the three team members who ramped up the steps each week and encouraged each other over the finish line!

Our teams not only got up and motivated themselves to ramp up their steps each day, they interacted, encouraged and inspired each other as a team.

We had team members who had huge work and family commitments throughout this challenge and at times it wasn’t easy to increase their daily steps but with the help and encouragement from their team members they dug deep and kept stepping. Like everything in life, some days and weeks were better than others but team work got them by!!!

Each week we focused on a different theme these included Mindfulness, Sleep, Nutrition and Hydration, Physical Activity and Social.  We revealed tips, useful facts and signposting information each week.

We highlighted local areas to visit during the month which saw staff change their normal walking routes and visit places that they may not have been aware of.

One of the main highlights of the challenge was our teams sharing their photos taken during their walks and adventures, to say we covered many areas (land and sea) is an understatement.

Overall we had a great month and it was a perfect way to get us through the craziness of June!!

Through our evaluations we received the below comments from colleagues:

What were the main strengths of the Jump into June Step Challenge?

• The competitive but encouraging nature of this event
• The weekly motivational emails
• Liked the fun facts and pictures each week
• Focus on team spirit and health benefit
• Encouragement and support

Are there any changes you will make as a result of this challenge?

• Endeavour to maintain increase in daily steps
• Definitely getting out of the house and walking /running /cycling more often
• More focused on personal step count as a result
• I am going to continue keeping up my steps.
• Aim to meet step goal more often

Stay tuned to hear about our next challenge over the coming months.......

If you have any comments or queries on this challenge please email healthandwellbeing@eani.org.uk