How’s Thi Ticker supports local employees in taking positive steps for their health

A Barnsley Council health programme is working with local businesses to help employees better understand their heart health and make positive lifestyle changes.

How’s Thi Ticker, which offers free heart health checks in communities and workplaces across Barnsley, has been working with Premdor Crosby Ltd (Owens Corning Doors) to support staff with simple, accessible checks and practical advice.

The team first visited the business in 2024 and has since built a trusted relationship with employees, helping them access health checks in a familiar workplace setting.

Staff have shared how the checks helped them understand more about their blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and overall heart health.

Some employees said the results motivated them to change their diet, increase their physical activity, and make healthier day-to-day choices.

The programme has also helped people track their progress over time, giving them confidence that the changes they are making are improving their long-term health and wellbeing.

Cllr Stan Bryan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Social Care and Integrated Health, said: “This is exactly what How’s Thi Ticker is all about: taking support out into our communities and workplaces, making it easier for people to understand their health and encouraging small changes that can make a big difference.

“The feedback shows the real impact this programme is having on people’s lives.

"It’s helping local employees spot potential health concerns, take positive action and feel more confident about their future wellbeing.

“We’re proud to see How’s Thi Ticker working with local businesses in this way and supporting people who might not otherwise have taken that first step to get checked.

"Having been checked by the team myself and advised to see my GP about high blood pressure, I know first-hand how their early intervention is playing a key role in keeping us healthy.”

Nikki Higgins, Safety, Health and Environment Manager for Premdor Crosby Ltd, was one of the employees who benefitted from the How’s Thi Ticker programme.

Nikki said: “This service has been life-changing for me. I will always be grateful to the team for gently supporting me to make the changes that I needed to for the sake of my health.

“By eating better and moving more, I found the confidence to start attending a Reformer Pilates class and I’m able to walk further than I could before.

“On behalf of everybody at Premdor, thank you so much for changing our staff's lives with this programme.

"There are dozens of other stories that could be shared, and dozens of lives and families impacted by the work that you do.

“The fact that all of the sessions are booked up and there is usually a queue of walk-ins as well speaks for itself.”

How’s Thi Ticker provides quick and accessible health checks, helping people understand key indicators linked to heart health and giving them advice and encouragement to make healthier choices.

Local businesses interested in finding out more about How’s Thi Ticker can email the How's Thi Ticker team to discuss how workplace sessions could support their employees.