A TEAM of health workers has achieved national recognition for their work in helping people with physical and mental health issues.

The council’s Healthy Living Team, formerly known as the Health Improvement Team, has been nominated for a national Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Award. The group was recognised for putting into practice the training they received in helping the most vulnerable in St Helens.

This could involve introducing people who suffer from cardiac problems to groups with similar conditions to talking about reducing anxiety through coping strategies.

It could also involve designing personalised home based activity programmes for those with depression or conditions such as agoraphobia.

The team also works to improve the health of communities through advice on exercise, nutrition, smoking and alcohol.

Liz Gaulton director of Public Health at St Helens Council said: “We are really proud of the work the team has accomplished in helping to support the physical and mental health of our community and are delighted that they have been recognised with this nomination for a national award.”

For more information on the Healthy Living Team call 0300 300 0103 choosing option one for St Helens visit healthysthelens.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @HealthySTH.