Asked by: Virendra Sharma (Labour - Ealing, Southall)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what his Department's wellness strategy is.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) strategic approach to health and well-being reflects the wider Civil Service Priorities of mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and a healthy lifestyle.
In 2014, DCMS signed up to the Department of Health’s Public Health Responsibility Deal to deliver pledges H1, 2, 3 and 7 under the Health at Work Pledge and P2 and 3 of the Physical Activity Pledge. We have made good progress against each of the pledges, and in 2015, we launched the ‘Get Active 2015’ campaign to encourage and help DCMS staff get fit and healthy. As part of this campaign we have actively promoted national events like “Walk to Work” week, the Mental Health Awareness Week and Movember to promote physical and mental well-being.
DCMS also supports the Time to Change Programme. Signing up to this pledge is a public statement of our intent to support good health at work and tackle the stigma associated with mental health. We have used the “Time to Talk” days to promote early intervention. DCMS also hosts an annual Employee Week with a focus on employees’ physical and mental well-being and the support and benefits available to all employees. DCMS provides an Employee Assistance programme for all staff. This is a free confidential counselling and support service which offers practical information and resources on health and well-being issues.
Asked by: Virendra Sharma (Labour - Ealing, Southall)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the (a) policy and (b) other responsibilities are of each special adviser in his Department.
Answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot
I refer my Hon Friend to the answer to PQ 27946
Asked by: Virendra Sharma (Labour - Ealing, Southall)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans his Department has to honour in London the contribution of Indian troops to the First World War.
Answered by Helen Grant - Shadow Solicitor General
Up to 1.5 million volunteers from India served on various fronts during the First World War. The role India played in the Gallipoli campaign will be reflected in the UK's commemorative services being held at Cape Helles in Turkey and at the Cenotaph in London on 24th and 25th April respectively.
The DCMS is facilitating a multi faith event at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester on 10th March, the centenary of the second Battle of Neuve Chapelle, the first major engagement of Indian troops on the Western Front. This is bringing together British Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs to honour the contribution of their forebears and to commit themselves to continue working together for the good of society.