A FITNESS industry pioneer from Warrington has been invited to help shape the health and wellbeing policies of a future Labour government.
Lynne Briggs will be at a symposium to discuss the range of policy options across all departments to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the UK, which has been organised by Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Kim Leadbeater, next month.
Lynne is the founder of an enterprise called MH1 Global, which has developed a mental health questionnaire known as MHQ, a validated psychometric tool that measures the trajectory of a person’s mental health using 11 lifestyle factors as markers.
The invite comes after Lynne met the MP when they were both speakers at a House of Commons reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the YMCA Awards, where it was announced MH1 Global, and the YMCA are to collaborate on developing future products that will embed a stronger focus on mental health and holistic wellbeing to provide fitness industry professionals with the tools to better support their clients and customers.
Lynne, who has worked in the fitness industry most of her working life, said: “MH1 Global isn’t political in the slightest, we are purely focused on improving health and wellbeing – both mental and physical – and we’repassionate about anything that can achieve that.
“MHQ produces insightful data that triggers a holistic approach to interventions that can improve people’s mental wellbeing, as well as their physical health.
“Many of the factors addressed in the MHQ are required by public health and health and wellbeing boards, which can evidence for funded projects, and the benefits are also being recognised in more than just the fitness sector, with a growing number of enquiries from HR professionals in the corporate world.”
MHQ was developed by fellow MH1 Global director and psychology master’s degree graduate Paula Litherland, who originally created it for fitness sector professionals whilst studying at Edge Hill University, with input from colleagues in the university’s psychology faculty.
It has since been adopted by North West leisure operator Volair, which is using it to benefit its staff and 6,000 members, and Oldham College, Paula’s current employers, where it is being used to support staff wellbeing.
Formerly known as the Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ) until 1998, the awards have help to create the YMCA’s standing as experts in education, health and wellbeing thanks to the development of its UK-regulated and globally recognised qualifications.
Kim Leadbeater became MP for Batley and Spen in 2021 following the murder of her sister, Jo Cox. She is a former lecturer in physical activity, health and wellbeing at colleges in Bradford and Dewsbury and has worked as a self-employed wellbeing coach and personal trainer.
