you are the world

"You are the world" was launched to staff of the vineyard hotel & spa at the end of July 2006. This group of employees have taken it upon themselves to make a difference in the lives of the staff of the vineyard hotel & spa by providing them with forms of support that will positively affect  their wellbeing. The group has implemented their project by:

Placing a notice board in the staff restaurant that keeps staff updated on all current ‘well-being’ issues.

Using a suggestion box in the staff restaurant so that staff can request assistance on issues or make anonymous ‘calls for help’.

Arranging monthly HIV/Aids educationals and meetings on various other ‘well-being’ issues.

Conducting research into various specialist areas – each member has areas of research that they research such as Diabetes.

Provide a safe environment for staff to discuss their problems.

Where necessary arrange case management for people that need ongoing assistance with chronic health problems.

This group successfully arranged for all the staff and the guests of the Vineyard Hotel & Spa to participate in
World Diabetes Day.

An extract of a letter sent to the staff at the end of the day:

"Wow, what a day! Sue and Marilyn pricked 250 fingers and are thrilled to be able to tell you that most of you are in wonderful shape. For the few of you whose tests indicate that there may be a problem, please rest assured you will receive all the care and attention you need. You may have to change your diet, and of course some exercise will help enormously, but Sue and You are the World will be with you step by step. Thank you so much for joining in, and waiting in queues when necessary. You all helped to make this a wonderfully successful World Diabetes Day. In fact I am sure we have made history - I am willing to bet that no other hotel in the world has done what we did together today. If you don't have access to the Internet please ask your Managers/Supervisors to show you our website so that you can see that support for today came right from the top."

The letter that was distributed to all the guests:

Dear Guest,

I trust you are enjoying your stay with us.

You may be aware that it is World Diabetes Day on Wednesday the 14th of November and we have decided to support it in a very special way this year. 

The health of each guest is just as important to us as that of our staff, so we have arranged for certified medical personnel to be present in the foyer from 09h00 until 16h00 and invite you to have your blood sugar level tested free of charge.  Our entire staff have been encouraged to have their blood sugar levels tested in the staff quarters after which they will receive the necessary support and information on how to manage and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

World Diabetes Day was first introduced by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation in 1991 in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes around the world.  Since then, the event has grown in popularity every year.  Today there are almost 250 million people with diabetes world wide.  Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million world wide.  It is a global epidemic with debilitating and life-threatening complications. 

We invite you to spend a few minutes of your time to visit the trained medical personnel in the foyer and take advantage of this specially arranged opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

ROY DAVIES
General Manager
Vineyard Hotel & Spa