The Department of Health celebrated the graduation of 17 staff members from the Complete Health Improvement Programme.

The programme is intended to help participants make lasting changes to improve their health.

A spokeswoman said: “There was varying degrees of success from each of the participants that learnt new ways of changing lifestyle habits to reap the benefits of overall good health.

“The programme included 18 sessions with food demonstrations. The participants were committed to completing 80 per cent of attendance before graduation.

“Overall the programme allowed for participants to support each other and focus on individual behaviour changes for increased exercise, improved clinical indicators, weight loss, healthier mindful eating, mental health and wellbeing.”

The next session is scheduled to take place in January with another 18 participants.