Networking Neighbourhoods, Study Visit 2
Go BackNetworking Neighbourhoods’ is a programme of specially designed study visits organised by the Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone (NNHAZ) and Supporting Communities NI.
The aim of the programme is to highlight and showcase the work being undertaken within the 14 NNHAZ areas to improve the health and well-being of local people within the Northern Health and Social Services Board
After the immense success of the first Networking Neighbourhoods project in June 2008 the second Study Visit took place this month and looked at best practice examples of community-based health programmes, projects and services in Ballymena, Magherafelt and Carrickfergus. Community, voluntary and statutory sector partners currently involved in implementing Community Action Plans in each of the NNHAZ areas were invited to participate in the visit. A wide range of projects were selected for the visits in order to meet the needs of the diverse group of delegates.
The two day study visit incorporated an Environmental Regeneration scheme in the Parkview & Riverside estate in Castledawson; Childcare Services, Community Facilities and a Luncheon Club in the Ballee estate in Ballymena; along with a Good Morning project and a Community Nurse-led Clinic in the Glenfield estate in Carrickfergus. Delegates finished off their visit in style with a tour around Parliament Buildings and the Stormont Estate in Belfast where they were addressed by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride.
Colette Rogers, NNHAZ Co-ordinator commented,
“I am delighted that so many NNHAZ neighbourhoods were represented on the Study Visit. Networking Neighbourhoods has provided representatives from the NNHAZ areas with a valuable opportunity to visit community led health and well-being initiatives that also have the potential to be delivered in their own neighbourhoods. The programme facilitates networking and allows the delegates to share learning with other volunteers and professionals who are familiar with the challenges of getting projects up and running and getting the wider community involved. The visits have helped them to appreciate that many neighbourhoods are facing similar challenges and that they are an important part of the solution.”
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael Mc Bride, who met the delegates on their visit to Parliament Buildings commented,
"I commend the work of the Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone in bringing together representatives from each participating Neighbourhood to share information and exchange learning. It is vitally important that local communities are involved in the design and implementation of initiatives to improve health and tackle health inequalities since they are best placed both to identify needs and the ways in which these can be addressed."
Antrim/Ballymena
Margaret McKeown from Ballee Community Association in Ballymena commented:
East Antrim
Siobhan McFarland from Bawnmore Residents Association in Newtownabbey commented:
Causeway
Nick Moffett from Armoy Community Association commented:
Mid Ulster
Ann Coney from Ratheen Greenvale & Sullenboy Residents Association in Cookstown commented:
“This series of study visits has provided people in our community and in the other NNHAZ communities with an excellent opportunity to develop relationships with each other and it has inspired us to consider new projects for our own neighbourhoods that will help improve people’s overall health and well-being.”