Menu
03/12/2003
Health conference examines social problems
A major conference aimed at tackling problems such as poverty, social exclusion, mental health and emotional well-being has taken place in Belfast today.
The inaugural Investing for Health Conference highlighted programmes and projects that are contributing to the overall aims of the Investing for Health Strategy, which was launched in March 2002.
Reporting some of the actions taken forward in the first year of the strategy, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Permanent Secretary, Clive Gowdy, said: “The publication of Investing for Health was met with considerable goodwill. Many organisations and groups throughout Northern Ireland have shown great willingness to become involved and have made a real contribution to developing and taking forward the Investing for Health agenda.
“We have made progress, but there is still much to do. In a caring society we cannot sit back while there are such glaring disparities in health between rich and poor. Our efforts have to be based at grass roots level, supported by policies and programmes at regional level and the allocation of resources to where they are most needed.”
A presentation was made by Belfast Community Circus representatives, who explained how through involvement with the circus, their confidence and self-esteem has been enhanced and their overall well being improved.
Gerry Potts and Billy Hobson, two adult learners representing the organisation ‘Engage with Age’, demonstrated to the conference how involvement in their local community, and with a forum for older people in Castlereagh, lead to them getting to grips with today's information technology.
Almost 400 delegates from a wide range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations involved in improving the health and well being of local communities attended the conference.
(MB)
The inaugural Investing for Health Conference highlighted programmes and projects that are contributing to the overall aims of the Investing for Health Strategy, which was launched in March 2002.
Reporting some of the actions taken forward in the first year of the strategy, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Permanent Secretary, Clive Gowdy, said: “The publication of Investing for Health was met with considerable goodwill. Many organisations and groups throughout Northern Ireland have shown great willingness to become involved and have made a real contribution to developing and taking forward the Investing for Health agenda.
“We have made progress, but there is still much to do. In a caring society we cannot sit back while there are such glaring disparities in health between rich and poor. Our efforts have to be based at grass roots level, supported by policies and programmes at regional level and the allocation of resources to where they are most needed.”
A presentation was made by Belfast Community Circus representatives, who explained how through involvement with the circus, their confidence and self-esteem has been enhanced and their overall well being improved.
Gerry Potts and Billy Hobson, two adult learners representing the organisation ‘Engage with Age’, demonstrated to the conference how involvement in their local community, and with a forum for older people in Castlereagh, lead to them getting to grips with today's information technology.
Almost 400 delegates from a wide range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations involved in improving the health and well being of local communities attended the conference.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
19 September 2019
Strabane Gains New Community Health Facility
A new state-of-the-art community health facility is now operating in Strabane. Local residents have access to the building, which includes offices, a meeting room, counselling room, kitchen, toilet areas and large communal meeting room.
Strabane Gains New Community Health Facility
A new state-of-the-art community health facility is now operating in Strabane. Local residents have access to the building, which includes offices, a meeting room, counselling room, kitchen, toilet areas and large communal meeting room.
26 September 2024
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
18 October 2021
Swann Praises Ongoing Vaccine Uptake
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed the importance of localised initiatives to further improve the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination uptake. A push to offer vaccinations in rural areas has led to more than 1,600 jabs being administered.
Swann Praises Ongoing Vaccine Uptake
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed the importance of localised initiatives to further improve the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination uptake. A push to offer vaccinations in rural areas has led to more than 1,600 jabs being administered.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
