Healthy Communities Programme helps to increase wellbeing services
THIS week saw the launch of the Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, reports Maurice Garvey.
Sláintecare Healthy Communities is a cross-Government initiative to deliver increased health and wellbeing services to 19 community areas across Ireland.
The programme will be delivered in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot in partnership with the HSE, Dublin City Council, Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership and other community organisations such as FamiliBase, Ballyfermot Resource Centre and The Orchard Centre.
Cllr Vincent Jackson, deputising for Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, launched the programme at Ballyfermot civic office.
“The challenge of addressing health inequalities in our communities requires not only interventions to target particular health risks, but also a broad focus on addressing the wider determinants of health, said Cllr Jackson (Ind).
“To make real and lasting change we need to work together to create communities where people can thrive, putting in place the right building blocks for health, stable jobs, good pay, quality housing, good education and accessible amenities that enhance and improve our built environment.”
Margaret McQuillan, HSE Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Head of Health and Wellbeing highlighted the evidence-based and practical programmes available in the area as part of the Sláintecare, including Stop Smoking Service, We Can Quit, Parenting Programmes, and Healthy Food Made Easy.
Anne Fitzgerald, CEO Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership welcomed further funding through Sláintecare which allows them to continue to deliver and expand their services.
A €250,000 once off Sláintecare Healthy Communities Enhancement Fund was made available to support the redevelopment and completion of the Ballyfermot People’s Park.
Tom James, Head of Health and Wellbeing, Department of Health said all of the programmes they talked about on the day are available free of charge to the people living in Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot.
Joanna Kelly, Dublin City’s Local Development Officer Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot said they have taken an evidence-informed approach in tackling health inequalities in the community and are building on existing health and wellbeing programmes in the area.
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