The first session in the Healthy Lives: Healthy Environment programme took place on 31 March.  The day aimed to give an introduction to the links between health, planning and sustainable development. Colin Cox, Manchester Healthy City Coordinator and Assistant Director of the Manchester Joint Health Unit outlined the historical links and also some ideas for a way forward. Peter Mullaney, Strategic Planning Manager at the Planning Service, introduced participants to how the planning system in Northern Ireland works.

In the afternoon session, Rosemary Thomas, Chief Planner to the Welsh Assembly Government, provided a case study of how the Welsh Assembly has tried to integrate health into planning. Ruth Fleming from Belfast Healthy Cities finally gave an outline of Health Impact Assessment as a tool for integrating health into decision making.

The training programme is also piloting site visits as a key element of each day, offering a chance for practical learning. Site visits on Day 1 included Connswater Community Greenway, Houses in Multiple Occupation in the Holylands, regeneration of the Lower Shankill and Grove Wellbeing Centre. Initial feedback was very positive and participants felt this session could be extended.