Health and Environment Ministers Launch Belfast Healthy Cities Guide for Political Representatives

Belfast Healthy Cities was delighted that Health Minister Edwin Poots, MLA and Environment Minister Alex Attwood, MLA launched a guide for political representatives entitled “Tackling Inequalities and Promoting Wellbeing.” The Belfast Healthy Cities publication provides an essential overview of how council services impact on health and wellbeing. It also highlights the role of elected representatives in developing policy designed to tackle inequalities.

Speaking at the event Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA said:

“This publication provides a helpful overview of how Council services impact on health and wellbeing. Elected representatives play a key role in shaping people’s lives, and can make a very significant contribution to creating the living conditions that allow people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential.”

“Healthy people are able to make the most of opportunities and contribute to social and economic prosperity.”

Environment Minister Alex Attwood MLA added:

“I am delighted to be here to jointly launch this guide “Tackling Inequalities and Promoting Wellbeing.”  Addressing inequalities in the social and environmental living conditions which impact on health cannot be achieved by any one organisation or sector - it requires an inter-sectoral response. We would encourage elected representatives at all levels of government to provide leadership at a local level to tackle the root causes of inequalities.”

Joan Devlin, Director of Belfast Healthy Cities said at the launch:

“One of the cornerstones of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network is political engagement. Participation and support from political decision makers is essential for creating healthy and sustainable cities and communities. The role of local elected representatives is particularly important, as key decisions taken at the local level shape people’s living conditions and significantly influence people’s lives, choices and health outcomes.”

“This guide is intended to support elected representatives and Councils in identifying how the work of local government contributes to health and wellbeing.”