The Health and Health Equity in All Local Policies lecture series event was launched in late February by Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The first lecture focused on experience of a Health in All Policies approach in South Australia, which is broadly similar in population structure and size as Northern Ireland.

Danny Broderick, who has pioneered the approach with the Government of South Australia in Adelaide outlined the approach, which has been very successful. The approach is novel in that it involves working with other sectors to support them reach their objectives, but the aim is to seek solutions that also support health. Key to its success has been early involvement, an ethos of joint working towards a shared aim, good communication and a willingness to try new approaches.

Opportunities to develop a Health in All Policies approach further in Northern Ireland were explored at a stakeholder workshop. There was considerable interest in the approach, and also debate on barriers as well as ways of creatively tackling these.

As part of Danny's visit to Belfast he also met with Chief Executives and Senior Officers from Belfast City Council, Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Department of Social Development and Local Commissioning Groups to share South Australia's experiences in tackling Inequalities in Health and to discuss how Northern Ireland can progress within this area.

For further information on the lecture series or to register please contact Caroline Scott at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 028 90328811.