Policy and information

One of our central aims is to influence and shape policy to achieve an overall goal of promoting healthy public policy.  We use government department policy consultation processes as an important way to influence policy and practice. The aim of our policy responses is to highlight health and wellbeing considerations, particularly in areas where health traditionally is not given high priority.

Part of our information role is also to act as a resource to other organisations and to share information and learning on the WHO core themes as well as the wider Healthy Cities approach. The main aim of our information function is to support policy and planning.

Since 2003, we have developed a very successful electronic information service, which provides quick and direct links to Departmental press releases, relevant research findings as well as selected other information, particularly from other Healthy Cities and Belfast Healthy Cities’ partners.  Feedback on the service is excellent – it provides individuals with direct access to up to date news and information. 

The service is open to anyone interested. To become a subscriber, email your details to Jonna Monaghan, our Information Development Officer jonna@belfasthealthycities.com or to Caroline Scott caroline@belfasthealthycities.com

Policy Responses

2006

Response to Environment NI - A Vision for the Future (DoE)
January 2006

This response argues that human health should be linked closer to environmental considerations, and that engaging with a wider range of stakeholders is essential to bring about change.

The final strategy had not been published by June 2006.

2005

Response to Towards an Anti Poverty Strategy Phase II consultation (OFM-DFM)

The response to the second consultation on the way forward for New TSN emphasises the importance of a cross cutting partnership approach and specific poverty related targets for each government Department. It also argues that the strategy should take a wider view of poverty with a bigger emphasis on the impacts of poverty, and include older people as one of the key target groups.

The final strategy had not been launched by June 2006.

Response to Architecture and the Built Environment in Northern Ireland (DCAL)
July 2005

The response focuses on promoting the development of public spaces, rather than focusing solely on buildings. It argues that focus should be on involving the public from the start of developing a project, ensuring that sustainability principles are adhered to and relationships developed with other stakeholders.

The final strategy is due by summer 2006. More information is available on the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure website.

Comments on Belfast: A Development Agenda 2005
Comments on Belfast: Moving the City Forward(Belfast City Council)
July 2005

These documents outline Belfast Healthy Cities' contribution to the development To Do list drawn up by Belfast City Council Development Department, and a proposal to establish a new mechanism for regenerating Belfast.The response argues that focus should be on a decentralised model rather than the city centre, and on social rather than physical regeneration.

Further information on the regeneration of Belfast is available on the Belfast:State of the City website.

Belfast City Centre - Draft North East and North West Quarter Masterplans (DSD)
May 2005

These responses were desk top Health Impact Assessments and can be accessed through the Health Impact Assessment section.