Home Previous Phases Phase III
Phase III (1998-2002) Print E-mail

Phase III moved the European Healthy Cities movement towards a more strategic health development approach. It focused on developing an intersectoral city health development plan, which was intended to promote strategic planning for health across sectors at city level. In Belfast, this process culminated in the publication of the plan ‘Planning for a Healthy City’ in February 2002.

This plan outlined jointly agreed action plans on four themes identified as priorities from extensive consultation, using novel methods such as drama and music. The four themes covered were

  • transport, environment,  planning and housing
  • integrated information
  • lifelong learning and mental health
  • young people

 The majority of actions were to be implemented as part of the corporate plan of partner agencies.

Belfast Healthy Cities..
took the lead for a number of actions:

Contacts for Older People
This was a directory of key contacts older people might need in their daily lives, and an early attempt to provide information in an integrated, ‘one stop shop’ kind of way.

Quality of Life Matrix
The Matrix highlighted a range of health considerations in planning, and provided examples of how planning can improve health. It was aimed at planners for use in proofing land use plans, and introduced the concept of healthy urban planning to Northern Ireland

Positive Minds
This action, completed in partnership with Learning City Forum, developed a prospectus of training for young people aimed at supporting mental health. The final document covered the academic year 2003-2004 and was primarily aimed at youth workers as a signposting document.

‘Planning for a Healthy City’ was developed using a new strategic planning group method. Strategic planning groups were intersectoral groups with members from organisations with a remit on each theme, who together developed and agreed actions over the period 2000-2001.

During this phase, the Healthy Cities approach received increasing recognition and became a more visible influence in policy, including the public health strategy Investing for Health.

2003 International Conference

The World Health Organization selected Belfast to host the 2003 International Healthy Cities Conference. This event attracted over 800 delegates from over 68 countries around the world. The conference is held every five years and marks the official culmination of each phase of the Network. Politicians from represented cities pledged their continued support in the Belfast Declaration, which underpins Phase IV.

The Power of Local Action

The World Health Organization selected Belfast to host the 2003 International Healthy Cities Conference. This event attracted over 800 delegates from over 68 countries around the world. The conference is held every five years and marks the official conclusion of each phase of the Network. Politicians from represented cities pledged their continued support in the Belfast Declaration, which underpins Phase IV.

The programme was built around four overarching themes: designing environments that meet the needs of all citizens; tackling the wider determinants of health; building partnerships and creating effective strategies for action. A significant part of the conference was given to presenting successful projects, but emphasis was also put on tackling challenges and developing action for the future. A programme of site visits was included to present good practice in Northern Ireland on issues ranging from community development to regeneration, and give participants an opportunity to see the historical Belfast.

The conference culminated in the signing of the Belfast Declaration, which is the political platform on which Phase IV is built. The Declaration was signed by Mayors or senior politicians from attending Healthy Cities, who committed themselves to priorities including reducing inequalities, creating safe and inclusive cities, promoting health impact assessment and expanding national networks of Healthy Cities. Signatories included the then Belfast Lord Mayor, Martin Morgan.