Community Prosperity
Programme
Focusing on social determinants of health, this programme aims to reduce health inequalities by improving conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play.
A SHARED PROSPERITY
A shared prosperity approach supports good health and well-being by influencing the determinants of health throughout people’s lives. By enhancing healthy-life expectancy, resilience, and overall well-being, this approach boosts community prosperity in areas that have historically been marginalised or excluded.
These ‘left behind’ communities have often seen a decline in a wide array of social facilities and infrastructure.  This decline is especially seen in Belfast’s disadvantaged areas by the lasting impacts of historical conflicts and socio-economic shifts. Investment in these communities is essential, not only to bring them up to par with the wider benefits of social, environmental, technological, and economic progress but also to bridge ongoing inequalities.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A SHARED PROSPERITY
Creating Healthier, More Prosperous Communities
Our Community Prosperity programme focuses on empowering residents, strengthening communities and influencing policies that improve health and wellbeing across Belfast.
Engaging With Residents
Engaging with residents of these communities is crucial for identifying and leveraging existing assets – be it knowledge, skills, resources, land, or buildings – to foster growth and enhance communal prosperity.
Transformation
Significant transformations are necessary to ensure that health considerations are integrated into all aspects of policy-making. This commitment to embedding ‘health in all policies’ can no longer be just talked about.
Building Resilient Communities
The experiences of communities, especially during times of upheaval, demonstrate their crucial role in promoting health and disease prevention, as well as in supporting inclusivity for older people, children, and other vulnerable groups. The importance of collaborative efforts across all levels of government and among various sectors to bolster local communities, businesses, and infrastructure is vital for creating a resilient society that protects and uplifts its most vulnerable members.
The Path Forward
The path forward for Belfast involves a systemic shift towards policies that not only acknowledge but actively incorporate health considerations. By doing so, we can ensure that every sector and community within the city contributes to and benefits from a healthier, more equitable urban environment. This requires stronger collaboration, meaningful community engagement and a shared commitment to tackling inequalities, creating lasting opportunities and improving quality of life for future generations.
OUR MISSION
Care Zone
The Care Zone initiative began as a community development pilot. The project uses a community-led approach to tackle health inequalities and build long-term hope, with the ultimate aim of reducing suicide. Belfast Healthy Cities supported the pilot by developing a detailed health profile of the area and contributing to the final report and action plan. The model promotes collaborative working, empowering local residents and groups to identify needs and drive change, offering a framework that can be applied in other areas across the city. Belfast Healthy Cities continues to support the Care Zone sitting on and facilitating management group meetings and actively works with the management group and community champions in fulfilling the action plan.
OUR WORK IN ACTION
Other Programmes we Run
Explore our other programmes and discover how Belfast Healthy Cities is creating healthier, greener and more inclusive communities, tackling health inequalities, supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life across Belfast.
Greening the City Programme
Discover how our Greening the City programme at Belfast Healthy Cities creates healthier, greener spaces and more sustainable communities across Belfast.
Healthy Transport Programme
Read how this programme seeks to redesign urban mobility, reducing pollution and making Belfast city safer and more accessible for all.
Increasing Knowledge and Learning
Learn how we provide training and resources to individuals & organisations, equipping them with the tools to implement health-promoting practices.Â
Who Europe Programme
Discover how over the last 35 years, the WHO European Healthy Cities Network has been a platform for inspiration and learning for European cities.
Follow Belfast Healthy Cities on LinkedIn
Latest news, insights, events and updates from our work.
DISCOVER BELFAST HEALTHY CITIES
Working together for a healthier Belfast.
People, communities and partners creating a healthier, more equitable and sustainable Belfast. Through collaboration, shared knowledge and action, we’re helping to improve health, reduce inequalities and create positive change across the city. Together, we’re building a Belfast where everyone has the opportunity to live well.
