Election Hustings 2017
On 22 February, Belfast Healthy Cities hosted an election hustings event in collaboration with the MAC, as part of the MAC Question Time series. A panel of Assembly candidates including Claire Hanna from SDLP, Pat Sheehan from Sinn Féin and Mike Nesbitt from UUP responded to questions from an audience of over 70 health sector professionals, chaired by BBC health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly.
The diverse discussion at the hustings explored responses to the increasing need for mental health services, options for strengthening collaboration within the health sector and across sectors, and making breastfeeding a cultural norm in Northern Ireland. The role of city design and planning to create a safer city was also explored, in a discussion that emphasised the role of the built environment in creating for child and family friendly cities and encouraging active lifestyles.