‘Hello Health!’ is a new community
initiative currently taking shape in the Midlands. It is a
collaborative venture between the Health Promotion Service
of the Midland Health Board and target areas within the
midland counties, to tackle health issues and needs
according to what the community wants.
The initiative known as a ‘Health Action Zone’
focuses on health issues and needs of the community, and
ways in which the Health Board, the community and other
agencies can work together to make change. It aims to
improve health and well being, through targeted services
and developing programmes in line with resources available
and issues identified.
‘Health is created and lived by people within the
settings of their everyday life; where they learn, play
and love. Health is ensuring that the society one lives in
creates the conditions that allow the attainment for all
its members’
(Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, WHO Europe, 1986)
It has been proven that health promotion programmes
targeting whole communities are more effective in changing
health behaviour. Health plans based on local needs and
conditions, using the knowledge and skills of the local
community are central to such an approach. Consultation
and partnership with the community and with other agencies
and organisations ensure greater commitment to the
achievement of set goals and targets.
The Birr/ Banagher area has been chosen as the first
health action zone in Offaly. This project will get under
way in January 2003 and develop throughout the year. The
first phase will involve the development of a health plan
with the community, based on the needs and issues
identified therein. A number of community sessions will be
held and it is hoped that as many as possible will attend
to ensure we get the right information!
From there a plan will be put in place to help assist
the community make healthier choices. This may include
providing exercise classes, healthy eating advice or
support, smoking cessation support programmes or classes
in self-esteem, stress management etc. It all depends on
the feedback we receive. So, if you are interested in
making a healthier life an easier choice, come along to
the workshops in your area. Dates will be advertised in
January.
You can also contact the community health workers at
the following numbers
Karen Glennon (0506-46744) or
Sinéad Hardiman (0506-46737).
