Craigavon Borough Council is an active member of the Southern Investing for Health Partnership. Through our Investing for Health Officer, Cathy Devlin, we are responsible for trying to improve the health status of all our residents and reducing inequalities in health.
Here are some examples of work Investing for Health in Craigavon Borough Council area:
Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health Needs Assessment
This was carried out in the Craigavon & Banbridge areas by a process of consultation and focus groups with various community and voluntary groups throughout the community.
The findings from this needs assessment will be used to help Council departments plan their services to address real community needs. They will also be used in the development of Council Departmental Health Improvement Plans.
- Health Needs Assessment (.pdf)
Breast Feeding Welcome Here Scheme
Northern Ireland has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Europe. In order to try and address this the Health Promotion Agency (HPA (NI) are promoting the Breast Feeding Welcome Here Scheme. Making it easier for new mothers to recognize places where they can breastfeed their baby when out and about.
21 Craigavon Borough Council facilities open to the public are members of the scheme and welcome breastfeeding mothers. They can breastfeed in any public area in these facilities without being asked to move or stop.
Workplace Health Working Group
This group looks at initiatives that will have a positive impact on employee health and well-being such as;-
- Alcohol Awareness Campaign
- Establishment of an In House Smoking Cessation Clinic
- Walk into Summer Programme
Walk into Summer Programme
In partnership with Craigavon and Banbridge CHSS Trust a walking group has been set up for employees from Craigavon Borough Council and the Trust. The group meets one lunch time per week for a 2 mile health walk around Craigavon Lakes.
Cathy also works with the Southern Investing for Health Partnership in a wide range of community health improvement activities including:
Safer Drivers Initiative
The aim of the Safer Drivers Initiative is to help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads in the Southern Board Area. Young drivers (18-26 years) can take the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Advanced Driving Test at a reduced rate.
Schools Healthy Eating Initiative
Over three years a number of post primary schools in the Southern Board Area will provide healthy eating options.
Some schools have introduced:
- Salad Bars
- Water coolers & water bottles
- Specialised kitchen equipment, such as pannini makers and smoothie makers
