Building connections in communities
Residents of South Belfast came together to meet over 30 health and wellbeing organisations at a Public Health Agency (PHA) funded event hosted by Forward South Partnership.
The South Belfast Connections Event was held at Belvoir Activity Centre and offered an opportunity for local residents to meet with community, voluntary and statutory organisations to find out more about how they can be supported in all areas of health and wellbeing.
People from communities across south Belfast benefitted from free health checks monitoring blood pressure and diabetes, to bike repairs and even hand massages.
One resident, Heather Shaw, who is also the Honorary Secretary of the Finaghy Friendship Group, attended the event with her friends and fellow group members Lily Bradley and Nessie Patterson.
Heather said: “We came to the event to find out more about what’s happening in our area, especially for us senior citizens.
“I had a lovely hand massage and we went around all of the various organisations to find out more about what’s going on. It was so nice and we were treated really well.”
Victoria Creasy, Senior Officer for Health Improvement at the PHA, said: “There is so much happening in our local areas but often people don’t know what’s going on. The PHA is proud to fund vital programmes like this in communities across Northern Ireland.
“Belvoir can be an area that is quite isolated so it’s great to see an event like this bring so many residents together. It will really help them build connections and find out more about the services they can avail of, which can in turn help support health and wellbeing and promote social inclusion and reduce isolation.”
One of the organisations at the event was Ballynafeigh Community Development Association who work to support people in the community through activities including welfare advice, physical activity and mental health programmes.
Darren Spence, Health and Wellbeing Project Worker at Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, said:
“We’re always keen to get out and about to let local people know about activities we’re running. It’s important to keep people connected within their neighbourhood and events like this are a great way to let them know what’s happening.”
Forward South Partnership is an independent charity that works with community, business, public and private sector partners and schools to help regenerate and sustain the South Belfast area.
Emily Keenan, Strategic Health and Wellbeing Officer at Forward South Partnership, added: “We are funded by the PHA to run initiatives like this across South Belfast. This event is an example of how important it is to connect local residents with organisations so they can find out more about local services that are available.
“Thanks to the PHA for funding the event and we look forward to running more like this soon to help residents across South Belfast build connections so they can thrive in the community.”
To find out more about Forward South Partnership, visit www.forwardsouth.org