Celebrating 30 years of Community Action on Health Inequalities and Poverty
Belfast, 12 November 2024 – Over 100 guests from across sectors gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN). The event honoured three decades of community action to address health inequalities and poverty, and looked ahead to a future of social change and health equity.
Hosted by UTV’s Sarah Clarke, the celebration featured a keynote address from one of CDHN’s founder member Ruth Sutherland. She reflected on CDHN’s beginnings during the Troubles, when in 1994, the focus of health promotion was on lifestyle education, largely overlooking the context of poverty and conflict and the need for action on the social determinants of health. She also spoke about CDHN’s foundations and its commitment to the vital role of community development in shaping a fairer, more equitable and healthier society
Ruth said “CDHN evolved by listening to community needs and building trusted relationships between people, communities, health and social care and government agencies. Continued collaboration to address the systemic issues of poverty and health inequality is essential to bring about change for many communities today”
Joanne Vance, CDHN’s Director said
“Thanks to our first Director Ruth Sutherland and to our members who presented their organisations' stories today. They are a testament to the powerful impact of community development work on promoting health, equity, and social justice. The 30th anniversary celebration is a timely reminder of CDHN’s relevance today as a catalyst for positive change combating social injustice and the persistent health inequalities to improve health outcomes at grassroots and regional levels”
The event also featured testimonies from CDHN members who shared how the organisation's values and support have helped drive their work in communities across Northern Ireland.
Jennifer Todd spoke about founding Antrim Community Support Hub in response to local need and how collaboration enabled it to happen and highlighted how CDHN’s Building the Community Pharmacy Programme (BCPP) expanded her community’s knowledge and understanding of community development.
Grainne Graham and Fionntan Gregory of Crisis Café spoke passionately about their efforts in Newry, where they have created a safe and welcoming space, providing non-judgmental, peer-led support for young people experiencing mental health issues, addressing critical gaps in current mental health service provision to youth in need.
Aidan Ormsby offered insights into the transformational work of ARC Healthy Living Centre in rural Fermanagh, where he now mentors grassroots projects targeting health inequalities through CDHN’s Elevate programme, encouraging communities to ask why things are the way they are.
And one of CDHN’s founders, Fergal O’Brien, reflected on the influence of community development on social work training and practice, which he leads on in Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
As CDHN looks to the future, the gathering reinforced our collective commitment to ongoing community-led action and partnership in achieving a healthier, more equitable society for all.
