CDHN launches new strategy
We are proud to have launched our brand-new strategy on Human Rights Day – an apt reminder that everyone should have the right to a healthy life. The event took place at Shankill Shared Women’s Centre, bringing together CDHN members, community organisations and representatives from across the health and social sectors, with a total of 75 attendees.
It also coincided with the Common Ground Leadership Belfast Exchange, during which CDHN welcomed our longtime allies of the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) and Community Health Exchange (CHEX) commenting on the event, CDHN Director, Joanne Vance said: “Launching this strategy on World Human Rights Day is intentional, the right to health is a fundamental human and social right — yet for many people in Northern Ireland the essentials for everyday health and wellbeing remain unaffordable and out of reach. Our new strategy sets out a bold and practical commitment to work alongside communities, partners and government to change the conditions that drive inequality so that we can build a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive not just to survive.”
During the official launch presentation of CDHN’s Strategy for 2025-2030, the director outlined the key areas of work for CDHN to prioritise in the next five years.
She spoke of how the new strategy will reinforce CDHN’s commitment to collaborate across government, public services and community partners to ensure that the right to good health, and the conditions that enable it, become a lived reality for all. Afterwards, Sarah Boath of the Scottish Community Development Centre, reflected on the Scottish experience of sustaining long-standing partnership grounded in community-led practice. She also spoke on the many similarities between CDHN’s work and the mission of SCDC. And while it can be tempting to surrender to apathy in the face of the sector’s current struggles, Sarah asserted the importance of maintaining hope throughout these challenges.
The presentation concluded with an insightful talk from Dr Liam O’Hare of Queen’s University, who shared insights from the Common Health Assets project. This project is continuing to affirm the importance of community development by examining how community-led organisations improve health and wellbeing in areas of high deprivation. Attendees then had the opportunity to participate in a series of engaging roundtable talks and share their opinions on what direction we need to take our work in the next five years. During the discussions, participants explored new ways of working collectively, including across government, to address root causes of inequality, to strengthen prevention, and deliver equitable access in our social and health systems. The afternoon ended on a postive note and the guests left with plenty of motivation, insight and knowledge to apply in the new year.
Offical photos to follow
