The use of Darndale’s Bell Centre in Belcamp for the launch of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State Frank Feighan today (Wednesday) is an endorsement of the work of Northside Partnership, according to its CEO.

Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is a new, cross-Government initiative, with annual funding of €13m from the Department of Health.

It is a partnership between the HSE, local authorities,  communities, statutory, voluntary and community groups to deliver increased health and wellbeing services in 19 community areas across Ireland, including Kilmore, Priorswood, Ballymun, Finglas and Cabra on Dublin’s northside.

The programme aims to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of people living in these communities.

Initiatives will be delivered to help promote and improve overall health and wellbeing through partner groups working together to provide a range of dedicated services to build lasting improvements.

The Northside Partnership is a not for profit Local Development Company working with local people, representatives from communities, the state, employers, trade unions and elected representatives. It works to improve the opportunities for people and communities in north east Dublin to bring about positive change.

“We are honoured that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister of State Frank Feighan chose Northside Partnership and the Darndale community for the launch of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities initiative,” said Northside Partnership CEO, Paul Rogers.

“We see it as an acknowledgement of the work Northside Partnership has been doing since 2006 in reaching out to communities to support better health outcomes, work we are proud to undertake with community partners, in collaboration with the HSE.

“As one of a family of 49 Local Development Companies we ask the Sláintecare team to look to local development companies as important partners in enabling the roll-out and co-ordination of this critically important programme to address health inequality. “

According to the HSE, Sláintecare Healthy Communities will support not only the physical and mental health of the local populations, but will also support education, housing, social support and the built environment.

The €13m investment through Sláintecare to HSE Health and Wellbeing services will fund new posts, including staff working at community level to engage, support and coordinate these activities in an effective manner.