Growing health: HIA of the North West Community Allotment/Garden project Claire Higgins International HIA conference Granada, Spain 14 April 2011

The proposal North West Cross Border Community Allotment/Garden project

Approach Capacity building –Understanding what HIA is and how it can provide a health lens Standard HIA methodology Collaboration Timeframe

Community profile Each of the five areas are unique: –Derry – top 10% disadvantaged area –Limavady – rural location and high unemployment –Strabane – high level of disability –Magherafelt – high number young people eligible for free school meals –Donegal – high unemployment and low levels of education attainment

Literature review Local community/allotment gardening projects appear to be quite exceptional in their ability to address an array of public health and liveability issues across the life course. It provides people with an opportunity to take responsibility for their own well-being.

Stakeholder engagement Stakeholder workshop – representatives from 5 areas including community, statutory, local and central government. 5 individual area sessions: –Community Residents Association –Community Interest Group –Statutory and community meeting –Current allotment users meeting –Youth group

Recommendations Accessibility –Cost –Access to site –Privacy –Open space for all Communication –Engagement –Demonstrating benefit Site management –Individual v group users –Contract of engagement –Exit strategy

Learning to date Promotes collaboration Strengthen application bid for healthier communities and collaboration Supports a non-health agenda – local government Cross boundary/systems Promotes engagement and ownership Promoting healthy public policies – ‘Top tips for growing health’

Thank you Claire Higgins Web: