Learning lessons from community projects in Cork
Belfast Healthy Cities has led a delegation from Belfast to visit Cork to learn about the work being led by Cork Healthy Cities and Green Spaces for Health to address health inequalities, well-being and the environment.
The two day trip was a chance for 25 representatives from Belfast, Cork and Limerick to come together to look at a range of innovative projects and share experiences in delivering impactful programmes. The Belfast delegation was made up of the Greening the City Advisory Group, which includes representatives from Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast, and EastSide Greenways.
The visit showcased a range of inspirational projects, including Togher Community Gardens, where community led regeneration, growing and learning is having a positive impact on people’s lives and the wider environment. Among the other stops on the tour of the city were The People’s Parklet on Douglas Street, Beehives at St John’s College, Marina Park Greenway, and the Seed Library at Hollyhill.
Speaking after the trip Anne McCusker, Programme Manager from Belfast Healthy Cities said
“One if the most important elements of the Healthy Cities Network is the opportunity we have to share knowledge and experience, which allows all of us to bring home new and innovative ways of approaching health and well-being. Visiting so many projects across Cork city, and being able to engage with representatives from Cork and Limerick has helped us gain valuable insights into the practical work on the ground and the impact it has on local communities.
“The projects we visited included community gardens, biodiversity, growing initiatives and regeneration. Each of them is having a clear impact on the people using them, from children right through to older people. Our local environments and how we interact with local communities has an important role in our health and wellbeing, and we hope that we can use what we have learned as we work with local organisations to improve the health and well-being of communities across Belfast.”
Further information on the Greening the City Programme is available at: https://belfasthealthycities.com/greening-city
Further information on Green Spaces for Health is available at: https://corkhealthycities.com/greenspacesforhealth/