02/03/2026
'This Is Our Health' Public Engagement Programme Launches
Department of Health initiative, supported by the Public Health Agency and HSC partners, invites people across Northern Ireland to help shape a shared "health and care promise" through online and in‑person engagement.
'This Is Our Health' has gone live with the aim of listening to communities and co‑creating an agreement between the public and the Health and Social Care (HSC) system about how everyone can play a bigger part in staying well, so services can focus efforts where they are needed most.
The programme's goals are to:
- Transform the relationship between people and the health and care system
- Encourage more everyday steps to prevent ill‑health and stay well
- Create extra capacity within health and care services
- Use this capacity to support system reset, protect vital services, and improve wellbeing across Northern Ireland
To achieve this, the team will work directly with people and communities to:
- Understand what matters most and what the system must protect
- Explore what individuals are prepared to contribute through everyday actions
- Form a shared capacity‑building promise — a clear "deal" between the public and the system
Take part online: The quickest way to get involved mirrors the core questions used in person, is simple and accessible, can be completed anonymously, and takes only a short time. You can participate at a time that suits you using your own device: consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/hsc/this-is-our-health/
Meet the team in person: In‑person sessions will visit locations across Northern Ireland. They combine conversation with hands‑on, tangible tools to make it easy to contribute — you can drop in, take part and move on.
Upcoming public engagement (beta testing) events — confirmed and proposed dates, trusts and locations:
- 2 March 2026 — BHSCT — Grand Central Station
- 3 March 2026 — WHSCT — Ulster University – Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7JL
- 7 March 2026 — BHSCT — TBC
- 9 March 2026 — NHSCT — Ballymena Health & Care Centre, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HL
- 11 March 2026 — SEHSCT — Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn, BT28 1LP
- 13 March 2026 — SHSCT — Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Quay, Newry, BT35 8HJ
These events are an opportunity to:
- Influence how the new "deal" between people and the health system is shaped
- Share frontline insight on what helps — or hinders — people to stay well
- Support the creation of a sustainable health and care system for the future
- Ensure your trust and community's voice is represented
Find out more about the programme: thisisourhealth.org.uk/
Take part online: consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/hsc/this-is-our-health/
Questions: thisisourhealth@hscni.net
'This Is Our Health' has gone live with the aim of listening to communities and co‑creating an agreement between the public and the Health and Social Care (HSC) system about how everyone can play a bigger part in staying well, so services can focus efforts where they are needed most.
The programme's goals are to:
- Transform the relationship between people and the health and care system
- Encourage more everyday steps to prevent ill‑health and stay well
- Create extra capacity within health and care services
- Use this capacity to support system reset, protect vital services, and improve wellbeing across Northern Ireland
To achieve this, the team will work directly with people and communities to:
- Understand what matters most and what the system must protect
- Explore what individuals are prepared to contribute through everyday actions
- Form a shared capacity‑building promise — a clear "deal" between the public and the system
Meet the team in person: In‑person sessions will visit locations across Northern Ireland. They combine conversation with hands‑on, tangible tools to make it easy to contribute — you can drop in, take part and move on.
Upcoming public engagement (beta testing) events — confirmed and proposed dates, trusts and locations:
- 2 March 2026 — BHSCT — Grand Central Station
- 3 March 2026 — WHSCT — Ulster University – Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 7JL
- 7 March 2026 — BHSCT — TBC
- 9 March 2026 — NHSCT — Ballymena Health & Care Centre, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HL
- 11 March 2026 — SEHSCT — Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn, BT28 1LP
- 13 March 2026 — SHSCT — Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Quay, Newry, BT35 8HJ
These events are an opportunity to:
- Influence how the new "deal" between people and the health system is shaped
- Share frontline insight on what helps — or hinders — people to stay well
- Support the creation of a sustainable health and care system for the future
- Ensure your trust and community's voice is represented
Find out more about the programme: thisisourhealth.org.uk/
Take part online: consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/hsc/this-is-our-health/
Questions: thisisourhealth@hscni.net
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2024
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
29 March 2012
Progress Slow In Treatment Of Prisoners Mental Health
Progress in the treatment of prisoners with mental health problems has been slow. While some improvements have been made a report published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland shows that many challenges remain.
Progress Slow In Treatment Of Prisoners Mental Health
Progress in the treatment of prisoners with mental health problems has been slow. While some improvements have been made a report published today by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland shows that many challenges remain.
05 June 2025
PHA And CDHN Launch Programme To Tackle Health Inequalities
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland to apply for its Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, designed to help tackle health inequalities at a local level. The programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications.
PHA And CDHN Launch Programme To Tackle Health Inequalities
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland to apply for its Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, designed to help tackle health inequalities at a local level. The programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.