Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging the public to share their views regarding their personal health and the future configuration of health and social care services across Northern Ireland.

A new initiative entitled 'This is our health' aims to establish an agreed compact between the health service and the public, with Minister Nesbitt calling for widespread participation. The Health Minister emphasized the necessity of exploring fresh perspectives to construct a more resilient and healthier Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the rollout of the programme, Minister Nesbitt said: "'This is our health' teams from Public Health Agency and the Health Trusts have been on the road during May, shining a spotlight on what people really want from the health service and hearing more about the small daily things people do to stay well for longer.

"We want to broaden what comes to mind when people think of health and this initiative encourages a different kind of relationship between the public and the health service, a significant shift. People can choose their contribution by telling us what they could do to help protect the things they care about. In essence, we are inviting people to become partners in healthcare, not simply patients."

The 'This is our health' initiative is set to hold engagement sessions at more than 120 events throughout Northern Ireland. These sessions are designed to pinpoint what the public requires most from the health service, alongside the role individuals can play in optimising how these services function. Throughout June, representatives from the Health Trusts and the PHA will engage with members of the public at various community events, including festivals, agricultural shows, car shows, and shopping centres. Additionally, the Voluntary and Community sectors are actively involved, driving awareness of the initiative among their service users and clients.

Minister Nesbitt added: "Our healthcare resources are limited, demand is rising and care is becoming more complex. It is vital that we support individuals to improve their own mental and physical health, which will in turn free up capacity and help protect vital services. We cannot protect the health service by asking it to do more. We can all protect it by choosing to do things differently.

"I welcome the opportunity 'This is our health' provides to explore how we can rethink our own health. The new model of Neighbourhood Care will bring services much closer to people's front doors, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and providing the right support when needed. 'This is our health' encourages us all to take meaningful steps to improve our own health and stay well for longer."

Members of the public can discover engagement locations by visiting www.thisisourhealth.org.uk. An online questionnaire is also available for individuals to share what helps them maintain their long-term well-being and identify the most critical elements of the healthcare system. The deadline for completing the questionnaire is 31 July 2026.