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Seminar highlights public health effects of the
Troubles
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) and
the Community Relations Council (CRC) are jointly hosting
a seminar to consider the link between public health and
community relations and in particular the mental health issues
of those affected by sectarianism, racism and social exclusion
in Northern Ireland.
The seminar, ‘Good relations in a healthy society’ will
take place on Thursday 10 March at the Community Relations
Council, Dungannon.
Dr Brian Gaffney,
Chief Executive of the HPA said: “Feelings
of security and trust in ourselves, our neighbours and in
the communities we live in are necessary for good health.
External factors such as poverty and unemployment, social
exclusion or discrimination, poor physical environment and
experience of abuse or violence, greatly impact upon our
physical and mental wellbeing.
“Over 70%
of what determines our health is outside the control of
health services, so to improve health, we
need to address the broader conditions in which we live and
this seminar is an important step towards highlighting these
issues.”
The seminar is an opportunity for community and voluntary
organisations and health professionals to explore the importance
of community relations and its impact upon health. Speakers
at the seminar will be addressing the issue of good community
relations and public health in areas affected by the Troubles
and those from ethnic minority groups.
Duncan Morrow,
Chief Executive of the CRC, welcomed the HPA’s involvement in Community Relations Week. “Health
sector managers and professionals have a major role to play
in promoting a society free from sectarianism and racism.
These are quality of life issues which directly impact upon
the community’s wellbeing and on the work challenges
that face the Health Service in Northern Ireland. Addressing
these issues is an important step towards creating a shared
future.”
END
Notes
to the editor
- There will be a photo opportunity and speakers will be
available for interview between 10:00am and 10:30am at
the Community Relations Council, 8 Linen Green Centre,
Moygashel, Dungannon. A programme of the seminar is attached.
- ‘Good relations in a healthy society’ is
funded by Investing for Health, the Government strategy
for improving health and reducing health inequalities.
For
further information contact
Rosie McGaughey Tel: 9031 1611 or 9031 1514 or Dorothy Hawe
Tel: 90471282.
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