Council holds ‘Making Life Better - Real Change for Real People’ event
June 9, 2016
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, hosted an event entitled, ‘Making Life Better - Real Change for Real People’ aiming to encourage residents to take steps to improve their health and well-being.
The event focussed on three key ‘themes’, which were identified as important in relation to the “health and wellbeing” of the local population. The themes were; ‘carers’ and the important role they play within the care environment, ‘self-directed support’ and the potential this gives an individual to put together their own “care package” and, finally, ‘the uptake of benefits’ which continues to be of importance to many individuals and families.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of the Council opened proceedings, followed by words from Hugh McCaughey, Chief Executive Officer of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.
Speaking about the event, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, Chair of the Heart City Steering Working Group, said: “This event provided residents with the opportunity to gain an understanding of what is available to help them to enhance their quality of life. It was the perfect platform for residents to liaise with service providers and exhibitors directly, obtaining advice and information on what is important to them.
“The Council has been working with the local Trust on similar events for a number of years now, all of which have been focussed on practical matters that impact upon local residents.
“This event continues that approach, which has proven to be very successful and the outcomes of which have brought practical benefits to many individuals and families”, concluded Councillor Tolerton.
Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Dr Theresa Donaldson, provided a summary of the new Council environment, and the role Community Planning will play in ‘Making Life Better’. Dr Donaldson said: “Community Planning has been at the forefront of the Council since Local Government Reform and focuses on the need for two way communication across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area. We must ensure that we move forward together, to make a difference to people’s lives. This can only be achieved if we continue to collaborate with key stakeholders and the community.”
Hugh McCaughey, Chief Executive Officer of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, said, “The key question for us is how do we keep people healthy which is what we would all want for ourselves and our families. This is an extremely Complex issue considering there are many factors affecting how we can achieve this, the majority of which are outside the remit of Health & Social Care. Our health status is affected as much by poverty, education, housing, as the service we provide. It is fundamental that we continue to work in partnership with the Council in order to address these issues and achieve our goal of ‘Making Life Better’ and creating a healthier and better society’’.
The event welcomed various guest speakers, all of whom presented on the three key event themes. There was also a range of invited exhibitors from relevant support organisations, providing an array of advice and information in relation to health and well-being.