The NI Health Collective welcomes the launch of This is Our Health, a Department of Health public engagement programme that forms part of the Minister’s wider Reset Plan for health and social care. The programme supports an open, preventative and people‑centred approach, with a focus on working with people and communities to inform the future direction of health and social care in Northern Ireland.
This is Our Health moves beyond traditional consultation by creating opportunities for meaningful, two‑way conversations in community settings. Through accessible and creative engagement, it aims to understand what helps people stay well, what challenges they face, and how individuals, communities and services can work together to protect health and wellbeing. Central to the programme is the development of a shared “health and care deal”, reflecting collective responsibility for personal wellbeing and the impact this could have on the long-term sustainability of the health service.
This approach strongly aligns with the role and strengths of NI Health Collective members. Across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, members work every day within communities, supporting prevention, early intervention and relationship‑centred care, and connecting people with services in ways that build trust and inclusion. The programme reflects the contribution that community‑based organisations can make in supporting engagement that is grounded, relevant and responsive.
As This is Our Health is implemented across Northern Ireland, there are practical ways to get involved. Members can help raise awareness of the programme within their services, spaces and communities, and encourage participation through existing networks. Members and organisations may also wish to encourage people they support to take part by completing the short online questionnaire or attending local engagement events. Further information is available at https://thisisourhealth.org.uk.
The NI Health Collective will use this early phase to raise awareness of the programme with members and to seek their input and feedback on how This is Our Health could be used in practice within community settings. We are keen to hear views on how this approach could be embedded within existing services, activities and trusted spaces, and how it can best support people to share their views, experiences and ideas. Members with suggestions or examples of how this initiative could work within their organisations or communities are encouraged to get in touch. We will share updates and continue this discussion at our next NI Health Collective Conversation.
