HOPE project's partner, Derry City and Strabane District Council, hosted the third virtual session of the partnership on the 8th and 9th of December. Entitled 'Inclusive Societies supported by Horizontal Policies', over 40 key stakeholders from Seinäjoki (Finland), Maribor and Derry & Strabane (Northern Ireland) attended the online workshop, moderated by Alastair Cameron, Co-Founder of Startacus (a community of start-ups, entrepreneurs, creatives, innovators and self-starters).
On the first day of the virtual workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn more about horizontal policies supporting inclusive societies in Derry City and Strabane District area.
Starting with Rachael Craig, Strategy Business Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council who shared the impact and challenges of the ‘Community Planning for Inclusive Growth’ a process led by Derry City and Strabane Councils in conjunction with partners and communities to develop and implement a shared, long-term vision to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of the area. It will also guide how their public services will work together locally to plan and deliver better services.
Erin McFeely, CEO of Developing Healthy Communities explained their vision on how bringing people and communities together can create opportunities for healthier lives. Developing Healthy Communities aims to promote a more positive and inclusive attitude to health through the promotion, preservation and protection of good health.
Helen Quigley, CEO of Inner City Trust talked about Inner City Trust’s mission on supporting communities to advance the physical, social and economic regeneration of Derry-Londonderry’. Inner City Trust operates an integrated and strategic framework for action that broadly flows through their own investments and investments along with their partners.
Gerard Deane, Director of Holywell-Diversity Community Partnership shared their views on working together with others to empower individuals and local communities. Holywell-Diversity Community Partnership was established to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.
Claire Russell, CE of Easilink talked about the ‘Collaborative working to support Rural Communities’. Easilink provides affordable and accessible transport for individuals and groups across the rural parts of Omagh, Strabane and Derry City Council areas (North Ireland).
Veronica McWilliams, Operations Manager at DIAL - Design Innovation and assisted living centre explained the benefits of promoting, collaborating, and driving innovation for health and care. The Design Innovation Assisted Living Centre (DIAL), the first of its kind in Northern Ireland provides a space where Education, Business, and the Health and Social Care sector can work hand in hand.
On the second day of the virtual workshop, HOPE partners shared some examples of best practices on how Horizontal policies and collaborative work has impacted local communities in project partner regions.
Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy at Derry City and Strabane District Council talked about the opportunities that offer the Derry City and Strabane District Council for inclusive growth through the ‘Collaborative Working to achieve Inclusiveness’.
Tina Gillespie, Skills Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council explained how are working to enhance employment, skills and training opportunities to citizens. Their partnership approach means that citizens benefit from a personalised package of support that helps them deal with multiple and complex needs.
Ryan Tracey, SPRING Social Prescribing Programme Manager from Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum shared the impact of SPRING Social Prescribing Programme. Social Prescribing creates a link between the health service and the community. GP’s refer patients to the community for non-clinical support services such as; exercise, counselling, social clubs, arts and many more.
Jože Kos Grabar, coordinator of YES Team Maribor/project FCSEE-MB, ZUM d.o.o. talked about the methods and forms of activation of citizens and NGOs in Maribor, as part of the international urban development project "Future Cities of South East Europe" (2020–2022).
Klemen Risto Bizjak Project manager at Municipality of Maribor and HOPE project partner talked about “Digital BioCitizen” on how work together, collaborate and co-create about nature and develop apps on learning about nature in our environment as well as mapping nature, all in a fun and attractive way.