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A first-ever cross border plan, which describes how 43 partners will work across sectors and across the border for the benefit of socially excluded women within the north west, was launched recently.
The Levelling Up action plan was launched by Derry Well Woman on behalf of the Cross Border Women's Health Network.
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) Senior Policy Officer and report co-author, Dr Helen McAvoy, said:
Levelling Up shows unacceptable levels of poverty in border counties, especially child poverty. The reliance of families in the North West on low-paid jobs in the manufacturing sector is worrying. Geography dictates that building parallel services in the North West makes little sense and makes poor use of existing resources. Promoting social inclusion on a cross-sectoral and cross-border basis is imperative to improve quality of life and the economic and social development of communities in this region.
"The actions proposed in Levelling Up can transform how public services are planned and evaluated in the North West. It is important that all services developed, in health, housing, childcare or transport, are person-centred rather than jurisdiction-centred and cut through red-tape for the benefit of those most in need."
Derry Well Woman Manager, Susan Gibson commented:
Levelling Up reflects a great coming together of individuals, organisations and politicians from across the North West. We are working with each other for the benefit of the people of this region. Together we aim to reduce the negative health impact of the border. Together we will work to make a difference to the lives of people affected by domestic violence, cancer and mental ill-health. We will work together for Travellers, for older women and for families who are isolated as well as for families whose lives are affected by disabilities."
Almost 400 individuals and 60 organisations as well as political parties, were involved in the process of developing Levelling Up.
Those involved are members of the Cross Border Women's Health Network, a cross border partnership of statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations based within the North West of Ireland working together to improve health status and reduce health inequalities.
Concluding, Susan Gibson said: "The launch of Levelling Up is a celebration. It will provide Derry Well Woman and the Cross Border Women's Health Network with an opportunity to thank all those women from across the North West of Ireland who worked with us in recent years to bring this Plan to fruition. It is our intention to continue, over the coming years, to drive the implementation of Levelling Up.
A copy of the report can be accessed from http://www.derrywellwoman.org or http://www.publichealth.ie
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