About Us

The NNHAZ Model

The Northern Neighbourhoods Health Action Zone (NNHAZ) is one of four Health Action Zones in Northern Ireland and has been operational since April 2001. 

NNHAZ uses an integrated, community-led partnership approach to the targeting of health and social well-being inequalities, where there is clear evidence of health and social disadvantage. This NNHAZ model involves the preparation of targeted Action Plans in each partner community, tailored to local needs, which make the best use of local and other resources. The Action Plans are drawn up in partnership with the local community and key partner agencies, following consultation within each neighbourhood. NNHAZ then brings together relevant agencies, regional and local, with responsibility for planning and delivering services and encourages them to co-operate in implementing the Community Action Plans in partnership with each other and the local community.

The initiative is currently operational in 14 neighbourhoods within the Northern Health and Social Services Board area and has more than 32 partners from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors working together to create safe, good and healthy places to live.

 

NNHAZ Strategic Themes and Objectives

Three themes for the work of NNHAZ have been agreed and for each theme a number of objectives have been identified. The strategic objectives of NNHAZ provide the framework within which all NNHAZ activity takes place.

 

 Strategic Themes

Strategic Objectives

 

Theme 1:

The promotion of
POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

 

  1. Develop responses to antisocial behaviour threatening community safety and creating fear
  2. Explore and address housing concerns
  3. Make improvements to the wider living environment
  4. Support steps towards improved community relations and reduction in sectarianism
  5. Support the development of improved social networks thus reducing social isolation

 

Theme 2:

The provision of opportunities for
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
- personal and community

 

  1. Establish community led and focused health promotion activities
  2. Support the provision of opportunities for pre-vocational and vocational training
  3. Build capacity and sustainability of community groups and community activities

 

 

Theme 3:

The improvement of
ACCESS TO SERVICES AND FACILITIES
- which directly or potentially have a positive impact on health and social well-being

 

  1. Explore options for improved accessibility to transport and telecommunications services
  2. Support communities to explore possibilities for improved community facilities, play facilities etc.
  3. Examine possibilities for the relocation of some health and personal social services
  4. Build community capacity in relation to awareness of statutory and other responsibilities. [Develop effective lobbying skills.]