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A major €8.6 million project aimed at tackling obesity across Northern Ireland and the border counties has been launched, with support available for nine thousand people to change behaviours through improving diet and increasing physical activity.
The CAWT Healthier Futures project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. In NI, the project will support adults and families whilst in the republic the project will focus on children. The project will be delivered in the border counties of Armagh, Down, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Sligo.
Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "I am delighted to support the Healthier Futures Project, which delivers targeted support to address rising levels of obesity and being overweight across all age groups. By providing early intervention and weight management programmes in communities along the border corridor, this initiative promotes healthier lives, reduces health inequalities, and strengthens cross-border collaboration."
Figures from the 2023/24 Health Survey indicate that around two-thirds of adults in Northern Ireland were either overweight or obese. Similarly, Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with 60% of adults and over one in five children and young people living with overweight and obesity, according to the HSE. Obesity is more common in the most deprived groups compared to the least deprived, highlighting a significant health inequality.
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said the project aligned closely with the goals of the PEACEPLUS Programme and its Healthy and Inclusive Communities theme, adding: "We know that cross-border collaboration works. It delivers economies of scale, reduces duplication, and ensures that resources are used efficiently."
Pat Healy, HSE National Director and Director General of the CAWT Partnership said: "The CAWT partner organisations are committed to partnership working and innovating cross border services and projects, which bring direct benefits to children, young people and adults. The CAWT Healthier Futures Project is another excellent opportunity for the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, to work together to address an important public health challenge in both jurisdictions."
The project will provide a unique opportunity for both jurisdictions to enhance and complement existing overweight and obesity management and prevention programmes by implementing innovative approaches and sharing learning and best practice. The CAWT Healthier Futures project will support positive health and wellbeing, helping to prevent ill health and reducing health inequalities through an integrated approach with the statutory health services working in partnership with voluntary and community partners.
