Elevate’s Transformative Training: Empowering Organisations to Combat Health Inequalities through Community Development Approaches
We arrived in Belfast early on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, en route to the Black Mountain Shared Space. Featured: Belfast City Hall
Reflections
Reflections from the training received at Elevate’s evidence-based workshop held on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, at the Black Mountain Shared Space in Belfast - with special thanks to Eleanor McKenna (CDHN’s Training and Development Officer)
Introduction
We were delighted to have had the privilege of attending an Elevate training session organised by the Community Development & Health Network (CDHN). The focus: working collectively to end health inequalities at both local and regional levels. The workshop brought together practitioners, community leaders, and advocates passionate about addressing the root causes of health disparities and championing the transformative role of community development.
Understanding Health Inequalities
Health inequalities remain a pressing issue across the UK and Northern Ireland, with significant differences in health outcomes evident - not only between regions, but also within communities themselves. These disparities are often shaped by social determinants of health - the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work and age. The factors we looked at in our training included: 1) Childhood Experiences; 2) Housing; 3) Education; 4) Social Support; 5) Family Income; 6) Employment; 7) Our Communities; 8) Access to Health Services. Collaborative efforts from various sectors - Local Government, Healthcare, Education and Community Organisations (like ours) - can lead to innovative solutions that effectively support the well-being of the individuals and families of the communities we serve. Working together we can tackle health inequalities head on!
The Social Development of Health
One of the central themes of the training was the concept of 'social development of health’. Rather than viewing health as solely the result of individual choices or genetics, this perspective emphasises the broader social and economic context with regard to where people live. Issues like poverty, unemployment, isolation, and discrimination were discussed as fundamental drivers of poor health. The session explored how holistic approaches - integrating health, social care, and community support - are vital to improving outcomes and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Role of Community Development in Reducing Health Inequalities
At the heart of the Elevate training was the message that community development is not just an add-on to health services, but a powerful tool for change. Community organisations, grassroots groups, and local champions have an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by residents. Through participatory approaches, they can co-design solutions that are culturally relevant and effective.
Key Takeaways and Reflections
⦁ Collaboration Is Essential:
Tackling health inequalities requires joined-up efforts between statutory bodies, voluntary organisations, and the communities themselves.
⦁ Power:
Use of, and distribution of - alongside understanding what it is, and how it’s linked to trust and responsibility.
⦁ Community Voices Matter:
Listening to and empowering those with lived experience ensures that policies and programmes are grounded in reality.
⦁ Addressing Root Causes:
Effective action must go beyond treating illness to tackling the social and economic barriers to good health. Should we be exploring as a focus preventative healthcare, as opposed to condition management?
⦁ Continued Learning:
Training sessions like Elevate’s Workshop on Health Inequalities are invaluable for sharing ideas, building networks, and inspiring collective action. We found Tuesday’s workshop extremely informative, and highly recommend it to other groups within The VCS. We will continue to attend training courses like this - so that we (as an organisation) can better serve the people within our communities.
Conclusion
Attending the Community Development & Health Network’s Elevate NI training programme on using community development approaches as a way to reduce health inequalities was not only extremely informative and impactful, but also served as a powerful reminder of the difference that dedicated individuals and groups can make in promoting health equity. As we move forward, it's clear that sustained commitment and innovative thinking within communities will be key to creating a healthier, fairer society for all.
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