Derry group to host Community Health Fair to bring vital services to residents

Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) will lead an upcoming Community Health Fair taking place at St. Mary’s College on Saturday, October 11 from 11am-1pm.

The event, delivered in collaboration with three Outer West/Foyleside community partners, is designed to familiarise residents and agencies with a range of health and wellbeing services and to embed stronger service connections throughout the Outer West/ Foyleside area.

The fair will offer a range of engaging activities, such as health screenings, holistic therapies, meditation and mindfulness sessions, line dancing, barber services, and Jo Jingles for children. Attendees will also be treated to live music from Anna McBride.

Entry is free, and all Outer West Foyleside community residents are invited to take part.

Feedback and recommendations gathered during the event will help shape the delivery of future community health services.

As the lead partner for health within the Outer West/ Foyleside Partnership, BHCP is committed to promoting accessible and preventative health initiatives.

The Community Health Fair aims not only to raise awareness of available supports but also to create opportunities for residents to connect directly with service providers in an informal, welcoming environment. This event forms part of BHCP’s ongoing effort to strengthen cross-sector collaboration across health, education, and social support.

The partnership seeks to capture community feedback and recommendations during the fair to inform the development and delivery of future health-focused initiatives, ensuring that local needs and voices remain central to programme design.

Roxanne Quigley, Health Development Coordinator at BHCP said: “The Community Health Fair is about more than health checks, it’s about connection.

“Our goal is to embed services within the heart of the community so that residents know what’s available, feel empowered to access support, and help shape the kind of health and wellbeing services that best reflect their needs.”

Emer McDaid, Manager at BHCP said: “BHCP have taken great strides in being the lead partner for Health within Outer West/ Foyleside. Through a proactive, strategic approach, we are working to build deep partnerships, identify evolving community priorities, and embed collaborative health programmes that are shaped by local voices and evidence”.

Lisa Moore-Maguire, Strategy Manager for Outer West said: “Our focus remains firmly on ensuring that the structure, delivery, and ongoing development of Outer West/Foyleside health services are sustainable, partnership-led, and driven by what residents tell us they need most”.

Funded by the Public Health Agency, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the Western Health and Social Care Trust, and supported by local community organisations including the Outer West/Foyleside Partnership Board, Glen Development Initiative, and The Village Hub, this event is one of many local efforts to strengthen a healthier, more vibrant community.

For more information, contact: Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP); Roxanne Quigley by emailing healthimprovement@bhcponline.co.uk or phone: 02871 271977.