New project set to tackle health inequality in Derry

Heart diseases are a leading cause of death in Northern Ireland, with over 4,000 heart and circulatory deaths reported in 2023 alone, the highest in a decade.

The Moor Ward is one of the most deprived areas of Derry City, and the Foyle constituency records one of the highest circulatory illness death rates regionally, 20% of people living in this community report living with serious health-limiting conditions, furthermore, alcohol-related hospital admissions are among the highest in Northern Ireland.

This new project will tackle these issues head on through a myriad of means, The Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum will host weekly sessions which include nutrition workshops, counselling, physical activity classes, sessions targeted help to stop smoking, as well as personalised wellbeing help.

Aisling Hutton from Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum said the programme is about helping people build healthier lifestyles.

She said: “Heart and circulatory disease continues to have a major impact in our communities, particularly in areas facing higher levels of deprivation and health inequality. The Health Promoting Hearts programme is about helping people build healthier lifestyles that they can actually maintain and reduce long-term heart risks.”

“We want people to understand what’s good for their heart, what can damage it, and how small changes in everyday life can have a really positive impact on heart health. It’s also about giving people the knowledge and confidence to look after their heart and ensuring it remains healthy.”

This community project in Derry is just one of many that Heart Research UK has funded across the UK, the charity has focused on funding community projects in areas where heart health outcomes are the worst in order to combat the lives taken due to heart diseases as part of their health prevention and education programmes which is funded alongside the pivotal work the charity does in research.

Heart Research UK is a charity dedicated to the cure to all heart diseases and they will not stop until deaths from heart disease are know more.

Learn more about heart health and how you can make a difference at Heart Research UK.