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HEALTH FOR LIFE. . . . . .The new board pictured during sign off with Andre Talbot Collaboration Ireland, independent consultant who led the process alongside representatives from Edward’s and Co, Solicitors, legal team. Front from left, Andre Talbot, Collaboration Ireland, George McGowan, Project Director, Liam Hegarty, Maureen Collins, Damien Harkin, Karole McCauley and Mary Breslin, Deputy Director, Health For Life. Back from left, representatives from, Edwards & Co., Solicitors, Caoimhin Logue, BBHF, Seany Doherty, OLT, Ann McDuff, BBHF, John Mullan, BBHF, Ronan O'Donnell, OLT, representatives from, Edwards & Co., Solicitors. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)A new organisation, Health for Life, is set to launch onThursday following the merger of two of Derry’s leading charitable community health organisations - the Old Library Trust and the Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum.
Both organisations have a long and proud history of working to improve health and wellbeing across the city and beyond.
While the idea of closer working and collaboration has been on the radar for some time, the case for formally bringing the organisations together has strengthened significantly in recent years.
That progress has been driven by a shared vision for the future, strong leadership from both boards, and the commitment to ensuring that vital community services are protected and sustained in an increasingly challenging environment for the community and voluntary sector.
The merger process has been supported by investment and guidance from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Department of Finance, and Development Trusts NI, enabling the organisations to plan carefully and responsibly for the long-term.
Bringing everything together under the Health for Life name will create a stronger, more connected organisation, making it easier for people to access services and help ensure essential community support continues well into the future.
George McGowan, Project Director of Health for Life, said the merger is about putting local people first and safeguarding trusted services at a time of growing uncertainty.
‘This merger is first and foremost about local people. For more than 25 years, both organisations have been rooted in their communities, providing vital services, programmes and activities that people rely on to support their health and wellbeing.
"Like much of the community and voluntary sector, we’re operating in a challenging and increasingly volatile environment.
"Bringing our organisations together as Health for Life allows us to create a stronger, more resilient foundation so that these essential services can not only continue but grow and adapt into the future.
"Every week, thousands of people come through our doors, children and young people, families, adults and older people. This move helps ensure that they can continue to access the support they need, now and in the years ahead.
‘By working as one organisation, we can protect what matters most: trusted local services, strong community connections, and a place where people feel supported, valued, welcome and part of something that’s there for them over the long term, " he said.
Mary Breslin, Deputy Director Health for Life, said the new organisation will build on strong community trust while also supporting the staff who deliver services day in, day out.
‘This is a really positive step. Both organisations are well established in their communities, and people recognise and trust the services that we provide.
"Through our programmes, we support people in many different ways – from family support and mental health services to physical activity, food programmes and work with older people. That support reaches right across the community.
‘Bringing our organisations together as Health for Life is also about sustainability for our staff. It creates a more stable structure that values experience, protects skills and supports teams to work together more effectively over the long term.
"Health for Life gives us an exciting opportunity to make services more joined up, with clearer pathways for people to get the support they need. It also gives us a stronger base to respond to changing needs and continue developing services in ways that work for the communities we serve, " she said.
Health for Life will deliver a wide range of community-based services in its locality, across the northwest and further afield working closely with local people, community groups and an extensive range of partners to support health and wellbeing.
The new organisation will focus on tackling health inequalities, strengthening communities and helping people to live healthier, more connected lives.
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