Whole Systems Approach funding approved

DERRY City and Strabane District Council has approved the allocation of over £14,000 in Public Health Agency (PHA) funding in support of the Whole Systems Approach (WSA) to healthier weight.

Through the WSA initiative, PHA works as lead partner with councils to co-produce a tailored approach to healthy weight and to develop guidance on the ‘how to’ process, which allows councils to start creating their own WSA approaches to tackling obesity and promoting a healthy weight.

Members of February’s Health and Community Committee agreed to allocate £14,217.20 in funding for the 2025/2026 financial year for the delivery of WSA actions through Developing Healthy Communities.

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) between council and Developing Healthy Communities will see the provision of 80 hours supporting implementation of WSA to obesity within DCSDC area, training to create awareness/ education on the impact of policy and practice decisions having on the overall health of the population, and the delivery of a youth engagement and education on healthier weight and video production.

Sinn Féin councillor, Caroline Devine, said the WSA was necessary to address high levels of obesity, which in turn place additional pressures on an already overstretched health system.

“It also has a personal impact on the day-to-day health wellbeing and quality of life of individuals in our community,” she added.

“The approach recognises that it’s not simply a lifestyle issue but one that’s influenced by environment, education, policy, and community structures.

“So we welcome this funding and the opportunity to work in partnership with Developing Healthy Communities and the Trust.”