Northern Ireland's New Health Engagement Plan Could Transform How You Stay Well—Here's What It Means

Northern Ireland is launching a groundbreaking public engagement program designed to reshape the relationship between people and their healthcare system, with the goal of building a healthier, more resilient population. Called "This Is Our Health," the initiative—led by the Department of Health with support from the Public Health Agency and health and social care (HSC) partners—invites residents to help create a shared "health and care promise" that outlines how both individuals and the healthcare system can work together more effectively.

What Is the 'This Is Our Health' Program Trying to Accomplish?

The program's core mission is to listen to people across Northern Ireland and develop a mutual agreement about how everyone can play a bigger role in staying well. Rather than treating healthcare as a one-way service, the initiative recognizes that individuals, communities, and the health system all have responsibilities in creating better health outcomes. By understanding what matters most to people and what they're willing to contribute through everyday wellness actions, the program aims to free up capacity within the healthcare system so vital services can be protected and improved.

The specific goals include transforming the relationship between people and the system, encouraging individuals to take more steps to stay well, creating extra capacity within healthcare services, and using that capacity to support system reset and improve overall wellbeing across the region.

How Can You Get Involved in Shaping Your Health System?

• Online Participation: Complete an anonymous survey at your own pace using any device. The online experience asks the same core questions as in-person sessions and is designed to be simple and accessible, taking only a short amount of time to finish.
• In-Person Sessions: Drop in at confirmed locations across Northern Ireland during scheduled dates in March 2026. These sessions use conversation and hands-on tools to make participation easy, and you can attend at times that work for your schedule.
• Direct Impact: Your insight will directly contribute to shaping the final "This Is Our Health" capacity-building promise, ensuring your trust and community's voice is represented in how the health system evolves.

Where and When Can You Participate?

The program is rolling out public beta testing events across Northern Ireland in March 2026. Confirmed locations and dates include Grand Central Station in Belfast on March 2 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Ulster University's Magee Campus in Derry/Londonderry on March 3 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the SSE Arena in Belfast on March 7 (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Ballymena Health and Care Centre on March 9 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Lagan Valley LeisurePlex in Lisburn on March 11 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry on March 13 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

For those who prefer online engagement, you can take part in the survey through NI Direct Citizen Space at any time that suits you. The program emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, recognizing that people have different preferences for how they want to participate in shaping their health system.

Why Does This Matter for Infectious Disease Prevention and Public Health?

While the "This Is Our Health" program focuses broadly on wellness and system capacity, it directly supports the Public Health Agency's work in managing infectious diseases and health protection. The HSC Public Health Agency oversees surveillance and response to diseases including seasonal influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tuberculosis, avian influenza, and other infectious threats. By building a healthier, more engaged population that takes proactive steps to stay well, the program strengthens the foundation for better infectious disease prevention and management across Northern Ireland.

The program also aligns with broader public health priorities around antimicrobial resistance, healthcare-associated infections, and vaccination coverage—all areas where individual behavior and community engagement play critical roles in protecting population health.

What Should You Know Before Getting Involved?

The program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. Whether you're interested in influencing how the new "deal" between people and the health system is shaped, sharing frontline insight on what helps people stay well, supporting the creation of a sustainable health and care system, or ensuring your community's voice is represented, your participation is valuable.

If you have questions about the program, you can email thisisourhealth@hscni.net or visit the official "This Is Our Health" website for more information. The program emphasizes that whether your venue is confirmed or still being finalized, your participation is essential to building a healthier Northern Ireland.