East Belfast Community Development Agency

East Belfast Community Development Agency Health Development and Connections Programme played a vital role in supporting the development of two new re-imaging health and wellbeing murals in the Clarawood estate.

The success of this venture which included a health fair was down to the enthusiasm of Clarawood 50+ Club and Youth Club and the collaboration with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, The Big Lottery, Belfast City Council and Belfast Health Trust.

The prominent site for the murals, which highlight the Lifeline number 0808 808 8000 as well as featuring Fit Future role models, was chosen beside the shops and bus stop so as many people as possible will see it and hopefully use the information on the murals.

An important aspect of the project was the participation of local young people who helped to devise the murals, and express the health messages they believe are relevant to them.  It was then up to the skills of professional artist Daniela Balmaverde to interpret this information and what a brilliant job she did, there has been nothing but praise for the work being undertaken from many sections of the community including Orangefield PS and others.

Multiple health checks were carried out at the event, with a good attendance from the local community who also benefited from men’s hair cuts, complementary therapists, physical activity demo, information on stopping smoking, breast cancer and drug and alcohol awareness.

Junior Minister Robin Newton attended the event to unveil the murals and supported the opening of the health fair.