Discussions on health policy between Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel
We spoke with 90 people about the health policy. The goal was to gather stories, experiences, and good ideas. How can you work together to improve the health of the people in Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel?
The stories have been used as input for new policies and as an incentive to connect more and find new ways to work together. We deliberately held open discussions. That helped people talk about their own experiences. For most attendees, it was the first time to speak with each other in a mixed composition about the theme of health. The discussions were led by resident Suzan Bosch and prepared by the municipal project group Healthy 8KTD, with representatives from various policy areas.
Who did we speak to during the group discussions?
We spoke to a total of 90 people from both municipalities. These conversations took place digitally, with one exception. An impression of the participants:
- Each group of approximately 10 people included residents and representatives from various organizations related to health. We also spoke with representatives from advisory council members and municipal council members from both municipalities.
- In each conversation, at least half of the participants were residents.
- The municipal team for Development and Advice Social Domain invited organizations and residents from the various policy areas to participate in a discussion. The backgrounds of the participants were therefore diverse: from schoolchildren to students, volunteers at a playground, village garden or association for village interests, employees, entrepreneurs, district nurses, physiotherapists, general practitioners, sports hall managers, community sports coaches, JOGG directors, social workers, employees of an area team, managers of childcare and schools, members of a client council, employed, unemployed, people with a Social Support Act (WMO) indication, and so on. In addition, we also had a group discussion with employees and supervisors of the Maatschappelijke Onderneming Achtkarspelen (MOA). It offered the opportunity not only to talk about, but also with the target groups.
What are the next steps?
The municipality aims to engage in ongoing dialogue with residents and organizations. The policy document was adopted in the municipality of Achtkarspelen on January 27, 2022, and is scheduled for adoption by the Tytsjerksteradiel municipal council on March 3, 2022. Following adoption in both municipalities, a local coalition of residents and organizations will implement the policy. Health is also a key focus in the Environmental Vision.
Do you have any questions?
Below you can read more details about what was discussed. Prefer to view the results in a different way? We have put the input in an infographic.
Input: what was noticed?
The topic of health is very much alive, but we are not used to talking about our experiences with health in this way. This form of mutual exchange is highly appreciated. Participants are interested in each other's lives, ideas, experiences, and initiatives.
The conversation itself already triggered a lot.
Some residents discovered they are more of a health example than they initially realized. Inspiring stories were shared, sparking ideas among people. Through conversation, individuals discovered their own resilience and re-evaluated their own situations. The atmosphere encouraged openness about vulnerability.
Collective concern for people we cannot reach
The group we spoke with represents only a portion of our residents. This was mentioned frequently. We are collectively concerned about people we struggle to reach with information and knowledge about health. We believe health is important and wish it for everyone. Especially when the conversation turns to children, there is a strong feeling that 'health should be for everyone'.
Problematic substance use is not often mentioned
That is striking, because there is a lot of attention for it in the current policy. Smoking comes up several times, and how difficult it is to quit. Alcohol addiction was discussed in 2 conversations, but not further. However, people mention their own non-smoking and non- or moderate alcohol consumption as an example of healthy behavior in the introductory round.
Topics that were discussed: nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise
The theme of personal responsibility or welfare concerns also comes up in many discussions. Often, the conversation also turns to obstacles that people encounter: temptations, unhealthy habits, lack of information and knowledge, and higher costs of a healthy lifestyle.
The broad approach of positive health is recognized and seen as valuable.
It is appealing that you also take into account underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment and loneliness. This helps to understand that people in socio-economically vulnerable positions have more health problems, which creates health disparities between people. In the discussions where quality of life was on the table, it also became clear that participation is important for your health. Participating and being able to do something for someone else gives you a sense of self-worth and is important for meaning in life.
Relaxation was mainly mentioned in a positive sense
People consider it an important part of how you experience health. Stress as a health topic is rarely discussed. In discussions with young people, the theme of mental health came up, partly in connection with the corona measures.
Attention to a healthy environment, underlying problems, and vulnerable groups are mentioned most often.
When we ask about directions that the municipality could choose to support residents in their health, creating a healthy environment, solving underlying problems, and paying attention to vulnerable groups are mentioned most often. This is because they have the most influence on the complex problem of health differences and পিছ отставания.
Many actions have already been taken
Government initiatives include projects such as Healthy School, JOGG (Healthy Youth, Healthy Future), and GLI (Combined Lifestyle Intervention). It was mentioned that greater collaboration between municipalities and health insurers would be beneficial, as it would allow us to prevent problems more structurally rather than just addressing them after they arise. Several villages are involved in projects that also have a positive impact on health, such as Trynwâlderei, Meyd, and Het Generatiehuis. Additionally, there are smaller-scale projects, both commercial and non-commercial, related to health, such as a green schoolyard, a Wetter- en Willepark, a MOA kitchen, and a food walk.
There are many participants who are consciously and actively engaged in their health. We have heard many stories of residents who persevere because they know what they are doing it for and because they have started to enjoy it. We also heard that people are engaged in healthy activities because they find it valuable to take good care of themselves. The municipality could play a connecting role in this. This can be done by facilitating these initiatives where necessary, making them more visible, and actively connecting them with each other.
It is also mentioned that the municipality could do more to make information accessible to everyone. What also came up in many discussions is that the municipality can mean a lot as manager of accommodations and public spaces. You can make optimal use of the public space and design it in a healthy way. Think of exercise parks and picking gardens were mentioned in a number of conversations. These are also suitable as public meeting places.
A positive approach is seen as an important condition for reaching people
This is the only way to make prevention and promotion work. And extra attention should certainly be paid to the people who need it most. The participants believe more in normalizing and encouraging healthy behavior and focusing on fun and resilience than in prohibiting unhealthy behavior. There are several starting points for working on health, and the language and treatment towards residents is very important. The participants find it valuable to contribute ideas and be involved in this.