Empowering communities for a healthier future.

We help communities to improve wellbeing and reduce health inequalities through collaborative partnerships, innovative programs, and a holistic approach to physical, mental, and social health.

A collage of images from a variety of DHCNI projects
Team members on Translink bus as part of the WHO Healthy Cities Initiative

What we do

Your wellbeing,
our passion

For over 30 years, Developing Healthy Communities Northern Ireland has been committed to transforming lives by enhancing mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

Our work stems from a belief that everyone deserves the tools and support to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Through innovative programs, we help individuals and communities unlock their potential, empowering them to make a lasting, positive impact.

Our impact

Helping our community

£1.5m

In PHA short-term funding delivered to community and voluntary organisations in 2024/25

100

People cooking seasonal healthy meals in 12 community venues at the inaugural Acorn Farm Stew Fest

192

Community and voluntary workers trained in mental health and suicide prevention

How we help

Our projects

Our innovative projects improve health in communities, families, and workplaces through tailored mentoring, impactful training, and essential funding support. We advocate for healthcare needs, ensuring that community needs are heard and understood by decision-makers in business, government and the public sector.

What we do

Training programmes

Our training programmes equip individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge to improve mental, physical, and social wellbeing. From mental health first aid to workplace wellness, we empower participants to create lasting positive change in their workplace and communities.

The Koram Centre completing the Work Well Live Well training programme

What's on

Upcoming events

26

Feb

Health in All Policies: Making Better Decisions for Health, Wellbeing & Inclusive Growth

Healthy City and District Partners

9:30

View Event

19

Mar

Families Voices Forum Strategic Planning Day (FVF members)

TBC

9:00

View Event

Who we work with

Our partners

At Developing Healthy Communities, we have worked with hundreds of organisations and businesses in the health, community and voluntary sectors since our inception in 2003.

News

Our stories

09

/

02/2026

Urban Health

3,048 hours spent outdoors as Civic Dollars users tackle diabetes risk

Researcher Grainne fills us in on progress on the health-tech project in Derry and Strabane

Read More

09

/

02/2026

Mental Health

"Small intentional pauses can weave a more grounded way of working into an ordinary day"

DHC's Orla Mullan explains how mindfulness can contribute to a calm, productive office

Read More

05

/

02/2026

News

"There's something refreshing about hearing a head of state talk about the joy of getting outdoors"

DHC Chief Exec Edel reflects on Catherine Connolly’s first official visit to Northern Ireland

Read More

9

/

02/2026

Urban Health

3,048 hours spent outdoors as Civic Dollars users tackle diabetes risk

Researcher Grainne fills us in on progress on the health-tech project in Derry and Strabane

Read More

9

/

02/2026

Mental Health

"Small intentional pauses can weave a more grounded way of working into an ordinary day"

DHC's Orla Mullan explains how mindfulness can contribute to a calm, productive office

Read More