On April 17th last, Dr Owen Douglas of the Eco-Health team addressed the membership of the Offaly Public Participation Network at their annual Plenary meeting. Chaired by Bridie Costello Hynes, Offaly PPN Resource Worker, the primary purpose of the meeting was to elect members to the Strategic Policy Committees and other Boards and Committees.
Source: Offaly Independent
Dr Douglas's talk was titled "Using citizen science to inform the planning and design of outdoor spaces for health and well-being in Co. Offaly". In his address, Dr Douglas discussed the scientific evidence linking environment and population health and well-being with a particular focus of the benefits of 'environmental goods' such as green spaces. He outlined how conscious design of the public realm can supply greater opportunities for physical activity and 'restorative environments' for mental health and well-being.
Dr Douglas presented results from field research undertaken in the the town of Banagher and the village of Daingean, Co Offaly. The research included a household survey in both locations last summer and a 'pop-up' workshop in Banagher in March. The findings identified green infrastructures such as linked green spaces and well-designed looped walking routes in and around towns and villages as key interventions which can potentially influence how locals use their local environment. Throughout his talk, Dr Douglas emphasised citizen engagement as vital for planning and designing places and spaces that entice residents to get out, get active, socialise and relax in their local environment.
Dr Douglas presented results from field research undertaken in the the town of Banagher and the village of Daingean, Co Offaly. The research included a household survey in both locations last summer and a 'pop-up' workshop in Banagher in March. The findings identified green infrastructures such as linked green spaces and well-designed looped walking routes in and around towns and villages as key interventions which can potentially influence how locals use their local environment. Throughout his talk, Dr Douglas emphasised citizen engagement as vital for planning and designing places and spaces that entice residents to get out, get active, socialise and relax in their local environment.
Source: Offaly PPN
The second speaker was Josephine Rigney, Suicide Prevention Officer with the HSE who also spoke about the influence of the environment on mental health and the need for joined-up thinking for improving health and well-being in Co. Offaly.
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