Health Network in Neighbourhoods Programme
About this good practice
The Health Network in Neighbourhoods was established in 2018 through a collaboration between the Department of Health and the Zaragoza City Council. It was created in response to rising chronic diseases, mental health issues, and the need to address community health determinants.
The main objective of the initiative is to enhance health, well-being, and equity across the diverse neighbourhoods by promoting community assets tailored to the needs of the local population. It achieves its goals through a multi-faceted approach, starting with community assessments to identify health needs and resources.
Tailored interventions include health education workshops, partnerships with educational centers, fitness programs, and mental health support groups. These are implemented in collaboration with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility.
The network includes local government agencies, non-profits, healthcare providers, and community members. It primarily benefits neighborhood residents, especially in marginalized areas. By engaging these stakeholders, the initiative promotes holistic health, empowers community members, and fosters sustainability. Two of the three networks created are fully autonomous and continue to develop activities.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
Technical assistance was crucial early on. Each network needed two technicians (one from the city council and one from public health). Community nurses were hired for a neighborhood report and needs analysis for 2000 euros. Collaborating entities provided materials and training spaces.
Evidence of success
An evaluation conducted a year after the project's implementation revealed positive short-term results based on participant questionnaires. Key findings included increased knowledge of new entities and resources (85.45%) and activities (83.56%), the development of synergies (68%), enhanced interaction to promote the use of health assets (83.69%), and the creation of coordination structures (81%).
Potential for learning or transfer
The Health Network in Neighbourhoods is a model for fostering community action and developing community-based interventions. It addresses local health determinants through community assessments, tailored interventions, and collaboration with local organizations and healthcare providers, ensuring cultural relevance and accessibility.
The initiative promotes intersectional work and citizen participation, involving people of all ages and occupations to build strong, resilient communities. Its flexibility allows implementation in different territories, including rural areas, promoting equity among citizens. The program’s success demonstrates that with the right support and collaboration, similar initiatives can be replicated elsewhere, considering local characteristics and needs.
Technical support, especially in the early stages, is crucial to ensure the necessary resources and expertise are available.