Creating Healthy Places and Spaces: A Collaborative Approach

Thursday 10th February 2022
With Public Health Network Cymru and Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit

This event followed the publication of the report – “Maximising health and well-being opportunities for spatial planning in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery” which identified how collaboration between in spatial planning and health is vital in order to maximise the health and well-being opportunities in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The event presented the findings of this report.

A number of presentations highlighted how planning and health can be joined up. Speakers covered the current issues facing our communities and places, the importance of collaboration, designing for children and creating healthy places for all and an example of intergenerational engagement on a planning and design project.

The objectives of the event were:

• To understand the major challenges facing communities including the COVID-19 pandemic impacts
• To understand the contribution that planning and placemaking can make to address the major health challenges facing communities
• To demonstrate techniques for planners and health professionals to engage effectively with local communities to maximise the delivery of placemaking learning outcomes
• Increased collaboration between health professionals and planners
• Increased knowledge of how collaborative working can result in development of healthy places and spaces
• Explore and strengthen opportunities and roles in delivering placemaking using tools and guidance to provide maximum benefits to communities

The event was chaired by Kate Eden, Vice Chair, Public Health Wales. Kate said ‘It was wonderful to see the event so well attended by people who wanted to know more about the opportunities and potential for joined up working between planners and health professionals. Delegates were able to hear some examples of where this is being done effectively, and also take part in discussions about resources that will support them in taking this work forward across Wales’.