PEACE PLUS PROGRAMME 2021 – 2027 Programme Overview
Theme 4: Healthy and Inclusive Communities Budget allocation €172,000,000 (ERDF and Match) The provision of adequate levels of inclusive health and social care within economic constraints, is a challenge for all governments. Research has shown that social, economic and environmental factors can influence an individual’s health outcomes. Health inequalities can therefore arise when the aforementioned factors result in unequal health outcomes for different social groups. COVID-19 has provided a spotlight on the negative impact of health inequalities. Considerable developments have been made in the provision of collaborative cross-border health care provision in recent years, much of it funded by the INTERREG Programme. There are now established arrangements for the provision of specific cross-border healthcare services between the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health in Dublin. The PEACE PLUS Programme provides an opportunity to build and expand upon this work within other areas, which are suitable for cross-community and cross-border collaboration. Our rural communities have significant strengths but also face considerable challenges, which can result in inequalities, including access to healthcare provision. The PEACE PLUS Programme presents an opportunity to develop a strengths-based model, which will enable and empower rural communities to reach their full potential. Investment will contribute to the creation of thriving rural communities, delivering significant social, economic and environmental benefits. It is important that victims and survivors of the Conflict are acknowledged and supported. The PEACE Programme has previously invested in programmes that have provided an evidence base for the most appropriate interventions and support. The PEACE PLUS Programme will build upon the provision of health and wellbeing supports and resilience-based capacity building programmes.
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