Inspire’s Assistant Director for Quality and Advocacy, William Morrow, recently participated in an event marking the publication of a new advocacy resource.
Hosted by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), the launch of Championing Change: A Guide to Public Health Advocacy took place at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in Dublin. The new guide is designed to assist individuals and organisations working in the health sector who are involved in advocating for policy change.
During a panel discussion that centred on the importance of public health advocacy in delivery better outcomes, as well as the challenges faced in the current funding environment, William was joined by IPH CEO Suzanne Costello; Ireland’s former Minister for Health and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly; Eunan McKinney, former head of communications and advocacy at Alcohol Action Ireland and the guide’s lead author; and the College’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Siobhán Creaton.
William welcomed the opportunity to contribute, saying:
“The underlying factors of socio-economic deprivation, health inequalities and funding challenges are pressing issues on both sides of the border. The guide is a great toolkit for those involved in advocacy, successfully showcasing subjects like organ donation, immunisation and alcohol consumption as vital to public health.
“With respect to Northern Ireland, the voluntary and community sector’s partnership and collaborative approach to mental health reform was highlighted, something which contributed greatly to the development and implementation of the Department of Health’s Mental Health Strategy.”
To find out more about the new resource, click here.
Pictured above, (L-R): William Morrow, Suzanne Costello, Dr James Reilly, Siobhán Creaton and Eunan McKinney