22/07/2026
The Western Trust recently started their new pilot programme as part of the newly funded Healthier Futures Project.
Healthier Futures is a CAWT Partnership cross border project, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The project brings together a cross-border health and social care partnership comprising the Health Service Executive in Ireland, the Southern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, the Healthier Futures Project will deliver free weight management and behaviour change programmes designed to support adults to make positive changes to their health, wellbeing and lifestyle.
The programmes will provide personalised support through a team Dietitian and Health Coaches to help participants develop healthy eating habits, increase physical activity, improve wellbeing and build the confidence and skills needed to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Healthier Futures Project Coordinator for the Western Trust, Claire Hamilton comments;
“The landscape around our health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to obesity is constantly changing and evolving. We hope that our programmes will offer people a place to learn and build capacity to look after and improve their own health for the future. Our team are highly skilled and experienced to support participants in their journey and we are excited to be able to offer this through the Healthier Futures Project.”
Seamus Ward, Head of Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement added;
“This is a really exciting initiative to support patients on waiting lists, referring them to practical community or online based programmes that supports their health and wellbeing. I am really excited to see the impact this project will have on our waiting list numbers and more importantly the impact the programmes will have for patients who are looking for advice and support”.
Running over approximately 12 weeks the programme helps participants build their own health and wellbeing plan while looking at topics such as; nutrition, goal setting, dealing with setbacks, maintaining your weight and planning ahead for the future.
If you would like more information about the work of the Healthier Futures project or indeed would be interested in taking part in a programme please contact;
Project Coordinator, Claire Hamilton
028 7186 5127 or clairea.hamilton@westerntrust.hscni.net