Belfast Healthy Cities is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Explorer Bursary Award, which is now open for applications. This annual bursary offers a unique opportunity for individuals to travel to a World Health Organization (WHO) European Healthy City, gaining invaluable insights and knowledge that can be applied to enhance health and well-being initiatives in Belfast.
Charlene Brooks, CEO at Belfast Healthy Cities commented: “The Explorer Bursary Award provides a platform for learning how other cities within the WHO European Healthy Cities Network address health and well-being in its broadest sense. By visiting a Phase VII WHO European Healthy City, successful applicants will gain new perspectives, knowledge, and best practices that can significantly contribute to their work in Belfast.”
The bursary is open to applicants from the community, voluntary, public, and business sectors who live or work in Belfast. Applicants must provide a supporting statement from their manager or employer and clearly demonstrate the potential added value of the visit to their area of work. They should outline their objectives for the experience and how they plan to share the insights gained from the study visit.
Past Explorer Bursary recipients have travelled to cities including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Utrecht, Hannover, Barcelona, Glasgow, and Oslo. Study areas have ranged from Food & Fuel Poverty, Alcohol & Drug Strategies, Dementia-Friendly Communities, Child-Friendly Planning, to Disability Sports. These visits have provided participants with a wealth of knowledge and innovative approaches that have been successfully implemented in Belfast.
Charlene continued: “The Explorer Bursary is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in your field within a different European context. Whether your focus is on community health, environmental sustainability, urban planning, or support services, this bursary can provide the insights and connections to elevate your work.”
Applications for the 2024 Explorer Bursary Award close on Friday 2nd August and are available below or by contacting caroline@belfasthealthycities.com
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
