Louise Ferguson, Community Co-Ordinator at The Larder, an East Belfast food bank charity pictured at their base in St. Christopher’s Church. The Larder is one of many East Belfast community organisations featured on the new Health Hub East Belfast smartphone app, a community guide created by and for the people of East Belfast to help those in need access essential information and services across a wide range of issues, including addiction, mental health and poverty. Download for free today by searching ‘Health Hub East Belfast’ in the App Store or Google Play.

East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA) has today announced the launch of the Health Hub East Belfast app. The smartphone app is a community guide created by and for the people of East Belfast to help those in need access essential information and services.

EBCDA is an umbrella organisation that works to support community development in East Belfast by providing community groups with support, resources, and capacity building programmes. The Health Hub East Belfast app was created to combat mental and physical health issues in the local community and to connect people in need with vital services and essential information across a range of concerns including addiction, poverty and mental health.

Users can simply open the app on their device, click on the issue they’re struggling with or would like more information on, and are offered a list of organisations that can help, including contact details and a distance guide which shows how close they are to each of these life-changing services.

Speaking about the app, Executive Director of EBCDA, Michael Briggs said: “We are delighted to be launching the app today and to now have this resource available to the people of East Belfast. This past year has been incredibly tough, with the pandemic resulting in many people feeling increasingly isolated, alone and struggling to cope. The Health Hub East Belfast app connects people in need with local organisations that have the resources to help. There is so much support in our community and this app ensures that people have access to the help they need.”

One of the organisations featured on the app is The Larder, an East Belfast food bank charity. Speaking about their involvement, Community Co-Ordinator at The Larder, Louise Ferguson said: “The Health Hub East Belfast app is a fantastic local resource and one we’re very proud to be part of. At The Larder, our goal is to provide people who are struggling, with essential food parcels. It’s vital, now more than ever, that people know we’re here to help and how they can get in touch with us. The app is a great way to connect with people in our community who need us most.” 

The Health Hub app was created in partnership with the Communities in Transition project as supported by The Executive Office and managed by Co-operation Ireland and can be downloaded for free today by searching ‘Health Hub East Belfast’ in the App Store or Google Play.

EBCDA will be continuously updating the app with more organisations and local events. If you would like any more information about the app or would like to be featured, please contact EBCDA on 028 9045 1512.