The foundation of the Healthy Streets kaupapa is the process of collective action with the premise streets and built environments should be fit for use and enjoyment for everyone.

Using a systems change methodology; Healthy Streets recognises the need to engage and work with communities and support others working in the built environment space to embrace a "people-first" perspective in their mahi.

In mid-2023, Healthy Families Ōtautahi (HFŌ) Lead Systems Innovator, Maria Smolar, completed a Healthy Streets Foundations course, where she learnt about the approach and the tools that can be utilised to support the uptake of this way of thinking.

Shortly after this, Smolar was approached by community group Sustain South Brighton to discuss some road safety issues.

This discussion quickly evolved into an opportunity to harness the Healthy Streets approach at a community level and the South Brighton Healthy Streets project was formed. 

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Sustain South Brighton had gathered community insights on the need for safety improvements at a local roundabout and presented them to the local community board. This input became part of the Healthy Streets Project.

Smolar focused on ensuring resource flows; money, people and knowledge – unlocking support for the community's Healthy Streets efforts. Sustain South Brighton then launched another insight-gathering exercise and expanded the project to include feedback on how the local community greenspace called Common Ground could be improved.

Using the Healthy Streets assessment, they surveyed 66 people about enhancing the human experience in the area. A disability assessment, conducted by a young person, explored ways to improve accessibility in Common Ground.

These new insights combined with Sustain's previous work enabled it and the HFŌ team to submit to the Christchurch City Council on ways to improve roundabout safety. This led to the installation of safety humps at the roundabout and changes to parking.

The community has responded positively, particularly those who value the reduced traffic speed at this busy intersection, often used by schoolchildren.

Sustain also leveraged community engagement to secure funding for additional improvements, including shade umbrellas, new play equipment and more storage in the local community space. Sport Canterbury provided further funding, which is currently being used to upgrade the seating area, create a path to the community Book Fridge and work with the local MENZ Shed to design colourful signage for the community space.

A connection facilitated by Smolar between Sustain and the Halberg Trust led to the provision of accessible play equipment in the community space.

“The work that Sustain South Brighton has undertaken is a great example of how communities can be systems change agents in their own space and improve the human experience,” says Smolar.

“The Healthy Streets assessment provided them with a framework to build from and they took it from there.”

“We really appreciated the support that Maria gave to our community project with her knowledge, time, connection to resources and passion for what we were doing,” says Sarah McKay, a community worker for Sustain South Brighton. “The Healthy Streets framework enhanced our engagement with community members and added to what we were able to do and provide for the community. I really like how it helps you to think outside the box when considering what a healthy street environment looks like for your community.” 

Article added: Wednesday 25 September 2024