Dr Karen McGuigan (QCAP Community Health and Wellbeing Lead) attended the 38th Annual European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) conference which was held in Cascais, Lisbon from 2nd-6th September.

The conference drew together psychologists and researchers from across the world, exploring key aspects of health psychology including current public health challenges, health promotion, community health, changing health behaviours, and implementing evidence-based policy change for health improvement.

As well as engaging with, and learning from, health psychologists addressing key public health issues through research; Karen also presented key insights and learning from our innovative Tackling Substance Use education programme, co-designed with our partners in the Market Development Association and the Market community, Belfast.

The presentation described the process of community consultation and co-design to develop the Substance Use education programme that is currently underway in the Market community. The presentation highlighted key learning around the co-design process, integrating academic and community expertise into programme design, content and structure; as well as reflecting on the importance of community partnership in tackling persistent and complex health challenges. 

The conference abstract can be accessed here and presentation slides can be accessed here.