Issues
South Belfast is often associated with wealth and prevalence. It is frequently overlooked when health and social inequalities are in question, with attention given to other parts of the city. However when explored in any detail, major inequalities can be found easily.
Below are just some of the issues affecting south Belfast (specifically the Lower Ormeau, Sandy Row, Donegall Pass, The Markets and The Village) that we are tackling head on through education, programmes, sign posting and outreach.
Health and well-being issues
e.g high number of teenage pregnancies, (Blackstaff ward 15%, Shaftsbury ward 13.7%), High ratios of low birth weight babies, low-breast feeding rates, high number of smoking pregnant mothers, high proportion of children with dental problems, high DNA (did not attend) rates for specialist services, high rates of mental health problems, high rates of trauma caused by the NI conflict.
Poor housing
Poor environmental design, impending redevelopment of the Village area and parts of Donegall road has created uncertainty and an increasingly poor and aging house stock
Environment
Lack of green spaces, commuter parking, traffic volume and pollution have created serious difficulties for inner city communities
Education
In the two main secondary schools attended by the young people from the target areas, only 2% and 13% respectively achieved a standard of 5 or more GCSEs at grades A-C, compared to an NI average of 31%
Isolation and effects/influences of sectarian violence
The Ni conflict has contributed to the isolation and fragmentation of these communities, it has often left people fearful about going out e.g. interface areas or because of an areas own paramilitary activity. In addition these communities are isolated within affluence in South Belfast.
Unemployment and benefit dependency
The level of unemployment is particularly high in the Botanic ward (16%) followed closely by the Shaftsbury ward (14%) even with the distorting influence of a large student population. Other areas of south Belfast figures are masked.
Single parents
High number of single parents
General health
General health of the area is poor.
