A Participatory Action Research with elements of Positive Health to strengthen preventive health in the Meerzicht neighborhood.
Below is an impression of the Initiatives Festival, which was one of the final components of the Participatory Action Research and marked the kick-off of the initiatives developed to enhance health.
This Participatory Action Research (PAR) aims to initiate a movement where residents, healthcare and welfare professionals, and other stakeholders collaborate to create and implement initiatives based on the principles of Positive Health, with the goal of making Zoetermeer a healthy and safe place.
Additionally, the PAR process aims to: 1) motivate participants to be self-reliant in improving their health, 2) foster a sense of ownership that sustains this self-reliance and motivation, 3) promote sustained commitment to their health and that of their immediate associates, and 4) strengthen their networks (among residents and professionals, as well as the individual groups).
This PAR has yielded various results both in terms of content (initiatives developed) and process.
The analysis of interviews conducted during the System Exploration phase revealed the following themes:
Within each theme, the PAR community (residents, healthcare and welfare professionals, and other stakeholders) designed and initiated one or more initiatives, such as organizing a meeting place/lunchroom, setting up an assertiveness training course, cooking classes for children, walking routes, connecting flats to promote equal opportunities, enhancing the linkage between healthcare and welfare by organizing different types of meetings, and the health fair. The report on this page provides details of each initiative (both the general report and the one for the PAR community, i.e., the participants).
The health fair took place on March 25, 2023. Resident and Participatory Action Researcher Marja stated, “During conversations with residents of the neighborhood, we noticed that there is a significant demand for more information about health. People lack an overview of where to turn for help. At this fair, we compile information on medical health, nutrition, exercise, and finances because financial worries often affect one’s health.”
Read more:
‘All about health in Meerzicht”
Or watch this video where PAR participant Marja shares her experiences:
And below you’ll find an impression of the market itself:
The PAR process itself has yielded results both within the PAR community (the participants of the PAR) and the PAR team (the implementers of the PAR). Within the PAR community, developments can be observed in areas such as self-reliance, connection, mutual understanding, friendships formed, and self-confidence. Here are some examples of responses from PAR participants:
“My son [10 years old, who presented his findings to the public during a session] has received a huge confidence boost!”
– resident
“I was the only resident in the session with healthcare professionals. I have gained much more understanding for them now that I know what they are dealing with.” – resident
The PAR team, consisting of 7 healthcare and welfare professionals and a municipal official trained by SevenSenses in PAR, has shown development in various aspects, such as a different approach to work, communication, and self-confidence. Here are some responses:
“I now ask questions first instead of immediately offering solutions and advice like ‘you should do this or that.’ People really appreciate that!”
– PAO-team member
“I experienced the whole process very positively! The approach to how people are treated, such as positive health and the community-up, is something that is close to my heart and also feels natural. We don’t tell them what to do differently, but by inventorying and guiding the process, we get to the core, and people take action themselves. Additionally, I have faced my challenges. Sometimes, I find it difficult to be seen and heard in a diverse group of people and to really step up as a facilitator. I ran the last two sessions alone, and this also gave me more self-confidence. It’s also a challenge for me to know and communicate my boundaries. I find everything fun and interesting, but not everything fits into 7 days a week. This has allowed me to choose where my passion lies and what I want to be involved in.”
– Trainee and PAR team member
