KEY AIM: This Network will develop holistic and integrated approaches and practice in learning city development, based on the work already undertaken in the PIE [1] and Networks programmes interacting across silos.
The EcCoWell approach argues that learning, health, community building, and cultural policies can each contribute to the well-being of citizens and their families. This impact can be enhanced if policies and strategies are co-ordinated. Central aspects of the network will include actions guided by the following:
- Learning encourages social interaction and increases self-esteem and feelings of competency;
- Benefits from learning in one domain such as health and environment impact on functioning in domains such as family and community;
- As better measures of well-being are becoming available, the policy significance of well-being has increased;
- There has been a growing concern in some countries at mental health problems and increased alienation of sections of the population, including many young people.