10167152Active Dollars: Incentivising Change for Pre-Diabetes CommunitiesActiveCollaborative R&DInnovate UK**Active Dollars: Incentivising Change for Pre-Diabetes Communities** is a pioneering place-based health equity initiative, led by Developing Healthy Communities (DHC) on behalf of Derry and Strabane District Council (DCSDC). The programme aims to address the high prevalence of obesity and pre-diabetes in Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged communities - where 26% of the population is obese, up to 65% are overweight, and significant numbers live with diabetes or pre-diabetes within the Western Trust area. This innovative approach integrates digital health incentives to promote healthier lifestyles while supporting local economic regeneration. By rewarding participants aged 40-65 for engaging in health-promoting activities (such as diet and exercise programmes, walking, and cycling), the initiative links digital incentives directly to physical activity and community engagement. These digital tokens can be redeemed with participating local businesses, stimulating economic growth in areas that need it most. Key aims of the project include: * **Health Equity:** The initiative focuses on the most disadvantaged areas---such as Creggan, Bogside, Shantallow, and others - ensuring those at highest risk benefit most. * **Behaviour Change:** The rewards-based approach fosters long-term, sustainable engagement in healthier lifestyles. * **Economic Regeneration:** By collaborating with local businesses, the initiative stimulates the local economy and strengthens community ties. * **Integrated Approach:** This model blends public health, community engagement, digital innovation, and economic development into a single, scalable framework that can be replicated across Northern Ireland. DHC, which leads on the WHO Healthy City agenda for DCSDC, has a strong track record in collaborative health and wellbeing initiatives. In response to rising concerns about pre-diabetes linked to obesity and significant waiting lists for pre-diabetes programmes, DHC convened the Western Diabetes Group during National Diabetes Week in June 2024\. This group brings together key agencies, including the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Western GP Federation, Ulster University, DCSDC, the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency, Diabetes UK, JDRF, and the NI Healthy Living Centre Alliance. The project proposal will be rigorously evaluated in partnership with Ulster University, capturing data on participant health behaviours and outcomes, as well as community co-design elements. Results will inform policy advocacy through the DCSDC Healthy Cities framework. If proven successful, DHC will present evidence to the Integrated Care Board and Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency, advocating for broader commissioning of this innovative digital system to address obesity and diabetes in communities across Northern Ireland.