[Health promotion in the neighborhood--resources and needs of neighborhood groups and institutions].

The goal of the present study was to assess how inhabitants and organizations perceive health resources and problems in their neighbourhood, and where they see needs and possibilities to improve the situation. In two areas of the city of Berne 617 inhabitants were interviewed in the street, and 95 neighbourhood-organizations answered a postal questionnaire. Most resources and problems were related to the environmental situation, infrastructures, and social life in the neighbourhood. Noteworthy findings were the high degree of insecurity mainly of older women, the lack of integration of many foreign inhabitants, and the difficulties of living together among different generations and nationalities. The inquiry among neighbourhood-organizations confirmed their importance in several health related aspects of the neighbourhood: e.g. social support, lobbying for local interests, and recreational activities. Many of these organizations can be motivated for further participation in health promotion: by increasing their sensitivity to health implications of their work, by improving collaboration and networking, and by appropriate professional support.