This Self-Harm Awareness Day [Saturday 1 March], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who are affected by self-harm, including families and carers, to reach out for help and support. Raising awareness and encouraging people to start the conversation can help remove the stigma associated with self-harm and educate people on how to spot the signs, and importantly what next steps to take. Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves intentionally as a way of coping with difficult feelings, painful memories, or overwhelming experiences and situations. Most people who self-harm do not

As spring approaches and lambing season gets under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women of the potential risks associated with close contact with sheep during this time. The PHA advises women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant to take precautions to reduce the risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep, particularly during lambing season, which typically runs until the end of April. Dr Patrick McAleavey Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “While the number of reported infections and human miscarriages resulting

No Smoking Month is fast approaching, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death in Northern Ireland, responsible for approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths each year. However, lots of free support is available to help you quit. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to stop smoking and improve your health

Ellie Hynds from Dromore, Co Down has opened up about her breastfeeding journey with her baby Arielle and has teamed up with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to help encourage other young mothers to reach out for support if they need it. Ellie found out she was pregnant when she was 15-years-old. She said: “That was a shock to the system and I didn’t know about any of the services available for me at all, which was very scary. “It was really helpful when I found out about the Family Nurse Partnership. I was paired up with a lovely woman called Olivia and she supported me all throughout my

We would like to invite you to a public information session facilitated by the Public Health Agency on the Department of Health’s draft Being Open Framework document which is currently out for public consultation. We want your feedback and to address any queries you might have with the Framework document. Please register your interest below. Please note: It is important that you review the draft document in advance of the session. The draft document and online consultation can be accessed here . Session details: The 90 minute online session will take place via Zoom on Thursday, 13 March from

A large-scale representative sample of the Northern Ireland general population completed the 2024/25 Mental Health Survey , providing important insights into their attitudes and behaviours relating to mental health and suicide. Findings are presented in four reports covering issues of: preventing mental ill health, mental health related stigma, training and intervening when someone is in crisis and help-seeking. The findings are published in four papers available below: Report 1 Preventing mental ill health MH Survey 2023.24 Report 2 Stigma MH Survey 2023.24 Report 3 Preparedness to intervene

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of having conversations about our true feelings in a campaign that shows people that ‘Talking really helps’. The campaign aims to encourage anyone with feelings of anxiety or distress, or who is in crisis, to start the conversation about their thoughts and feelings. The ‘Talking really helps’ campaign shows people putting on a brave face when talking to others but then reveals their true feelings when they are on their own and that they are not fine or they are struggling to cope. The messages then show how through speaking to

Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget their sunscreen when packing for their winter getaway. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but UV rays can be every bit as damaging for winter sun seekers. It is

The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (10-16 February) is having open conversations and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to do just that. Good sexual health is about having safe, positive and respectful experiences and relationships throughout life. To do this, we all need to be able to have open, age appropriate conversations. Talking about sex and sexual wellbeing can help establish healthy relationships due to the confidence that comes from being informed. Speaking about issues such as consent, choice and respect, health and wellbeing can help people

This World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take notice of their bodies and contact their GP if they feel something isn’t right. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Everyone knows what feels ‘normal’ for them and it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body, but there are some common changes and symptoms to look out for and act on. Being aware of the general signs and symptoms of cancer can help in early detection and increase your chance of survival. “Cancer is a common condition. It is