Vaccination is the best defence against COVID-19 variants

Following publication of the latest data in the COVID-19 Epidemiological Bulletin, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone that vaccination remains the best defence against emerging variants. The variant BA.2.86 continues to spread in the UK, with cases identified in most regions, and the latest data (6 October) from the PHA show a small number of cases provisionally identified in Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that the early indications are that BA.2.86 is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than XBB.1.5, another variant that has been

Tiny Town makes a big effort to support breastfeeding mums

A new business in Derry/ Londonderry has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. Tiny Town is a small world/ imaginative play area for children to experience play activities from the world around them. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums who are visiting the space. In joining this scheme, Tiny Town has pledged that: breastfeeding is welcome in all areas of its premises; a mum who

“If I didn’t attend my regular breast screening appointment, it could have been much worse” – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

63-year-old Celina Ball from Derry/ Londonderry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 after attending her regular breast screening appointment. Reflecting on her diagnosis, Celina said: “I was sent for a routine breast screening appointment so I headed over to the mobile unit in Creggan. After a couple of weeks, I got a letter to come back to the clinic as something had showed up in my mammogram. “When I went back they did another mammogram and an ultrasound. Not long after that they told me that I had an early form of breast cancer. “I had no symptoms at all, I was shocked to know that I

‘Keep antibiotics working’ Living Well campaign launched

As part of the Living Well service throughout October and November community pharmacies are highlighting the importance of keeping antibiotics working. Living Well is a community-based pharmacy service offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections. When antibiotics are not used correctly, the bacteria they are designed to treat can become resistant, this is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Ways you can age well this winter

Ahead of Positive Ageing Month this October, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of looking after your health this winter, particularly those who are older and vulnerable. Diane McIntyre, Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing Improvement (Belfast and South Eastern) at the PHA said: “Reducing isolation and improving the health and wellbeing of older people is a key focus for the PHA. Positive Ageing Month is a welcome opportunity to celebrate older people and for them to connect and become involved in events and activities which promote improvement in both physical and

4496888

Submitted by Edyta Machnik on

Tender No: 4496888

Name of Contract:
Early Intervention Support Service for families and children aged 0-18 years

4339422

Submitted by Edyta Machnik on

Tender No: 4339422

Name of Contract:
Bereaved by Suicide Co-ordination, Facilitation and Development Project

Organisations Awarded:
Developing Healthy Communities Ltd

Contract Duration:
1 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 25 with the provision to extend by further 4 x 12 months

World Contraception Day – make sure you’re protected when having sex

On World Contraception Day [26 September], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people how and where you can find out about contraception that works for you. Dr Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, said: “There are lots of different types of contraception from condoms, to pills that you take every day, to things like the contraceptive implant or contraceptive coil that can last for several years. Using contraception allows women and young people to have control over their fertility, their body.” Contraception is available for free across Northern Ireland. Following a successful pilot

3870678

Submitted by bt48Admin on

Tender No: 3870678

Name of Contract:
Relationship and Sexuality Education in the Community across NI

Organisations Awarded:
Lot 1: Common Youth Ltd
Lot 2: Relate NI
Lot 3: ACET

Contract Duration:  
1 April 2022 – 31 March 2024 with the provision to extend by a further 2 x 12 months

Groggan Primary School goes the extra mile

Groggan Primary School near Randalstown is taking on a mighty Daily Mile challenge of matching the miles from their school to Mount Kilimanjaro as part of this year’s Active School Travel (AST) programme with Sustrans, funded by Public Health Agency (PHA) and Department for Infrastructure. Inspired by a pupil whose father recently hiked up the mountain in Tanzania, the school will come together each day to walk or run until they have clocked up over 4,000 miles to reach the distance of the journey to the mountain. Dr Hannah McCourt, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with
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