The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to use alcohol or drugs at summer festivals or concerts that there can be serious risks. All drugs, whether it is alcohol, illegal substances or prescription medication, carry risks and the danger increases greatly when you mix drugs, including alcohol. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “We understand that some people choose to use alcohol and drugs as part of their festival or music event experience, but we need to remember that any drug or medicine has the potential to cause harm. The PHA strongly

Community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to apply for a short-term funding programme that focuses on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) scheme opens to applications today and aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities. The funding programme will also support a range of strategic themes and priorities under the ‘Making Life Better’ public health framework, in particular mental health, emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and self-harm. Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at PHA, said:

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19-25 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of attending cervical screening tests when invited. Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually. Dr Tracy Owen, from the Public Health Agency said: “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to attend for cervical screening when invited. It could save your life.” The screening test (often known as a ‘smear test

This Alcohol Awareness Week (19-25 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the support services that are available for individuals who misuse alcohol. Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week is a collaboration between the PHA and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) and this week’s theme is ‘Who cares? We care’. With more than 170 alcohol and drugs support services listed on www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info available in communities across Northern Ireland, people who misuse alcohol are being encouraged to reach out and seek help. Kevin Bailey, the PHA’s

During Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which will take place from the 12th–18th June, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of why infant mental health matters so much and the importance of ‘Bonding Before Birth’. Bryan Leonard, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager and lead for Early Years at the PHA, said: “Infant mental health describes the social and emotional wellbeing and development of children in the earliest years of life. This includes their ability to form close relationships, recognise and express emotions and explore and learn about their environment.

New animations highlighting the dangers around the garden and how we can prevent accidents have been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA). On average, two people die every week in Northern Ireland because of an accident in the home, and in the drier and hotter weather, and as we approach the summer holidays, people will be spending more time outdoors and in their garden. With this in mind the PHA has teamed up with partners involved in the delivery of the Home Accident Prevention Strategy to launch new animations focussing on overall garden safety, risks of accidents with garden

There are a number of simple steps that will help protect against the sun’s harmful rays: Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest – generally 11am to 3pm. Cover up in the sun with a long sleeved t-shirt and a hat. Wear sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1 with a UV 400 label and offer 100% UV protection. This will ensure they provide adequate protection from both UVA and UVB. Sunglasses should fit your face well and relatively snugly so that light doesn't enter your eye from around the lens. Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 for UVB protection and

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to urge people to be vigilant about mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) and get vaccinated if eligible, following an increase in cases in London over the past four weeks and ahead of summer holidays. Dr Gillian Armstrong, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Vaccination has played a crucial role in protecting people and reducing case numbers. Those who are eligible but have not yet received both doses of the vaccine are being encouraged to come forward and book their first or second dose as vaccination will continue for those eligible

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and colleagues from the Neonatal Network Northern Ireland (NNNI) have launched a new video highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding and showcasing the support that is available to mums and families of premature babies and babies in neonatal units to encourage them to breastfeed in those early days. Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said : “Breast milk is important for all babies and is particularly beneficial for premature babies and those who need extra support in the neonatal unit. There are significant clinical benefits to giving