PHA promotes health and wellbeing at Belfast Pride 2011

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will be joining the Belfast Pride celebrations in Custom House Square this Saturday (30 July), where information on health and wellbeing issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGB&T) people in Northern Ireland will also be provided.

The PHA was set up to promote and enhance the factors that influence good health and wellbeing, and to reduce the avoidable and unjust differences in health experienced by the best and the worst-off in our society.

Speaking about Belfast Pride and the importance of the information stand, Dr Carolyn Harper, Executive Medical Director/Director of Public Health, PHA, said: “The Public Health Agency works in partnership with the community, voluntary and statutory sectors to tackle health inequalities. This year, we are delighted to have the opportunity to highlight a number of public health issues at Belfast Pride 2011. This is an opportunity for us to work closely with all those involved, and to offer support and information to the huge numbers expected at this year’s event.

“While joining in the party atmosphere, we will be providing information on a range of health and social wellbeing issues that affect LGB&T people in Northern Ireland, such as sexual health, cervical screening, smoking, drugs and alcohol, and mental and emotional health. I would encourage anyone looking for information to come and visit us and have a chat.”

The PHA stand will be at the Belfast Pride Festival’s annual Pride Parade and Party in the Square, Custom House Square, on Saturday 30 July 2011, from 11am to 4pm. For further information on health and social wellbeing improvement, visit the PHA website at www.publichealth.hscni.net