Community and voluntary organisations are being encouraged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to apply for a programme that can help tackle health inequalities in their local communities. The Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications following another successful year. During the 2025/26 initiative, 21 organisations benefitted from the PHA funding which saw communities throughout Northern Ireland engaged in activities that ranged from working with trafficked migrants in Belfast and a mental health

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, so this Sun Awareness Week [11-17 May], the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging everyone to protect their skin from UV damage and check regularly for signs of skin cancer. Frances Dowds, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “We all love to see the sunshine coming at this time of year. Sunlight provides many benefits, it promotes good mental health, helps prevent disease, provides our bodies with vitamin D, lowers blood pressure and supports good bone health. “However, we

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has backed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Hygiene Day on 5th May as part of a global call to ensure proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings and everyday life, which can have lifesaving benefits as well as helping keep us well. Caroline McGeary, Infection Prevention and Control Lead Nurse at the PHA, said: “World Hand Hygiene day is an opportunity to remind everyone about the role they can play in protecting their own health and those around them. Whether it’s a healthcare worker or a member of the public, there are steps we can all take to protect

Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges facing Northern Ireland, with one in five children and over two thirds of adults living with overweight or obesity here. While it is often talked about as a matter of personal responsibility, evidence shows that obesity is strongly shaped by the environments people live in – including access to affordable food, transport, housing, education, green space and local services. Emily Roberts, Interim Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHP at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “A Whole Systems Approach is essential to improving

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today launched a new large scale and innovative engagement programme designed to establish a clear, shared, and credible deal between Northern Ireland’s citizens and the health and social care system. The Minister visited the Lesley Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey this morning to take part in a ‘This is our health’ event and to hear the views of individuals. Commenting Minister Nesbitt said we all need to consider a different approach when it comes to building a healthier, more resilient Northern Ireland. “This is not a typical public health campaign or survey. We won