Members of the clergy and those who work in churches in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take up training opportunities in faith and mental health and pastoral support. The partnership group Flourish! is hosting training sessions to promote mental and emotional wellbeing which will take place in November and January. Flourish! is a partnership between Lighthouse Ireland, the Churches’ Community Work Alliance (Northern Ireland) and clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland.

The Lifeline crisis response service is highly valued by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and is a key priority as it provides essential support to people at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.

Good hand hygiene will help reduce the risk of spreading winter viruses so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of washing their hands on Global Handwashing Day 2015 (15 October). The theme of the day is “Raise a Hand for Hygiene” encouraging people to become hand hygiene champions and encouraging those around us to also wash their hands.

Scientific and medical personnel from the pharmaceutical industry, academia and health gathered in Belfast on Wednesday 7 and 8 October for the 2015 Northern Ireland Clinical Innovation Conference, an event focused on improving collaborative efforts to accelerate adoption of innovation in the healthcare system.

The Public Health Agency is taking the opportunity on this year’s World Mental Health Day (10 October) to encourage people to think about taking small steps to improve their mental health. Fiona Teague, Regional Manager for Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Promotion with the PHA, said: “We all know how important it is to look after our physical health, but the same importance also needs to be placed on looking after our mental health.

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board (HSC Board) and Macmillan Cancer Support are today publishing the findings of the first report into the care received by cancer patients in Northern Ireland.

People who have moved into a new tenancy after a period of homelessness are benefitting from a Public Health Agency ‘Home Starter Pack’ scheme which provides essential hygiene and toiletry items as well as small household appliances and utensils.