Smoking levels among manual workers remain high in Northern Ireland, with 31% of manual workers smoking. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging businesses in Northern Ireland to avail of the ‘Workplace Stop Smoking Service’ which has been set up by the PHA to provide free assistance for employers across Northern Ireland to help reduce smoking rates among their workforce.

The Public Health Agency welcomes the annual Depression Awareness Week, 28 April- 3 May. For information about Aware Defeat Depression or Depression Awareness Week call 028 9035 7820 or visit the website www.aware-ni.org.uk Anyone who is concerned about depression should speak to their GP or other health professional. For more information on depression see http://www.mindingyourhead.info/topic/depression

Major events can attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. When many people are gathered together for such events, there can be an increased risk to public health, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) plays a key role in helping to reduce this risk. For advice and information on how to reduce the risk to public health during the Giro d'Italia click here.

Health systems and individuals across the island of Ireland will benefit from the appointment of a new leader for Cochrane Ireland – a venture which will actively promote the use of the best available research evidence to inform decision-making about health.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking European Immunisation Week (22–26 April 2014) by celebrating the excellent childhood immunisation uptake levels being achieved in Northern Ireland, which are well above the UK average. Many childhood diseases which were common in Northern Ireland prior to the introduction of vaccination have been dramatically reduced or have disappeared altogether, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles and several types of meningitis.

The switchboard number for the PHA’s Headquarters at Linenhall Street, Belfast changed on Monday 28 April, 2014. The new number is 0300 555 0114* and should now be used. The old switchboard number (028 9032 1313) is no longer live.

10,000 Voices, a Public Health Agency (PHA) initiative which gives the people of Northern Ireland an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services, has passed a key milestone with over 3,000 patients, clients and families telling their story.

This week the Easter holidays start and many families will be thinking of heading off camping, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents or caravans. Many people are already aware that fossil fuels and wood, when burnt without enough oxygen, create high levels of CO. However, the PHA is concerned that campers may not be aware of the risks involved with taking lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or caravans.