The Public Health Agency (Southern Office) is inviting applications from community/voluntary groups based and working within the five district Council areas of Armagh; Banbridge; Craigavon; Dungannon & South Tyrone and Newry & Mourne for two grants schemes. The aim of the Public Health Agency is to improve the health and social well being of the population and to reduce inequalities in health.

Community and voluntary sector organisations in the Northern area are invited to apply for Public Health Agency (PHA) small grants to tackle drug and alcohol misuse and improve outcomes for local people. The small grants scheme is open until 30 September 2011. Small grants, up to £10,000, are available for work that tackles drug and alcohol issues across the Northern area, including the impact of parental alcohol and drug misuse on children and young people, often referred to as ‘hidden harm’.

The Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), has welcomed “Cairde” in Strabane as its newest member.

The Hajj pilgrimage is the world’s largest annual religious gathering of its kind in the world. Each year over two million Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca. This year the Hajj is estimated to fall between 4 and 9 November. The Public Health Agency advises that all pilgrims aged two years and older are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis ACW135Y for the purposes of Hajj.

As World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone in distress or concerned about someone else to phone the Lifeline service on 0808 808 8000 for help and support. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lifeline is funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, through the PHA, as part of Protect Life – a shared vision, the suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), has welcomed Seagate Technology as its newest member.