Employees lose 9,467 lbs during £ for lb challenge

1,620 employees from 36 companies across Northern Ireland have been tackling their weight and changing their lifestyles, supported by their employers who took part in Business in the Community’s £ for lb 12 week Challenge. Collectively, the employees lost 9,467 lbs (676 stone) – this equates to the weight of 52 average-sized UK men, or more than the weight of the average killer whale! In total, participants lost 1,509 waist inches which is almost the same height as Victoria Square.

Remember the person behind the dementia

‘Remember the person behind the dementia’ is the message from health and social care professionals during Dementia Awareness Week 2016 (15-21 May). The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI and Health and Social Care Trusts to promote a culture which ensures people with dementia are supported to live with dignity and without stigma.

Whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women extended

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that pregnant women can now avail of the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination from week 16 of their pregnancy. The change comes following advice from the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), based on a study which showed that protection for the baby from vaccination is likely to be better if the mum is immunised earlier in pregnancy. The vaccine was previously aimed at women in weeks 28 to 32 of pregnancy.

Statistical profile of children's health in Northern Ireland 2014-15

This statistical profile of children’s health has been produced using data from the Northern Ireland Maternity and the Northern Ireland Child Health Systems. It provides some comparative data across the UK and Ireland and breaks down key indicators such as birth weight, gestation, maternal BMI, maternal smoking, delivery methods, breastfeeding status, P1 and P8 children’s weight by Trust, Local Government District, maternal age, deprivation quintiles, ethnicity and hospital where appropriate as well as outlining why these aspects are so important in children’s health.

Dying matters – Let’s talk about it!

During Dying Matters Awareness Week (9-15 May 2015) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly with those closest to them about their wishes about their future care, dying, death and bereavement. This year’s theme is 'The Big Conversation', and we will be encouraging the public to talk to each other about dying, death and bereavement, because "Talking about dying won't make it happen!"

Public Health Agency - 007

Submitted by Lynda Kernohan on

Name of Contract:

Workplace Health & Wellbeing Support Service

Total Annual Contract Value: £175k

Organisations Awarded:

This Contract has been awarded to the following organisations who will deliver the Services in 5 Lots across Northern Ireland.

Lots 1, 2 and 4 - Health Matters (Health & Safety) Ltd

Lot3 - Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

Lot 5 - Derry Healthy Cities

Contract Duration:

Herbal harm reduction advice

The Public Health Agency has supported Council for the Homeless NI to produce harm reduction booklets on NPS. These booklets are NOT aimed at the general population, but are specifically aimed at adults who are already taking either stimulant-type drugs, or synthetic cannabinoids (“herbal”). They give basic information and advice on how to reduce the risks of taking these substances.

Stimulants harm reduction advice

The Public Health Agency has supported Council for the Homeless NI to produce harm reduction booklets on NPS. These booklets are NOT aimed at the general population, but are specifically aimed at adults who are already taking either stimulant-type drugs, or synthetic cannabinoids (“herbal”). They give basic information and advice on how to reduce the risks of taking these substances.

Subscribe to