This Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week (16–22 June), those who drink are being reminded that alcohol is a powerful drug and can have a serious impact on their health. A collaboration between the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Connection Services, the theme of this year’s Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week is ‘understanding alcohol harm’. The aim of the week is to ensure that everyone has a better understanding about alcohol harm and the associated health risks. Each of the connection services will be working across local communities to

A community-based project in Antrim is helping to address loneliness and isolation experienced by older people with daily phone calls and support. Good Morning Antrim, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is a telephone befriending service where volunteers make daily phone calls to older people in Antrim and surrounding towns. This Loneliness Awareness Week (9-15 June), the PHA is highlighting the work of the organisation and the positive impact it has in the community. Libby Higham, Coordinator of Good Morning Antrim at the Family Caring Centre, said: “These calls offer more

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding those eligible that the potentially life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination aimed at protecting newborns and older adults is available all year round, it’s not just a winter vaccine. Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV infections often leads to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised

Community and voluntary organisations are being encouraged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to apply for a grants and mentoring programme to help address health inequalities. Applications for the Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, which is being coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), are now open with information available on www.elevateni.org/mentoring-grants-programme Diane McIntyre, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at PHA, said: “Community and voluntary organisations are acutely aware of the issues that affect people on the ground and this

The Public Health Agency is reminding families across Northern Ireland that taking small, simple safety steps can help save lives. The call comes during Child Safety Week 2025 (2 – 8 June), as unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury among children in Northern Ireland. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, with five common hazards – choking, suffocation and strangulation; falls; poisoning; burns and scalds; and drowning – accounting for 90% of hospital emergency admissions in this age group. Diane McIntyre, Interim Head of Health Improvement

Ashfield Boys’ High School, Belfast and Donard School, Banbridge have been recognised for exceptional pastoral care at an award ceremony hosted by the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency (PHA). The Derrytrasna Pastoral Care award was created by the Department of Education in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) in 2014. It seeks to recognise through nominations, those school communities that have demonstrated exceptional effort in supporting the pastoral care of pupils and their families. Education Minister Paul Givan said: “Young people today are facing many

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and carers to use the ban on single use vapes as an opportunity to reduce vaping among young people. Recent research by the PHA found that 46% of year 14 school pupils surveyed currently vape, despite it being illegal to sell or supply vapes to under-18s. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “The accessibility and low price of single use vapes have played a part in increasing their availability and shareability among young people, so the ban on these types of devices is an opportunity to address the