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.

Sun Awareness Week – don’t sizzle in the sun this summer

During Sun Awareness Week (9 to 15 May 2016) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people that the only thing that should be sizzling this summer is the food on their barbecue as they urge people to take care in the sun. The unpredictability of our summers can lead to many people thinking they will not get sunburn in such a changeable climate. However, the majority of the population have fair skin, which provides little protection against the sun, so even a small amount of exposure can do damage.

Best foot forward for Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to put on your walking shoes and make walking part of your daily routine. There are many health benefits of walking. Adding a brisk pace to your step can help you feel good, reduce anxiety, help manage your weight, reduce blood pressure and help you sleep better.

Odyssey helps with journey of parenting your teen

A programme offering support to parents of young people aged 11-18 which aims to improve communication within the home will get under way next month in Belfast and the North-West. The successful Odyssey ‘Parenting Your Teen’ programme will run in Belfast from 5 May, and from 12 May in Derry/Londonderry. It is delivered by Parenting NI and funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA). The eight-week parenting course covers issues such as setting boundaries, dealing with conflict, problem solving, self-confidence and teen development.

Opportunity to take part in new mental health awareness programme

The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with Action Mental Health (AMH), is encouraging participation in a new programme which focuses on raising awareness of mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Mindset is a mental and emotional health and wellbeing awareness programme open to groups of both young people aged 14-17 years old and adults.
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