Young mum opens up about her breastfeeding journey

Ellie Hynds from Dromore, Co Down has opened up about her breastfeeding journey with her baby Arielle and has teamed up with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to help encourage other young mothers to reach out for support if they need it. Ellie found out she was pregnant when she was 15-years-old. She said: “That was a shock to the system and I didn’t know about any of the services available for me at all, which was very scary. “It was really helpful when I found out about the Family Nurse Partnership. I was paired up with a lovely woman called Olivia and she supported me all throughout my

Being Open Framework - public engagement information session

We would like to invite you to a public information session facilitated by the Public Health Agency on the Department of Health’s draft Being Open Framework document which is currently out for public consultation. We want your feedback and to address any queries you might have with the Framework document. Please register your interest below. Please note: It is important that you review the draft document in advance of the session. The draft document and online consultation can be accessed here. Session details: The 90 minute online session will take place via Zoom on Thursday, 13 March from 10

Mental health survey 2023-24 findings

A large-scale representative sample of the Northern Ireland general population completed the 2024/25 Mental Health Survey, providing important insights into their attitudes and behaviours relating to mental health and suicide. Findings are presented in four reports covering issues of: preventing mental ill health, mental health related stigma, training and intervening when someone is in crisis and help-seeking. The findings are published in four papers available below: Report 1 Preventing mental ill health MH Survey 2023.24 Report 2 Stigma MH Survey 2023.24 Report 3 Preparedness to intervene

Campaign urges people to talk about their true feelings

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of having conversations about our true feelings in a campaign that shows people that ‘Talking really helps’. The campaign aims to encourage anyone with feelings of anxiety or distress, or who is in crisis, to start the conversation about their thoughts and feelings. The ‘Talking really helps’ campaign shows people putting on a brave face when talking to others but then reveals their true feelings when they are on their own and that they are not fine or they are struggling to cope. The messages then show how through speaking to

Remember to stay sun safe on your winter break

Sunscreen is one holiday essential that often gets left behind when people pack for a winter holiday, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding people not to forget their sunscreen when packing for their winter getaway. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Whether you are heading to the ski slopes or jetting off for some winter sun, it is important to stay safe in the sun during your break. It’s easy to associate winter with frostbite and windburn, but UV rays can be every bit as damaging for winter sun seekers. It is

Sexual Health Week: Let’s talk about sex!

The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (10-16 February) is having open conversations and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to do just that. Good sexual health is about having safe, positive and respectful experiences and relationships throughout life. To do this, we all need to be able to have open, age appropriate conversations. Talking about sex and sexual wellbeing can help establish healthy relationships due to the confidence that comes from being informed. Speaking about issues such as consent, choice and respect, health and wellbeing can help people

World Cancer Day: be aware of the signs and symptoms

This World Cancer Day on Tuesday 4 February, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take notice of their bodies and contact their GP if they feel something isn’t right. Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Everyone knows what feels ‘normal’ for them and it’s important to be aware of any changes in your body, but there are some common changes and symptoms to look out for and act on. Being aware of the general signs and symptoms of cancer can help in early detection and increase your chance of survival. “Cancer is a common condition. It is

Pharmacies encourage everyone to look after your mental health

Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are providing advice and support to help people look after their mental health in a new campaign. Running throughout February and March, the “Look after your mental health” campaign is part of the Living Well initiative, a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI) and the Department of Health (DoH), providing public health advice in over 500 pharmacies. The campaign highlights the importance of small daily actions to benefit your mental health and wellbeing, being aware of any signs of problems, and using self

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  • The HPSA report provides an overview of selected surveillance metrics in the form of a situational awareness summary. Horizon scanning provides information on emerging situations that can impact public health including local, national and global events.

  • COVID-19 genomics weekly report. This report describes and monitors the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) variants in Northern Ireland.

  • The PHA has integrated influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 reporting into a weekly report to provide a single overview of the epidemiology of these infections in Northern Ireland, along with the number of respiratory care home outbreaks, hospital admissions and occupancy, and deaths.

Look after your mental health

This leaflet highlights the importance of looking after your mental health and being aware of any signs of problems with it.

This leaflet highlights the importance of looking after your mental health and being aware of any signs of problems with it. 

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