A project that distributes surplus food to charities and voluntary organisations is having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged groups. Council for the Homeless NI (CHNI) FareShare is directly tackling food poverty in Northern Ireland by collecting surplus food from industry and redistributing it to charities that are providing meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including low income families, senior citizens, people with a disability, victims of domestic violence, at-risk young people and homeless people.

Tuberculosis (TB) has increased in Northern Ireland in recent years. Ahead of World TB Day on 24 March, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has released the latest figures which show that in 2014 in Northern Ireland there were 97* cases of TB reported. This is a significant increase (31%) from the previous year when 74 cases were reported and highlights that TB remains an important global and local public health problem.

A year ago, Lisburn mum of three Amanda Portis was unemployed and facing some difficulties with her children. That was until she discovered an innovative parenting support programme to help her and her family. “My son, who is now seven years old, started having difficulties in school and I was worried about how this would affect him. He was then invited to join the ‘Dina School’ through the Incredible Years Programme in Largymore Primary School and I was offered a placement on the parenting programme,” Amanda said.

Many children and adults consume more salt than is recommended for good health. This year as part of Salt Awareness Week (16-22 March), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is drawing attention to the salt that is added to common foods by manufacturers and asking people to think about the amount of salt in children’s diets.