A call has been issued for patients, families and carers to complete a major all-island survey of palliative care experiences. The 'Let’s Talk About' survey is the first of its kind across Ireland and continues until the end of May. A drive on responses to the survey is being sought as part of this week’s Dying Matters Awareness Week in Northern Ireland. The survey can be completed online at www.letstalk-about.org.

Around 200 people in Northern Ireland are on the transplant waiting list and sadly around 15 people die each year waiting for an organ. Despite support for organ donation being extremely high, more than two thirds of the population here are not on the organ donor register. To help tackle this issue, the Public Health Agency (PHA) will be hosting an awareness stand packed full of information on organ donation at this year’s Balmoral show from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 May.

The Public Health Agency is inviting applications from organisations for a grant of up to £185,000 for a two year period for the coordination and delivery of a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) Pilot Programme and to review and develop the programme throughout the life of the Pilot.

Northern Ireland Anti-Homophobia and Transphobia Week 2014 runs from 12 to 18 May and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting it by highlighting the need to raise awareness of the health inequalities experienced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) and the impact of homophobia and transphobia on the lives of individuals and families.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and partner organisations are hosting a scientific conference focusing on how public health innovations, research and practice meet the diverse needs of our population. The conference, taking place on Monday 16 June 2014, recognises that diversity is about individual as well as group differences, treating people as individuals, and placing positive value on diversity in the community and workforce.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 12 to 18 May, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to seek help for any mental health problems they may be experiencing. Almost one in five people in Northern Ireland show signs of a possible mental health problem. Anxiety, one of the leading causes of mental ill-health in the world, is the theme of this year’s awareness week.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today marking International Nurses’ Day by recognising the role nurses play in providing treatment, care and support to patients across health and social care settings. This comes as feedback to date provided through 10,000 Voices, the PHA’s ongoing initiative to enable patients, as well as their families and carers, to share their overall experience of health and social care, has demonstrated this with a large number of patients stating that their experience of nursing and midwifery care has been positive.

We only get one chance to have our dying wishes met, that’s why during Dying Matters Awareness Week (12 -18 May 2014) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement with those closest to them.

A stunning and innovative exhibition of contemporary artwork by older people is now on display in Altnagelvin Area Hospital. ‘In Full Bloom’ will showcase art by older people from throughout Northern Ireland who, over the last three months, have had the opportunity to explore and experiment with different art forms as part of the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Arts Care ‘Here and Now’ festival of arts and older people. The festival aimed to enhance the health and wellbeing of older people by supporting them to access and participate in high quality arts activity.