The Public Health Agency (PHA) is targeting £100,000 to support the improvement of mental health and wellbeing across the Northern area. Four community networks have received the funding which will enable them to award community based ‘micro’ small grants in their respective areas. Madeline Heaney, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (Northern area), PHA, explained: “The PHA has a lead role in implementing the regional mental health promotion and suicide prevention strategies, in partnership with the community and voluntary sector and others.

Uptake rates for MMR vaccine in Northern Ireland have reached an all-time high.Statistics have shown that uptake for the vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is 95.3% at two years of age. This exceeds the World Health Organization’s target for MMR vaccination is 95%.

To meet the need for skilled researchers within Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland, the HSC Research and Development (HSC R&D) Division at the Public Health Agency (PHA) has awarded three research fellowships. These awards will help to improve the care and treatment of people in Northern Ireland, advancing our knowledge about illness, how the human body and mind work, and how we can better prevent and treat disease.

The gold medal standard of Northern Ireland’s Paralympians can act as inspiration for everyone here to get active, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said.

Northern Ireland sportspeople are set to compete for gold at the Westfield Health British Transplant Games, taking place in Medway, England from Thursday 23 August, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) has extended its best wishes to the Belfast team. Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency and Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Organ Donation, said: “Tomorrow the Northern Ireland transplant athletes will begin to defend the titles they won at last years British Transplant Games held in Belfast.”

The Belfast Strategic Partnership’s ‘Have your say Belfast’ survey, which seeks the views of Belfast residents on their own emotional health and wellbeing and that of their family and communities, has been extended until 21 September 2012. There will also be public information events across Belfast to encourage local communities to get involved in the survey.

The Bank Holiday is a great time to get together with friends and family especially if the weather is good and music or festivals beckon. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people to watch their alcohol intake while relaxing and enjoying the long weekend.

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) stroke campaign was launched just over a year ago and 12 months on, Berkley Farr is proof that it has worked. The PHA launched the FAST campaign to increase awareness of stroke symptoms in order to help save lives. Research had shown that awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke, and what action to take, was low among the general population.