Meningitis is potentially a life-threatening disease, therefore during Meningitis Awareness Week (19–25 September 2011), the Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to raise awareness in the community and across all age ranges about the signs and symptoms of this serious disease. Teenagers and young adults (14–24 years old) are one of the most at-risk groups. As a result, all young people in this age group, particularly those just returning to universities, should be aware of the disease and should also watch out for the signs and symptoms in their friends.

The number of 999 calls about symptoms of a possible stroke has increased by 23% in Northern Ireland since the launch of the F.A.S.T campaign in June. The Public Health Agency launched the campaign to increase awareness of stroke symptoms in order to help save lives and to inform the public about F.A.S.T. – Face, Arm, Speech, and Time to call 999. Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – Is their speech slurred? Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

The Public Health Agency (Southern Office) is inviting applications from community/voluntary groups based and working within the five district Council areas of Armagh; Banbridge; Craigavon; Dungannon & South Tyrone and Newry & Mourne for two grants schemes. The aim of the Public Health Agency is to improve the health and social well being of the population and to reduce inequalities in health.

Community and voluntary sector organisations in the Northern area are invited to apply for Public Health Agency (PHA) small grants to tackle drug and alcohol misuse and improve outcomes for local people. The small grants scheme is open until 30 September 2011. Small grants, up to £10,000, are available for work that tackles drug and alcohol issues across the Northern area, including the impact of parental alcohol and drug misuse on children and young people, often referred to as ‘hidden harm’.

The Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), has welcomed “Cairde” in Strabane as its newest member.

The Hajj pilgrimage is the world’s largest annual religious gathering of its kind in the world. Each year over two million Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca. This year the Hajj is estimated to fall between 4 and 9 November. The Public Health Agency advises that all pilgrims aged two years and older are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis ACW135Y for the purposes of Hajj.

As World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone in distress or concerned about someone else to phone the Lifeline service on 0808 808 8000 for help and support. The service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lifeline is funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, through the PHA, as part of Protect Life – a shared vision, the suicide prevention strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Western Investing for Health (WIFH) Partnership, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), has welcomed Seagate Technology as its newest member.