The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking Global Intergenerational Week (GIW) by celebrating the vital role that connections between generations play in improving health, wellbeing and community resilience across Northern Ireland. Taking place from 24 to 30 April 2026, GIW connects 14 country leads for a global campaign bringing together individuals, community groups, organisations and governments to champion intergenerational practice and highlight the value of creating opportunities for younger and older people to connect, share experiences and learn from one another. Dianne McIntyre
World Immunisation Week – David’s story
The mum of a toddler who tragically died of meningitis is urging parents to get their children vaccinated against the strain which he contracted. Maureen Ellson from Dundonald is supporting the Public Health Agency (PHA) call this World Immunisation Week (24-30 April) for people to be aware of the importance of vaccination in fighting deadly diseases and for all those who are eligible for vaccination to take up the offer. Maureen, who is an Ambassador for Meningitis Research Foundation, was mum to David, who passed away at the age of two. She said: “My son David died from meningococcal
Spring COVID-19 vaccination arrangements announced
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that the 2026 COVID-19 spring vaccination programme will get under way from Monday 20 April, giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months. This year’s spring vaccine will be offered to: adults aged 75 years old or over; residents in a care home for older adults; individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a. Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at
Hospitality Ulster supports ‘Talking Really Helps’ mental health campaign
Hospitality Ulster is proud to announce its support for the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign, an initiative designed to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline – Northern Ireland’s 24/7 crisis response helpline. As part of the partnership, Hospitality Ulster is distributing packs to hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland containing posters, tent cards for tables and vinyl window and mirror stickers signposting staff and customers to Lifeline. The ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign encourages anyone experiencing anxiety, distress, or
Pharmacy campaign urges people to ‘Be UV aware’
A new campaign focusing on encouraging sun safe behaviours and raising awareness of the health impacts of over-exposure to UV radiation has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. ‘Care in the Sun’ is running throughout April and May as part of the Living Well service. Living Well is offered in 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership by the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH). Frances Dowds, Health Improvement Manager at the