PHA emphasises need for girls to get the HPV vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged parents of girls who are eligible to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to make sure that they get it to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. The call comes as figures show a reduction in the levels of uptake of the vaccine here. The HPV vaccine helps protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. It is offered to girls in year 9 and 10 through a school-based programme and provides the best protection against the disease.

Be a ‘Proud Quitter’ on No Smoking Day 2018

This No Smoking Day, Wednesday 14 March, thousands of smokers across Northern Ireland are being urged to stub out their cigarettes and become ‘Proud Quitters’. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has teamed up with voluntary sector organisations, pharmacy, community and HSC Trust stop smoking service providers, and the local No Smoking Day Coordinating Committee to urge smokers to quit on 14 March by seeking the help of their local stop smoking service.

RISE: Working and learning together

This leaflet provides information on RISE NI (Regional Integrated Support for Education NI), which supports children in schools by working closely with parents and school staff to help children develop the foundation skills for learning.

No Smoking Day 2018

These posters have been distributed to support No Smoking Day 2018.

 

 

Evaluation of the SD1 and CRP processes in Northern Ireland as a response to suspected suicide

In April 2012, processes were introduced in Northern Ireland to closely monitor and respond to sudden deaths when possible suicide is suspected. Following these deaths, PSNI officers collect information on a Sudden Death form (SD1) which is passed to Health and Social Care Trusts and the Public Health Agency for the purpose ensuring timely support is provided to individuals and communities. Following a possible death by suicide, there is an increased risk that vulnerable individuals may copy the behaviour, this is known as contagion.

Stakeholder engagement events on the future Protect Life service announced

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is set to hold a number of stakeholder engagement events in the coming weeks throughout Northern Ireland. These will inform the future procurement of services to implement the pending ‘Protect Life 2’ suicide prevention strategy. Séamus Mullen, Regional Lead for Mental and Emotional Wellbeing at the PHA, said: “It is really important that people have their say and we would encourage as many as possible to register and come along to the planned workshops in their area.

Active fun for everyone: improving activity in children and young people with physical disabilities

This leaflet aims to encourage children and young people with physical disabilities to be more active. It explains why physical activity is important, highlights the recommended amount of activity, and offers ideas for getting more active. It also considers the factors that make it more difficult for young people with disabilities to be active and provides suggestions for adapting activities to make them accessible.

Helping you take control of your life: low threshold services

This leaflet explains how low threshold services can support people whose alcohol or drug use is causing them problems. It outlines what low threshold services are, who can access them, what support they can offer and how to contact them.

PHA encourages help-seeking on Self-Harm Awareness Day

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Self-Harm Awareness Day (1 March) as an opportunity to encourage those who are affected by self-harm to seek help. Self-harm occurs when a person harms themselves while in a state of severe emotional distress. It can take many different forms. Dr Denise O’Hagan, Public Health Consultant with the PHA, said: “Self-Harm Awareness Day is an opportunity to encourage people who self-harm and those close to them to seek help, and also to let people know that help is available.
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