The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity of the new academic year to raise awareness about student mental health and the support that is available. This month sees thousands of students heading off to university or college and although this it is an exciting time, it can also be a period of huge change. Fiona Teague, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said that for many, starting a new course will mean living away from home for the first time.

Advance Care Planning is a process through which individuals can plan ahead and make choices about their future. It is for anyone who wishes to plan ahead, whether they have a serious illness or not, and will be the focus for an event being held tomorrow [Wednesday 13 September] at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

Parents and guardians of teenage girls are being reminded of the importance of girls receiving the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide but the HPV vaccine can help protect against it, reducing the risk of getting cervical cancer by over 70% The vaccine is offered to girls in year 9, with a chance to catch up on any missed doses in year 10. Letters are being sent to parents and guardians of girls who are eligible, with information on how they can receive it this school term.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to use World Suicide Prevention Day as an opportunity to ‘have a chat’ with someone they are concerned about. World Suicide Prevention Day is held annually on 10 September and the theme this year is ‘Take a minute, change a life.’