Stop smoking in Stoptober!

During Stoptober the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all smokers in Northern Ireland to use this time as an opportunity to quit for good by availing of one of the free stop smoking services that are available here. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health. While we know that stopping smoking isn’t easy the good news is that help is at hand.

Icelandic expert shares experience of tackling youth substance misuse

Teenage smoking, drinking and drug use has radically reduced in Iceland over the past 20 years, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the South Eastern Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team (DACT) Connections Service* are hosting a seminar tomorrow [Wednesday 27 September] to review the Icelandic Prevention Model on tackling drug and alcohol misuse in young people to see how it, or elements of it, could potentially be rolled out here.

Flu season is coming – help protect your family

The seasonal flu vaccination programme for 2017/18 is getting under way, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to ‘Stay Well This Winter’ by ensuring that all eligible family members get the free flu vaccine when offered it. The vaccine changes each year to cover the strains which are likely to be prevalent over the course of the flu season, so it is important to get immunised annually.

Take the stairs toolkit

Physical activity is a public health priority, but it's hard to fit it into a busy working day. Taking the stairs is a simple, easy an effective way to incorporate physical activity into your working day and is associated with many health benefits.

The PHA's Staff Health and Wellbeing Working Group developed a multicomponent intervention package, including Point of Decision (POD) prompts and signposting with 'footprints', to encourage its staff to use the stairs rather than the lift. Evaluation found stair use increased by 82% after the intervention.

Change in PHA advertising grant funding/procured services

From 1 October 2017, the PHA will no longer advertise funding opportunities in regional or local newspapers. From this date, the PHA will advertise social care tender opportunities and grant funding awards on its website www.publichealth.hscni.net. Above threshold tenders (above £589,147) will also be advertised directly on the procurement web portal eTendersNI. Accessing Application Documentation

£500,000 for physical activity programmes

More than £500,000 is being provided to community organisations in Belfast to promote physical activity and get more people moving across the city. The Belfast Strategic Partnership, made up of the Public Health Agency (PHA), Belfast City Council (BCC) and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), is providing £519,500 funding through its Get Active Belfast scheme for programmes which range from activities for people with health conditions and getting families active, to community gyms, youth programmes and getting active with Ulster Rugby.

National Eye Health Week – your vision matters

During National Eye Health Week (18 – 24 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone to have their eyes tested every two years and to be aware of the importance of good eye health and the steps to take to protect your vision. Dr Jackie McCall, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Over 50% of sight loss is preventable, so ensuring that we all have regular eye examinations will help prevent, or limit, the damage caused by certain eye conditions.

Students urged to look after their mental health

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.
Subscribe to