There is an urgent need for equality and improvement of clinical care for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland, delegates at a conference have heard. The ‘Dying for Change’ conference, organised by the Public Health Agency (PHA), brought together policymakers, academics and professionals from across health and social care to focus on what needs to be urgently improved in the care of people with a learning disability. There are approximately 40,000 people with a learning disability living in Northern Ireland. Research shows that, on average, men with a learning disability die

Ahead of World Obesity Day [Tuesday 4 March] the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of a healthy balanced diet and how increasing our fibre intake can have many benefits for our overall health, including helping us maintain a healthy weight. Dr Hannah McCourt, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Most of us need to eat more fibre. Eating plenty of fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. It can also reduce inflammation in your gut and enhance immunity. “Choosing foods higher in fibre

Ahead of International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day [Tuesday 4 March], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of both vaccination and cervical screening to help drive down rates of HPV-related cancers. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV. The HPV vaccine helps to prevent HPV-related cancers from developing in young people. It is a one dose programme which is offered to pupils in year 9 and given as an injection in the upper arm, the same way as many other vaccines. In Northern

This Self-Harm Awareness Day [Saturday 1 March], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people who are affected by self-harm, including families and carers, to reach out for help and support. Raising awareness and encouraging people to start the conversation can help remove the stigma associated with self-harm and educate people on how to spot the signs, and importantly what next steps to take. Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves intentionally as a way of coping with difficult feelings, painful memories, or overwhelming experiences and situations. Most people who self-harm do not

As spring approaches and lambing season gets under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women of the potential risks associated with close contact with sheep during this time. The PHA advises women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant to take precautions to reduce the risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep, particularly during lambing season, which typically runs until the end of April. Dr Patrick McAleavey Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “While the number of reported infections and human miscarriages resulting

No Smoking Month is fast approaching, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are encouraging smokers to ‘Make March Your Month to Quit’. Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death in Northern Ireland, responsible for approximately 35,000 hospital admissions and 2,200 deaths each year. However, lots of free support is available to help you quit. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “March is No Smoking Month and a fantastic opportunity to make the commitment to stop smoking and improve your health

Ellie Hynds from Dromore, Co Down has opened up about her breastfeeding journey with her baby Arielle and has teamed up with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to help encourage other young mothers to reach out for support if they need it. Ellie found out she was pregnant when she was 15-years-old. She said: “That was a shock to the system and I didn’t know about any of the services available for me at all, which was very scary. “It was really helpful when I found out about the Family Nurse Partnership. I was paired up with a lovely woman called Olivia and she supported me all throughout my

We would like to invite you to a public information session facilitated by the Public Health Agency on the Department of Health’s draft Being Open Framework document which is currently out for public consultation. We want your feedback and to address any queries you might have with the Framework document. Please register your interest below. Please note: It is important that you review the draft document in advance of the session. The draft document and online consultation can be accessed here. Session details: The 90 minute online session will take place via Zoom on Thursday, 13 March from 10

A large-scale representative sample of the Northern Ireland general population completed the 2024/25 Mental Health Survey, providing important insights into their attitudes and behaviours relating to mental health and suicide. Findings are presented in four reports covering issues of: preventing mental ill health, mental health related stigma, training and intervening when someone is in crisis and help-seeking. The findings are published in four papers available below: Report 1 Preventing mental ill health MH Survey 2023.24 Report 2 Stigma MH Survey 2023.24 Report 3 Preparedness to intervene

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of having conversations about our true feelings in a campaign that shows people that ‘Talking really helps’. The campaign aims to encourage anyone with feelings of anxiety or distress, or who is in crisis, to start the conversation about their thoughts and feelings. The ‘Talking really helps’ campaign shows people putting on a brave face when talking to others but then reveals their true feelings when they are on their own and that they are not fine or they are struggling to cope. The messages then show how through speaking to