PHA launches public consultation on Lifeline service

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching a 12-week public consultation on the future of the Lifeline crisis response service. The current Lifeline service is a free-to-call regional confidential telephone helpline for people who are in emotional crisis and are at risk of self-harm or suicide. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The current Lifeline service was commissioned in 2012 by the PHA as part of a range of measures to tackle suicide under the Protect Life suicide prevention strategy.

Pack a healthy lunch for the best start to school year

As the new school year approaches, parents are being encouraged to think about what they pack in their children’s lunchboxes and to choose a healthier option for the best start to the school year. The message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) for those preparing the packed lunch and snack for break is to steer clear of sugary drinks and snacks high in added sugar, fat and salt, and to remember that children only need kid-sized portions.

Public Health Agency - 006

Submitted by Lynda Kernohan on

Name of Contract: Community Based Psychological Intervention & Support Services for people who Self Harm including provision of Family/Carer Services

Total Annual Contract Value £719k

Contract Duration:  This contract will run for 2 years from 1 Sept 2015 - 31 August 2017 with a possible 3 x 12 month extensions until 31 August 2020

Belfast HSCT area - Community Wellbeing Alliance

Northern HSCT area - Zest

Southern HSCT area - NIAMH

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued further advice on e-cigarettes to help people make informed decisions.

Smoking tobacco is very harmful to health. The short and long term effects of smoking are well known and smoking remains the single biggest cause of early death in Northern Ireland. A typical smoker dies 10-15 years earlier than they would do if they didn’t smoke.

Exam celebrations – take time to talk to your young people

With thousands of young people due to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking and taking drugs. Many teenagers will go out with friends when they get exam results, whether they are celebrating or commiserating. Both scenarios can lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks.

Surveillance of Influenza in Northern Ireland 2014-2015

The 2014/15 influenza season was characterised by moderate levels of influenza activity.  Primary care consultation rates were higher than in 2013/14 for the majority of the season, although still low overall.  Activity seen in other surveillance was also higher than in 2013/14 year, and showed that the severity and impact of influenza was greater in 2014/15 and affected older age groups most frequently, with more reported respiratory outbreaks, patients with confirmed influenza admitted to Intensive Care Units/High Dependency Units and excess mortality in those over 65 years of a

Meningococcal B immunisation programme - factsheet for healthcare professionals

This professional factsheet explains about the Meningitis B vaccination that is offered to infants aged from two months.

 

This professional factsheet explains about the Meningitis B vaccination that is offered to infants aged from two months.

 


Baby friendly is best for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland hospitals are now the most baby friendly in the UK after three more were awarded the prestigious UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Award. The initiative works with public services to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships. Support for these relationships is important for all babies, not only those who are breastfed.
Subscribe to