The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) stroke campaign was launched just over a year ago and 12 months on, Berkley Farr is proof that it has worked. The PHA launched the FAST campaign to increase awareness of stroke symptoms in order to help save lives. Research had shown that awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke, and what action to take, was low among the general population.

August is the month for music festivals, with Sunflowerfest, Electric Picnic and the Leeds and Reading festivals all taking place, providing the perfect opportunity for campers. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding festival goers of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from leaving lit or smouldering barbecues inside tents or caravans.

Fit and Well – Changing Lives is the proposed new 10-year public health framework. It is designed to be strategic and to provide direction for policies and actions to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland. Like its predecessor Investing for Health this proposed new strategic framework will require partnership working across government, the statutory and community and voluntary sectors.

As the long awaited exam results time approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of parents’ and families’ support for their children’s emotional wellbeing during this potentially stressful time.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will be helping to launch Foyle Pride 2012 celebrations tonight (10 August) in Cafe Solo, Guildhall Square, where a new comic art book, challenging homophobia, and the ‘silk flags’ project will be unveiled. Speaking at the launch, Brendan Bonner, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement (West), PHA, said: “We are delighted to be part of Foyle Pride 2012 as part of our commitment to an inclusive and respectful society.

In Northern Ireland we are not used to hot summers, but even on cloudy days the sun can still burn. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people this summer to take care in the sun, with skin cancer now the most prevalent form of cancer here. When out for the day, whether taking in the Olympics on an outdoor screen or doing the gardening, it is easy to forget to be sun aware, especially with Northern Ireland’s changeable weather. During the summer months the sun is at its strongest and even on cloudy days it can still cause damage.

The beginning of the summer has been a wash out, but hopefully with a more positive forecast on the horizon it will soon be barbecue time again. So whether you’re the type of person who braves the rain to enjoy a barbecue or prefer to wait for better weather, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding fans of cooking al fresco about barbecue food safety. When relaxing with friends and family around the barbecue it is easy to forget about food safety, but just because it is outside the kitchen does not mean that good hand hygiene and food safety advice do not apply.

A team of mums across Northern Ireland who have previously breastfed their own babies are now helping other mothers to do the same. These volunteer ‘peer supporters’ receive training, and can then help and support mums in their own communities.

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Health and Social Care Board and Guidelines and Audit Implementation Network (GAIN) want to hear about your experiences of using mental health services in the last three years, across Northern Ireland. You can do this by completing the ‘Your Story Can Change Lives’ questionnaire either online at: http://eu.sensemaker-suite.com/gain/index.html or on paper, from GAIN on (028) 9052 0629.