With the end of term approaching and exams nearing completion, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to talk to their child about the risks associated with drinking alcohol. Thousands of students will complete their exams soon, so the PHA is advising parents to be aware of how their children plan to celebrate, stressing the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of sticking to the limits, for those who have reached the legal age to drink.

As part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) today [Tuesday 26 June] launched a new Breastfeeding Peer Support CD to train those who volunteer to help breastfeeding mums. As part of the event, which took place in Antrim, recently qualified volunteers will receive their certificates for completing the PHA regional breastfeeding peer support programme.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating a suspected case of meningococcal infection involving a child who attends St Patrick’s Primary school in Legamaddy, near Downpatrick. The PHA is working with the school to ensure all appropriate public health actions are taken. Letters and information leaflets about meningococcal infection are also being distributed to parents and staff at the school.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is investigating a confirmed case of meningococcal infection and a further probable case of infection involving children who attend Our Lady and St Patrick primary school in Downpatrick. The PHA is working with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) and the school to ensure all appropriate public health actions are taken.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is using National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (NBAW), which runs from 24 to 30 June to highlight that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mum and baby, and that by deciding to breastfeed you will be giving your child the best possible start in life. Indeed, any period of breastfeeding, however short, will benefit your baby.

The days may be on the turn now that the summer solstice has passed, but there’s still plenty of time to make use of the summer months to get out and get active, even if it is raining. That is the message from the Public Health Agency (PHA), which says that getting out and about and spending time with family and friends can help your mood.

Improving palliative care services for everyone living with advanced progressive illnesses in Northern Ireland was in the spotlight at a workshop today funded by the Public Health Agency. Representatives from primary and secondary care, out of hours, unscheduled care, specialist services and the ambulance service discussed how care can be improved for people with life-limiting diseases at the ‘Living Matters, Dying Matters: Where Matters – Transforming Palliative Care’ Workshop in Lisburn.

New research launched by the Resurgam Partnership (made up of the PHA, Resurgam Community Development Trust and Lisburn City Council) yesterday [20 June], found that 75% of those attending three post-primary schools in Lisburn leave school without five or more GCSEs, which include English and Maths, and very few go on to university or college.