Over 100 delegates from the community and voluntary sectors learned about the services and support available to tackle drug and alcohol issues in the Northern area following a key drug and alcohol networking event, funded by the Public Health Agency. Twenty-five organisations highlighted and promoted their work and services, available within the Northern area, to reduce drug and alcohol related harm at the recent event which was hosted by the Voluntary Community Sector Network (VCSN), a network subgroup the Northern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (NDACT).

The Public Health Agency (PHA) recently issued over £89,000 in small grants to community and voluntary organisations in the Northern area to tackle drug and alcohol issues. The funding will be used to help local people make healthier choices; to support a range of services and to tackle the effect of parental substance misuse on families and children, referred to as ‘hidden harm’.

As we face a difficult economic climate, in which inequalities may worsen, the PHA faces many challenges in its efforts to improve the health of the population. One such challenge is the issue of obesity. Recently, in the Draft Programme for Government and, again today, in anticipation of the publication of the Consultation on the Review of Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland, the specific issue of obesity has been highlighted in the media.

As part of International Suicide Survivors Day (19 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Foyle Film Festival are inviting anyone bereaved or affected by suicide to a panel discussion, for advice and support, at 7:15pm, 24 November, in the Nerve Centre, Magazine Street, Derry. An audience discussion will follow the screening of the ‘International Survivors of Suicide Day’ film, one of 250 showings throughout the world, on six continents, to mark International Suicide Survivors Day.

The 17th annual Regional Sexual Health Conference held last week attracted delegates from across Northern Ireland. Funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, this conference will help to improve Children and Young People’s Sexual Health.

Recent health figures show that 20% of adults surveyed admitted to drinking over the weekly alcohol limits (1) so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using Alcohol Awareness Week (14-20th November) to reinforce the importance of drinking sensibly and staying within safe alcohol limits.

To mark the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (21- 25th November 2011), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising people to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances - such as boilers, heaters and cookers - checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the winter sets in, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. CO alarms are also recommended for every home, however, they should not be used as a substitute for regular servicing of appliances.

On European Antibiotics Awareness Day (18 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board are reinforcing the message that antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu and therefore are of no benefit in treating viral infections. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. The correct diagnosis and the decision about whether antibiotics are necessary can only be made by a medical doctor. Remember: Antibiotics won’t work in the case of cold or flu. Patients should: