The Public Health Agency (PHA), in partnership with Business in the Community and the Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Care (NICON) hosted a breakfast seminar at Belfast Castle this morning (14 December) attended by more than 30 leaders from the public, private and community and voluntary sectors. Those attending the ‘Workplace health – the next steps’ seminar considered how they can improve health and wellbeing and help tackle inequalities.

Some of Belfast’s most vulnerable people will receive clothes to help them keep warm during the cold weather following the provision of ‘Keep Warm’ packs from the Public Health Agency (PHA). The PHA Keep Warm packs, which contain a fleece top, thermal underwear, a hat, socks and gloves, are for children and adults, living in fuel poverty [1], who are at high risk of cold-related illnesses. Wearing warm clothes when out and about, and indoors if necessary, is vital to help protect against the effects of the cold.

Health Minister Edwin Poots today marked the roll-out of a ground-breaking hi-tech scheme which will enable more patients to monitor their health in their own homes. Following funding of £18m from the Department of Health, the newly named Centre for Connected Health and Social Care (CCHSC), part of the Public Health Agency (PHA), worked in partnership with business consortium TF3 to establish the innovative Telemonitoring NI service. The service is now being delivered by the TF3 consortium in partnership with the Health and Social Care Trusts.

This Christmas the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the value of another important gift –health. In particular, the Agency is highlighting the importance of physical activity. If children are to grow into healthy adults it is recommended that they take part in 60 minutes of exercise a day. Parents can help children reach this target by choosing fun gifts for Christmas that encourage physical activity and play.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) will be working in partnership with the City of Culture Company and Derry City Council to support the Derry/Londonderry City of Culture 2013 as a significant opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of residents from the city and surrounding areas. Explaining why the PHA is supporting this initiative, Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive, PHA, said: “The Public Health Agency was set up to promote good health and wellbeing within our population and to tackle the unjust health inequalities between the best and worst off in our society.

Members of the Traveller community and their support organisations joined the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board at an event in Dungannon to mark Traveller Focus Week (5 – 11 December) by sharing the progress made, and celebrating good practice in meeting the health and wellbeing needs of Travellers.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is joining with representatives from across health and social care, education, government, local authorities, academia and community and voluntary organisations to share learning and explore new opportunities in improving people’s health through partnerships working,