Health Minister Edwin Poots has called together key figures in tackling suicide and reaffirmed his commitment to tackling rising rates in Northern Ireland. The Minister requested the workshop in Belfast, which brought together key people from the community and voluntary sectors to consider what further action could be taken to help tackle rising levels of suicide and self-harm in local communities. The workshop was organised by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

A new Scoping report on drugs and alcohol services in Belfast, produced by the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Working Group (BDAWG) for the Public Health Agency (PHA) has recommended that a Belfast-focused approach is adopted to tackling drug and alcohol misuse in the city.

Rabies is a preventable disease, but it kills up to 55,000 people each year. Therefore on World Rabies Day, 28 September 2011, the Public Health Agency (PHA) wants to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of seeking medical advice on whether the country or countries people are visiting require vaccination against this serious disease.

Despite over 500,000 people signing up throughout Northern Ireland to the NHS Organ Donor Register, there are still not enough organs available for transplant. With this in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) will be hosting a stand at Queen’s University Freshers’ Fair on 28 September to increase awareness of this important issue and to help improve rates of organ donation in Northern Ireland.

On World Heart Day, 29 September 2011, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging all smokers to stop smoking and reduce their risk of developing heart disease (cardiovascular disease – CVD) or suffering a stroke or a heart attack. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and illness in the UK. Research shows that smoking is one of the main contributors of the disease, causing around 25,000 deaths a year in the UK.

As ‘fresher’s week’ commences, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging students across Northern Ireland to avoid binge drinking and to know their limits if they do choose to drink alcohol.

Community and voluntary sector organisations in the Southern area are invited to apply for Public Health Agency (PHA)/Investing for Health small grants to improve health and social wellbeing and reduce inequalities in health. The closing date for the scheme is 7 October 2011. Two small grants are available. The first, up to £1,000, is for work in:

More than three quarters of 9–11 year olds (76%) in Northern Ireland don’t take part in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity they need each day, therefore the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched the next phase of its physical activity campaign ‘It all adds up!’ to encourage children to become more active and understand the importance of keeping fit, in a fun and exciting way.