Many people will be getting ready to mark the Twelfth of July and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone choosing to use alcohol throughout the celebrations to keep an eye on their drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it. Whether it is drinking at home, at a party, at an eleventh night bonfire, or at a parade, everyone is being reminded that alcohol carries serious risks both to safety and to health. Kevin Bailey, the PHA’s Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol said: “We understand that the Twelfth is a time to relax and let off some steam but we’d encourage people to do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to use alcohol or drugs at summer festivals or concerts that there can be serious risks. All drugs, whether it is alcohol, illegal substances or prescription medication, carry risks and the danger increases greatly when you mix drugs, including alcohol. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “We understand that some people choose to use alcohol and drugs as part of their festival or music event experience, but we need to remember that any drug or medicine has the potential to cause harm. The PHA strongly

Community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to apply for a short-term funding programme that focuses on improving mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) scheme opens to applications today and aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities. The funding programme will also support a range of strategic themes and priorities under the ‘Making Life Better’ public health framework, in particular mental health, emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and self-harm. Fiona Teague, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at PHA, said:

This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19-25 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of attending cervical screening tests when invited. Between 2016 and 2020 in Northern Ireland, there was an average of 81 people diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and around 21 deaths annually. Dr Tracy Owen, from the Public Health Agency said: “Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented thanks to screening, so it is really important to attend for cervical screening when invited. It could save your life.” The screening test (often known as a ‘smear test

This Alcohol Awareness Week (19-25 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the support services that are available for individuals who misuse alcohol. Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week is a collaboration between the PHA and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) and this week’s theme is ‘Who cares? We care’. With more than 170 alcohol and drugs support services listed on www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info available in communities across Northern Ireland, people who misuse alcohol are being encouraged to reach out and seek help. Kevin Bailey, the PHA’s