The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to young people who are receiving exam results about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs. Thousands of teenagers are set to receive their A-level or GCSE results over the next week and often following these occasions we can see excessive drinking or drug taking, so it is important that everyone is aware of the risks, even those who have chosen to drink alcohol or take drugs previously. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Parents can make the first move and talk

With high temperatures forecast for the coming days the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to protect themselves from the sun and to look out for older and more vulnerable people. Although there is no current weather warning for Northern Ireland, like there is in other parts of the UK and Ireland, it is still important to remember that as temperatures creep up, some people can be more susceptible to the heat, and all of us need to protect ourselves from the strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “With hot weather

Community and voluntary groups are being encouraged by Public Health Agency (PHA) to apply for this year’s Elevate Mentoring and Grants Programme which opened for applications on Monday 1 August. The PHA has commissioned the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) to develop and deliver the Elevate support programme for the community, voluntary and public sectors. Elevate provides opportunities for developing skills, knowledge and an awareness of how community development expertise can be used as a way of tackling health inequalities. Diane McIntyre, Health and Wellbeing Improvement

Monday 1 August marked the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week and this year’s theme ‘Educate and Support’ aims to encourage everyone to support breastfeeding mothers, babies, and their families by creating breastfeeding-friendly environments. Dr Hannah Dearie, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer with PHA, said: “Showing increased support for breastfeeding mums is really important, as rates of breastfeeding in Northern Ireland lag behind other countries. “New Mums often need information and support to start breastfeeding in the first few days after birth and to continue

With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness, this year’s theme for World Hepatitis Day is ‘I can’t wait’. In Northern Ireland the Public Health Agency (PHA) has been working with health and social care trusts to achieve the World Health Organization goal of eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030. This year’s theme will focus on making people aware of the risks of contracting the viruses and encouraging anyone who thinks they may be at risk of having contracted hepatitis to get tested and seek treatment. Prof Diarmuid O'Donovan, Honorary Consultant in Health Protection

Ahead of Belfast Pride on 30 July, the Public Health Agency is reminding those celebrating at the festival what they should look out for with monkeypox. Dr Jillian Johnston, Interim Assistant Director in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks. “Before attending any group events including bars, clubs and outside events , check yourself

Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. The Start360 Youth Engagement Service (YES) is funded by the Public Health Agency and provides a physical hub where young people have opportunities to socialise in an alcohol and drug-free environment and avail of information, advice and support on a range of issues for example on sexual health and mental health and wellbeing. During his visit Minister Swann met with young people as they took part in

The Health Minister has highlighted the importance of cancer screening following a visit to a Mobile Breast Screening Unit at Dromalane House in Newry. During the visit Minister Swann was able to see how the mobile unit operated and speak to staff and women using the service. Speaking afterwards, the Minister said: “Cancer unfortunately impacts on most of us at some point in our lives. Therefore it’s vital that people attend screenings when they are invited to do so. “Breast Screening Units like this one are crucially important to local communities and make screening very accessible. I urge