Volunteering: Benefits, challenges and opportunities
A reflection on volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic from Denise Hayward, CEO, Volunteer Now, and Maurice Meehan, PHA.
Accident prevention in the spotlight during Child Safety Week
Accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. During Child Safety Week (1- 7 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of accidents that can happen in the home and providing helpful tips to prevent them from occurring. In Northern Ireland in a typical week, two people die as a result of home accidents. In addition to these deaths, there are approximately 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of unintentional injuries. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: "More
Contact tracing – is the use of technology a help or a hindrance?
Brendan Bonner, PHA, considers COVID-19 contact tracing.
World No Tobacco Day: Quit smoking to improve your health
With World No Tobacco Day approaching (31 May) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to consider quitting smoking to improve their health. “Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself, with benefits for your health, your appearance and your finances,” said Brendan Bonner, Assistant Director of Public Health, (Health Improvement) with the PHA. “Now more than ever we know that looking after your health is critical to your wellbeing and ability to fight off infections. Stopping smoking will have a positive impact on your health. For example in the context of
Reflections on community responses to COVID-19
Paul Braithwaite, Community Foundation, and Maurice Meehan, Public Health Agency and Building Change Trust Director on how might we ‘Build Back Better’ in Northern Ireland.
COVID-19 and the wider determinants of wellbeing
Brendan Bonner, Assistant Director at the Public Health Agency, explores the determinants of wellbeing and the protective role they can play against the virus and its effects on communities.
Kindness and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic
Geraldine Hamilton, HSCB, and Fiona Teague, PHA discuss the important role of kindness and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHA publishes first monthly coronavirus bulletin
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has developed a new report examining key trends and characteristics of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Northern Ireland to help build a longer-term understanding of the virus and its impact. The report will be published on a monthly basis as we move through the pandemic. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA said: “Throughout this pandemic there has been an understandable focus on statistics and percentages, and I have always been determined to ensure that there is the maximum possible transparency. The data helps us to track and understand the virus and its impact both on