With young people set to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents and guardians to talk to them now about risks of drinking alcohol and taking drugs. Thousands of teenagers will receive their A-level and GCSE results this week and next. Following these occasions, we can often see excessive drinking or drug taking, so it is important that everyone is aware of the risks, even those who have drunk alcohol or taken drugs previously. Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Substance Use at the PHA, said: “Parents and guardians can make the first move and talk

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging anyone choosing to drink alcohol during the Twelfth of July 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, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate over the bank holiday weekend. We are encouraging them to keep

This Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week (16–22 June), those who drink are being reminded that alcohol is a powerful drug and can have a serious impact on their health. A collaboration between the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland’s five Drug and Alcohol Connection Services, the theme of this year’s Northern Ireland Alcohol Awareness Week is ‘understanding alcohol harm’. The aim of the week is to ensure that everyone has a better understanding about alcohol harm and the associated health risks. Each of the connection services will be working across local communities to

A new campaign in community pharmacies is encouraging people to be more aware of how much alcohol they drink and the impact it could be having on their health. The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Know your units’ campaign will run in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland throughout June and July 2025 as part of the Living Well service. It aims to increase awareness of the drinking guidelines and the health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess of these guidelines. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA said: “The most recent statistics from 2023

As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone choosing to drink to be careful and keep an eye on their alcohol intake by making a plan, setting a limit and sticking to it. Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have adverse effects

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to stay safe and not take risks with alcohol and other drugs over the festive party season. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug, and any combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs or alcohol can be dangerous. The PHA strongly recommends that you do not take any drug unless it has been prescribed to you by a medical professional and in accordance with your prescription. Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “We know that some people

The Public Health Agency (PHA), Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership hosted an event on 6 November 2024 in the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry to present the research findings of a western substance use needs assessment. This research identified local needs within the Western HSC Trust area and regional recommendations to be considered by the Western Drug and Alcohol Partnership, as they continue to work collaboratively across the locality. The event hosted a number of presentations that highlighted some of the significant developments

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