support

This leaflet explains how low threshold services can support people whose alcohol or drug use is causing them problems. It outlines what low threshold services are, who can access them, what support they can offer and how to contact them.

This leaflet contains information on what you can say and do to help someone who may be thinking of suicide.

It highlights the warning signs, explains the feelings a suicidal person can have and provides a step-by-step guide to having a conversation and helping someone you’re worried about.

It also lists a number of support services for people having suicidal thoughts. 

This leaflet outlines the health and financial benefits of stopping smoking. It provides key facts on the health dangers associated with smoking, information on second-hand smoke, information on the dangers of smoking to babies, and contact details for help and support available. It also lists the various forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and non-nicotine medications available.

This poster highlights some of the main health and financial benefits of stopping smoking. An associated A5 leaflet goes into detail on these areas.

If you're concerned about your own or someone else's drinking, speak to your GP, who may refer you to a specialist agency.

There are a range of services available across Northern Ireland that provide advice and support.

For a list of services operating in your local area click here. 

The posters highlight some signs and symptoms that indicate that something is having a negative effect on your mental health and promote the website www.mindingyourhead.info  as a source of help for anyone finding it difficult coping with their feelings.

In November 2010, the Public Health Agency commissioned Social Market Research (www.socialmarketresearch.co.uk) to undertake a formative evaluation of the pilot 'One Stop Shop' (OSS) Programme. This report presents the outcomes from this evaluation as well as recommendations to support the further development of the programme beyond the pilot period.

The Steps to deal with stress booklet provides tips and practical advice on coping with stress in your life and covers recognising stress, getting ready, coping better, learning from bad experiences and taking action now. Simple steps such as relaxation exercises and talking to someone can help you feel better and put you in a better frame of mind for dealing with your problems.

Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in the Public Health Agency, established the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Working Group in early 2010 to undertake a scoping exercise of drugs and alcohol services in Belfast, and to produce a report outlining their findings and making some recommendations as to how services could be better promoted, targeted, co-ordinated and ultimately improved. 

Your views matter – if you have heart failure, or are close to someone who does, please complete our survey by 31st March 2012 (link below).

Heart failure is a common condition affecting at least 20,000 people in Northern Ireland. The aim of this survey is to find out how to increase the confidence of people living with heart failure so they have a better quality of life, and can work in partnership with health care professionals and support services in managing their condition. The findings of this survey will be used to help improve services.

The Alcohol MOT is designed to support those working in primary care to carry out alcohol brief interventions. There is extensive evidence to show that primary care-based brief interventions are very effective at reducing drinking at both hazardous and harmful levels. The MOT enables patients to work out if they are drinking at hazardous or harmful levels, and is designed so that a practitioner can work through it with a patient, or a patient can work through them alone.