Tips on avoiding back-to-school germs

As the first week of the new school year gets under way, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness with parents about the importance of good hygiene – both in school and at home. “Schools can be a common breeding ground for germs and bugs so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs to others,” said Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA. Parents and schools can help reduce the spread of germs by encouraging kids to practise good personal hygiene by: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet

PHA encourages girls to get the HPV vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents to take up the offer of the HPV vaccine for their daughters aged 12-13. As the new school year gets under way, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which reduces the risk of cervical cancer, will again be routinely offered to girls in years 9 and 10 in schools across Northern Ireland. Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: “We urge parents of girls who are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine to make sure that they get it to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are older. “Our latest figures

Public urged to save lives by talking about organ donation

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on people to get talking about organ donation and share their donation decision with their loved ones this Organ Donation Week (3 – 9 September). The ‘Words save lives’ campaign highlights the need to tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation. More and more people are supporting organ donation, but there is still an urgent shortage. “People are dying every day in Northern Ireland because some families are not talking about donation. Recent statistics here reveal that 14 people died last year waiting for an organ,” said Dr Catherine

Protect Life 2 Service Stakeholder Engagement Report

Safer sleeping - Reducing the risk of sudden infant death

Provision of Youth Engagement Service for Young People aged 11-25 in NI

Submitted by Lynda Kernohan on

Name of Contract : Provision of Youth Engagement Service for Young People aged 11-25 in NI

Contract Duration: 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2021 (with the possibility of two, twelve month period extensions)

Organisations awarded:

Lot 1 Ballymena - Start 360

Lot 2 Banbridge - Futureproof Inc Ltd

Lot 3 Bangor - Extern

Lot 4 Belfast - Extern

Lot 5 Carrickfergus - Carrickfergus YMCA

Lot 6 Derry/Londonderry - to be retendered

Lot 7 Enniskillen - FUEL

Provision of Youth Engagement Service for Young People aged 11-25 in NI

Submitted by Lynda Kernohan on

The following contracts have been awarded for the provision of a Youth Engagement Service for Young People aged 11-25 in Northern Ireland for the period 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2021 with the possibility of a further two, twelve month period extensions.

Lot 1 Ballymena - Start 360

Lot 2 Banbridge - Futureproof Inc Ltd

Lot 3 Bangor - Extern NI

Lot 4 Belfast - Extern NI

Lot 5 Carrickfergus YMCA

Lot 6 Derry/Londonderry - not awarded and will be re-tendered 

Lot 7 Enniskillen - FUEL

Lot 8 Newry - Magnet YAC

Public Health Agency (PHA) advice to help people make informed decisions on e-cigarettes

Smoking tobacco is very harmful to health. The short and long term effects of smoking are well known and smoking remains the single biggest cause of early death in Northern Ireland. A typical smoker dies 10-15 years earlier than they would do if they didn’t smoke. Recent reports published by Public Health England suggests that e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than smoking, but also recognise that the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes “vaping” are not yet fully known. E-cigarettes are one type of nicotine replacement product; however they are not currently licensed for use as a

Drug and alcohol misuse can affect anyone – here’s where to get help

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is making people aware of services available in their local areas to help with drug and alcohol misuse. Michael Owen, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “Drug and alcohol misuse is sadly all too common and something that can affect anyone. “Recent reports of suspected heroin-related overdoses and deaths are worrying and the PHA would strongly advise that the only effective way to avoid risk is to not take any drugs which have not been prescribed for you by your doctor. “The main risk factors when using drugs

Exam celebrations – talk about alcohol and drugs

Thousands of young people will receive their exam results soon, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and taking drugs whether celebrating, or commiserating. Both scenarios can lead to excessive drinking or drug taking, so there’s an important role for parents to talk to their children about the risks. The PHA’s drugs and alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “Parents’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol and drugs have a strong influence on their children. Parents can make the first move and
Subscribe to