The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on businesses across Northern Ireland to take part in the ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ to help employees who smoke to give up their habit. Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness, premature death and health inequality throughout Northern Ireland. Each year around 2,300 people die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke and many cancers.

With thousands of students across Northern Ireland getting ready to begin a new term at college or university this freshers’ week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging them to look after their mental health.

Research from the College of Optometrists shows that 84% of adults value their sight more than any other sense, yet many people are living with poor vision and putting their sight at risk because they don’t get their eyes checked. During National Eye Health Week (21–27 September) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding everyone of the importance of good eye health and the need for everyone to have their eyes tested every two years.

A new handbook which gives advice on speaking about the issues of mental health and suicide during a religious service is being sent to clergy throughout Northern Ireland. The new booklet has been developed by partnership group ‘Flourish!’. The group includes Lighthouse Ireland, clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland, the Churches Community Work Alliance NI and the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched this year’s childhood flu vaccination programme, reminding parents how important it is that their child receives the vaccine, which will help protect against the disease and reduce its spread.​ The vaccine changes each year to cover the strains which are likely to be prevalent over the course of the flu season, so it’s important that children get immunised annually. All pre-school children aged two years and over on 1 September 2015, and those in primaries one to seven, will be offered the flu vaccine as part of the programme.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone in Northern Ireland to say “I do” when it comes to their organ donation wishes and tell their family and friends that they want to be a donor. The call coincides with National Transplant Awareness Week, which runs from 7–13 September, under the theme of ‘Seven days to say “Yes I donate”’.