The Public Health Agency (PHA) is today launching a 12-week public consultation on the future of the Lifeline crisis response service. The current Lifeline service is a free-to-call regional confidential telephone helpline for people who are in emotional crisis and are at risk of self-harm or suicide. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The current Lifeline service was commissioned in 2012 by the PHA as part of a range of measures to tackle suicide under the Protect Life suicide prevention strategy.

As the new school year approaches, parents are being encouraged to think about what they pack in their children’s lunchboxes and to choose a healthier option for the best start to the school year. The message from the Public Health Agency (PHA) for those preparing the packed lunch and snack for break is to steer clear of sugary drinks and snacks high in added sugar, fat and salt, and to remember that children only need kid-sized portions.

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.

With thousands of young people due to receive their exam results, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking and taking drugs. Many teenagers will go out with friends when they get exam results, whether they are 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.