30/05/2025
'Know Your Units' Campaign Launched To Boost Alcohol Awareness
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new 'Know your units' campaign across community pharmacies in Northern Ireland throughout June and July 2025.
Part of the Living Well service, the initiative aims to increase public awareness of alcohol drinking guidelines and the associated health risks of excessive consumption.
Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, highlighted alarming statistics, noting that "the total number of alcohol-specific deaths registered that year was 341," in 2023, representing a "65.5% higher than the number registered a decade ago." She stressed that regular excessive drinking seriously impacts health, with some harms, such as increased breast cancer risk, disproportionately affecting women. Hanlon urged individuals to understand their consumption and its impact on physical and mental well-being, advising consultation with a pharmacist or GP for concerns.
The campaign promotes the UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMOs) guidelines, which recommend not exceeding 14 units per week to keep health risks low. George Wright, a Community Pharmacist from Clear Pharmacy, Bangor, emphasised the importance of knowing units, spreading consumption over three or more days if drinking regularly, and incorporating drink-free days to cut down. He encouraged people to visit their local pharmacy for a free 'Focus On Alcohol' leaflet and unit calculator wheel. For further information and support services, the public can visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info.
Part of the Living Well service, the initiative aims to increase public awareness of alcohol drinking guidelines and the associated health risks of excessive consumption.
Stephanie Hanlon, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, highlighted alarming statistics, noting that "the total number of alcohol-specific deaths registered that year was 341," in 2023, representing a "65.5% higher than the number registered a decade ago." She stressed that regular excessive drinking seriously impacts health, with some harms, such as increased breast cancer risk, disproportionately affecting women. Hanlon urged individuals to understand their consumption and its impact on physical and mental well-being, advising consultation with a pharmacist or GP for concerns.
The campaign promotes the UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMOs) guidelines, which recommend not exceeding 14 units per week to keep health risks low. George Wright, a Community Pharmacist from Clear Pharmacy, Bangor, emphasised the importance of knowing units, spreading consumption over three or more days if drinking regularly, and incorporating drink-free days to cut down. He encouraged people to visit their local pharmacy for a free 'Focus On Alcohol' leaflet and unit calculator wheel. For further information and support services, the public can visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 February 2018
PHA Launches Breastfeeding Campaign
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new breastfeeding campaign. The campaign highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding and supporting mums to feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public. The SDLP has welcomed the launch of the Public Health Agency’s breastfeeding campaign.
PHA Launches Breastfeeding Campaign
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new breastfeeding campaign. The campaign highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding and supporting mums to feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public. The SDLP has welcomed the launch of the Public Health Agency’s breastfeeding campaign.
17 June 2015
Number Of People With HIV Almost Doubles In Ten Years – PHA
Northern Ireland had the biggest rise in new HIV diagnoses compared to the rest of the UK between 2000-2013, according to new figures. The number of people living with HIV has almost doubled over the last two years, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.
Number Of People With HIV Almost Doubles In Ten Years – PHA
Northern Ireland had the biggest rise in new HIV diagnoses compared to the rest of the UK between 2000-2013, according to new figures. The number of people living with HIV has almost doubled over the last two years, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced.
05 June 2025
PHA And CDHN Launch Programme To Tackle Health Inequalities
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland to apply for its Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, designed to help tackle health inequalities at a local level. The programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications.
PHA And CDHN Launch Programme To Tackle Health Inequalities
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland to apply for its Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, designed to help tackle health inequalities at a local level. The programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.