10/09/2025
Report Reveals Persistent Health Inequalities In NI
The Health Inequalities Annual Report 2025, published this morning, has revealed persistent disparities between the most and least deprived areas in Northern Ireland.
According to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the report should serve as a "challenge to us all to make life better" for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Minister Nesbitt said that where someone is born and lives should not determine their health outcomes. However, he acknowledged that people in the most disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience poorer health, shorter life expectancy, and greater barriers to accessing care. The Minister is prioritising a "neighbourhood model of care" through his "Live Better" approach, which aims to bring services closer to people's homes. The programme was piloted in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry and is currently being evaluated.
The report was published on World Suicide Prevention Day, and a separate report by NISRA, 'Profiling Suicide in Northern Ireland', was also released. The NISRA report further highlights that suicide disproportionately affects those in deprived areas.
Minister Nesbitt stated his belief that every suicide is preventable and that it remains a "major public health challenge." He urged everyone to take every possible step to ensure that those experiencing a crisis can access urgent support.
The Department of Health published its Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation in July, which aims to prevent suicide and reduce self-harm.
According to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, the report should serve as a "challenge to us all to make life better" for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Minister Nesbitt said that where someone is born and lives should not determine their health outcomes. However, he acknowledged that people in the most disadvantaged communities are more likely to experience poorer health, shorter life expectancy, and greater barriers to accessing care. The Minister is prioritising a "neighbourhood model of care" through his "Live Better" approach, which aims to bring services closer to people's homes. The programme was piloted in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry and is currently being evaluated.
The report was published on World Suicide Prevention Day, and a separate report by NISRA, 'Profiling Suicide in Northern Ireland', was also released. The NISRA report further highlights that suicide disproportionately affects those in deprived areas.
Minister Nesbitt stated his belief that every suicide is preventable and that it remains a "major public health challenge." He urged everyone to take every possible step to ensure that those experiencing a crisis can access urgent support.
The Department of Health published its Protect Life 2 Action Plan and Implementation in July, which aims to prevent suicide and reduce self-harm.
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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.
30 August 2024
Mike Nesbitt Remains Only Potential UUP Leader Candidate
Mike Nesbitt remains the only candidate to replace Doug Beattie as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party(UUP). Mr Beattie announced he was stepping down as leader of the party last week, citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Nominations for the leadership contest are due to close later today, Friday 30 August.
Mike Nesbitt Remains Only Potential UUP Leader Candidate
Mike Nesbitt remains the only candidate to replace Doug Beattie as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party(UUP). Mr Beattie announced he was stepping down as leader of the party last week, citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Nominations for the leadership contest are due to close later today, Friday 30 August.
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.
10 September 2012
Deprived Areas Linked To Suicide Rates - Health Minister
People living in deprived parts of Northern Ireland are three times as likely as others to commit suicide, the Health Minister has said. Edwin Poots was speaking today to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
Deprived Areas Linked To Suicide Rates - Health Minister
People living in deprived parts of Northern Ireland are three times as likely as others to commit suicide, the Health Minister has said. Edwin Poots was speaking today to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
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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.

