13/02/2026
PHA Urges Public to Use Trusted Sources for Sexual Health Advice
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has underscored the vital importance of seeking sexual health advice from verified sources rather than relying on unreliable or anecdotal information.
Coinciding with Sexual Health Week (14–21 February), the PHA is promoting the theme 'Sexual health information: who do you listen to?' The initiative aims to guide the public toward professional healthcare providers and reputable websites to ensure they receive accurate medical guidance.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, stated: "Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health and help you develop healthier, happier and positive relationships. To do this, it is important to get reliable information and our website www.SexualHealthNI.info is a good place to start. It provides a trusted source on subjects like sexual relationships, contraception choices, sexually transmitted infections, as well as advice on where and how to access sexual health services."
She further advised using the PHA and NHS websites to verify information encountered online or through peer groups. Ms Dowds also encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic for free, confidential advice.
The campaign specifically highlights that while talking about sexual health can feel awkward, particularly for young people, avoiding these conversations often leads individuals to untrustworthy sources.
"Being informed about sexual health, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand what is right for you," Ms Dowds continued. "As adults it's important to talk openly and accurately about sexual health, so that we can support our young people to recognise they have the right to do so too. This will help to dispel myths and challenge the stigma that exists. It will also support our young people to have the conversations they need to help them make informed choices."
The PHA's dedicated portal, www.sexualhealthni.info, offers comprehensive and confidential resources on several key areas:
• Contraception: Detailed guidance on various methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
• Protection: Information on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Testing: Details on where to access STI testing services.
• Consent: Support for understanding personal boundaries and the importance of being able to say "No" in uncomfortable situations.
For professional support, residents can visit their GP or a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, which operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the PHA-funded organisation Common Youth provides free, confidential services specifically for those under the age of 25.
Coinciding with Sexual Health Week (14–21 February), the PHA is promoting the theme 'Sexual health information: who do you listen to?' The initiative aims to guide the public toward professional healthcare providers and reputable websites to ensure they receive accurate medical guidance.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, stated: "Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health and help you develop healthier, happier and positive relationships. To do this, it is important to get reliable information and our website www.SexualHealthNI.info is a good place to start. It provides a trusted source on subjects like sexual relationships, contraception choices, sexually transmitted infections, as well as advice on where and how to access sexual health services."
She further advised using the PHA and NHS websites to verify information encountered online or through peer groups. Ms Dowds also encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic for free, confidential advice.
"Being informed about sexual health, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand what is right for you," Ms Dowds continued. "As adults it's important to talk openly and accurately about sexual health, so that we can support our young people to recognise they have the right to do so too. This will help to dispel myths and challenge the stigma that exists. It will also support our young people to have the conversations they need to help them make informed choices."
The PHA's dedicated portal, www.sexualhealthni.info, offers comprehensive and confidential resources on several key areas:
• Contraception: Detailed guidance on various methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
• Protection: Information on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Testing: Details on where to access STI testing services.
• Consent: Support for understanding personal boundaries and the importance of being able to say "No" in uncomfortable situations.
For professional support, residents can visit their GP or a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, which operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the PHA-funded organisation Common Youth provides free, confidential services specifically for those under the age of 25.
Latest Northern Ireland News
13 February 2026
Bank of Ireland Warns Of Sharp Rise In Romance Fraud Cases
Bank of Ireland is urging consumers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as romance fraud continues to increase, with the number of reported cases doubling in 2025. Experts believe the actual figure is significantly higher, as many victims do not report the crime due to feelings of embarrassment.
Bank of Ireland Warns Of Sharp Rise In Romance Fraud Cases
Bank of Ireland is urging consumers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as romance fraud continues to increase, with the number of reported cases doubling in 2025. Experts believe the actual figure is significantly higher, as many victims do not report the crime due to feelings of embarrassment.
13 February 2026
PHA Urges Public to Use Trusted Sources for Sexual Health Advice
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has underscored the vital importance of seeking sexual health advice from verified sources rather than relying on unreliable or anecdotal information.
PHA Urges Public to Use Trusted Sources for Sexual Health Advice
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has underscored the vital importance of seeking sexual health advice from verified sources rather than relying on unreliable or anecdotal information.
13 February 2026
Appeal Following Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision in Hillsborough
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a man has died following a two-vehicle collision in Hillsborough on Thursday, 12 February. The fatal incident, involving a car and a van, occurred on the Ballynahinch Road. Emergency services were alerted to the scene shortly after 7:15 am.
Appeal Following Fatal Two-Vehicle Collision in Hillsborough
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a man has died following a two-vehicle collision in Hillsborough on Thursday, 12 February. The fatal incident, involving a car and a van, occurred on the Ballynahinch Road. Emergency services were alerted to the scene shortly after 7:15 am.
13 February 2026
Antrim Gas Firm Donates Over £10,000 to Community Rescue Service
The Community Rescue Service (CRS) has received a significant boost to its life-saving capabilities following a £10,536 donation from Antrim-based gas network operator, Kinecx Energy.
Antrim Gas Firm Donates Over £10,000 to Community Rescue Service
The Community Rescue Service (CRS) has received a significant boost to its life-saving capabilities following a £10,536 donation from Antrim-based gas network operator, Kinecx Energy.
13 February 2026
Gregory Campbell Welcomes Proposals to Reform Political Donation Rules
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has expressed his support for proposed changes to political donation regulations, describing them as a necessary measure to protect the democratic process across the United Kingdom.
Gregory Campbell Welcomes Proposals to Reform Political Donation Rules
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has expressed his support for proposed changes to political donation regulations, describing them as a necessary measure to protect the democratic process across the United Kingdom.
13 February 2026
New 'Hospital At Home' Service Rolled Out
A new 'Hospital at Home' initiative has been introduced by the Northern Trust to bring hospital-level treatment directly to residents in 15 care homes across East Antrim, aiming to reduce avoidable admissions.
New 'Hospital At Home' Service Rolled Out
A new 'Hospital at Home' initiative has been introduced by the Northern Trust to bring hospital-level treatment directly to residents in 15 care homes across East Antrim, aiming to reduce avoidable admissions.
13 February 2026
Alliance MLA Welcomes Publication of Landmark ADHD Needs Assessment Report
Alliance East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds has welcomed the release of the ADHD Needs Assessment Report, published on 12 February, which proposes the establishment of a formally commissioned Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) service across Northern Ireland.
Alliance MLA Welcomes Publication of Landmark ADHD Needs Assessment Report
Alliance East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds has welcomed the release of the ADHD Needs Assessment Report, published on 12 February, which proposes the establishment of a formally commissioned Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) service across Northern Ireland.
13 February 2026
SDLP Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Stormont Reform
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has stated that the UK and Irish Governments must act on the Northern Ireland Assembly's call for a comprehensive reform programme.
SDLP Opposition Leader Calls for Urgent Stormont Reform
The SDLP Leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole MLA, has stated that the UK and Irish Governments must act on the Northern Ireland Assembly's call for a comprehensive reform programme.
13 February 2026
UUP Justice Spokesperson Welcomes Introduction of New Sentencing Bill
The Ulster Unionist Party's Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has expressed his support for the long-awaited Sentencing Bill as it reaches the Northern Ireland Assembly. Mr Beattie emphasised that the legislation serves as a vital opening to bolster the rights of victims and rebuild public trust in the local justice system.
UUP Justice Spokesperson Welcomes Introduction of New Sentencing Bill
The Ulster Unionist Party's Justice spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has expressed his support for the long-awaited Sentencing Bill as it reaches the Northern Ireland Assembly. Mr Beattie emphasised that the legislation serves as a vital opening to bolster the rights of victims and rebuild public trust in the local justice system.
13 February 2026
Commissioner for Older People Backs 'Share the Road to Zero' Campaign
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey, has officially pledged her support to the Department for Infrastructure's ongoing road safety initiative, 'Share the Road to Zero'.
Commissioner for Older People Backs 'Share the Road to Zero' Campaign
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey, has officially pledged her support to the Department for Infrastructure's ongoing road safety initiative, 'Share the Road to Zero'.
-
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.