CYPSP

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October 27, 2026It was a real pleasure to see so many colleagues, partners and young people at the launch of the WHSCT Early Intervention Animation. Your time, your energy and your commitment to children and families made the day what it was, and we are very grateful to each of you. This launch was the start of a campaign, not the end of one. Its message is simple: Early intervention begins best with you. Supporting families and children earlier is a responsibility we all share, whatever our organisation or role, and the difference we can make grows when we act together and at the earliest opportunity. Early Interventions Begins Best with You (Link to animation) That is where you come in. We are asking you all who work and live across the WHSCT area to carry this message forward in your own schools and organisations, with your own teams, and to help make early support the first response, not the last resort. To help you do that, we have attached: The WHSCT Early Intervention Animation, ready to share and show The campaign posters, to display in your workplaces and settings Poster 1 and Poster 2 An email banner for your own use, linking to the animation video A list of market-stall holders who showcased their supports for families on the day and how you can connect with them. Here are a few small things you could do over the next few days: Add the banner to your email signature, so every message you send carries the campaign. Share the animation at your next team meeting, assembly or training event and ask what early intervention means in your service, community or school. Put a poster up where staff, families and partners will see it. Pass this email to colleagues or partners who could not attend the launch. Thank you again for your support. We look forward to sharing the next steps with you soon. Early intervention begins best with you. [...] Read more...
October 26, 2026On 23 October 2026, the Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill launched a new campaign, ‘Make Some Space”, aimed at promoting positive coping strategies in young people aged 11-19 years old. Life for many young people can feel like a balancing act. Juggling school, family, friends, fitting in, the list goes on. Most of the time they navigate these demands successfully, but sometimes the strain can become overwhelming. They feel they must hide their struggles but pretending ‘everything’s fine’ can take even more out of that person. By encouraging connections and open conversations at the earliest opportunity, we can help prevent small challenges from becoming bigger problems and ensure young people feel seen, heard and supported. This campaign acknowledges the very real pressures that young people experience. While stress is a normal part of life, it’s important to recognise when stress is becoming overwhelming and then find ways to reduce the pressure. The ‘Make Some Space’ campaign encourages young people to share their worries rather than carrying them alone. Talking to a trusted friend, or family member can help relieve pressure, provide perspective and remind us that we are not facing challenges on our own. Strong social connections are one of the most important protective factors for mental health, helping us to feel understood and cope better during difficult times. Connecting with someone we trust can help us feel safe, work out ways of problem solving, and prevent problems from escalating. While talking is helpful for many, there are lots of other ways to manage stress and look after our wellbeing. Going for a walk, spending time in nature, writing or drawing, listening to music, or being physically active can all reduce stress and improve mood. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to make space for the activities and relationships that help you feel calmer, healthier and more connected. Speaking about the new campaign, Professor O’Neill said: “A young person’s life should be fun and exciting as they set goals and plan their lives into adulthood. However, the data shows that young people today face considerable stress and pressure. Whilst stress is a normal part of life, it’s important to recognise when stress becomes overwhelming. This is why I’m delighted to launch my new campaign ‘Make Some Space’, which encourages young people to develop the strategies and skills to help them recognise when the pressure is mounting and take practical steps to regulate their feelings.”   If you would like to promote the MHC campaign through any appropriate channels such as e-zines, newsletters or via social media, you can do so using the images and links under ‘Social Media’ on the campaign landing page (link below). Alternatively, the MHC social media accounts will also be posting regularly about the campaign and would appreciate any support you can give there.   To see more about the campaign visit: https://www.mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/make-some-space [...] Read more...
October 26, 2026Parents and carers are invited to join a series of free online workshops from The Changing Lives Initiative this November. Explore practical topics including sensory needs, emotional wellbeing, impulsivity and understanding how different brains learn and grow. Each session provides useful strategies that can help support children and young people at home and in everyday situations. Register for your chosen workshop below: November 2nd 10.30-11.30am – Sensory SOS. Practical Strategies for Kids who Feel Everything https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003335990877?aff=oddtdtcreator November 3rd 7.30-8.30pm Sensory SOS – Practical Strategies for Kids who Feel Everything https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003336257675?aff=oddtdtcreator November 11th 10.30-11.30am – Stop, Think, Act! Helping Children Manage Impulsivity https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003336413140?aff=oddtdtcreator November 12th 7.30-8.30pm – Stop!, Think!, Act! Helping Children Manage Impulsivity. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003337024970?aff=oddtdtcreator November 17th 7.30-8.30pm – Thinking Outside the Box. How different brains learn & grow https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/thinking-outside-the-box-how-different-brains-learn-grow-tickets-2003337182441?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMSJlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUh6eDYzUTBleUpCUjNTdUhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEepkyYAzSvAHYpUvCujRHEGcRu6hc7VIa8oRva8FQKMpDP8k_IqQqLEKnUSAI_aem_JCG9qr4FyR3yPKNxSVxgJA&aff=oddtdtcreator November 25th 7.30-8.30pm. – Calm & Connected – Helping kids Understand & Manage Emotions https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2003346439128?aff=oddtdtcreator [...] Read more...

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The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) brings together a range of agencies, including voluntary and community sector organisations, that aim to improve the lives of children and young people in Northern Ireland.

In the past, despite best efforts, everyone who worked with children and young people provided services separately which only created problems for children and young people, and their families and wasted resources. The CYPSP aims to plan and provide services for children and young people more efficiently by making joint decisions about the services needed, and funding these services together.

Importantly, the CYPSP emphasizes a rights-based approach to its work. This means planning services that uphold children’s rights and encouraging children, young people and their parents to participate in the process.