Author Archives: Louise

Issue 166 – Southern Area FYI – 14 May 2026

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Welcome to Issue 166 of our newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

Cover image for “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” by CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership). The design features a graphic of two hands holding a tablet displaying a circular “FYI – For Your Information” logo. Text at the bottom reads “Issue 166, 14th May 2026.” The CYPSP logo appears at the top right. Colourful blocks on the right side contain icons representing email, phone, a globe, and a person, indicating communication and information sharing.

Cover image for “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” by CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership). The design features a graphic of two hands holding a tablet displaying a circular “FYI – For Your Information” logo. Text at the bottom reads “Issue 166, 14th May 2026.” The CYPSP logo appears at the top right. Colourful blocks on the right side contain icons representing email, phone, a globe, and a person, indicating communication and information sharing.

Download Issue 166

(Note: Newsletter will download directly to your device.  Look out for the pop-up box and click on open file when it appears)

This is the first of 3 special editions to promote upcoming summer activities for children and young people in the Southern Area. You will see a call for submissions on Page 4 and we are very keen to also take ideas for no / low cost activities that families can do over the summer months with their children.

It is Mental Health Awareness Week, so you will also find, in this edition, a wide range of resources, advice & support for your mental health and wellbeing. Please share this information widely with children, young people & families who might benefit from receiving it.

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

Help Kids Talk – Basic Awareness and Level One training

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Book your free place online at the Kelp Kids Talk website or email helpkidstalk@resurgamtrust.co.uk 

Promotional poster showing an adult and a young child looking at a book together. The “Help Kids Talk” logo appears in the top right. Large text reads: “Parents and carers! You are so welcome to attend our free monthly online training.” Two training options are listed: “HKT Basic Awareness Training,” which explains how everyday interactions support children’s brain development, speech and language, and long-term outcomes (approximately 1 hour), and “HKT Level One Training,” focusing on speech, language and communication development for ages 1 to 10, with strategies and guidance on referrals (approximately 2 hours). The poster invites viewers to book a free place online via the Help Kids Talk website or by emailing helpkidstalk@resurgamtrust.co.uk, with a QR code included.

Promotional poster showing an adult and a young child looking at a book together. The “Help Kids Talk” logo appears in the top right. Large text reads: “Parents and carers! You are so welcome to attend our free monthly online training.” Two training options are listed: “HKT Basic Awareness Training,” which explains how everyday interactions support children’s brain development, speech and language, and long-term outcomes (approximately 1 hour), and “HKT Level One Training,” focusing on speech, language and communication development for ages 1 to 10, with strategies and guidance on referrals (approximately 2 hours). The poster invites viewers to book a free place online via the Help Kids Talk website or by emailing helpkidstalk@resurgamtrust.co.uk, with a QR code included.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week Online Event for Practitioners-Thursday 11th June

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Promotional poster for “Infant Mental Health Awareness Week Practitioner’s Event.” The image shows an adult holding an infant close at face level on the left side. On the right, event details are displayed with teal and soft pastel design elements. The theme is “Attunement.” The event is an online session taking place on Thursday 11th June 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. The keynote speaker is Mary Coughlin, listed with qualifications and as founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative. The poster includes Health and Social Care (HSC) branding and a “Register Here” button at the bottom.

Promotional poster for “Infant Mental Health Awareness Week Practitioner’s Event.” The image shows an adult holding an infant close at face level on the left side. On the right, event details are displayed with teal and soft pastel design elements. The theme is “Attunement.” The event is an online session taking place on Thursday 11th June 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. The keynote speaker is Mary Coughlin, listed with qualifications and as founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative. The poster includes Health and Social Care (HSC) branding and a “Register Here” button at the bottom.

The Child Development Interventions Coordinators from across Northern Ireland are pleased to invite practitioners from all sectors working to support families in respective Trust areas to a free online event in recognition of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026.

This session aims to raise awareness of this year’s theme, Attunement, and to explore its importance in supporting infant mental health.

Event details:
Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Platform: Microsoft Teams (Webinar)

Please share with your teams/contacts

Advance booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve your place, please use the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/infant-mental-health-awareness-week-event-theme-attunement-tickets-1988084042890?aff=oddtdtcreator

Download flyer 

Gaming or Gambling Concerns?

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Poster titled “Gaming or Gambling Concerns?” featuring illustrated game controllers, poker chips and dice. The poster promotes free, confidential counselling for young people aged 11–17 in the Belfast and Southern Trust areas. It highlights support to talk about gaming or gambling habits, understand their impact, and build confidence and resilience. It states the service is trauma-informed and age-appropriate, with group awareness sessions available on request. Contact details are provided for Dunlewey Addiction Services, including email (admin@dunlewey.org) and phone number (02890 392547), alongside a Lottery Fund logo.

Poster titled “Gaming or Gambling Concerns?” featuring illustrated game controllers, poker chips and dice. The poster promotes free, confidential counselling for young people aged 11–17 in the Belfast and Southern Trust areas. It highlights support to talk about gaming or gambling habits, understand their impact, and build confidence and resilience. It states the service is trauma-informed and age-appropriate, with group awareness sessions available on request. Contact details are provided for Dunlewey Addiction Services, including email (admin@dunlewey.org) and phone number (02890 392547), alongside a Lottery Fund logo.

Free, Confidential Counselling for Young People (Ages 11-17)

If you are worried about gaming or gambling habits—either your own or someone else’s—support is available.

Dunlewey Addiction Services is offering free, confidential counselling for young people aged 11–17 across the Belfast and Southern Trust areas.

Download flyer

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 | in-person Conference

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Promotional graphic for “Infant Mental Health Conference 2026” with the theme “Attunement.” The design uses soft blue tones and rounded shapes. On the right side, a large photo shows an adult holding a baby face-to-face near a window with natural light.On the left side, text reads “Infant Mental Health Conference 2026” and “Attunement.” Below, a section highlights “Key Note Speaker: Sally Hogg,” with a small headshot image beside the name. A paragraph explains that Sally Hogg is the Founding Director of Start Strong and has experience in government, academia, and charities focused on early childhood and parent-infant relationships. Event details are displayed with icons: “Tuesday 9th June 2026,” “11am–2pm,” and “Manor House Hotel, Enniskillen.” A circular button graphic says “Register Now,” and a note states “Booking Essential.” The bottom right corner includes the logo for Western Health and Social Care Trust (HSC).

Promotional graphic for “Infant Mental Health Conference 2026” with the theme “Attunement.” The design uses soft blue tones and rounded shapes. On the right side, a large photo shows an adult holding a baby face-to-face near a window with natural light. On the left side, text reads “Infant Mental Health Conference 2026” and “Attunement.” Below, a section highlights “Key Note Speaker: Sally Hogg,” with a small headshot image beside the name. A paragraph explains that Sally Hogg is the Founding Director of Start Strong and has experience in government, academia, and charities focused on early childhood and parent-infant relationships. Event details are displayed with icons: “Tuesday 9th June 2026,” “11am–2pm,” and “Manor House Hotel, Enniskillen.” A circular button graphic says “Register Now,” and a note states “Booking Essential.” The bottom right corner includes the logo for Western Health and Social Care Trust (HSC).

The Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Department are pleased to invite practitioners from all sectors working to support families a conference in recognition of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026. This conference aims to raise awareness of this year’s theme, Attunement, and to explore its importance in supporting infant mental health.

Event details:
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Stalls Available: 10am-11am
Conference Time: 11am– 2pm
Location: Manor House Hotel, Enniskillen.

Lunch provided.

Please share widely

Booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve your place, please use the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/infant-mental-health-awareness-week-conference-tickets-1988471359364?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you would like to express an interest in hosting an information stand please email:

Priscilla.Magee@westerntrust.hscni.net