Author Archives: Louise

Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) 2025-26

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A banner featuring three logos. On the left, the YAFTAs logo with a large gold star and smaller stars, and the text “YAFTAs” in elegant script, followed by “Youth and Future Talent Awards” in smaller print. In the center, the Education Authority logo with a green and blue abstract shape and the text “ea Education Authority.” On the right, the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council logo with a green and blue design and text in both Irish and English: “Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin” and “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.”

A banner featuring three logos. On the left, the YAFTAs logo with a large gold star and smaller stars, and the text “YAFTAs” in elegant script, followed by “Youth and Future Talent Awards” in smaller print. In the center, the Education Authority logo with a green and blue abstract shape and the text “ea Education Authority.” On the right, the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council logo with a green and blue design and text in both Irish and English: “Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin” and “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.”

 

Newry, Mourne & Down Youth Voice are a district wide consultative group under the Northern Ireland structure of Youth Voice which gives young people the opportunity to engage with decision makers and have a say on local issues. The group is supported by the Education Authority.

 

The Awards

The Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) were created in 2012 by the Newry & Mourne Youth Council to help raise the positive profiles of the work young people are involved in across our district. The aim was to highlight the “unsung heroes” who don’t normally receive recognition. This year will be the ninth awards ceremony and they will be hosted within the council area. All aspects of this programme have been designed and managed by young people for young people. An independent panel will shortlist the nominations, without knowing names of nominees or nominator, so they cannot be influenced with their decisions.

YAFTAs nomination invitation letter 

YAFTA categories and how to nominate 

Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs

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Save the date for Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.

Thursday 12 March, 9.30 – 3.30pm in Armagh City Hotel

RSVP to Mark Irwin  02837 564330 / Mark.Irwin@southerntrust.hscni.net 

 

A colorful event flyer for the Southern Health & Social Care Trust. The top section reads “Save the Date” in large blue decorative text. Below, the event title says: “Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.” The flyer mentions that the event will feature stalls and presentations from statutory, community, voluntary, and independent sector agencies. Three illustrated stalls are shown in the center. Event details: Thursday, 12 March, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. Lunch and light refreshments provided. RSVP to Mark Irwin with contact details: T: 02837 564330, E: mark.irwin@southerntrust.hscni.net. The bottom includes logos for Southern Health and Social Care Trust and a small illustration of diverse children. Decorative elements include banners, a coffee cup, and a “Join Us!” graphic

A colorful event flyer for the Southern Health & Social Care Trust. The top section reads “Save the Date” in large blue decorative text. Below, the event title says: “Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.” The flyer mentions that the event will feature stalls and presentations from statutory, community, voluntary, and independent sector agencies. Three illustrated stalls are shown in the center. Event details: Thursday, 12 March, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. Lunch and light refreshments provided. RSVP to Mark Irwin with contact details: T: 02837 564330, E: mark.irwin@southerntrust.hscni.net. The bottom includes logos for Southern Health and Social Care Trust and a small illustration of diverse children. Decorative elements include banners, a coffee cup, and a “Join Us!” graphic

 

Free safeTALK training for key youth workers and volunteers

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Free safeTALK training is taking place on;

 

A promotional flyer for a free safeTALK suicide alertness training session at Belcoo Healthy Living Centre on Saturday, 28th February, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The flyer includes bold text highlighting 'SUICIDE', 'safeTALK', and 'suicide alertness for everyone'. It mentions registration via a link and displays logos for PEACEPLUS, Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, Government of Ireland, and the European Union

A promotional flyer for a free safeTALK suicide alertness training session at Belcoo Healthy Living Centre on Saturday, 28th February, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The flyer includes bold text highlighting ‘SUICIDE’, ‘safeTALK’, and ‘suicide alertness for everyone’. It mentions registration via a link and displays logos for PEACEPLUS, Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, Government of Ireland, and the European Union

A flyer promoting a free safeTALK suicide alertness training session at Kircubbin Integrated Primary School on Thursday, 5th March, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The flyer highlights 'SUICIDE', 'safeTALK', and 'suicide alertness for everyone', includes a registration link, and displays logos for PEACEPLUS, Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, Government of Ireland, and the European Union

A flyer promoting a free safeTALK suicide alertness training session at Kircubbin Integrated Primary School on Thursday, 5th March, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The flyer highlights ‘SUICIDE’, ‘safeTALK’, and ‘suicide alertness for everyone’, includes a registration link, and displays logos for PEACEPLUS, Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, Government of Ireland, and the European Union

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 8th January 2026

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A digital newsletter titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 08/01/26.” The header includes logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Below, the main section features the Digital Health & Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI) logo and text in bold: “Cold weather and winter bugs can affect our health, but there are things we can all do to keep well.” Additional text explains that apps can provide information, advice, and motivation, helping people manage health concerns such as breathing conditions, stopping smoking, keeping active, promoting good sleep, and general well-being. A link reads “Stay safe this winter – DHCNI.” At the bottom, a blue banner invites readers to share information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

A digital newsletter titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 08/01/26.” The header includes logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Below, the main section features the Digital Health & Care Northern Ireland (DHCNI) logo and text in bold: “Cold weather and winter bugs can affect our health, but there are things we can all do to keep well.” Additional text explains that apps can provide information, advice, and motivation, helping people manage health concerns such as breathing conditions, stopping smoking, keeping active, promoting good sleep, and general well-being. A link reads “Stay safe this winter – DHCNI.” At the bottom, a blue banner invites readers to share information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Download Issue

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

If you have any information you would like to share across our Locality Planning Group members in Belfast, please email: LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Our Neuro Network – Professional Networking Events

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Poster for a “Professional Networking Event” titled Our Neuro Network. The design features a colorful illustration of a brain with splashes of paint in green, pink, blue, and yellow. The title “Our Neuro Network” is written in large, multicolored text. Below, the poster describes the event as a dynamic networking opportunity for practitioners and services supporting children, young people, and families with neurodiversity. Key points include:Connect with colleagues across a wide range of disciplines and services. Raise awareness of local supports for neurodiverse children, young people, and families. Strengthen partnerships and foster meaningful collaboration. The event is for professionals across statutory, community, and voluntary sectors. Event dates and locations: Thursday 22nd January 2026, 10am–1pm, Fermanagh House, Fermanagh. Thursday 19th February, 10am–1pm, The Mellon Country Inn, Omagh. Wednesday 18th March, 10am–1pm, St Columb’s Park House, Derry / Londonderry. At the bottom, there is a link to register via Eventbrite and contact information: danielle.kelly3@westerntrust.hscni.net.

Poster for a “Professional Networking Event” titled Our Neuro Network. The design features a colorful illustration of a brain with splashes of paint in green, pink, blue, and yellow. The title “Our Neuro Network” is written in large, multicolored text. Below, the poster describes the event as a dynamic networking opportunity for practitioners and services supporting children, young people, and families with neurodiversity. Key points include: Connect with colleagues across a wide range of disciplines and services. Raise awareness of local supports for neurodiverse children, young people, and families. Strengthen partnerships and foster meaningful collaboration. The event is for professionals across statutory, community, and voluntary sectors. Event dates and locations: Thursday 22nd January 2026, 10am–1pm, Fermanagh House, Fermanagh. Thursday 19th February, 10am–1pm, The Mellon Country Inn, Omagh. Wednesday 18th March, 10am–1pm, St Columb’s Park House, Derry / Londonderry. At the bottom, there is a link to register via Eventbrite and contact information: danielle.kelly3@westerntrust.hscni.net.

Our Neuro Network professional networking events are designed for professionals who provide services supporting children, young people, and families with neurodiverse needs.

The aim of these events is to create meaningful opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and strengthen partnerships across services. By working together, we can enhance practice and contribute to improved outcomes for children, young people, and families with neurodiverse needs. Each session will provide a supportive space to share knowledge, explore collaborative approaches, and build strong professional relationships across the neurodiversity sector.

The upcoming events will take place on the following dates and locations:

  • Thursday 22nd January, 10.00am – 1.00pm, Fermanagh House, Fermanagh
  • Thursday 19th February, 10.00am – 1.00pm, The Mellon Country Inn, Omagh
  • Wednesday 18th March, 10.00am – 1.00pm, St Columb’s Park House, Derry / Londonderry

To register for an event, please click on the link here:
Neuro Network, Professional Networking Events | Eventbrite