Author Archives: Sharon

Bolster Community Inclusive Summer Activities for Children & Young People with Disabilities

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Poster promoting “Summer Disability Activities 2026” by Bolster Community and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. It invites children and young people with disabilities and their families to join inclusive summer events. Four activities are listed: a Silent Disco on Wednesday 1 July (11am–1pm, Whitegates Community Centre, £3 per child); an Inclusive Beach Day on Saturday 25 July (10am–2pm, Cranfield Beach); a trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on Tuesday 11 August (departing 2pm from Newry Leisure Centre, transport provided, admission payable); and a visit to CJ’s Animal Park on Friday 21 August (11am–2pm, departing Newry Leisure Centre, transport provided, admission payable). Contact details are provided for booking: julie-anne@bolstercommunity.org or 028 3083 5764.

 

 

Families are invited to take part in a series of fun and inclusive summer activities for children and young people with disabilities, organised by Bolster Community in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

The “Summer Disability Activities 2026” programme features a range of events designed to promote friendship, inclusion and enjoyment:

  • A Silent Disco at Whitegates Community Centre on Wednesday 1 July (11am–1pm)
  • An Inclusive Beach Day at Cranfield Beach on Saturday 25 July (10am–2pm)
  • A trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on Tuesday 11 August (departing Newry Leisure Centre at 2pm)
  • A visit to CJ’s Animal Park on Friday 21 August (11am–2pm, departing Newry Leisure Centre)

Transport is provided for selected trips, with some small costs such as admission fees or a £3 contribution for the disco.

The programme is open to children and young people with disabilities and their families, offering a welcoming space to socialise, learn and enjoy new experiences over the summer.

For more information or to book, contact julie-anne@bolstercommunity.org or call 028 3083 5764.

 

Online Safety Mini Webinars for Parents and Carers

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Webpage banner titled “Online Safety Mini Webinars for Parents and Carers” within an Online Safety Hub resource library. The left side has a dark blue background with white text and an orange button labeled “SBNI (The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland).” The right side shows a preview image of a video titled “Privacy Settings and Parental Controls – Information for parents and carers,” with Childnet and SBNI logos displayed.

Webpage banner titled “Online Safety Mini Webinars for Parents and Carers” within an Online Safety Hub resource library. The left side has a dark blue background with white text and an orange button labeled “SBNI (The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland).” The right side shows a preview image of a video titled “Privacy Settings and Parental Controls – Information for parents and carers,” with Childnet and SBNI logos displayed.

Short mini webinars offering practical support to help parents and carers recognise and respond to key online harms.

Supporting children online can sometimes feel challenging, especially as the digital world continues to change.

Each mini webinar lasts around 15-20 minutes and includes practical tips, conversation starters and signposting to further support. They are suitable for parents, carers, wider family members and professionals supporting children and young people.

Topics include privacy settings and parental controls, group chats and peer pressure, online bullying, image sharing, harmful content and online grooming – covering everything from everyday online use to more serious risks.

Created by Childnet and supported by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), the mini webinars reflect real life experiences shared by families.

Watch the mini webinars here https://onlinesafetyhub.safeguardingni.org/online-safety-mini-webinars-for-parents-and-carers/ 

Further advice, resources and support for families, professionals and young people are available on the SBNI Online Safety Hub – Northern Ireland’s central resource for online safety.

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 21 May 2026

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Graphic titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 21/05/26” with CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust logos. The left side shows a report cover reading “How are Children & Young People doing in NI? Northern Ireland Outcome Monitoring Report with Trends 2017–24/25” and “Improving Outcomes,” alongside a photo of hands holding a page with charts and graphs. The right side highlights key findings from the report, including fewer children but growing need, health improvements alongside emerging concerns, rising disability and mental health pressures, strong educational attainment with attendance challenges, increasing numbers of looked-after children, and ongoing poverty and inequality. A footer invites contact via email for sharing information with the Belfast Locality Planning Group.

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

 

Down and Ards & North Down Locality Planning Groups Fortnightly News – May 2026

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Welcome to the Summer edition of the Fortnightly News; for Children, Young People’s services, and Families, across the Down and Ards & North Down Locality Planning Groups.

Newsletter cover titled “Fortnightly News” from the Ards & North Down and Down CYPSP Locality Planning Groups, May 2026 edition, with a short welcome message and the CYPSP logo on a blue geometric background.

Download Newsletter

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

For more information on the Fortnightly News please contact; noelle.hollywood@setrust.hscni.net or mobile 07872422101

‘Think Outside the Box’ for Children’s Wellbeing Event – 29 April 2026

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Image with a crumpled paper background reading, “The Parent Participation Service warmly welcomes you to… think outside the box,” with “think” in red script, “OUTSIDE” in large blue letters, and “the BOX” in green and yellow, alongside logos for Children in Northern Ireland and CYPSP.

 

On 29th April, the Parent Participation service hosted Think Outside the Box, a free, supportive and informative event for parents, carers, and professionals working with children.

We were delighted to see such a fantastic turnout for this event focused on exploring children’s mental health and wellbeing. Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as to our speakers, facilitators, and all those who supported and contributed on the day.

Watch event video here