Author Archives: Sharon

Think Outside the Box Event – April 2026

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Think Outside the Box Event Strengthens Support for Children’s Emotional Wellbeing.

Cover page of the Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing – Think Outside the Box Event Scorecard. The design features a purple and light teal split background with the title “Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing” and “Think Outside the Box Event”. The cover notes that the scorecard is hosted by the Parent Participation Service and includes the logos of Children in Northern Ireland, CYPSP and Parentline NI.

Cover page of the Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing – Think Outside the Box Event Scorecard. The design features a purple and light teal split background with the title “Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing” and “Think Outside the Box Event”. The cover notes that the scorecard is hosted by the Parent Participation Service and includes the logos of Children in Northern Ireland, CYPSP and Parentline NI.

Parents, carers and professionals from across Northern Ireland came together for the Think Outside the Box event in April 2026, hosted by the Parent Participation Service, to explore new ways of supporting children’s emotional health and wellbeing. The event provided an opportunity to learn about a range of therapeutic approaches, connect with local services and share experiences in a supportive environment. 

The event attracted strong interest, with 100 registrations and a waiting list, highlighting the demand for information and support around children’s emotional wellbeing. Attendees took part in workshops on Equine Therapy, Lego Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and Poetry Therapy, alongside networking opportunities and expert presentations.

Feedback showed a significant positive impact, with 98% of participants finding the event useful and 100% saying they would recommend it to others. Participants reported feeling more confident, better informed and more aware of local support services following the event.

The accompanying scorecard provides a detailed overview of the event, highlighting attendance, participant feedback and the positive outcomes achieved for parents, carers and professionals.

Read the full scorecard at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Think-Outside-The-Box-Event-Scorecard.pdf 

Feel Good Armagh Services Networking Event 2026

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Graphic of cover page of scorecard for a CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) event titled “Feel Good Armagh – Services Networking Event.” The design features a blue background with hexagonal shapes and four photographs showing networking activities, information stands, and people engaging at community service displays. Text reads “Thursday 14th May 2026.” The CYPSP logo appears in the top left, and “[Scorecard 26.4]” is shown at the bottom left.

Graphic of cover page of scorecard for a CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) event titled “Feel Good Armagh – Services Networking Event.” The design features a blue background with hexagonal shapes and four photographs showing networking activities, information stands, and people engaging at community service displays. Text reads “Thursday 14th May 2026.” The CYPSP logo appears in the top left, and “[Scorecard 26.4]” is shown at the bottom left.

Following feedback received at the Good Relations Conference hosted by ABC Council, Ark Housing and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in October 2025, the Joining the Dots Services Networking Event was organised by the Feel Good Armagh Planning Group.

 

The event was not open to the public in 2026. Rather, it provided an opportunity for organisations supporting all ages across the Armagh Area to come together, increase awareness of available services, strengthen relationships, share information and explore opportunities for future partnership working.

 

The event was held at Armagh City Hotel on Thursday 14th May 2026 and brought together representatives from a wide range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations working across the local area.

 

Download the Event Scorecard – https://cypsp.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Feel-Good-Armagh-Services-Networking-Event-2026-Scorecard.pdf

All About YOUth Conference 2026

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Graphic of the front cover of a scorecard for the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) “All about YOUth Conference.” The design features a dark blue background with bright pink, purple, yellow, and blue geometric shapes. A circular photograph on the left shows a large audience seated in a conference hall. On the right, large text reads “All about YOUth Conference.” Additional text states “Thursday 26th February 2026” and “Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon LPG Areas.” The CYPSP logo appears in the top-right corner, and “[Scorecard 26.3]” is displayed at the bottom.

Graphic of the front cover of a scorecard for the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) “All about YOUth Conference.” The design features a dark blue background with bright pink, purple, yellow, and blue geometric shapes. A circular photograph on the left shows a large audience seated in a conference hall. On the right, large text reads “All about YOUth Conference.” Additional text states “Thursday 26th February 2026” and “Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon LPG Areas.” The CYPSP logo appears in the top-right corner, and “[Scorecard 26.3]” is displayed at the bottom.

Feedback from discussions held at LPG meetings has highlighted that those working with children and young people play an essential role in shaping the next generation and that it is imperative that children and young people have access to support networks that are strong, connected and responsive. It has also been recognised that youth providers (both paid-for and voluntary!) need to support their own health and wellbeing so that they are best placed to face challenges experienced by children and young people in areas such as mental health, digital wellbeing, inclusion and community safety.

 

The All About YOUth Conference aimed to provide an opportunity for youth workers, teachers, community representatives, volunteers and partner organisations to connect, learn and share best practice in supporting their health and well-being, as they continue to deliver invaluable services to children and young people on the ground.

 

The conference was held on Thursday 26th February 2026 at Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, from 10am to 4pm, and was open to all those working or volunteering with children and young people in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Area. Bringing together a wide range of local statutory, community and voluntary organisations, the event offered a unique day of learning, connection and inspiration, focusing on wellbeing, networking, sharing of experiences and celebrating good practice across the youth sector. Attendees also took part in collaborative sessions designed to build stronger partnerships and to ensure that services remain responsive, inclusive and aligned with the needs of children and young people living in the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Areas.

 

Download the Event Scorecard  – https://cypsp.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/All-About-Youth-Conference-2026-Scorecard.pdf 

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.