Author Archives: Sharon

A Healthier You in 2026

Posted on by

The new year is synonymous with resolutions. For many, this means diving headfirst into weight loss plans and fitness challenges. While the motivation is admirable, it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What should you do differently this time?

Enter social media—an endless stream of advice, trends, and “quick fixes.” Unfortunately, much of it is confusing, conflicting, and sometimes downright misleading. In fact, only around 2% of nutrition information on TikTok is considered accurate. That begs the question: how do you know if the advice you’re following is actually helping—or quietly harming—your health?

This is where expert guidance matters.

Public Health Dietitians are trained professionals who cut through the noise and focus on what truly works – for your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term health. There are no extreme rules, no food guilt, and no unrealistic promises. Just evidence-based advice designed to help you make small, sustainable changes that add up over time.

Through a series of short, practical videos, you can learn how to support your weight management goals without compromising your health or the nutritional quality of your diet. No frenzy. No pressure. Just steady, supportive steps forward.

Do Not focus on what goes ‘wrong’ or what you didn’t achieve, take a moment to acknowledge what you did. Every positive choice counts—whether it’s walking a little more, drinking more water, cooking one extra meal at home, or simply thinking differently about your health. Even the smallest step forward is still progress. And progress, no matter how quiet, is powerful. 

This year, let your health journey be kinder, smarter, and more sustainable. Celebrate your wins, trust credible experts, and remember—you don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to start.  

A laptop displaying a YouTube channel page titled “Public Health Dietitians” with a banner that includes the logo “Eating Well” and the Public Health Agency branding. The channel features videos such as “Healthier Habits,” “How to Improve Your Health & Achieve a Healthier Weight,” and “How to Set & Achieve Your Health Goals.” In the foreground, a hand is holding a smartphone showing a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a red YouTube play button above it

And that start can be today…. check out the PHDG YouTube channel today for a ……  

A Healthier You in 2026

New short videos on Public Health Dietitians YouTube channel:

  • Healthier habits for a happier, healthier, longer life
  • How to improve your health and achieve a healthier weight
  • How to set and achieve your health goals

Find the videos here: https://youtu.be/0uB5bvuaykA?si=kQuBoTfybWjMHmRi or scan the QR code

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 18th December 2025

Posted on by

A festive graphic with a red background featuring a large white ribbon and bow resembling a wrapped gift. Attached to the ribbon is a white gift tag. On the right side, bold white text reads: “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Belfast Locality Planning.” At the top, there is a header with the logos of CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, along with the title “Locality Planning Belfast Information Update 18/12/25.” At the bottom, a blue-bordered box contains text inviting people to share information via email, with the address: 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

Western Area FYI – Issue 24 – November 2025

Posted on by

Your FYI is a monthly round up of all things family support and early intervention / prevention across the Western trust and beyond.

Cover page of the ‘FYI’ (For Your Information) newsletter from the Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP, dated November 2025, Issue 24. The newsletter includes sections on Family Support, Youth Support, Cost of Living, Neurodiversity, Infant Mental Health and Breastfeeding, Digital Safeguarding, Addiction, Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, Training and Conferences, Western Sure Start Projects, Childcare Partnership, Family Support Hubs, Useful Links and Informative Media, and a CRIS Leaflet

Download Issue 24

(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 would like to contribute upcoming consultations, training, articles, or events that practitioners from the community, voluntary or statutory sectors within the Western Trust will find useful please contact:

Dr Priscilla Magee – Mobile  07880723076     priscilla.magee@westerntrust.hscni.net

Paul Sweeney – Mobile  07387259117     paul.sweeney@westerntrust.hscni.net

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Halloween Edition

Posted on by

Spooky Season is Here!

Poster promoting the Children & Young People’s Resource Pack for Halloween. Features spider webs, a hanging spider, and two smiling pumpkins. Text reads: “CYPSP Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Halloween Edition, October 2025.”

We are excited to share the Halloween edition of the Children and Young People’s Resource Pack – packed with fun, creative, and seasonal activities to support children, young people, and families across Northern Ireland.

Whether you are a parent, carer, youth worker, teacher, or young person looking for something exciting to do this half-term, this pack is bursting with:

– Creative crafts to spark imagination
– Halloween-themed games and puzzles to keep little minds active
– Wellbeing tips to support emotional health
– Fun ways to celebrate safely with friends and family

Download your free copy here:
https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/46988/children-young-peoples-resource-pack-oct-25-halloween.pdf 

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

Resources and activities are free and in the public domain.

Please share widely with colleagues, families, and community groups! ️

#CYPSP #HalloweenFun #SupportingFamilies #ChildrenAndYoungPeople #ResourcePack 

SBNI Trauma Informed Practice Online Training Brochure

Posted on by

Training brochure cover from SBNI showing a group walking a winding path through a bright, scenic landscape, representing recovery and resilience

This brochure outlines training modules on understanding the impact of adversity and trauma informed practice currently available to support practitioners across Northern Ireland. All courses contained in this brochure are free for practitioners, funded by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

The SBNI acknowledges that recognising and responding to the imprints of childhood adversity and trauma, will remain an integral part of achieving better outcomes through the implementation of trauma-informed approach across organisations in Northern Ireland. Growth, healing and recovery can only happen in the context of trauma responsive environments, policies, systems and organisations.

When we consider adversity and trauma in the workplace and in our organisations, this can help in understanding our own responses and needs and also in our thinking about the responses and needs of the people we work with.

The SBNI continues to work to help its member agencies and other related bodies to:

► have an awareness of adverse childhood experiences;

► be aware of the impact of adversity and trauma on development across the lifespan;

► be able to identify what supports resilience to cope with adversity; and

► embed a trauma informed approach in their work.

The SBNI is committed to providing support to enable member agencies & partners to develop trauma informed practice to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of the children in Northern Ireland and the adults they develop into.

Download Brochure