Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 27 August 2026

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Valerie

Front cover of Belfast Area Outcomes Group Newsletter 27 August 2026 with Graphic promoting the CYPSP Back to School Edition of the Children and Young People’s Resource Pack. The image includes the heading “Back to School”, information explaining that the resource pack supports children, young people and families with the return to school, and a link to download the free resource pack. The Locality Planning Belfast and CYPSP logos appear at the top of the graphic.

Members of the Locality Planning Group Belfast are encouraged to explore a wide range of new opportunities, resources and events included in the latest update. Highlights include the launch of the new CYPSP Back to School Resource Pack, designed to help children and young people prepare confidently for the new school year, alongside updates from the Together for Families Programme and the Enhanced Family Support Service.

Download your copy Here

The update also features community programmes, training opportunities, funding calls, volunteering initiatives, wellbeing events and support services for children, young people, families and practitioners across Belfast. Topics include mental health awareness, ADHD support, inclusive play opportunities, creative programmes for young people and a range of employment and training opportunities.

Local organisations are encouraged to share relevant information and opportunities with their networks to ensure families and communities can benefit from the wide range of supports available.

For further information or to contribute to future updates, email: LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

PHA Funded Motivational Interviewing Workshops / Mentoring Programme

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Valerie

We have now confirmed the schedule for our PHA funded Introduction to Motivational Interviewing workshops and our Advanced Motivational Interviewing with Mentoring Programme running between September and December 2026.

Please click on the link below to see the dates available if you are interested in attending either training course:

https://www.glennhinds.com/events/

The programme is open to practitioners across Northern Ireland who work with people affected by substance use, mental health and suicide prevention, or smoking cessation.

The Introduction to Motivational Interviewing is a three day programme that provides participants with a practical foundation in using Motivational Interviewing to strengthen engagement, explore ambivalence and support positive behaviour change.

For those who have already completed an Introduction to Motivational Interviewing programme, applications are also open for our Advanced Motivational Interviewing with Mentoring Programme. This includes two online classroom days followed by four individual mentoring sessions, providing participants with personalised feedback and support to further develop their MI practice.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at Training@glennhinds.com

Summer of Fun Awaits: NAOG Launches Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Valerie

Families across the Northern area can now start planning for an exciting and inclusive summer, with the launch of the Northern Area Outcomes Group (NAOG) Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026. The directory brings together a wide range of activities, events and support services designed to help children, young people and families make the most of the summer months.

Covering areas across the Northern HSCT area and Northern Ireland-wide opportunities, the directory highlights activities for children and young people. From sports camps and swimming programmes to creative workshops, family fun days, wellbeing initiatives and support services, there is something to suit every interest.

Download your copy here

New Report Highlights Changing Picture for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Valerie

A newly published regional monitoring report reveals significant demographic change, growing pressures on services, and mixed progress across health, wellbeing and education for children and young people in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Outcome Monitoring Report 2017–2025, released today by the Children’s Services Planning Team on behalf of the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP), presents the most comprehensive picture to date of how children and young people are faring across eight key outcomes, drawing together multi‑agency data from health, education, justice and social care. Download Here

Fewer Children, But Growing Need

The report shows that while children and young people still make up almost a quarter of the population, their numbers are falling. In 2024, Northern Ireland had 435,536 children aged under 18, representing 22.6% of the population. Population projections point to a 9.6% decline in the 0–17 age group by 2043, with the steepest fall among children aged 5–9.

At the same time, the needs of children are becoming more complex. The number of children in contact with services continues to rise, despite the shrinking child population, creating increased pressure on health, social care and education systems.

Health Gains Offset by Emerging Concerns

Encouraging progress has been made in some areas of child health. Births to teenage mothers have fallen to their lowest level on record, accounting for 2.0% of all births in 2024, and overall rates of smoking during pregnancy continue to decline.

However, the report highlights serious concerns:

Infant mortality increased to 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024
MMR immunisation uptake fell to 89.7%, well below the WHO target of 95%
Breastfeeding at hospital discharge dropped to 46.2%, the lowest in eight years

Childhood obesity remains persistently high, with 15.5% of Primary 1 children overweight and 20.8% of Year 8 pupils classed as overweight in the most recent data.

Rising Disability and Mental Health Pressures

One of the most striking trends in the report is the continued rise in disability among children. By February 2025, over 34,600 children aged 0–15 were receiving Disability Living Allowance, with autism and ADHD featuring prominently.

Mental health indicators present a mixed picture. While 60% of 16‑year‑olds report good or excellent mental wellbeing, more than one in ten describe their mental health as poor. Hospital admissions for self‑harm among under‑18s fell overall, but remain higher than average in Belfast, Southern and Western Trust areas.

Education: Strong Attainment, But Attendance Challenges

Educational outcomes remain comparatively strong, with 87.4% of young people achieving five GCSEs at grades A–C*, though attainment in English and Maths continues to lag behind overall GCSE performance.

Attendance remains a concern:

8.0% of primary pupils and 17.6% of post‑primary pupils attended school less than 85% of the time in 2024/25
Belfast consistently records the highest levels of absence

The proportion of young people aged 16–24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) stood at 9.4%, lower than the UK average, but still representing a significant cohort at risk of long‑term disadvantage.

Safeguarding, Care and Stability

At March 2025:

2,283 children were on the Child Protection Register
4,188 children were looked after, the highest number since records began under current legislation

Nearly half of children in care have been looked after for more than three years, highlighting the long‑term nature of intervention for many families.

The report also shows continued concern around domestic abuse, racist hate crime, and child homelessness, with more than 5,000 children living in temporary accommodation across Northern Ireland.

Poverty and Inequality Persist

Although child poverty levels have fallen slightly, around 67,000 children (15%) are still living in relative or absolute low‑income poverty. Western areas continue to experience higher rates, underlining long‑standing regional inequalities.

Free school meal entitlement remains high, particularly in Belfast and Western areas, reinforcing the link between deprivation and educational outcomes.

Informing the Next Children’s Services Plan

The report will directly inform the development of the Northern Ireland Children’s Services Plan 2025–2028, helping partners target resources, shape early intervention, and focus on outcomes where need is greatest.

Publishing today, CYPSP say the findings underline the importance of joined‑up planning, rights‑based approaches, and early support to improve outcomes for children, young people and families across Northern Ireland.

Celebrating Excellence: Children’s Services Planning Team Recognized for Outstanding Contributions

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Valerie

At this year’s SPPG Recognition and Awards event, the Children’s Services Planning Team was celebrated for its exceptional work in supporting the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP). The team received multiple commendations for initiatives that have made a real difference to children, young people, and families across the region.

Driving Success Through Collaboration

The team was highly commended under the Partnership and Driving Success category for its work on The Youth Wellness Web. This innovative online platform provides young people with easy access to mental health and wellbeing resources, empowering them to find support when they need it most.

“The Youth Wellness Web is about giving young people the tools to take control of their wellbeing. It’s a collaborative effort that reflects our commitment to listening and responding to their needs,” said a spokesperson from the Children’s Services Planning Team.

Explore the Youth Wellness Web

Innovation in Data Intelligence

The team was also highly commended in the Innovation in Data Intelligence category for its Interactive Mapping and Performance System. This system represents a significant step forward in how data is used to inform planning and service delivery for children and families. By visualizing key indicators and trends, the platform enables decision-makers to target resources effectively and respond to emerging needs with precision.

Learn more about CYPSP Mapping Tools

Breaking Down Barriers with the Translation Hub

In addition, the team’s Translation Hub was recognized under the Excellence and Outstanding Performance category. This initiative ensures that vital information and resources are accessible to families whose first language is not English. By providing translated materials and culturally sensitive communication, the hub promotes inclusivity and equal access to services, strengthening support for diverse communities.

Access the Translation Hub

Commitment to Children and Families

These achievements highlight the unwavering commitment of the Children’s Services Planning Team to improving the lives of children and young people across the region. Their work demonstrates how collaboration, creativity, and data-driven approaches can lead to meaningful change and better outcomes for families.

“These projects show what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision for children and young people. Congratulations to everyone involved,” said Tracey McCaig, Chief Operating Officer.

Congratulations to Bronwyn, Valerie, Louise, Sharon and Yvonne