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

Mental Health Data and Outcomes Conference – QUB

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Valerie

Children’s Services Planning team members Valerie Maxwell, Children Services Planning & Information Manager and Bronwyn Campbell, Lead for the Family Support Hubs Network were delighted to attend and present at Queen’s University Belfast Mental Health Data and Outcomes Conference on Tuesday 20th May 2025 in the Great Hall, along with Strategic Planning and Performance Group colleagues, Gavin Quinn, Head of the Regional Mental Health Service and Martina McCafferty, Mental Health Lead.

Gavin opened the conference and provided context and an overview of the development of the new Regional Mental Health Service and the importance of Data to the Service moving forward. Martina along with colleagues Hannah Brown, BHSCT and Mary Donaghy, Macmillan provided an update on the Journey of Think Family in NI and the benefits of implementing the model across systems. they also shared how they were developing data and outcomes across complex systems.

Valerie and Bronwyn presented on reporting trends and capturing outcomes over time – Valerie shared information about the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and how they have implemented an OBA Outcomes planning framework across their infrastructure based on a multi-agency outcomes and indicator framework. She also shared examples from the CYPSP Information systems including their Interactive Map Dashboards and new NI Outcome monitoring report presenting information at different geographical levels from Northern Ireland level, to Local government District, Trust level data and down to Ward level highlight how the data is used to assess need and also measure population outcomes.

Bronwyn then presented how information is used at Family Support Hub level providing an overview of what Family Support Hubs are and their purpose. She focused down to the 8 Hubs in the WHSCT area and provided information on supporting children, parents and families with their emotional wellbeing and mental health. Bronwyn was also able to share how unmet need is identified on the ground and fed back up through locality planning groups and outcomes groups for partners to look at how best as a multi-agency partnership they can fill those gaps and meet the needs. Bronwyn then shared an anonymised case study on one child and mother’s journey and the positive impact and outcomes achieved following support identified by the local hub.

Valerie concluded the presentation by sharing examples of CYPSP Report Cards and Family Support Hub Report Cards.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Valerie

The Parent Participation Project at Parentline NI recently brought together parents and professionals to explore the issue of School Avoidance in a collaborative and engaging way looking at how we can all work together to support children who are experiencing Emotionally based school avoidance.

After discussions with families who voiced concerns about this issue and the challenges parents and children face in accessing appropriate support, it was decided that a joint effort between parents and professionals would be beneficial for further exploration.

Engaging with parents from the Anxiety Based School Avoidance (ABSA) Peer Support Group was crucial. Their insights through lived experience and discussing what they have found supportive helped to shape the outline of the day.

Presenters included 3 parents with lived experience, an education welfare officer from the Education Authority sharing parent to school engagement, the vice principal of Blessed Trinity College sharing best practice, Strive Ni sharing support and strategies and Children in Northern Ireland’s Head of Policy sharing key insights in relation to lobbying government. Nine organisations including The Children’s Law Centre, Strive Ni, Eden Consultancy, Action For Children Family Support Hub, Education Authority, Parentline Ni, Emotional Wellbeing Teams in Schools, ABSA Peer Support Group and The Parent Participation Service hosted information stands around the room on the day.

Download Event Feedback

Download Tangled Web experience

Outcomes

It was very much the tone of the day that this was a great starting point for further exploration and collaboration. Opportunities were provided for networking and delegates were seated in a way that provided for networking and further collaboration.

Since the event a number of parents and organisations have got in touch to be involved with the next event planned for Spring 2025.