Safety Nets: Social Security for Families in a Devolved UK

Image showing 2 people and row of houses.Text - Is there something you'd like to share about your experience with benefits?

Image showing 2 people and row of houses. Text – Is there something you’d like to share about your experience with benefits?

The research team which includes six universities from across the UK would really appreciate your help in spreading the word. It explores how benefits vary across all 4 countries of the UK and how this impacts families with dependent children. 

As a central part of the project, we’re holding a series of 14 online discussion workshops with parents and carers in receipt of benefits to hear about their experiences and what needs to change. The workshops are open to parents/carers across the UK who receive at least one UK benefit, such as Universal Credit, PIP, or Tax Credits, or who are receiving asylum support. 

The discussions will take place in small, friendly online groups where participants can share their personal experiences and ideas for policy change. To thank them for their time, we are offering £50 in Love2Shop vouchers for each 2.5 hour workshop they attend, with the opportunity to take part in up to two workshops on different topics relating to social security (e.g. employment support, free school meals, welfare mitigations).

Uisce from the research team would be delighted to arrange a Zoom call if you’d like to discuss this further and can be reached on 07552 285828 or safety-nets-project@york.ac.uk

 

Image with text and QR code

Image with text and QR code

Connect North Drop-in Sessions

Image with text- Connect North Your Pathway to Wellbeing and Libraries NI

Image with text- Connect North Your Pathway to Wellbeing and Libraries NI

Connect North can connect you to beneficial services and supports within your local community to address your practical, social or emotional needs. (You must be over the age of 18 and live within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area)

Connect North Drop-in Causeway Coast and Glens dates

Connect North Drop-in Antrim and Newtownabbey dates

Connect North Drop-in Mid & East Antrim dates 

Improving Your Gut Health

Online workshop with hints & tips to improve your gut health, which also helps improve immunity, skin, digestion, sleep & mental health – Monday 17th February at 11am or thursday 27th February at 7pm.

 

Are you ready to Talk PANTS? 

From 5th to 16th May 2025, we will be celebrating Talk PANTS, a campaign helping children across Northern Ireland stay safe from sexual abuse.

We have created an easy-to-use guide to help your service engage with Talk PANTS:

Step 1: January & February 2025 Join our Talk PANTS webinar to learn more about the campaign, access our activity sheets and resources.

This will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to deliver Talk PANTS. Click here to register your interest. 

Step 2: February to April 2025 Deliver Talk PANTS in your setting. We have lots of suggestions in our support pack (attached) on how to get your families and children involved.

Step 3: May 2025 Celebrate Talk PANTS Fortnight! 

Celebrate with us during Northern Ireland Talk PANTS fortnight (5th – 16th May 2025) by sharing our Talk PANTS content on your social media and spread awareness of the importance of the Talk PANTS campaign.

Step 4: Don’t forget! Share your Talk PANTS activities with us throughout the year by tagging us on social media and use the hashtag #NITalkPANTS