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

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.

 

February Edition Family Support Hub Newsletter

The February edition of the Family Support Hub Newsletter is now available https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/391/family-support-hubs/45504/fsh-newsletter-feb2025.pdf 

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

A very warm welcome to the first edition of the Family Support Hub Newsletter of 2025. We’re already into the second month and half term beckons. In this edition we have lots of information on events and services that can support families and young people. As always we have information on the fabulous Youth Wellness Web. This was co-designed and produced with young people for young people and has lots of really useful information tailored by age group. There is a section designed for teachers and parents to help them to support their young people and children. It’s an excellent example of the work of the Children and Young People’s Partnership, the same partnership the Family Support Hub Network sits within. As this newsletter is coming out towards the end of Children’s Mental Health Week, you will see we have provided a break down of the data our Information Team collate to evaluate the reach and use. Please take the time to have a look and please, please promote the Youth Wellness Web to your friends, colleagues and most importantly to any young people in your lives.

It is also packed full of information for parents/carers, early years, children & young people with a disability,  mental health and wellbeing advice,  Helplines and much more – make sure you download your copy now!

Previous editions of the newsletter are available at  http://www.cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs  under Family Support Newsletter section.

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

BSCR Period Poverty Initiative

Belfast South Community Resources (BSCR), has launched a new period poverty initiative in the South Belfast area. Period poverty is a challenge facing many girls and women across Northern Ireland, with many forced to use makeshift sanitary wear such as toilet roll and socks because they struggle to afford sanitary products.

The project aims to overcome what is often referred to as the ‘toxic trio’: the cost of sanitary products; a lack of education about periods; and the shame, stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation. This is being achieved by creating awareness on social media platforms, providing in-school workshops to promote good menstrual knowledge and donating a number of sanitary and hygiene products to schools, churches and community organisations, where girls facing period poverty can access products.

For more information or to get involved with this Period Poverty Initiative, please contact Sophie Dempster (Education, Health and Well-being Coordinator for BSCR):

sophie@bscr.co.uk
02890244449