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

Bridging Pathways: A Taster Day in Game Design & Development

Ulster University, in collaboration with Kippie, is hosting:
Bridging Pathways: A Taster Day in Game Design & Development
Monday 12th May 2025
⏰ 9AM – 5PM ( lunch included)
UU Game Studios (MH Building, Derry Campus)
If you’re 16–24, living in the North West, and not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), this is your chance to dive into the world of Game Design & Development!
✅ Explore our state-of-the-art Game Design Studio
✅ Try hands-on activities
✅ Find out more about career pathways into games!

Only 30 places available — don’t miss out and register here now!!!
https://forms.gle/wifBhoFyaKoW9AkP8

 Additional Resources:
Take a virtual tour of the studio
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/virtualcampus/derry-londonderry/game-design-studio
Learn about the degree:
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/games-design-and-development-37247
Watch the promo video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mok_qJoyb_c

Western Area FYI Issue 18 – May 2025

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

Download Issue 18

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

Western HSC Trust Autism Support Cafés 2025

March 2025 saw the end of the Western Health and Social Care Trust (in colloboration with CYPSP) Autism Support Cafés for the financial year. Coordinated by the Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department in partnership with local councils and Community organisations, the cafes bring together statutory and community and voluntary sector services. These services offer support to adults, parents, carers and their families who have an Autism diagnosis, are awaiting assessment or are displaying early indicators that they may be Neurodivergent.

Our last café took place in Castlepark Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea to coincide with the beginning of Autism Acceptance week 2025. With over 20 services regularly attending the different cafes over the last year to provide information, support and signposting, the cafes have proven to be popular with some service users commenting;

“Services is great. Loads of information and staff was lovely” and “Great event, lots of variety of support available for families”

We want the cafes to be a place where adults, parents and carers can come and speak with different services which are all in one place in an informal way.

Image with text - picture of 2 people holding cup and saucer and write up about autism cafes which took place in 2024/25.

Image with text – picture of 2 people holding cup and saucer and write up about autism cafes which took place in 2024/25.

Images with text showcasing some highlights of the 2025 Autism Cafes

Images with text showcasing some highlights of the 2025 Autism Cafes

 

 

 

Western Area FYI – Issue 17 – April 2025

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

Image with text promoting Western Area FYI (For Your Information)

Image with text promoting Western Area FYI (For Your Information)

Download Issue 17

(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