Western Area FYI – Issue 20 – July 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 20

(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

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

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