Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) 2025-26

A banner featuring three logos. On the left, the YAFTAs logo with a large gold star and smaller stars, and the text “YAFTAs” in elegant script, followed by “Youth and Future Talent Awards” in smaller print. In the center, the Education Authority logo with a green and blue abstract shape and the text “ea Education Authority.” On the right, the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council logo with a green and blue design and text in both Irish and English: “Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin” and “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.”

A banner featuring three logos. On the left, the YAFTAs logo with a large gold star and smaller stars, and the text “YAFTAs” in elegant script, followed by “Youth and Future Talent Awards” in smaller print. In the center, the Education Authority logo with a green and blue abstract shape and the text “ea Education Authority.” On the right, the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council logo with a green and blue design and text in both Irish and English: “Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin” and “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.”

 

Newry, Mourne & Down Youth Voice are a district wide consultative group under the Northern Ireland structure of Youth Voice which gives young people the opportunity to engage with decision makers and have a say on local issues. The group is supported by the Education Authority.

 

The Awards

The Youth and Future Talent Awards (YAFTAs) were created in 2012 by the Newry & Mourne Youth Council to help raise the positive profiles of the work young people are involved in across our district. The aim was to highlight the “unsung heroes” who don’t normally receive recognition. This year will be the ninth awards ceremony and they will be hosted within the council area. All aspects of this programme have been designed and managed by young people for young people. An independent panel will shortlist the nominations, without knowing names of nominees or nominator, so they cannot be influenced with their decisions.

YAFTAs nomination invitation letter 

YAFTA categories and how to nominate 

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Christmas Edition

Cover page of the Children and Young People’s Resource Pack – Christmas Edition, December 2025. The design features festive illustrations including snowmen, Christmas trees, bells, holly, and gifts around the border. The CYPSP logo is at the top, followed by the title ‘Children & Young People’s Resource Pack’ in bold, and a yellow label stating ‘Christmas Edition December 2025

It’s Christmas!!!!

We are excited to share the Christmas Edition of the Children and Young People’s Resource Pack – packed with fun, creative, and seasonal activities to support children, young people, and families across Northern Ireland.

Whether you are a parent, carer, youth worker, teacher, or young person looking for something exciting to do on the run up to Christmas, this pack is bursting with:

  • Creative Crafts & Activities – from doodling prompts to festive garlands
  • Inclusive Resources – neuro-friendly Santa letters and sensory-friendly tips
  • Wellbeing & Kindness Calendars – promoting mental health and positive actions
  • Bereavement Support – gentle ways to remember loved ones during the holidays

Download your free copy here: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/47234/children-young-peoples-resource-pack-christmas-dec-25.pdf

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

Resources and activities are free and in the public domain.

Please share widely with colleagues, families, and community groups! ️

The Children’s Service Planning Team

#CYPSP #ChristmasFun #SupportingFamilies #ChildrenAndYoungPeople #ResourcePack 

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Halloween Edition

Spooky Season is Here!

Poster promoting the Children & Young People’s Resource Pack for Halloween. Features spider webs, a hanging spider, and two smiling pumpkins. Text reads: “CYPSP Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Halloween Edition, October 2025.”

We are excited to share the Halloween edition of the Children and Young People’s Resource Pack – packed with fun, creative, and seasonal activities to support children, young people, and families across Northern Ireland.

Whether you are a parent, carer, youth worker, teacher, or young person looking for something exciting to do this half-term, this pack is bursting with:

– Creative crafts to spark imagination
– Halloween-themed games and puzzles to keep little minds active
– Wellbeing tips to support emotional health
– Fun ways to celebrate safely with friends and family

Download your free copy here:
https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/46988/children-young-peoples-resource-pack-oct-25-halloween.pdf 

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

Resources and activities are free and in the public domain.

Please share widely with colleagues, families, and community groups! ️

#CYPSP #HalloweenFun #SupportingFamilies #ChildrenAndYoungPeople #ResourcePack 

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Back to School Edition

The Children and Young People’s Resource Pack – Back to School Edition is packed with fun, helpful, and supportive ideas to help you feel ready and confident for the new school year!

In this edition you will find:

Cover page for the ‘Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Back to School Edition.’ The background looks like graph paper with blue hole punches at the top. It features school-themed illustrations including a green and purple pen, an orange notebook labeled ‘NOTES,’ a green paperclip, a blue and orange backpack, and green foliage taped to the bottom corner. The CYPSP logo is at the bottom center, with ‘August 2025’ in the bottom right corner.

️ Activities – Fun filled back to school colouring sheets and activities.
 Starting School – Tips and support for little ones taking their first big step into school life.
 Back to School – Ideas to help you settle in, stay positive, and feel prepared.
 Transitions – Support for moving schools, changing classes, or starting something new.
 Lunchbox & Snack Ideas – Yummy, healthy bites to keep your brain and body happy!
 Results Day – Encouragement and advice for handling results with confidence.
 Wellbeing – Tools to help you feel calm, strong, and supported every day.

Download at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/46527/cyp-resource-pack-august-2025-back-to-school.pdf 

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

Resources and activities are free and in the public domain.

Please share with contacts who you think would find it useful.

 

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Summer 2025 Edition

The Summer Edition of the Children & Young People’s Resource Pack is OUT Now!

Includes activity ideas and recipes to help keep the kids entertained over the summer break, along with disability and mental health resources, plus more!

Picture with image promoting Resource Pack for Children & Young People Summer 2025 edition. Image is on a cream background with grey spots and includes colouful shapes and squiggles

Download at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/46396/children-young-peoples-resource-pack-summer-2025.pdf 

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

Resources and activities are free and in the public domain.

Please share with contacts who you think would find it useful.