Issue 163 – Southern Area FYI – 12 March 2026

Welcome to Issue 163 of our newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

A cover page for the “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” information update, Issue 163 dated 12th March 2026. On the left side, an illustrated pair of hands holds a tablet displaying the CYPSP “FYI – For Your Information” logo inside a circular badge. Above this, a blue banner with white text reads “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups,” followed by two right‑pointing chevron arrows. On the right side, the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo appears at the top. Below it is a grid of coloured squares in green, purple, and blue. Each square contains a communication‑related icon, including an email envelope, a telephone handset, a globe symbol, and a person with a checkmark.

Download Issue 163

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

It’s that time again where we review and look at possible improvements for ‘FYI’ based on your feedback and ideas. Go straight to page 3 to get involved and give us your feedback – Any ideas and queries you may have about ‘FYI’ can be made and we will act and respond to these accordingly. We want to make this resource as user-friendly and useful as possible to all.

In this edition, we also have the usual range of information, opportunities and resources across the Southern Area for children, young people, parents/carers and practitioners. Please feel free to spread the word!

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

Clanrye Group Programmes

Please find information below outlining Clanrye Group Skills for Life & Work, Youth Academy and Apprenticeships NI programmes:

 

  1. Standard Programme (2–3 Years)

This programme is designed for young people aged 16–17, or up to 22 years old if they have a recognised learning difficulty or disability, and up to 25 if they are care experienced. We have expanded the range of occupational areas available, which now include:

  • Construction (in partnership with SRC Newry and Portadown)
  • Catering & Hospitality (in partnership with SRC Newry and Portadown)
  • Retail & Customer Service (Slieve Gullion and Lurgan)
  • Horticulture (Slieve Gullion)
  • IT Technician (Banbridge)
  • ICT (Lurgan)
  • Business Administration (Armagh and Banbridge)
  • Warehousing (Newry, Armagh and Banbridge)

In addition to vocational training, the curriculum includes:

  • Essential Skills (Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Skills)
  • Personal Development and Employability

Participants will also gain work experience with local businesses, tailored to individual needs to ensure a positive and educational experience.

The timetable incorporates weekly workshops and activities focused on mental well-being, resilience, and employability through interactive sessions, external courses, and community projects.

Subject to Department approval, trainees may avail of taxi transport for training or work placements. 

Attendance is:

  • 9am to 3.30pm – 3 days per week for the first 26 weeks (or 4 days if on placement)
  • 9am to 3.30pm – 4 days per week after 26 weeks

Clanrye Group Skills for Life & Work Flyer 

 

  1. Youth Academy Programme (Fast-Track)

This is an accelerated version of the standard programme, designed to be completed within one year. While all terms and conditions remain the same, this option offers one vocational qualification:

  • General Occupational Area

Alongside this, participants complete Essential Skills, Personal Development, and Employability modules.

We currently have groups based at:

  • SRC Model Campus, Newry
  • SRC Lurgan Campus

Depending on demand, we may expand to Armagh and Banbridge.

Clanrye Group Youth Academy Flyer 

 

  1. Apprenticeships NI

ApprenticeshipsNI allows individuals to gain a recognised qualification while working and earning. Participants develop practical skills with an employer while completing a fully funded Level 2 apprenticeship in their chosen industry.

We offer Apprenticeships in the below vocational areas:

  • Warehousing & Storage
  • Customer Service
  • Retail
  • Horticulture

Clanrye Group Apprenticeships NI Flyer 

Clanrye Group Apprenticeships NI Flyer 

 

You can find more information about both options and other Clanrye programmes on our website https://www.clanryegroup.com/

Newry & Mourne and South Armagh Schools Networking Event 2026

Three photos showing people visiting information stalls at a community event, with tables displaying brochures, banners, and materials from various local organisations

Feedback from discussions held at Department of Education RAISE Locality Reference Group meetings for Newry, Cloughreagh and Bessbrook had indicated that local schools were unaware of the range of existing support services they can link into in the community.

The Newry & Mourne and South Armagh Schools Networking Event aimed to raise awareness of local support services in both the Newry & Mourne and South Armagh Areas with school staff, including services for children, young people and families/parents/carers.

Taking place at Newry High School on Wednesday 4th February 2026, the event brought together a wide range of local organisations from statutory, community and voluntary sectors, offering a unique opportunity for both primary and post-primary schools to engage directly with local service providers, while enabling local organisations to strengthen connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Download the Event Scorecard HERE.

View a List of all the Stall Holders from the day, along with a short description of their service, HERE.

 

(The Newry & Mourne and South Armagh LPGs are a partnership of statutory, voluntary, and community organisations working to improve outcomes for children and young people in the Newry & Mourne and South Armagh Areas. The groups are supported by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) and each meet five times a year, to share information, build connections, identify local needs, and work together to address them.)

Issue 162 – Southern Area FYI – 19 February 2026

Welcome to Issue 162 of our newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

A cover page for the “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” information update, Issue 162 dated 19th February 2026. On the left side, an illustrated pair of hands holds a tablet displaying the CYPSP “FYI – For Your Information” logo inside a circular badge. Above this, a blue banner with white text reads “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups,” followed by two right‑pointing chevron arrows.On the right side, the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo appears at the top. Below it is a grid of coloured squares in green, purple, and blue. Each square contains a communication‑related icon, including an email envelope, a telephone handset, a globe symbol, and a person with a checkmark.

A cover page for the “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” information update, Issue 162 dated 19th February 2026. On the left side, an illustrated pair of hands holds a tablet displaying the CYPSP “FYI – For Your Information” logo inside a circular badge. Above this, a blue banner with white text reads “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups,” followed by two right‑pointing chevron arrows. On the right side, the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo appears at the top. Below it is a grid of coloured squares in green, purple, and blue. Each square contains a communication‑related icon, including an email envelope, a telephone handset, a globe symbol, and a person with a checkmark.

Download Issue 162

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

The health & wellbeing of children and young people is always a top priority. Last week was Children’s Mental Health Week, Tuesday 10th February was Safer Internet Day, and this week is Sexual Health Week, so, as well as the plethora of useful information which we normally include, we are also sharing information relevant to these specific areas which has been submitted by our contacts.

Thanks to all who have provided information on upcoming training opportunities, events, parenting programmes, reports, surveys, resources and funding opportunities for inclusion.

We hope that this issue is helpful to practitioners working across, and parents/carers living in, the region.

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

Issue 161 – Southern Area FYI – 29 January 2026

Welcome to Issue 161 of our fortnightly newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

A promotional graphic for the Southern Area Locality Planning Groups’ “FYI – For Your Information” newsletter, Issue 161 dated 29 January 2026. The left side shows illustrated hands holding a tablet displaying the FYI logo. The right side features the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo and a grid of icons, including an email envelope, a phone, a globe, and a person with a checkmark.

A promotional graphic for the Southern Area Locality Planning Groups’ “FYI – For Your Information” newsletter, Issue 161 dated 29 January 2026. The left side shows illustrated hands holding a tablet displaying the FYI logo. The right side features the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo and a grid of icons, including an email envelope, a phone, a globe, and a person with a checkmark.

Download Issue 161

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

 

Another jam-packed edition and thanks to all who submitted flyers on upcoming training opportunities, events, parenting programmes, youth programmes, resources, funding opportunities and surveys for inclusion in this issue.

Please continue to share these important details with us, so that we can further spread the word to practitioners, parents & carers working across / living in the Southern Trust Area during 2026!

Locality Development Team, Southern Area