Category Archives: News

Connect North Drop In Sessions March 2026

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Promotional banner for Connect North, a community wellbeing initiative. The banner features the Connect North logo—a stylized tree with colorful leaves—and the Libraries NI logo. It includes the tagline ‘Your Pathway to Wellbeing’ and invites people to attend drop-in sessions. The message highlights that Connect North helps individuals access practical, social, and emotional support services within their community

Promotional banner for Connect North, a community wellbeing initiative. The banner features the Connect North logo—a stylized tree with colorful leaves—and the Libraries NI logo. It includes the tagline ‘Your Pathway to Wellbeing’ and invites people to attend drop-in sessions. The message highlights that Connect North helps individuals access practical, social, and emotional support services within their community

 

Whether you need advice, resources, or community connections, Connect North is here to help you access the services you need.

In partnership with Libraries NI, Drop-In sessions are hosted in libraries across the Northern Trust.

No appointment needed—just drop in!

 

At each Drop-In session, you can:

  • Chat with a Connect North Link Worker
  • Learn about local groups, services & events
  • Access support and information in a friendly, informal setting

 

Full list of locations & times check-out our directory for a date and location that works for you:

www.connectnorth.co.uk  

 

To learn more about Connect North or how to refer someone:

Contact: connectnorth@northerntrust.hscni.net

www.connectnorth.co.uk

X @connectnorthSP

 

Western Area FYI: Issue 28 – March 2026

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

A cover page titled “FYI – For Your Information” with logos for the Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP at the top. The issue is labeled “Contents – March 2026 : Issue 28.” Below is a blue contents table with the following headings: Welcome to FYI; Section 1: Family Support; Section 2: Youth Support; Section 3: Cost of Living; Section 4: Neurodiversity; Section 5: Infant Mental Health / Breastfeeding; Section 6: Digital Safeguarding; Section 7: Addiction; Section 8: Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health.

A cover page titled “FYI – For Your Information” with logos for the Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP at the top. The issue is labeled “Contents – March 2026 : Issue 28.” Below is a blue contents table with the following headings: Welcome to FYI; Section 1: Family Support; Section 2: Youth Support; Section 3: Cost of Living; Section 4: Neurodiversity; Section 5: Infant Mental Health / Breastfeeding; Section 6: Digital Safeguarding; Section 7: Addiction; Section 8: Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health.

Download Issue 28

(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

Ethnic Minorities Mental Health Toolkit – a guide for practitioners

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A graphic titled “The Practitioner’s Toolkit: Mental Health and Ethnic Minority Groups.” The left side shows an illustrated person with short white hair, glasses, and a blue shirt holding a clipboard and pen. The top left features the Health and Social Care (HSC) logo. The top right contains the text “Support Resources” with simple line icons of a house, a scribble, and a speech bubble. Along the bottom are four blue buttons labeled: “Introduction,” “Quick Tips,” “Barriers to Accessing Services,” and “Accessing the Appropriate Support – List of Resources.” The background uses shades of blue and green.

A graphic titled “The Practitioner’s Toolkit: Mental Health and Ethnic Minority Groups.” The left side shows an illustrated person with short white hair, glasses, and a blue shirt holding a clipboard and pen. The top left features the Health and Social Care (HSC) logo. The top right contains the text “Support Resources” with simple line icons of a house, a scribble, and a speech bubble. Along the bottom are four blue buttons labeled: “Introduction,” “Quick Tips,” “Barriers to Accessing Services,” and “Accessing the Appropriate Support – List of Resources.” The background uses shades of blue and green.

 

This toolkit considers how mental health is viewed in different cultures, barriers to accessing services, cultural competences in mental health, ‘dos and don’ts’ quick reference guide. There is also information on interpreting and translation services as well as other support organisations that practitioners can refer clients to.

View The Practitioners Toolkit

The King’s Trust Newsletter – February 2026

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A red banner featuring the King’s Trust logo on the left, showing a stylized white crown-like symbol above the words ‘KingsTrust.’ On the right, white text reads ‘The King’s Trust Newsletter’ with ‘Northern Ireland, February 2026’ below.

A red banner featuring the King’s Trust logo on the left, showing a stylized white crown-like symbol above the words ‘KingsTrust.’ On the right, white text reads ‘The King’s Trust Newsletter’ with ‘Northern Ireland, February 2026’ below.

Employment opportunities with Mount Charles

King’s Trust free even gives young people the chance to interview for a role with Mount Charles, one of the top support service employers in the country, who provide a full range of catering, cleaning, events and vending services. 

View February 2026 newsletter 

Issue 162 – Southern Area FYI – 19 February 2026

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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