Category Archives: News

Western Area FYI: Issue 29 – April 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 – April 2026 : Issue 29.” 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 29

(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

Understanding Self-Harm Workshop

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Graphic for a workshop titled ‘Understanding Self-Harm Workshop.’ The background shows a dark silhouette of a person in profile against a bright light. The top-left corner includes the label ‘Report Card 26.1.’ Two organisation logos appear on the right: the CYPSP logo and the Inspire Wellbeing logo. A black banner at the bottom-right displays the date: ‘21st January 2026

The issue of self-harm and suicide amongst young people has been raised at LPG meetings over the past number of years, predominantly by youth workers, school-based and support services staff who have observed a growing prevalence of young people presenting with anxiety or distress, including self-harm behaviours. Self-harm & suicidal behaviours are interconnected, but distinguishing between the two can be challenging. It is, therefore, crucial to recognise the significant differences in intention and the risks each one presents.

LPG members identified the need to learn more around the issues associated with self-harm and suicide in order to better equip themselves to support a child or young person in crisis, and so the Southern Area Locality Development Team worked with Inspire to hold an Understanding Self-Harm Awareness Session open to LPG members and other contacts across the Southern Trust Area.

Inspire delivered their SHIP (Self-Harm Intervention Programme) PHA-funded Community Workshop, in-person, to 19 participants in Tower Hill, Armagh, on Wednesday 21st January 2026, providing a safe and supportive environment to learn how to recognise the signs, respond with compassion, and connect individuals, if appropriate, to Inspire’s SHIP or to other relevant support services.

Download the Understanding Self-Harm Workshop Scorecard HERE.

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 26th March 2026

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Newsletter graphic titled ‘Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 26/03/26,’ featuring the CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust logos at the top. A blue banner in the centre reads ‘Family Support Hubs Newsletter.’ Below it, the text states ‘Edition 1/2026’ and ‘March 2026,’ along with a web link to the newsletter

Download Issue

(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 have any information you would like to share across our Locality Planning Group members in Belfast, please email: LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Launch of the New “Let’s Explore Behaviour” Parent Guide – 25 March 2026

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We are delighted to share that the new ‘Let’s Explore Behaviour’ Parent Guide was officially launched at the Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs, on 25 March at The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena. The event, hosted by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, brought together families, practitioners, and partner organisations for a day dedicated to information, support, and connection.

 

 

 

A key moment of the day was the formal launch of the guide by Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland’s Children’s Commissioner, who spoke about the importance of early support, inclusion, and recognising the strengths within every family.

 

 

 

The ‘Let’s Explore Behaviour’ Parent Guide was co‑designed by parents, carers, practitioners, and members of the CYPSP Northern Area Outcomes Group Disability Working Group. Over recent years, families highlighted a growing need for accessible, compassionate guidance to help them understand their child’s behaviour, particularly for children with additional needs.

This guide represents a collective response to that need: practical, reassuring, and firmly rooted in lived experience.

 

The guide is a reflective toolkit designed to help parents understand what their child’s behaviour may be communicating and how small, consistent steps can make a difference. It includes:

  • Practical explanations of behaviour as communication
  • The CAPE framework (Communication, Action, People, Environment)
  • SMART planning tools to help families set achievable goals
  • Helpful visual supports, activities, and worksheets
  • Dedicated sections on sleep, toileting, screen time, outings, transitions, and physically challenging behaviours
  • Signposting to Northern Ireland specific supports and services

It reinforces three key messages: You are not alone. Your child is capable. You are doing better than you think.

 

 

By building parents’ confidence and offering clear, workable strategies, the guide aims to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and promote consistent support across home, school, and services. It represents strong partnership working across health, education, and the community sector.

 

The ‘Let’s Explore Behaviour’ Parent Guide is available free of charge and can be downloaded at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/443/lets-explore-behaviour/47769/naog-lets-explore-behaviour.pdf 

Family Support Hub Easter Newsletter

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As we step into the brighter days of spring, this Easter edition of the Family Support Hub newsletter is bursting with energy, fresh ideas, and a fantastic line‑up of activities and events for families across our communities. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant mix of seasonal programmes, practical supports, and inspiring opportunities designed to help children, young people, and parents make the most of the weeks ahead.

The Easter edition of the Family Support Hub Newsletter is now available https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/391/family-support-hubs/47783/fshnewsletter_eastermar2026b.pdf

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

Spring is a time of renewal and possibility, and we hope this edition captures that spirit — offering useful information, uplifting stories, and connections to services that make a real difference. Whether you’re searching for exciting Easter activities, guidance to support someone you work with, or simply curious about what’s happening across the network, there’s something here for everyone.

We hope you enjoy diving into this lively spring edition and feel inspired to share it widely. Wishing you a hopeful, refreshing start to spring and a very happy Easter!”

 CSP Team