Category Archives: News

Autism Support Cafés 2024- 2025

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We are inviting adults, parents and carers of children of all ages who:

  • Have an autism diagnosis
  • Are awaiting an assessment
  • Are displaying early indicators (suggesting their child may be neurodiverse)

To attend our next support cafés.

Our aim is to bring together adults, parents, carers and organisations, to provide support and information on local support services available. Workshops available on the day. 

Autism Support Cafés Dates 2024- 25 

For further information please contact ClaireA.Hamilton@westerntrust.hscni.net 

SEND Transformation Communications and Engagement Update

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At our recent meeting, we advised of our upcoming engagement plans with schools and parent and carers.  We began promotion of our parent and carer events (taking place 25th & 27th June) last night on our social media platforms.  We will also be promoting through our other governance groups, schools, and internal news channels today and next week. For more information on these events you can visit: https://ow.ly/MFun50SlVLG

We have also provided a SEND Transformation update to schools today the in form of a short video, a detailed narrated presentation and provided a feedback form, which you can view by clicking the link: Go to this Sway

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack- Summer Edition

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

Included are resources on disability, mental health, education and more, plus lots of activity ideas to help keep the kids entertained over the holiday period including colouring and activity sheets and play and snack ideas.

Download here

(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.

Shaping the future of voluntary youth work in Northern Ireland: Next steps

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See below details for two exciting events coming up in September for voluntary youth work providers!

This is an opportunity to get involved in conversations on the future of the voluntary youth work sector in NI. You can sign up by scanning the QR code below;

Nurture in Nature expression of interest

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Please find information in relation to Nurture in Nature training for practitioners in the Southern Trust Area working directly to support families in early years. The training is an introduction to promoting and supporting play in the natural environment and is coordinated and funded by Clare Drummy, Southern Trusts Physical Activity Lead, PWB.

Click here to view Nurture in Nature Flyer

Training details:

Date:   Thursday 26th September.  

Time:  10.00 am – 2.00 pm (you must attend the full session)

Location: Kinnego Bushcraft Centre, Oxford Island, Lurgan, Craigavon

 

What to expect on the day:

The day will consist of a mix of theory and practical activities in the outdoors to facilitate play with children and young people and build capacity with staff to support families in the ethos and huge benefits of the great outdoors.

The session will include a range of activities such as:

  • Forest School Theory (Play/Bushcraft/Conservation)
  • Talking stick
  • Sit Spot
  • Guardian Tree
  • Natural fun activities
  • Skills – Using ropes, hand drilling, fire lighting etc
  • Environment & Conservation
  • Resources
  • Benefit Risk Assessment

To complete the expression of interest click : https://forms.office.com/e/br4b4Q2YaR Please complete by Friday 28th June 2024. Applicants will be notified if they have received a place by Friday 5th July 2024. We ask that only those who are able to share the learnings from the training with families in their role apply. Numbers are restricted to max 15 for the training.

Just to note: this is not a prerequisite to Forest School training.