Category Archives: News

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

Posted on by

 

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

Posted on by

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

Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Easter Edition

Posted on by

Front cover of the CYPSP Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership ‘Children & Young People’s Resource Pack – Easter 2026 Edition’. The design features pastel-coloured triangular bunting along the top, the CYPSP logo in the centre, soft blue title text, and three illustrated Easter eggs in pink, blue, and yellow at the bottom

Hop into Easter with the new Edition of Children & Young People’s Resource Pack! 🐇💛

Packed with egg‑cellent crafts, wellbeing tools, disability and bereavement support, safety tips and so much more — it’s full of ideas to make the season fun, colourful and supportive for everyone.

Explore it, download it & share it to spread some Easter positivity! 🌼

 

Download your free copy at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/426/cyp-resource-pack/47763/cyp-resource-pack-easter-2026.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.

 

The Children’s Service Planning Team

 

Issue 163 – Southern Area FYI – 12 March 2026

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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/.