An invitation to families to participate in ADHD-focused and Autism/Learning Disability-focused Parent Programmes this Summer

The Changing Lives Initiative: Flourish & Thrive project will be delivering two parent group programmes over the summer to support families of a child/ children with behaviours consistent with ADHD and/ or Autism/ Learning Disability.

Starting in early July and over August, we will be delivering a number of these two group programmes, Parents Plus (online) and Triple P Stepping Stones (in person). We welcome individual parents, co-parents, carers, foster parents and grandparents wishing to participate in the programmes. It isn’t necessary for your child to have a formal diagnosis for you to take part.

The programmes are a great opportunity to meet other families, gain some support and learn additional skills and strategies. Even for parents who have previously completed a programme, it is a good opportunity to gain some support and refresh skills.

Expression of interest form 

 

Western Area FYI – Issue 19 – June 2025

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

Image with text promoting Western Area FYI (For Your Information)

Image with text promoting Western Area FYI (For Your Information)

Download Issue 19

(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

Paul Sweeney – Mobile  07387259117     paul.sweeney@westerntrust.hscni.net

Infant Mental Health Conference – 5 June 2025

Graphic includes images of sun, clouds, rainbow and text promoting Infant Mental Health Conference on Thursday 5th June

Graphic includes images of sun, clouds, rainbow and text promoting Infant Mental Health Conference on Thursday 5th June

 

We are delighted to invite you to attend our 4th annual Infant Mental Health Conference. This event will take place on Thursday 5th June 2025 in Roe Valley Resort, Limavady. Organised by the Health Improvement Equality and Involvement Dept, WHSCT.

The conference is based on this year’s theme for IMHAW: ‘Who is holding baby?’

The conference will provide an opportunity for key speakers to share knowledge, focusing on raising awareness to professionals who support families in the early years. The target audience for the event is professionals, particularly managers and team leads.

Conference Times:

  • 9.30am Information stands, and tea and coffee on arrival
  • 10.30am conference begins
  • 2pm conference ends with a light lunch

To book a place:

Click the link below to book your place:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whsct-infant-mental-health-conference-2025-tickets-1357006505989?aff=oddtdtcreator

To book an Information stand:

We would like to encourage local services who support parents in the early years to have the opportunity to express their interest in having an information stand between 9am-10.30am.

Please email: Lisa.storey@westerntrust.hscni.net

Space is limited.

Child Brain Injury Trust / Action for Brain Injury Week 2025

As part of ABI Week 2025, Child Brain Injury Trust will be travelling across the Northern & Western Areas to offer support, advice and resources for families affected by childhood-acquired brain injury. Child Brain Injury Trust will be available to answer any questions, offer one-to-one guidance, and provide a wide range of useful resources. 

Image with text promoting mini roadshow/ drop in clinic as part of ABI Week 2025

Image with text promoting mini roadshow/ drop in clinic as part of ABI Week 2025

Safety Nets: Social Security for Families in a Devolved UK

Image showing 2 people and row of houses.Text - Is there something you'd like to share about your experience with benefits?

Image showing 2 people and row of houses. Text – Is there something you’d like to share about your experience with benefits?

The research team which includes six universities from across the UK would really appreciate your help in spreading the word. It explores how benefits vary across all 4 countries of the UK and how this impacts families with dependent children. 

As a central part of the project, we’re holding a series of 14 online discussion workshops with parents and carers in receipt of benefits to hear about their experiences and what needs to change. The workshops are open to parents/carers across the UK who receive at least one UK benefit, such as Universal Credit, PIP, or Tax Credits, or who are receiving asylum support. 

The discussions will take place in small, friendly online groups where participants can share their personal experiences and ideas for policy change. To thank them for their time, we are offering £50 in Love2Shop vouchers for each 2.5 hour workshop they attend, with the opportunity to take part in up to two workshops on different topics relating to social security (e.g. employment support, free school meals, welfare mitigations).

Uisce from the research team would be delighted to arrange a Zoom call if you’d like to discuss this further and can be reached on 07552 285828 or safety-nets-project@york.ac.uk

 

Image with text and QR code

Image with text and QR code