Category Archives: News

Issue 173 – Southern Area FYI – 15 October 2026

Posted on by

Welcome to Issue 173 of our newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

Download Southern Area FYI Newsletter – https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/414/southern-area-newsletters-docs/49254/fyi-issue-173-15th-october-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)

Monday 19th October sees the start of Parenting Week 2026 and so, in this edition, we have included a wide range of support and opportunities for parents & carers and would encourage as many people to avail of these resources as possible – Find out more about this year’s Parenting Week theme, Making Connections, starting on Page 22.

 As always, please keep spreading the word about all the great opportunities included in ‘FYI’ and feel free to send us any flyers or information to share with the 750+ contacts who regularly receive this newsletter.

 Enjoy a much-deserved break over half-term and we’ll see you again in November!

 Locality Development Team, Southern Area

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING TEAMS IN SCHOOLS (EWTS) – 2026 WINNER – Partnership for Digital Innovation Award

Posted on by

Framed winner’s certificate displayed at an awards event. The certificate shows the title “DHCNI Digital Awards 2026” and recognises the Digital Innovation in Social Care Award. The word “WINNER” is prominently displayed, with the award presented to the Enhancing Wellbeing Teams for developing an innovative digital solution.EWTS is proud to have been named the 2026 WINNER of the Partnership for Digital Innovation Award at the DHCNI Digital Awards.

The award recognised EWTS’s innovative use of digital technology to support regional collaboration, resource sharing and access to emotional wellbeing resources for schools across Northern Ireland, helping to deliver a consistent regional model across the service.

A clear, angular glass award trophy displayed on a table at an event venue. The award features a colourful logo and engraved text recognising achievement in digital innovation and social care. Round banquet tables, chairs, and blue-purple ambient lighting are visible in the background, creating a formal awards ceremony setting.The award also reflects the strength of partnership working across the five Health and Social Care Trusts, SPPG, CAMHS, schools and a wide range of community and voluntary sector partners. This collaborative regional model helps build the capacity of school staff to support emotional wellbeing and equips children and young people with the skills and confidence to manage their own wellbeing.

 

This achievement is testament to the commitment, expertise and collaboration of everyone involved in EWTS.

Three people standing on a stage at an awards event, posing with a framed award and a trophy. A large illuminated screen in the background displays the text “Digital Awards 2026”. Blue and purple stage lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere as the award recipients pose for a photograph.

 

Congratulations and thank you to all colleagues who have contributed to the success of the service and to improving outcomes for children and young people across the region.

 

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 15 October 2026

Posted on by
The latest edition of the Belfast Locality Planning Group Newsletter is now available, featuring community news and events, funding opportunities, training and development resources, partnership updates, and information on services and programmes supporting children, young people and families across Belfast.
Take a look and share with colleagues, partners and networks who may find it useful.

(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

World Menopause Day 18th October | A Dietitian’s Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause: Diet, Lifestyle, Supplements & Soya

Posted on by

Assortment of healthy foods arranged around a bowl of salad on a white background, including leafy greens, peppers, figs, berries, avocado, apples, pear, tomatoes, peas, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, eggs and lean meat. The image highlights a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.World Menopause Day is on the 18th October and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the menopause and the support that is available. Half the world’s population will go through the menopause, and eight in ten women experience troublesome symptoms during this time such as hot flushes, night sweats and brain fog.

There’s so much conflicting advice online about diet and menopause. Whilst there is no such thing as a ‘menopause diet’, we want to cut through that noise with practical, evidence-based guidance on how simple lifestyle changes can help manage common menopausal symptoms.

In these videos and webinar from Public Health Dietitians (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVutsY_gd5AZq9c6J6FjpnSPwfkY_y5Ee), they look at how diet can support health and wellbeing during menopause including:

  • Practical diet and nutrition tips to manage menopause symptoms
  • How food choices and lifestyle can support longer-term bone and heart health
  • The evidence behind nutritional supplements and soya products

Whether you’re experiencing menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or just interested in women’s health, you’ll learn useful tips you can put into practice right away. 

Our Spectrum Story

Posted on by

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is proud to support Our Spectrum Story, a powerful theatre production by Uplift Performing Arts that celebrates autistic voices, experiences and talents. We would be grateful for your support in promoting this event to your service users, networks and relevant contacts.

Event Details
📅 Thursday 5 November 2026
🕢 7:00pm
📍 The Braid Theatre, Ballymena

This inspiring and thought-provoking production showcases authentic autistic experiences through performance, storytelling and creativity. The event offers an opportunity to increase understanding of autism while celebrating the strengths, perspectives and talents of autistic individuals.

🎟️ Tickets can be booked online at: thebraid.ticketsolve.com