Issue 163 – Southern Area FYI – 12 March 2026

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

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/

Issue 162 – Southern Area FYI – 19 February 2026

Welcome to Issue 162 of our newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

A cover page for the “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” information update, Issue 162 dated 19th February 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.

A cover page for the “Southern Area Locality Planning Groups” information update, Issue 162 dated 19th February 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 162

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

The health & wellbeing of children and young people is always a top priority. Last week was Children’s Mental Health Week, Tuesday 10th February was Safer Internet Day, and this week is Sexual Health Week, so, as well as the plethora of useful information which we normally include, we are also sharing information relevant to these specific areas which has been submitted by our contacts.

Thanks to all who have provided information on upcoming training opportunities, events, parenting programmes, reports, surveys, resources and funding opportunities for inclusion.

We hope that this issue is helpful to practitioners working across, and parents/carers living in, the region.

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs – 12 March 2026

Save the date for Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.

Thursday 12th March, 9.30-3.30pm in Armagh City Hotel

A poster from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust titled ‘Save the Date.’ The event is called ‘Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.’ The poster states that the day will include stalls and presentations from statutory, community, voluntary and independent sector agencies. Three illustrated stalls appear in the centre: a café stall, a central market stall with people, and a yellow information stall. The date is shown as Thursday 12 March, with event time 9:30am–3:30pm at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. It notes that lunch and light refreshments are provided. A pink badge saying ‘Join Us!’ appears on the left, and a coffee cup icon is on the right. RSVP contact details for Mark Irwin are listed at the bottom, along with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust logos

A poster from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust titled ‘Save the Date.’ The event is called ‘Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Additional Needs.’ The poster states that the day will include stalls and presentations from statutory, community, voluntary and independent sector agencies. Three illustrated stalls appear in the centre: a café stall, a central market stall with people, and a yellow information stall. The date is shown as Thursday 12 March, with event time 9:30am–3:30pm at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. It notes that lunch and light refreshments are provided. A pink badge saying ‘Join Us!’ appears on the left, and a coffee cup icon is on the right. RSVP contact details for Mark Irwin are listed at the bottom, along with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust logos

A colourful invitation poster titled ‘You Are Invited.’ The event is called ‘Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Disabilities & Additional Needs.’ The poster explains that the day will feature stalls from local services and community organisations, along with presentations and information on health, education and family support. Three illustrated stalls appear in the centre: a café-style stall, a market stall with people, and a yellow information stall. The event date is displayed as Thursday 12 March, from 9:30am to 3:30pm at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. It notes that a light lunch and refreshments are provided. A pink badge reading ‘Join Us!’ appears on the left, and a coffee cup icon sits on the right. At the bottom are logos for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust

A colourful invitation poster titled ‘You Are Invited.’ The event is called ‘Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Disabilities & Additional Needs.’ The poster explains that the day will feature stalls from local services and community organisations, along with presentations and information on health, education and family support. Three illustrated stalls appear in the centre: a café-style stall, a market stall with people, and a yellow information stall. The event date is displayed as Thursday 12 March, from 9:30am to 3:30pm at Armagh City Hotel, Friary Road, Armagh. It notes that a light lunch and refreshments are provided. A pink badge reading ‘Join Us!’ appears on the left, and a coffee cup icon sits on the right. At the bottom are logos for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Issue 161 – Southern Area FYI – 29 January 2026

Welcome to Issue 161 of our fortnightly newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

A promotional graphic for the Southern Area Locality Planning Groups’ “FYI – For Your Information” newsletter, Issue 161 dated 29 January 2026. The left side shows illustrated hands holding a tablet displaying the FYI logo. The right side features the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo and a grid of icons, including an email envelope, a phone, a globe, and a person with a checkmark.

A promotional graphic for the Southern Area Locality Planning Groups’ “FYI – For Your Information” newsletter, Issue 161 dated 29 January 2026. The left side shows illustrated hands holding a tablet displaying the FYI logo. The right side features the CYPSP (Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership) logo and a grid of icons, including an email envelope, a phone, a globe, and a person with a checkmark.

Download Issue 161

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

 

Another jam-packed edition and thanks to all who submitted flyers on upcoming training opportunities, events, parenting programmes, youth programmes, resources, funding opportunities and surveys for inclusion in this issue.

Please continue to share these important details with us, so that we can further spread the word to practitioners, parents & carers working across / living in the Southern Trust Area during 2026!

Locality Development Team, Southern Area