Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 4th December 2025

Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 04/12/25” by CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The left section features a green poster titled “Libraries NI Christmas Events” with festive decorations and cartoon elves at the bottom. It mentions free events in libraries across Northern Ireland, including story times, crafts, and family activities, with booking recommended. Social media icons for Facebook and Twitter are shown. The right section displays a festive image of wrapped gifts, ornaments, and pinecones on a white wooden background, with text reading “Festive Fun in Libraries Across Northern Ireland” and “Free Christmas Events in Libraries NI this December.” A footer invites sharing information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 04/12/25” by CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The left section features a green poster titled “Libraries NI Christmas Events” with festive decorations and cartoon elves at the bottom. It mentions free events in libraries across Northern Ireland, including story times, crafts, and family activities, with booking recommended. Social media icons for Facebook and Twitter are shown. The right section displays a festive image of wrapped gifts, ornaments, and pinecones on a white wooden background, with text reading “Festive Fun in Libraries Across Northern Ireland” and “Free Christmas Events in Libraries NI this December.” A footer invites sharing information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

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(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

Celebrating Excellence: Children’s Services Planning Team Recognized for Outstanding Contributions

At this year’s SPPG Recognition and Awards event, the Children’s Services Planning Team was celebrated for its exceptional work in supporting the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP). The team received multiple commendations for initiatives that have made a real difference to children, young people, and families across the region.

Driving Success Through Collaboration

The team was highly commended under the Partnership and Driving Success category for its work on The Youth Wellness Web. This innovative online platform provides young people with easy access to mental health and wellbeing resources, empowering them to find support when they need it most.

“The Youth Wellness Web is about giving young people the tools to take control of their wellbeing. It’s a collaborative effort that reflects our commitment to listening and responding to their needs,” said a spokesperson from the Children’s Services Planning Team.

Explore the Youth Wellness Web

Innovation in Data Intelligence

The team was also highly commended in the Innovation in Data Intelligence category for its Interactive Mapping and Performance System. This system represents a significant step forward in how data is used to inform planning and service delivery for children and families. By visualizing key indicators and trends, the platform enables decision-makers to target resources effectively and respond to emerging needs with precision.

Learn more about CYPSP Mapping Tools

Breaking Down Barriers with the Translation Hub

In addition, the team’s Translation Hub was recognized under the Excellence and Outstanding Performance category. This initiative ensures that vital information and resources are accessible to families whose first language is not English. By providing translated materials and culturally sensitive communication, the hub promotes inclusivity and equal access to services, strengthening support for diverse communities.

Access the Translation Hub

Commitment to Children and Families

These achievements highlight the unwavering commitment of the Children’s Services Planning Team to improving the lives of children and young people across the region. Their work demonstrates how collaboration, creativity, and data-driven approaches can lead to meaningful change and better outcomes for families.

“These projects show what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision for children and young people. Congratulations to everyone involved,” said Tracey McCaig, Chief Operating Officer.

Congratulations to Bronwyn, Valerie, Louise, Sharon and Yvonne

Have A Ho-Ho-Healthier Holiday Season

At Christmas we’re often surrounded by so much delicious food and drink…festive fries, boxes of chocolates and cheeseboards galore! You can absolutely still enjoy the festive period without overdoing it. 

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

Some tips to try:

  • Realistic – trying to make healthier choices 80% of the time is more realistic and allows space for enjoying some of your favourite festive foods.
  • Usual routine – stick to your usual eating and activity routines when you can.
  • Drink plenty of water – stay well hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid daily.
  • Outside – research shows that just 5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation so why not try to fit in some lunchtime steps.
  • Limit alcohol – if you drink alcohol try to stick within the limits of 14 units per week with a few alcohol-free days each week.
  • Portion control – it’s totally OK to enjoy your favourite festive treats but just think about how much and how often you’re having them. For example, 3 chocolates = ~130 calories, 10 sweets = ~430 calories – that’s a difference of 300 calories!
  • Habit stack – add some healthy habits onto things you already do. For example, do a few squats while you wait for the kettle to boil or add an extra piece of fruit as a snack.

Find out more top tips from our Public Health Dietitians in this short video.

Scan the QR code or click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/u_8Upqynyq4?si=EZQekFLF1Q_okFZM

 

 

Tis’ the Season for Using Your Slow Cooker!

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Slow cooking has become a popular cooking method due to its minimal effort and energy-savings. Find out our top tips for making the most of your slow cooker in this short video.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/J5nQW9LSknQ

 

 

Winter Warmer Recipes

As temperatures continue to cool, we look to our food to heat us up.  Our YouTube channel has simple step-by-step recipe videos for lots of easy and tasty meals.

Slow Cooker Potato & Leek Soup https://youtu.be/Xa3aZJHS7i0?si=wSt9NaVF6o3c-VRH

Chicken Curry https://youtu.be/WSpPYWlM50Q?si=zmiTv9B7T0W1cCG_

Fish Pie https://youtu.be/NQ1JYvZhZtU?si=n3BjUsfJ-4VSb4hz

 

There are lots more recipes on our YouTube channel so check it out if you are looking for tasty but healthy dinner inspiration on the run up to Christmas!

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

 

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 20th November 2025

A digital flyer titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 20/11/25” with logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust at the top. The left section promotes “Funding for community-based winter festivals and events” with the Belfast City Council logo and a clickable link. The right section advertises the “Winter Coat Project” offering free coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for all ages. It lists details for picking up a coat on Wednesday, 26th November from 2 PM to 7 PM at St Paul’s & St Barnabas Church of Ireland, 210 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1JJ. Below, donation locations and times are provided for Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Challenge Training Studios, Grove Housing Association, McDonald Centre, and St Paul’s & St Barnabas. The bottom banner invites sharing information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net. The flyer uses blue and white tones with a winter theme and includes an image of a stone church on the right

A digital flyer titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 20/11/25” with logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust at the top. The left section promotes “Funding for community-based winter festivals and events” with the Belfast City Council logo and a clickable link. The right section advertises the “Winter Coat Project” offering free coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for all ages. It lists details for picking up a coat on Wednesday, 26th November from 2 PM to 7 PM at St Paul’s & St Barnabas Church of Ireland, 210 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1JJ. Below, donation locations and times are provided for Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Challenge Training Studios, Grove Housing Association, McDonald Centre, and St Paul’s & St Barnabas. The bottom banner invites sharing information via email at LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net. The flyer uses blue and white tones with a winter theme and includes an image of a stone church on the right

Download Issue

(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

Belfast Locality Planning Newsletter – 6th November 2025

A digital information update titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 06/11/25” with logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust at the top. The main content announces the Department of Health’s Core Grant Funding Scheme for 2026–27. It explains that grants are awarded to voluntary and community sector organisations contributing to departmental strategic outcomes, including:Public health and reducing health inequalities. Supporting adults, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, to live independently and inclusively. Supporting children and young people, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, and their families. Improving mental health and wellbeing of the population. The image includes a Department of Health logo, a link to the scheme details, and an email address for sharing information: LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

A digital information update titled “Locality Planning Belfast – Information Update 06/11/25” with logos for CYPSP and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust at the top. The main content announces the Department of Health’s Core Grant Funding Scheme for 2026–27. It explains that grants are awarded to voluntary and community sector organisations contributing to departmental strategic outcomes, including: Public health and reducing health inequalities. Supporting adults, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, to live independently and inclusively. Supporting children and young people, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, and their families. Improving mental health and wellbeing of the population. The image includes a Department of Health logo, a link to the scheme details, and an email address for sharing information: LocalityPlanning@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Download Issue

(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