Survey on new Home Start Service in Carrickfergus

Are you the parent or carer of a child under 5 with a disability or health issue?

Home Start East Antrim are keen to see if local families would benefit from a parent and tots style group specifically for children with additional needs, a disability or health issues.

The new group would be piloted in Carrickfergus.

If you are a parent or carer for a child under 5 with additional needs, a disability or health issues, we would really appreciate your feedback.

Please complete the attached survey to let us know if you think this service is needed!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnNVAIhNDgHFpKd3Gx0ykn-hW6UVscRN3h9BSO9jV1PqNgrA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) Consultation

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a new consultation on increasing the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) in Northern Ireland, and is seeking your views.

The consultation document provides background and information on the issue, which is an important one given the potential impact it has on children’s lives, and they are therefore very keen to hear your views.  DoJ are encouraging everyone with an interest to read the consultation document and submit a response and are particularly keen to hear the views of children and young people, as they are the group most impacted by the issue; a youth friendly version of the consultation document has been developed to assist with this.

All information and relevant documents, along with the ways to respond, can be found on the Department’s website at: Consultation on increasing the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility in NI | Department of Justice (justice-ni.gov.uk)

The deadline for response is Friday 23rd December 2022.

Email: macrviews@justice-ni.gov.uk

#BeSafeOnline ‘Cyber Safety’ Campaign

Being online can be exciting and fun – but some things online can leave you feeling upset, bullied, or even worried.

Just remember that good and bad news travels fast online and you can sometimes find yourself in tricky situations with lasting consequences.

Southern Health & Social Care Trust, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council have all teamed up to support children and young people with the ‘Cyber Safety’ #BeSafeOnline campaign.

Staying safe online does start with you – and there are lots of people here to help you.

If you or someone you know needs support, call one of the numbers below and there will be someone to listen to you and provide you with help.

Southern Trust 028 3756 7100
South Eastern Trust 0300 100 0300

To find out more please visit: www.newrymournedown.org/safeguarding

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Down and Ards & North Down Fortnightly News – Issue 54

Welcome to the 54th edition of the fortnightly newsletter for Locality Planning Groups in Ards, North Down & Down.

Download your copy here

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

This edition is packed full with information on services promoting emotional, social and financial support for struggling families. Please share with your contacts.

If you wish to advertise any upcoming programmes or activities please see the guidance on the back page.

Noelle.Hollywood@setrust.hscni.net