Primary School Children Learn Basic Life Saving Skills

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Sharon

A Mini First Aid initiative is currently being delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Downpatrick, Rowallane & Slieve Croob District Electoral Area Forums to six primary schools within rural areas. The interactive learning programme is provided by a qualified First Aid facilitator to help give young people the opportunity to develop their first aid skills. This is particularly important for those living in rural areas where emergency service response times can be slower.

Through the help of a big teddy and ‘The Adventures of Freddie’ P1-P3 pupils learn how to get help in an emergency, the importance of knowing your address, dialing 999 and how to put someone in a recovery position. Pupils from P4-P7 have a more hands on experience and learn how to respond in an emergency first aid situation including burns, choking, breaks and CPR.

Basic first aid is an invaluable life-skill which can help save a life. The children become more risk aware and gain the skills to keep themselves safe and help themselves or others if involved in a medical emergency.

Bogside Brandywell Health Forum – FACT Project Cycle Group

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Sharon

The FACT (Families Achieving Change Together) project operates on an early intervention model, working systemically to support the families to make positive and achievable changes. The Family Support Workers on the project work with young people aged 11-18years old and their families, on a one to one basis, as well as group work.

FACT are currently in partnership with two schools in the Triax area of Derry, St Josephs Boys school and St Cecilia’s College, with a family support worker based in each school.

FACT provide tailored programmes to fit the needs of the young people within the schools and provide large scale interventions around issues such as; bullying awareness, mental health and personal development.

Here at the Bogside Brandywell Health Forum we like to take a holistic approach to the young people’s health and well-being, and what better way to promote mental health than to get out in the fresh air for some exercise.

With the easing of current restrictions and guidelines we have been able to welcome our young people’s weekly cycling group back together.

The FACT project is funded by Community Fund NI.

For any questions or further information about FACT please see our website: FACT | Bogside & Brandywell (bbhealthforum.org)
Or contact Michaela O Hagan, Project Co-ordinator on: 02871365330

Renew and Refresh the Waterside Locality Planning Group

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Michael

Renew and Refresh the Waterside Locality Planning Group

Locality Planning Groups aims to improve outcomes for children, young people and families at a local level with a focus on early intervention.

Date: Tuesday 18 May 2021
Time: 10am
Zoom link: To be confirmed

Please confirm your attendance with una.casey@hscni.net

Building Resilience Around Gaming and Gambling

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Michael

YWA (Youth Work Alliance) is working with YGAM (Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust) and GamCare to bring an education and support programme to Northern Ireland, with the mission of safeguarding future generations from gambling and gaming related harms.

Gambling-related harms have been presented as a hidden issue in Northern Ireland for many years, which makes it even more vital for us to ensure children and vulnerable people are informed, educated and safeguarded against the potential harms associated with gambling and increasingly, gaming too.

YWA has 2 Education Officers Helen McVitty-O’Hara and Kevin McGuckin who facilitate the evidence-led, evaluated, and accredited education programmes that extend beyond the individuals that we reach directly by equipping people with the skills and confidence to talk to others about gambling harms and identify harmful behaviour in those close to them.

Feedback from Youth Workers who have completed the training and how it will impact on their practice:

“it’s really helped not only our young people but also helps us to help each other, it will help us be more conscious while organising activities and behaviours to be aware of”

“have better information to talk to young people about the dangers of gaming and gambling, will help with the delivery of workshops to young people to help raise awareness”

“more aware of signs and confident to deliver interventions and awareness around these topics”

The training is delivered free and currently online, offered in 2 options: