Stronger Together: Information Day for Children with Additional Needs – 25 March 2026

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

Wednesday 25th March, 9.30-3.30pm in The Braid Centre, Ballymena.

 

A “Save the Date” poster from Northern Health & Social Care Trust for an event titled “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 market‑style stalls appear in the centre. The event takes place on Wednesday 25 March from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Braid Centre, Bridge Street, Ballymena. A badge-shaped graphic reads “Join Us!” and a steaming coffee cup illustration appears on the right. Text at the bottom invites stallholder registrations and provides RSVP contact details for Ciara O’Kane. Logos for Northern Health and Social Care Trust and its social media icons appear along the bottom

A “Save the Date” poster from Northern Health & Social Care Trust for an event titled “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 market‑style stalls appear in the centre. The event takes place on Wednesday 25 March from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Braid Centre, Bridge Street, Ballymena. A badge-shaped graphic reads “Join Us!” and a steaming coffee cup illustration appears on the right. Text at the bottom invites stallholder registrations and provides RSVP contact details for Ciara O’Kane. Logos for Northern Health and Social Care Trust and its social media icons appear along the bottom

A colourful invitation poster titled “You Are Invited” for an event called “Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Disabilities & Additional Needs.” The poster states that the event will include stalls from local services and community organisations, presentations, and information on health, education, and family support. Three illustrated market‑style stalls appear in the centre. The event takes place on Wednesday 25 March from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Braid Arts Centre, Bridge Street, Ballymena. A badge graphic reads “Join Us!” and a small illustration of a steaming coffee cup is shown on the right. Text notes that a light lunch and refreshments are provided and that all are welcome with no need for parents, carers, or professionals to pre‑register. Logos for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust appear at the bottom

A colourful invitation poster titled “You Are Invited” for an event called “Stronger Together: An Information Day for Children with Disabilities & Additional Needs.” The poster states that the event will include stalls from local services and community organisations, presentations, and information on health, education, and family support. Three illustrated market‑style stalls appear in the centre. The event takes place on Wednesday 25 March from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Braid Arts Centre, Bridge Street, Ballymena. A badge graphic reads “Join Us!” and a small illustration of a steaming coffee cup is shown on the right. Text notes that a light lunch and refreshments are provided and that all are welcome with no need for parents, carers, or professionals to pre‑register. Logos for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust appear at the bottom

Connect North Library Drop in Sessions: January & February 2026 (Northern HSC Trust Area)

Promotional banner for Connect North, a community wellbeing initiative. The banner features the Connect North logo—a stylized tree with colorful leaves—and the Libraries NI logo. It includes the tagline ‘Your Pathway to Wellbeing’ and invites people to attend drop-in sessions. The message highlights that Connect North helps individuals access practical, social, and emotional support services within their community

Promotional banner for Connect North, a community wellbeing initiative. The banner features the Connect North logo—a stylized tree with colorful leaves—and the Libraries NI logo. It includes the tagline ‘Your Pathway to Wellbeing’ and invites people to attend drop-in sessions. The message highlights that Connect North helps individuals access practical, social, and emotional support services within their community

 

Whether you need advice, resources, or community connections, Connect North is here to help you access the services you need.

In partnership with Libraries NI, Drop-In sessions are hosted in libraries across the Northern Trust.

No appointment needed—just drop in!

 

Upcoming Drop-ins: –

At each Drop-In session, you can:

  • Chat with a Connect North Link Worker
  • Learn about local groups, services & events
  • Access support and information in a friendly, informal setting

 

Full list of locations & times heck-out our directory for a date and location that works for you:

www.connectnorth.co.uk  

 

To learn more about Connect North or how to refer someone:

Contact: connectnorth@northerntrust.hscni.net

www.connectnorth.co.uk

X @connectnorthSP

 

Family Support Hub Annual Report Card 2024/25

FSH Annual Report Card 2024/25 is now available on the website under Family Support Hub Monitoring on the Family Support Hub page or download here: –

https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/391/family-support-hubs/47279/fshannual_report-card-2024_25.pdf

The Annual FSH Report card is in a new format. This updated version includes commentary on regional variations, highlighting differences across areas.

Our aim with this new approach is to make the report more informatvie and useful for planning and decision-making.

 

 

Christmas Edition Family Support Newsletter

The Christmas edition of the Family Support Hub Newsletter is now available at  https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/391/family-support-hubs/47245/fsh-newsletter-dec2025.pdf  

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

As we approach the festive season, this edition is filled with events, activities, and services designed to support families across our region during what can be both a joyful and challenging time of year. Whether you are a parent, carer, or professional working with families, we hope you find something helpful and uplifting within these pages.

This newsletter is a celebration of the incredible work happening in our communities and the commitment of everyone involved in supporting families. It’s also a reminder that help is always available, no one should feel alone during the holidays.

It is also packed full of information for parents/carers, early years, children & young people with a disability,  mental health and wellbeing advice,  Helplines and much more – make sure you download your copy now!

Previous editions of the newsletter are available at  http://www.cypsp.hscni.net/family-support-hubs  under Family Support Newsletter section.

Regards,

Children’s Services Team

 

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