Family Support NI – Northern Ireland’s official Directory of Services

We are delighted to share the new Family Support NI video showcasing the work the FSNI team doScreenshot of the Family Support NI website homepage showing a large banner image of two young children lying on a patterned blanket. Three prominent navigation panels are displayed: “Family Support”, “Childcare”, and “Childcare Partnership”. The page includes the Family Support NI logo and information about family support services and registered childcare in Northern Ireland. to support parents, practitioners and professionals across NI.  The site offers a range of services including the Childcare Register for NI, this is the formal register of childcare providers in Northern Ireland and holds the most up to date childcare information.

It also holds the official Department of Health’s Directory of Family Support Services available, including Information on a wide range of services from Statutory, Community and Voluntary Organisations locally across Northern Ireland.  In addition to this there is the Childcare Partnership section of the website – CCP which supports information, available training and development across the early years and childcare sector.

The video offers a snapshot from the team on who they are, what they do and the difference their work makes. You can watch it here New Family Support NI Video – Family Support News  if you have any comments or feedback please follow the link Family Support NI (FSNI) Website Video Survey  – Fill in form

If you would like to get in contact with the FSNI team please do so by emailing: info@familysupportni.hscni.net

ONE WEBSITE, ONE TEAM, ONE FOCUS

Thank you for your continuing support

Colin Neuro Café – Thursday 24 September 2026

Join us for an information and support event for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD and those awaiting assessment.

The event will include;

  • Information stalls with representatives from statutory and community organisations
  • Interactive workshops for parents/ carers will be available on a first come, first served basis
  • Light refreshments 
Poster promoting “Colin Neuro Café,” an information and support event for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD or those awaiting assessment. Includes illustrations of families and lists event features such as information stalls, workshops and light refreshments. Takes place Thursday 24 September 2026, 10am–12 noon, at Brook Leisure Centre, Dunmurry. Contact details are provided at the bottom.

Poster promoting “Colin Neuro Café,” an information and support event for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD or those awaiting assessment. Includes illustrations of families and lists event features such as information stalls, workshops and light refreshments. Takes place Thursday 24 September 2026, 10am–12 noon, at Brook Leisure Centre, Dunmurry. Contact details are provided at the bottom.

Back to School Family Support Hubs Newsletter

The Back to School edition of the Family Support Newsletter is now available: – https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/391/family-support-hubs/48999/fshnewsletter_aug2026.pdf

Colourful “Welcome Back to School” graphic on a black chalkboard-style background. Large yellow script text reads “Welcome,” with bold white chalk-effect text reading “BACK” and multicoloured letters spelling “TO SCHOOL.” Decorative school-themed illustrations include pencils, books, a backpack, stars, confetti, and fireworks in bright colours around the text.As summer holidays come to an end and a new school year begins, many families will be busy getting back into routines, preparing school bags, and helping children and young people settle into the months ahead. While this time of year can be exciting, it can also bring a few worries and challenges, especially when children are starting a new school, moving up a year group, or adapting to new routines.

In this edition, we’ve gathered together a range of information, activities and support services to help families make the transition back to school as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re looking for practical advice, local opportunities, or information about the support available in your area, we hope you’ll find something useful inside.

 

Think Outside the Box Event – April 2026

Think Outside the Box Event Strengthens Support for Children’s Emotional Wellbeing.

Cover page of the Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing – Think Outside the Box Event Scorecard. The design features a purple and light teal split background with the title “Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing” and “Think Outside the Box Event”. The cover notes that the scorecard is hosted by the Parent Participation Service and includes the logos of Children in Northern Ireland, CYPSP and Parentline NI.

Cover page of the Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing – Think Outside the Box Event Scorecard. The design features a purple and light teal split background with the title “Supporting Children’s Emotional Health & Wellbeing” and “Think Outside the Box Event”. The cover notes that the scorecard is hosted by the Parent Participation Service and includes the logos of Children in Northern Ireland, CYPSP and Parentline NI.

Parents, carers and professionals from across Northern Ireland came together for the Think Outside the Box event in April 2026, hosted by the Parent Participation Service, to explore new ways of supporting children’s emotional health and wellbeing. The event provided an opportunity to learn about a range of therapeutic approaches, connect with local services and share experiences in a supportive environment. 

The event attracted strong interest, with 100 registrations and a waiting list, highlighting the demand for information and support around children’s emotional wellbeing. Attendees took part in workshops on Equine Therapy, Lego Therapy, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and Poetry Therapy, alongside networking opportunities and expert presentations.

Feedback showed a significant positive impact, with 98% of participants finding the event useful and 100% saying they would recommend it to others. Participants reported feeling more confident, better informed and more aware of local support services following the event.

The accompanying scorecard provides a detailed overview of the event, highlighting attendance, participant feedback and the positive outcomes achieved for parents, carers and professionals.

Read the full scorecard at: https://cypsp.hscni.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Think-Outside-The-Box-Event-Scorecard.pdf 

Summer of Fun Awaits: SEAOG Launches Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026

Cover image for the South Eastern Area Outcomes Group Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026. The page features photos of children taking part in outdoor summer activities, including arts and crafts, bubble play and inclusive play. One image shows a child using a wheelchair high-fiving another child. Logos for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP appear at the top. Decorative summer illustrations of a smiling sun, beach umbrella and beach ball appear on the right. The title reads: “Summer is Coming! South Eastern Area Outcomes Group Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026.”

Cover image for the South Eastern Area Outcomes Group Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026. The page features photos of children taking part in outdoor summer activities, including arts and crafts, bubble play and inclusive play. One image shows a child using a wheelchair high-fiving another child. Logos for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP appear at the top. Decorative summer illustrations of a smiling sun, beach umbrella and beach ball appear on the right. The title reads: “Summer is Coming! South Eastern Area Outcomes Group Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026.”

Families across the South Eastern area can now start planning for an exciting and inclusive summer, with the launch of the South Eastern Area Outcomes Group (SEAOG) Inclusive Summer Activities Directory 2026. The directory brings together a wide range of activities, events and support services designed to help children, young people and families make the most of the summer months.

Covering Ards and North Down, Colin, Down, Lisburn and Northern Ireland-wide opportunities, the directory highlights activities for children and young people. From sports camps and swimming programmes to creative workshops, family fun days, wellbeing initiatives and support services, there is something to suit every interest.