Mental Health Data and Outcomes Conference – QUB

Children’s Services Planning team members Valerie Maxwell, Children Services Planning & Information Manager and Bronwyn Campbell, Lead for the Family Support Hubs Network were delighted to attend and present at Queen’s University Belfast Mental Health Data and Outcomes Conference on Tuesday 20th May 2025 in the Great Hall, along with Strategic Planning and Performance Group colleagues, Gavin Quinn, Head of the Regional Mental Health Service and Martina McCafferty, Mental Health Lead.

 

Gavin opened the conference and provided  context and an overview of the development of the new Regional Mental Health Service and the importance of Data to the Service moving forward.  Martina along with colleagues Hannah Brown, BHSCT and Mary Donaghy, Macmillan provided an update on the Journey of Think Family in NI and the benefits of implementing the model across systems.  they also shared how they were developing data and outcomes across complex systems.

 

Valerie and Bronwyn presented on reporting trends and capturing outcomes over time – Valerie shared information about the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and how they have implemented an OBA Outcomes planning framework across their infrastructure based on a multi-agency outcomes and indicator framework.  She also shared examples from the CYPSP Information systems including their Interactive Map Dashboards and new NI Outcome monitoring report presenting information at different geographical levels from Northern Ireland level, to Local government District, Trust level data and down to Ward level highlight how the data is used to assess need and also measure population outcomes.

Bronwyn then presented how information is used at Family Support Hub level providing an overview of what Family Support Hubs are and their purpose. She focused down to the 8 Hubs in the WHSCT area and provided information on supporting children, parents and families with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.  Bronwyn was also able to share how unmet need is identified on the ground and fed back up through locality planning groups and outcomes groups for partners to look at how best as a multi-agency partnership they can fill those gaps and meet the needs.  Bronwyn then shared an anonymised case study on one child and mother’s journey and the positive impact and outcomes achieved following support identified by the local hub.

Valerie concluded the presentation by sharing examples of CYPSP Report Cards and Family Support Hub Report Cards.

Safety Nets: Social Security for Families in a Devolved UK

Image showing 2 people and row of houses.Text - Is there something you'd like to share about your experience with benefits?

Image showing 2 people and row of houses. Text – Is there something you’d like to share about your experience with benefits?

The research team which includes six universities from across the UK would really appreciate your help in spreading the word. It explores how benefits vary across all 4 countries of the UK and how this impacts families with dependent children. 

As a central part of the project, we’re holding a series of 14 online discussion workshops with parents and carers in receipt of benefits to hear about their experiences and what needs to change. The workshops are open to parents/carers across the UK who receive at least one UK benefit, such as Universal Credit, PIP, or Tax Credits, or who are receiving asylum support. 

The discussions will take place in small, friendly online groups where participants can share their personal experiences and ideas for policy change. To thank them for their time, we are offering £50 in Love2Shop vouchers for each 2.5 hour workshop they attend, with the opportunity to take part in up to two workshops on different topics relating to social security (e.g. employment support, free school meals, welfare mitigations).

Uisce from the research team would be delighted to arrange a Zoom call if you’d like to discuss this further and can be reached on 07552 285828 or safety-nets-project@york.ac.uk

 

Image with text and QR code

Image with text and QR code

Issue 148 – Southern Area FYI – 15th May 2025

Welcome to Issue 148 of our fortnightly newsletter, ‘FYI’ (For Your Information).

Image with text promoting Southern Area Locality Planning Groups FYI (For Your Information)

Image with text promoting Southern Area Locality Planning Groups FYI (For Your Information)

Download Issue 148

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

On Page 3 you will see a call to submit any summer activities you are planning and want to promote for children, young people and families. This makes it easier for parents, carers and practitioners to access this important information. Please also include any local activities you are aware of, as well as free/very low costs resources.

We have included our School Uniform Recycling Toolkit on Page 4. This is a free practical resource for use by any group who want to set up and run a recycling scheme in their area. To find out more about this and learn how we can help support you, please contact us at the usual address. 

It is Mental Health Awareness Week. You will also find, in this edition, a wide range of resources, advice & support for your mental health and wellbeing. Please share this information widely with children, young people & families who might benefit from receiving it.

Stay connected! 

Locality Development Team, Southern Area

School Uniform Recycling Toolkit 2025

Graphic with text - Southern Area School Uniform Recycling Toolkit

Graphic with text – Southern Area School Uniform Recycling Toolkit

 

 

The Southern Area School Uniform Recycling Toolkit is a FREE resource for any school, community organisation or group to use to help set up a recycling scheme.

Including editable flyers, checklist templates and evaluation tools, this resource can be used across Northern Ireland and is available to download NOW!

For anyone who wishes to use the Toolkit, or for further information, e-mail localityplanning@ci-ni.org.uk, as we aim to track all usage of the resource to demonstrate the impact of this initiative.

Launch of PB Tak£500+ 2025

Do you have an idea that you feel would have a positive impact on your Community?

Communities can apply for up to £1000 for a project they think will benefit their area and best of all, local residents will decide which projects should get the money!

Image with text promoting TAKE 500+

Image with text promoting TAKE 500+

TAKE500 Application form 

TAKE500 Guidance notes 

TAKE500 FAQ’s