Tag Archives: western-og

Western Area FYI – Issue 25 – December 2025

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Your FYI is a monthly round up of all things family support and early intervention / prevention across the Western trust and beyond.

Cover page of FYI newsletter, December 2025, Issue 25, from Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP. The header includes the FYI logo and the text 'For Your Information.' The contents list includes family support, youth support, cost of living, neurodiversity, infant mental health/ breastfeeding, digital safeguarding, addiction, emotional wellbeing & mental health, training/ conferences, western sure start projects/ childcare partnerships/ family support hubs, useful links & informative media links, CRIS leaflet

Cover page of FYI newsletter, December 2025, Issue 25, from Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP. The header includes the FYI logo and the text ‘For Your Information.’ The contents list includes family support, youth support, cost of living, neurodiversity, infant mental health/ breastfeeding, digital safeguarding, addiction, emotional wellbeing & mental health, training/ conferences, western sure start projects/ childcare partnerships/ family support hubs, useful links & informative media links, CRIS leaflet

Download Issue 25

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

If you would like to contribute upcoming consultations, training, articles, or events that practitioners from the community, voluntary or statutory sectors within the Western Trust will find useful please contact:

Dr Priscilla Magee – Mobile  07880723076     priscilla.magee@westerntrust.hscni.net

Paul Sweeney – Mobile  07387259117     paul.sweeney@westerntrust.hscni.net

Celebrating Excellence: Children’s Services Planning Team Recognized for Outstanding Contributions

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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

Have A Ho-Ho-Healthier Holiday Season

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At Christmas we’re often surrounded by so much delicious food and drink…festive fries, boxes of chocolates and cheeseboards galore! You can absolutely still enjoy the festive period without overdoing it. 

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

A festive graphic with a red background and holiday-themed decorations. On the left, there is a photo of a wooden board arranged with a healthy Christmas graze selection, including grapes, cheese cubes, breadsticks, crackers, and vegetables, styled in a tree shape. Text on the image reads: “A Healthier Holiday Season!” and “Plus: How to Make a Healthier Christmas Graze Board.” There is a QR code and a red button labeled “Watch Now.” Logos for Health and Social Care and the Public Health Agency are at the bottom

Some tips to try:

  • Realistic – trying to make healthier choices 80% of the time is more realistic and allows space for enjoying some of your favourite festive foods.
  • Usual routine – stick to your usual eating and activity routines when you can.
  • Drink plenty of water – stay well hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid daily.
  • Outside – research shows that just 5 minutes walking in nature improves mood, self-esteem, and relaxation so why not try to fit in some lunchtime steps.
  • Limit alcohol – if you drink alcohol try to stick within the limits of 14 units per week with a few alcohol-free days each week.
  • Portion control – it’s totally OK to enjoy your favourite festive treats but just think about how much and how often you’re having them. For example, 3 chocolates = ~130 calories, 10 sweets = ~430 calories – that’s a difference of 300 calories!
  • Habit stack – add some healthy habits onto things you already do. For example, do a few squats while you wait for the kettle to boil or add an extra piece of fruit as a snack.

Find out more top tips from our Public Health Dietitians in this short video.

Scan the QR code or click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/u_8Upqynyq4?si=EZQekFLF1Q_okFZM

 

 

Tis’ the Season for Using Your Slow Cooker!

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Illustration of a white plate on a purple background with a fork on the left and a knife on the right. Inside the plate, there is a simple graphic of a person standing next to a slow cooker on a counter. Text on the plate reads: “Easy Slow Cooking.” At the bottom are three logos: HSC Public Health Agency, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Health and Social Care

Slow cooking has become a popular cooking method due to its minimal effort and energy-savings. Find out our top tips for making the most of your slow cooker in this short video.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/J5nQW9LSknQ

 

 

Winter Warmer Recipes

As temperatures continue to cool, we look to our food to heat us up.  Our YouTube channel has simple step-by-step recipe videos for lots of easy and tasty meals.

Slow Cooker Potato & Leek Soup https://youtu.be/Xa3aZJHS7i0?si=wSt9NaVF6o3c-VRH

Chicken Curry https://youtu.be/WSpPYWlM50Q?si=zmiTv9B7T0W1cCG_

Fish Pie https://youtu.be/NQ1JYvZhZtU?si=n3BjUsfJ-4VSb4hz

 

There are lots more recipes on our YouTube channel so check it out if you are looking for tasty but healthy dinner inspiration on the run up to Christmas!

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

Promotional graphic with a blue background encouraging viewers to subscribe on YouTube to “Public Health Dietitians.” At the center, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the text “SCAN ME” and a YouTube logo above it. On the left, two circular images show a slow cooker and a bowl of soup with the caption “Healthy Recipe Videos.” On the right, two circular images show a group eating together and a platter of fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in a heart shape, with the caption “Free Nutrition Webinars.” At the bottom are logos for HSC Health and Social Care, Public Health Dietitians Group Northern Ireland, and HSC Public Health Agency.

 

Western Area FYI – Issue 24 – November 2025

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Your FYI is a monthly round up of all things family support and early intervention / prevention across the Western trust and beyond.

Cover page of the ‘FYI’ (For Your Information) newsletter from the Western Health and Social Care Trust and CYPSP, dated November 2025, Issue 24. The newsletter includes sections on Family Support, Youth Support, Cost of Living, Neurodiversity, Infant Mental Health and Breastfeeding, Digital Safeguarding, Addiction, Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, Training and Conferences, Western Sure Start Projects, Childcare Partnership, Family Support Hubs, Useful Links and Informative Media, and a CRIS Leaflet

Download Issue 24

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

If you would like to contribute upcoming consultations, training, articles, or events that practitioners from the community, voluntary or statutory sectors within the Western Trust will find useful please contact:

Dr Priscilla Magee – Mobile  07880723076     priscilla.magee@westerntrust.hscni.net

Paul Sweeney – Mobile  07387259117     paul.sweeney@westerntrust.hscni.net

FREE online specialist gaming and gambling harm workshops

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Ygam are offering free training on gaming and gambling harm prevention for CYP in Northern Ireland. Our training can either be delivered online or to teams face-to-face and we have many programmes to suit your industry.

Our main programmes include:

  • Parent programme: Online 90-minute course introducing gaming & gambling harm prevention, with tips & tools to help parents/carers navigate and start conversations.
  • Teachers: CPD accredited training which is A 2 ½ hour online or in person workshop giving educators a clearer understanding of gaming and gambling harms, why young people take part and the impacts to them. Along with how to spot the signs and where to go for help.
  • Youth Workers: A CPD accredited 2 ½ hour online or in person workshop giving youth workers a clearer understanding of gaming and gambling harms, why young people take part and the impacts to them. Along with how to spot the signs and where to go for help.

We also have programmes in Health & Social Care, Early Help, Supporting Children in Care, diverse communities and gaming & eSports.

For more information about our work, visit www.ygam.org or email training@ygam.org

 

Promotional flyer for Ygam's free online specialist gaming and gambling harm workshops. Features a person wearing headphones using a laptop, emphasizing the online format. The flyer targets professionals working with children or young people, offering CPD certification, digital credentials, and access to over 1000 resources. Topics include gaming vs. gambling similarities, loot boxes, signs of harm, advertising, mental health, and support options. Booking via training@ygam.org or www.ygam.org. Logos for Ygam and City & Guilds Assured are included

Promotional flyer for Ygam’s free online specialist gaming and gambling harm workshops. Features a person wearing headphones using a laptop, emphasizing the online format. The flyer targets professionals working with children or young people, offering CPD certification, digital credentials, and access to over 1000 resources. Topics include gaming vs. gambling similarities, loot boxes, signs of harm, advertising, mental health, and support options. Booking via training@ygam.org or www.ygam.org. Logos for Ygam and City & Guilds Assured are included