News & Events
Family and Parenting Support in Challenging Times
May 2013
On 7 May 2013 Eurochild, in cooperation with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, organized a round table debate on 'Family and parenting support in challenging times'. Representatives of CYPSP attended the round table. The event aimed to promote a wider understanding at EU level of what family and parenting support is, to explore what is needed to support parenting and to examine the lessons learned in this field and propose possible ways to put those lessons into practice.
Download a copy of the conference summary hereFor more information contact Maurice Leeson Children's Services Planning Professional Advisor, by e-mail or tel: (028) 553972
Message from the Chair of the CYPSP Looked After Children/Youth Homelessness 16+ Sub Group
May 2013
Your views are being sought about how to improve outcomes for looked after children and young people across Northern Ireland. A regional sub group with membership from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors has been set up by the Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership- the Looked After Children/Youth Homelessness 16+ (LAC/16+) Sub Group.
The LAC/16+ Sub Group are consulting about the most concerning issues affecting this specific group of children, young people and their families. The responses received from this consultation will inform the actions plan for this group, which form part of the Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will end on 6th August 2013.
We are encouraging as many people as possible to have their say and would encourage you to distribute this as far and wide as possible.
BME Action Plan Consultation Now Closed!
May 2013
The public consultation for the BME subgroup action plan has now closed. A number of responses were received and a significant number of children, young people and parents were consulted with. Participation Network facilitated a consultation with children and young people at the recent BELONG showcase and Children's court event. A total of 85 children and young people were consulted with. The ages of those involved ranged between 6-20 years old.
64 parents were also consulted through the BME Parents Reference Group, facilitated by Parenting NI. The views of organisations, children, young people and parents will prove vital as the BME subgroup review the consultation responses and finalise their action plan.
Download Parenting NI's Parents Reference Group consultation
Family Fun & Information Event in Rural Dungannon
May 2013
The CYPSP Rural Dungannon Locality Planning Group are working in partnership with local schools to launch a family fun and information event in Fivemiletown College. Come along to find out more about services in your area and have some fun with your family!
Date: 21 June 2013
Venue: Fivemiletown College Youth Annex [Directions]
Time: 2.00 - 5.50pm
For more information contact: Julie Bolton (CYPSP) on
07725 232566 or by e-mail.
Antrim Youth Fair 1st May 2013
May 2013
The CYPSP Antrim Locality Planning Group and Antrim Learning Together Group successfully delivered a youth fair to over 300 young people aged 15-16 years in Parkhall Integrated Senior School, Antrim. The event provided young people from four local post primary schools the opportunity to engage with exhibitor services that promoted mental health support and positive choices.
Family Support Website has continued success
May 2013
The Family Support NI website has had widespread success since it was launched. Visits to the website have shown a steady increase of over 205% between the launch in June 2011 and the end of April 2013. There have been nearly half a million visits to the site to date.
The website at www.familysupportni.gov.uk provides information on Family Support services including child minding, daycare, disability, domestic abuse, drug/alcohol misuse, mental health, social care for children, leisure, support for young offenders and others.
Families and young people can find the service they need and details on how to access it whether the service is provided by a statutory, private, community or voluntary organization. The website is also used by frontline staff to enable them to signpost families and young people to appropriate services. Details of more than 6000 organisations are already available on the website. Regular quality assurance ensures that existing information is up to date and the team are constantly working to add to the family support information available. If you wish to have your organisation’s details included or updated on the site please email info@familysupportni.gov.uk or by telephone on 0845 600 6483.
For more information contact Helen O’Neill, Communications Manager, Health and Social Care Board, Tel: 028 7186 0086, or email Helen here
Have your voice heard! - Views of Ballymoney parents needed.
May 2013
If you are a parent/carer of a child aged 0-4 years who is living in the Ballymoney area, we would like to hear from you about services in your area.
Download a questionnaire hereFor more information contact Sandra Anderson, Participation Development Officer, Tel: 028 2563 6609, or email Sandra here
Nominate an Inspirational Young Person
- C me B+ ‘See me Be Positive’
May 2013
Do you know an inspirational young person (aged 8-18years) who you think deserves recognition for the things they do to make life better for others? For example;
- Personal Achievement
- Volunteering
- Good Deeds
- Positive Role Model
Applications are invited for those living in the Ballyclare and Newtownabbey area. Closing date: Friday 10th May 2013!
For more information and a nominating form please contact Kathy Wolff Community Relations Forum Tel: 028 9084 9314 or 078 0198 9917.
Download the poster
Engagement with Children and Young People in Moyle
May 2013
Engagement is planned with Children and Young People with disabilities and their Parents to ensure that their views are included locally in the Moyle Locality Action Plan.
Dates for engagement are:
- Tuesday 7th May at 6pm in Glens Youth Club for young people 12 years and over
- Wednesday 15th May at 3pm in St Mary’s Parish Hall for young people 12 years and under.
- Wednesday 15th May at 4pm – Focus group with parents who have children and young people with disabilities who wish to have their say. Download flyer.
For more information contact Sandra Anderson, Participation Development Officer, Tel: 028 2563 6609, or email Sandra here
Calling all parents in Bushmills to a conversation workshop!
May 2013
Bushmills Residents Environmental Forum (BREF), Community Foundation Northern Ireland and CYPSP Bushmills Locality Planning Group are calling all parents within the Bushmills area to a workshop on educational outcomes of children. Come along to this event and have your views heard.
The event will be at the French Rooms in Bushmillls on 9th May at 7pm.
Please confirm attendance for catering purposes with Leanne Abernethy on 07747 077945. BREF, 12 Causeway Court, Dundarave Park, Bushmills, BT57 8SG, Tel: 028 207 30500 Email: b.r.e.f@hotmail.co.uk
Download a programme of events
The Antrim Youth Fair
April 2013
The Antrim Youth Fair is taking place on Wednesday 1st May 2011 from 9.30am – 3.30pm at Parkhall Integrated College – Senior School [Directions]
See flyer here
BELONG Creative Showcase and Children’s Court – All Rise!
April 2013
BELONG hosted a full day activity programme for BME children and their families in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 13th April. Children and parents attended workshops and consultations throughout the day with BELONG, NICCY, NI Anti-Bullying Forum, Participation Network and Parenting NI.
The highlight of the day was the interactive ‘Children’s Court’ which was co-hosted by BELONG and Patricia Lewsley–Mooney, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) who judged which of their rights were being breached at a ‘Children’s Court’.
Children spoke about issues they are facing in their everyday lives and the Children’s Commissioner then gave her ruling on what rights have been breached and what actions should be taken.
Service providers and community organisations were in attendance at the Children’s Court to offer their support and they also had an opportunity to view the artwork and performances developed by children and to hear their very own composition, ‘BELONG in Song’.
Left to Right - Deirdre McAliskey BELONG Programme Manager, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, and participating children from the BELONG Programme at the Children’s Court on Saturday 13th April.BELONG Programme Manager, Deirdre McAliskey said: “This was an important event for us and it’s primary aims was to ensure that the voices of BME children were heard, listened to and acted upon by the adults and agencies who have responsibility to support them in the fulfilment of their rights. Among the issues raised at the Children’s Court were the child’s right to play, to have a say and also their right to their own culture, language and beliefs.”
NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney said: “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a list of promises made by Government to children. My job is to safeguard and promote the rights and best interests of all children and young people in Northern Ireland and to make sure Government keeps those promises. I enjoyed listening to these young people’s views, hearing about the issues they face in everyday life and seeing how I can help ensure that their rights are protected.” The event marked the beginning of ‘Phase 2’ of the BELONG Programme, which will focus on sharing learning and influencing the policy and practice of service provision for BME children throughout Northern Ireland.
Left to Right - Bernadette McAliskey STEP, Maurice Leeson Health and Social Care Board, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Kieran Shields Southern Education and Library Board, Deirdre Mc Aliskey BELONG.To learn more about BELONG, then contact thier main office on 028 8774 1960 or visit thier website.
Collect Free Resources at Volunteers’ Week Roadshows
April 2013
Does your organisation work with Volunteers? Would you like to reward your volunteers for all their hard work during Volunteers Week 1-7 June 2013?
Volunteer Now are launching a number of Volunteer Week Road show’s in April 2013 to celebrate the 29th anniversary of volunteers week so you may want to take the opportunity to attend one of their road shows to collect free resource packs for your volunteers.
To find a roadshow near you and book your place please contact Natasha on 028 9023 2020 or email: Natasha.weatherall@volunteernow.co.uk to confirm your place.
Northern Ireland’s first LGBT Health Conference Held
April 2013
Regional planning and developments to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) population in Northern Ireland has taken great strides in 2013 as the Rainbow Project, Here NI and Cara-Friend held Northern Ireland’s first LGBT Health conference on 27th March 2013.
This event took place in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast to explore key issues for LGB/T children, young people and their families including the barriers to monitoring sexual orientation, mental health and educational needs of young people sexual health, and transgender issues. There were a number of workshops to address these issues and they were supported by a number of prestigious speakers from the LGBT community who highlighted the range of issues evidenced through research findings which are affecting LGB/T Families and the mental health of the LGB/T population.
The event was supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA) who stated that “the PHA recognises the importance of addressing the Health and Social Wellbeing Inequalities experienced by LGB&T and were delighted to be able to support the event. The PHA was delighted to see such a great interest in the event and commend Rainbow Project, Here NI and Cara Friend for working in partnership to make the conference happen”.
Hopefully the first of many, the conference will prove to be vital for increasing the visibility of the LGB/T population in Northern Ireland. Many of the issues will also aid the recently established CYPSP LGB/T multi-agency group, led by the PHA, as they continue to plan what difference they can make to the outcomes of this group of children and young people.
Monitoring reports Updated
April 2013
All of our locality outcome monitoring reports have recently been updated and added to the website. These reports show how children and young people across each Outcomes area are doing in relation to the Government’s six high level outcomes and covers the period 2006 up to 2012 where the information is available.
View our interactive maps
Contact the CYPSP Information Manager Valerie Maxwell
Youth Volunteer Fair's Event Held
April 2013
Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Dungannon locality planning group organised a Volunteer Youth fair in partnership with Volunteer Now, this fair was held on the 20th March 2013 in the Dungannon Youth Resource centre. Over two hundred pupils attended from four local schools in Dungannon. This fair give the pupils an opportunity to find out about volunteering, the benefits of volunteering and what opportunities are available locally in Dungannon. Increasing the number of young people who volunteer in the Southern Trust area is one of the areas set out in the Southern Outcomes Action plan. Thank you to the young people who came along and volunteered at this event and spoke to local pupils about their volunteer opportunities.
New Children's Disability Training
April 2013
Children in Northern Ireland are pleased to be able to offer you this diverse training programme which is funded by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) through the Childcare Fund. These workshops are aimed at childminders, day care staff, after school staff, parents and family members who provide childcare to children with disabilities with a view to increasing the number of people equipped with the relevant skills and confidence to help care for a child with a disability.
Download a copy of the programme hereVisit the CINI website for more information
If you would like more information please contact Melissa Adair / Paula Quinn by email or on 029 90401290
Family Support Funding Opportunities 2013-2014
March 2013
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been asked to lead a process to secure the delivery of a range of appropriate family support services on behalf of the Belfast Outcomes Group for the period 1st of June 2013 - 1st December 2014.
Services will be expected to meet the needs of Children and Young People in line with the priority areas outlined below and will target those at the Hardiker tier two level of need in wards within BHSCT boundaries which have indicators below the regional average.
- Priority Areas
- Interventions targeting the 5-11 year old age band to support and enable positive family relationships
- Outreach targeted at hard to reach/vulnerable families with school aged children to reduce isolation and to build resilience
- Promoting better youth engagement within the 11-16 year old age band
An information event to outline the application process, the funding structures and to discuss the targets for proposed interventions will be held at NICVA on April 10th 2013 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Download the Belfast Monitoring Report
Visit the Belfast Outcomes Group page
Family Support Hubs Agreed Referral Protocol
March 2013
Family Support Hub Developers have agreed a standard referral form for accepting referrals for children, young people, parents or families to a Family Support Hubs in Northern Ireland. This form will ensure the same data is being collected in the same way across all hubs in relation to the referred party in compliance with Health and Social Care Board Ethnic Monitoring standards.
This referral form will also provide a baseline to identify children's needs and gaps in current service provision in Northern Ireland which will enable Locality Planning Groups within Hub areas to plan to address these areas of need. Attached is a template of what the referral form will look like and the information that will be required when referring to a hub.
Family Support Hub members from the Southern Area who met at a workshop in Armagh (November 2012), to share ideas on what is working and what is not and offer recommendations to improve referral processes to Family Support Hubs.
For more information or contact details for a hub in your area, please see the family support hub leaflet.
Regional BME Parents Reference Group Report
March 2013
Following up from the recent CYPSP 'BME Parents Reference Group' a summary report has been published detailing the event. With support from Parenting NI, over 64 parents from BME communities across Northern Ireland attended sharing their views and experiences.
These views and experiences are very important in the planning framework which has been set up to improve the lives of all children, including BME children, who live in Northern Ireland.
Download a copy of the summary report hereLearn about the BME Children & Young People subgroup
If you would like to join the BME Parents Reference Group please contact Maria Herron by email or on 02890 310 891
Don’t Box Me In.
March 2013
Members of Barnardo's NI 'Disabled Children and Young People's Participation Project' recently took to the stage in a production aimed at raising awareness of the issues for young disabled people as they move from child to adulthood.
Members of Barnardo’s NI ‘Disabled Children and Young Peoples’ Participation Project’ (DCYPPP) in Armagh recently took to the stage at the Market Place Theatre in the city, in a production of their own entitled ‘Don’t Box Me In’. The multi-media production, which included drama, art and animation highlighted the issues young people with disabilities experience when they move from childhood to adulthood.
Gary Crozier from Richhill and a DCYPPP group member said: “We wanted to show how challenging it can be for young disabled people moving into the adult world. Like everyone as we get older we want more independence, freedom of choice, job opportunities, families and a home but sometimes the barriers to achieving those goals can be very frustrating and isolating. Hopefully putting on this production will help people focus more on our abilities rather than our disabilities.”
Manager of Barnardo’s Armagh-based DCYPPP, Rosemary Murray said: “We are grateful to the Southern Local Commissioning Group who funded the production and Brian McMahon from B Dramatic and Orlaith Cullinane who helped create the drama and the animation. Transition is a continuing process, not a one-off event so we hope the presentation the young people made today will help influence planning and service provision in the future.”
See the Video's produced by the DCYPPP.
Disability and Transition - Dr. Brni Kelly & Sixth Sense.
CYPSP Vimeo channel.
Barnado's DCYPPP 2012 Animation.
CYPSP Vimeo channel.
Learn more about our Children with Disabilites subgroup
Magical Story Telling Session!
March 2013 - Priscilla Magee Locality Planning Coordinator
The Westville Family Resources Centre has for many years coordinated Families Together across Enniskillen with parent and child sessions run throughout the week to encourage families to make friends, play, have fun and learn together. Recently Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal has supported a session of Families Together in the newly opened West End Communities Centre. Many families who live in the West of the town are now attending the group and having fun together.
On Friday 14th December 2012 at the West End Communities Centre, there was a magical story telling event with Story Teller, Anne Chappell sharing festive stories and songs with the children and parents.
At the event the Fermanagh Locality Planning Group launched the Infant Mental Health Strategy’s five key things to do for your child to improve their later life outcomes. One of the five key messages hopes to encourage parents and grandparents to read to their children as a way to be close to each other and learn at the same time.
At the event families were encouraged to think about buying books as presents, instead of the usual toys, and to help with this ‘The Works’ a local book shop has kindly donated vouchers to help families purchase books.
As a special Christmas gift all the children were presented with an educational development stage book by Families Together, as a small token to say thank you for attending the group all year, this book will be able to be shared and enjoyed by all the family over the holidays.
Thanks to the Families That Attend the West End Communities Centre and Families Together For Allowing Us to Visit and Share Their Event.
- For More Information:
- The Best Start In Life – Debbie Hunter 028 71865127
- Fermanagh Locality Planning Group – Priscilla Magee
028 66324181 - Families Together – Doreen Mullan 028 66320290
Latest updates from Welfare Reform Bill – impact on households with children
March 2013
Subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Northern Ireland Executive, the new Welfare Reform Bill for Northern Ireland will result in changes to the benefits system here. Many of the current benefits will cease to exist and new benefits and payment systems will be introduced. The proposed Bill will provide for the introduction of a 'Universal Credit' to replace a range of existing means-tested benefits and tax credits for people of working age, starting from 2013. Besides introducing Universal Credit and related measures, the Bill will make other significant changes to the benefits system.
The ‘Impact of the Benefit Cap’ report commissioned by the Department of Social Development estimates that;
- 620 households that contain approximately 3,120 children (on average 5 children per household), will potentially be affected by the legislation
- The average amount that affected households receive in excess of the Benefit Cap threshold is £53.28 per week.
- 61% of households would see a reduction of around £50 per week to benefits with a further quarter losing from £50-£100 per week.
To learn more about the Welfare Reform Bill and its impacts then click on the links below.
What are the changes to benefits being introduced in Northern Ireland?Proposals for a Welfare Reform Bill - Equality Impact Assessment
The Impact of Benefit Cap in Northern Ireland
Members of Sixth Sense meet up with CYPSP to develop their webpage
March 2013
Members of Sixth Sense, children with disabilities group met with the CYPSP information team on Thursday 21st February 2013 to help design a new page for the CYPSP website for children and young people with disabilities.
The morning was facilitated by Participation Network, with the young people providing invaluable feedback and very innovative ideas for their new website page. Development is underway and we hope to launch the new page very soon. The Sixth Sense Group facilitates involvement of children and young people with a wide range of learning, physical, sensory and medical conditions to have their say in service developments that impact on their lives through the Children’s Services Planning process.
Visit the young people's webpage hereLearn more about our Children with Disabilites subgroup
Integrated Outcomes Based Planning to Improve Children's Lives in Northern Ireland: Event 6 - Experiencing Economic and Environmental Well-Being
February 2013
Over 60 representatives from government, policy, integrated planning and academia recently attended the last in a series of six training seminars based on the six high level outcomes of the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2006-2016). The event was held in The Canada Room/Council Chamber at Queen’s on the morning of 22 February 2013.
Read more about the eventPresentation given by Director of Social Care and Children HSCB, Mrs Fionnuala McAndrew.
NICCY Participation Awards 2012/13
Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group highly commended for their 'Chill and Spill' initiative
'NICCY Participation Awards 2012/13'
February 2013
NICCY held its 2012-13 Participation Awards on 18th February 2013. There were two categories in this year's awards.
- 1. Putting young at the forefront
- 2. Creating space for young people in decision making
Congratulations to Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group who were Highly Commended for their Chill and Spill Initiative in Category 1.
Learn more about all of the finalists in the Participation AwardsRead the blog of the awards panel members
Youth Volunteer Fair's
February 2013
With this week (11th - 17th Feb) being Student Volunteering week, CYPSP have teamed up with Volunteer Now to offer 2 'Youth Volunteer Fair' events in March.
Armagh - Tuesday 26th March 2013, 9.30am-3:30pm ,Student Village, Lisanally, Armagh (Get directions)
Dungannon - Wednesday 20th March 2013, 9.30am-3:30pm, Dungannon Youth Resource Centre, 2 Savings Bank St, Dungannon, BT70 1DT (Get directions)
To register your place or find out more contact:
Julie Bolton (CYPSP) on 07725 232566 or at julie.bolton@hscni.net
Calling on parents to join the new Parents Groups linked to the CYPSP
February 2013
The CYPSP is committed to the involvement of children, young people and parents in the outcomes based planning process. The Parental Participation Strategy has progressed with Parents' Reference Groups now set up linking to each CYPSP Outcomes Group and to some of the Regional Sub Groups. If you are interested in finding out more, or being nominated to join one of the Parents' Reference Group please follow the link below.
Participation article
Download a nomination form
If you have any queries, then please feel free to contact:
Sandra Couser tel 028 9031 0891 or email sandra@parentingni.org
Maria Herron, tel 028 7137 2006 or email mariah@parentingni.org
‘Chill and Spill’ extended to older pupils at Carrickfergus College
February 2013
‘Chill and Spill’ events are now available on Friday lunchtimes to all year 11 and 12 pupils at Carrickfergus College. These events offer a safe place for young people to relax and speak to local service providers from the voluntary, community and statutory sector.
Recent consultation with around 400 local young people identified that 34% of local young people were worried about school work, 32% about exams and 18% about family ‘stuff’ or personal problems. In response, the Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group together with pupils from Carrickfergus College developed the pilot ‘Chill and Spill’ initiative to address many of these concerns.
One of the ‘Chill and Spill’ events in action...If you would like more information about the Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group, please contact Selena Ramsey, Locality Development Officer, Naomi Centre, 2 Cullybackey Road, Ballymena, tel: 028 2563 6608 or e-mail here.
Young people in Magherafelt have their say on local services
February 2013
Young people from the Magherafelt area are helping to shape and make decisions about what services should be available for children, young people and their families in the area. As part of the children’s services planning process these young people are working in partnership with local service providers to highlight the issues which are important to them.
Magherafelt Locality Planning Group recently invited children and young people in the area to respond to a ‘Have Your Say’ survey to identify how their needs can be addressed by the Locality Action Plan. Young people aged from 7 to 18 years submitted 220 responses. Their views will inform a local action plan for service development and will also set out how children and young people will be involved in this work in the future.
If you are a young person aged between 7and 18 years and would like to “have your say” on what it is like for you living in the Magherafelt area, please contact Sandra Anderson, Participation Development Officer, on 028 2563 6609 or e-mail here.
Workshop for Parents and Carers of Young People with diagnoses of Autism
February 2013
Titled, Building Bridges from Adolescence to Adulthood, a workshop is being held to learn about adult transition planning for teenagers with autism and available services/support in the Statutory & Voluntary Sectors of Northern Ireland.
Details of the event;
Wednesday 13 March 2013 - 9.30 am to 2.00 pm
Venue: Belfast Central Mission (Get directions)
Contact Eimear Kearns, Health and Social Care Board, County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 1QB; 028 25311222
Read more....
Integrated Outcomes Based Planning to Improve Children's Lives in Northern Ireland: Event 5 - Healthy
January 2013
Almost 70 representatives from government, policy, integrated planning and academia recently attended the fifth in a series of six training seminars based on the six high level outcomes of the
Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2006-2016). The event was held in the Canada Room/Council Chamber at Queen’s on the morning of 30 January 2013.
Click here to read more....
Monitoring reports updated
January 2013
All of our outcomes group monitoring reports have recently been updated to include some new indicators as well as latest available trends.
- To view the reports click here and open the 'Outcomes Group Monitoring Reports...' tab
- To view our interactive maps click here
For more information contact: Valerie Maxwell
Annual Carrickfergus Youth Fair
January 2013
Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group and the Raising Attainment Group are offering you the opportunity to take part in a youth fair focused on raising education attainment and positive choices. This event is a chance to showcase your service to all 15-16 year olds attending the 4 local post-primary schools.
- Where: Carrickfergus Youth Fair, Oakfield Leisure Centre, Carrickfergus
- When: Tuesday 12th February 2013
- What time: 9.30 am - 4.30pm
For more information contact: Mary-Frances Bell
If your organisation would like to showcase your service at the event, download a copy of the event flyer.
Magherafelt Locality Planning Group
'Have Your Say' Event
January 2013
Children and Young People have been involved in planning local services in Magherafelt. Magherafelt Locality Planning Group asked children and young people in the area to identify how their needs can be addressed by the Locality Action Plan. 220 responses have been received to date across the age ranges of 7-18 years.
Pictured are: Katelynne Coulter (Aged 8) from Magherafelt and Liam McAuley (aged 15) from Draperstown are the lucky winners of the prize draw from the 220 entries. Also included Michael McCrory, Magherafelt District Council, Marie Donaghy, Northern Regional College and Chair of Magherafelt Locality Planning Group, Ann-Marie McStocker, NICHI project, Sandra Anderson CYPSP Participation Officer and Selena Ramsey, CYPSP Locality Development Officer. Prizes donated by NICHI Project.
Magherafelt Locality Planning Group was launched on Thursday 22nd March 2012. Supported by Magherafelt District Council and the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership, and with membership from all local statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations the group aims to improve outcomes for children and young people in the area. The Group is committed to ensuring that children, young people and parents are involved in the planning of services. This work is the first stage in that process. The information collected will inform a local action plan for service development and will also set out how children and young people will be involved in this work in the future.
Marie Donaghy,Northern Regional College, Chair said “Magherafelt Locality Planning Group understands the important role children and young people have in the planning process. We are looking forward to working with all children and young people in the area as our action plan develops.
Magherafelt Locality Planning Group webpage
Young people with a learning disability and their parents have their views heard at Mencap’s Northern District Meeting and Information Market.
January 2013
Over 90 people heard about the experiences of and opportunities for young people with a learning disability and their families going through the transition process.
The programme included Mencap Young Ambassador 17 Year old Luke Hutchinson who talked about his transition experience which included the Mencap HYPE service – part of a suite of family support services in the Northern Outcomes Group area.
Margaret Field, a parent and member of the Post 19 Lobby Group whose son attends social enterprise and The Base drop in facility through the Northern HSCT Day Opportunities Programme emphasised how stressful this time is for families. Families also heard from Northern Health and Social Care Trust, NEELB Transition Service and Southern Regional College about how organisations are working together.
A Q&A panel consisting of Annete Crawford, Mencap in NI Co-Chair, Julie Jamieson, Parent, Danny Kinahan, MLA, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, Commissioner for Children and Young People, Anne Hardy, Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, Mary Bell, Careers Service and Jasper McKinney, Southern Regional College answered questions about the need to ensure services are joined up and meet the full range of needs and aspirations of young people with a learning disability. Opportunities to become involved in the planning process within CYPSP for parents and young people were highlighted.
Consultation on the Draft Action Plan for the CYPSP BME Children and Young People's Sub Group
January 2013
Your views are being sought about how to improve outcomes for black and minority ethnic children and young people across Northern Ireland. A regional sub group with membership from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors has been set up by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership- the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Children and Young People’s Sub Group. For more information, then please contact us.
Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People Regional Sub-Group Action Plan (Draft)
The BME Children and Young People’s Sub Group are consulting about the most concerning issues affecting this specific group of children, young people and their families. The responses received from this consultation will inform the actions plan for this group, which form part of the Northern Ireland Children and Young People’s Plan.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will end on 2nd April 2013.
Black & Minority Ethnic Children & Young People Regional Sub-Group webpage
Improving Outcomes for Children and Young People –Locality Planning in Belfast – Information Events
December 2012
Information events have been held in North, South, East and West Belfast to begin discussions with local organisations about how the development of locality planning groups should be taken forward. If you are interested in becoming involved in this process or want more information, then please contact us.
Children and Young People’s Locality Planning Groups bring together all statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations in an area to work together to improve outcomes for local children and young people. It is critical that the area covered by such a group makes sense to local communities and that children, young people and parents are involved.
Four initial information events were organised and hosted by the Belfast Area Partnerships supported by Community Representatives from the Belfast Outcomes Groups in South, East, West and North Belfast to take this forward. The events were all well attended by the statutory, voluntary and community organisations operating in each of the areas.
These discussions have been very informative and will continue in each area as the plans develop.
Learn more about the Belfast Outcomes Group
Improving Outcomes For Vulnerable And At Risk Children And Young People - NIACRO Networking Event
December 2012
On the 14th November, NIACRO Caps Project (Child and Parent Support) hosted a networking event for those who work with vulnerable and ‘at risk’ young people within the Southern Trust area. The event was titled, Improving Outcomes For Vulnerable And At Risk Children And Young People.
Held in St. Patricks Trian, Armagh the event was co-hosted by SHSCT and NIACRO in an effort to explore opportunities for cooperative working between statutory, voluntary and community agencies. There were displays from the CAMHS team Southern Health and Social Care Trust, CYPSP, CINI, Family Support NI, Southern Education and Library Board, and the Young Peoples Partnership .
NIACRO chief executive Olwen Lyner, welcomed everyone along and with over 100 people in attendance, a clear interest from practitioners in this area of work was identified.
Olwen spoke of the connection between NIACRO as a wider organisational structure and where Caps fits within it. NIACRO, have had a presence in the Southern trust for 30 + years and are committed to reducing child offending through diverting children and young people to services which help them to make positive changes in their lives.
David Douglas - Assistant Director for Family Support and Safeguarding in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust then spoke on the importance of working together to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
Deena Haydon QUB followed David with an overview of her findings from her PhD on Engaging Young people at risk.
View Deena’s presentation here
Maurice Leeson (HSCB) then closed the first part of the afternoon with an overview of the Family Support Hubs in the Southern Trust and where they fit within the CYPSP structure.
View Maurice’s presentation here
During the afternoon there was an opportunity for attendee’s to network. Over 20 organisations provided stands and small presentations of their work to promote partnership working. Feedback from the event was extremely positive with one attendee commenting,
“I was impressed by the way all the groups were able to explain to me their roles. In doing so I was able to appreciate common areas of interest. Over the course of the event I was able to make quite a few contacts”.PSNI Youth Diversion Officer.
A big thank you to NIACRO and the SHSCT for putting the event together and demonstrating their commitment to partnership working.
Integrated Outcomes Based Planning to Improve Children's Lives in Northern Ireland: Event 4 - Living in Safety and with Stability
December 2012
More than sixty representatives from government, policy, integrated planning and academia recently attended the fourth in a series of six training seminars based on the six high level outcomes of the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2006-2016). The event was held in The Canada Room/Council Chamber at Queen’s on the morning of 28 November 2012.
Click here to visit the Imporving Children website
Magical story telling event - WestEnd Community Centre, Enniskillen - 14th December
December 2012
The Westville Family Resources Centre has for many years coordinated Families Together across Enniskillen with parent and child sessions run throughout the week to encourage families to make friends, play, have fun and learn together.
On Friday 14th December 2012 at the WestEnd Community Centre, there will be a magical story telling event with Story Teller, Charlene Shades sharing festive stories and there will be a launch by the Fermanagh Locality Planning Group of the Infant Mental Health Strategy’s five key things to do for your child to improve their later life outcomes. At the event, families will be encouraged to read to their children as a way to be close to each other and learn at the same time, which is one of the key themes. At the event families will be encouraged to think about buying books as presents, instead of the usual toys, and to help with this ‘The Works’ a local book shop has kindly donated vouchers to help families purchase books. As a special Christmas gift all the children will be given an educational development stage book by Families Together, as a small token to say thank you for attending the group all year, this book will be able to be shared and enjoyed by all the family over the holidays.
For more information contact Westville Family Resources Centre
Contact WestEnd Community Centre
Ann Godfrey's Retirement (Childrens Services Planning Professional Advisor)
December 2012
The CYPSP would like to thank Ann Godfrey for her support and wish her all the best for the future.
'I wish all involved with the CYPSP all the best for the joint work ahead. I know that coming together as you do will definitely be for the benefit of Northern Ireland’s children and young people - as working together is so much more powerful than everyone working in isolation' - Ann
Presentation on Family Support Hubs
November 2012
Learn more about the development of family support hubs across Northern Ireland from a recent presentation given by Maurice Leeson, HSCB.
View the presentation
Family information and fun day held in Gilford - Banbridge LPG
November 2012
Gilford family fun and information day was held on Friday the 16th November at 2pm to 6pm, this successful information event was organised in partnership with Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, Banbridge District Council, Police and Community Safety Partnership, Closing the Gap and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The event attracted over 100 local families from the Gilford area who attended and received information from the 25 different agencies/organisations who were exhibiting. Some of the examples of exhibitors were Road Safety, Delta Parenting, Family Support Database, SELB Youth Service, Employers for Childcare, Volunteer Now, Police and Community Safety Partnership, People First, Cancer Focus-Man Alive, Careers Service, Dental Hygiene and Childcare Maintenance etc.
This event proved to be an excellent opportunity for networking amongst service providers across the Southern Trust Area.
The idea behind the information event was to engage with families in the Gilford area and to give them information on services that they may not know exist, improve health outcomes, have fun with their families, encourage young people to sign up to volunteering opportunities and gain a better understanding of family support services available to them.
Feedback received from the event was very positive; the younger children enjoyed the bouncy castle, blow up slide, face painting and balloon modelling, whilst the older children enjoyed the hip hop dance class and the cage football.
Thank you to the following business in the local area who provided raffle prizes, Willow Beauty Therapy , Pot Belly Restaurant , Gilford Butchers, Day Today ,Gilford CPLC £50, Bannville House Hotel- Sunday Lunch, Iveagh Cinema and Banbridge Leisure Centre.
‘ All The Fun of the Fair’ 19th November 2012 - Enniskillen
November 2012
The Fermanagh Locality Planning Group are organising a day for local family support agencies and organisations to talk to families about the work that they do in Holy Trinity School, Enniskillen. Any family support organisation that would like to be involved please contact Priscilla on 02866324181.
European conference on parenting support – Think Parents!
October 2012
European conference on parenting support – Think Parents! – took place in The Hague, The Netherlands. Organised by the Netherlands Youth Institute and the University of Amsterdam and in partnership with Eurochild and the Council of Europe and many others.
View the workshop presentationsView the plenary presentations
View the round table presentations
Have Your Say 2012 -
Calling All Children And Young People!
(Magherafelt & Antrim & Moyle Locality Planning Groups)
October 2012
Magherafelt - Plans are in place to ensure that the voice of Children and Young People are included in the development of the Magherafelt Locality Action Plan. To achieve this a “Have your Say 2012 Survey” – Magherafelt Area has been developed. To date the survey has been completed by 180 young people aged 8 to 17 years within the Magherafelt Locality.
Antrim - Also currently within the Antrim Locality, Engagement is being completed with young people aged 12 plus to identify priority needs. The purpose of engagement is to ensure that the voice of children and young people is included in the Antrim Locality Action plan where appropriate
Moyle - Engagement is currently taking place within the Moyle Locality Area. Questionnaires are being completed by pupils attending the 4 Post primary schools in the area. To date 150 questionnaires have been completed by young people aged 11 to 17 years. The purpose of the questionnaires is to ensure that the voice of children and young people are included into the Moyle Locality Action Plan. Also Parents who have a child with a disability are being asked for their views in the Moyle Locality.
If you are aware of any groups of young people that would be interested in “Having their Say” about things where they live, please contact Sandra Anderson Participation Development Officer on 028 2563 6608. Why not download:-
Improving Children's Lives event - Integrated Outcomes Based Planning to Improve Children's Lives in Northern Ireland: Event 3 - Contributing Positively to Community and Society
October 2012
Several dozen delegates from government, policy, integrated planning and academia recently attended the third in a series of six training seminars based on the six high level outcomes of the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2006-2016). The event was held in The Canada Room/Council Chamber at Queen’s on the morning of 18 October 2012.
Cookstown Locality Planning Group - Volunteer Roadshow
September 2012
In partnership with Holy Trinity College and Cookstown High School on Tuesday 25th September 2012 a Volunteer Roadshow was offered to years 12, 13 and 14 in both post primary schools. Young People said ‘It’s good to know what’s going on’ ‘There is a lot of choice and it definitely opened my mind’ ‘volunteering helps your CV’. Of those who attended 86% said they would be interested in volunteering.
Chill and Spill Launched in Carrickfergus
September 2012
The Carrickfergus Locality Planning Group is a partnership of Voluntary, Community and Statutory agencies who come together to plan for services for children and young people in the Carrickfergus Area. This group consulted with 400 local young people and it was identified that 34% of local young people were worried about school work, 32% about exams and 18% about family ‘stuff’ or personal problems.
On Thursday 20th September Roy Beggs MLA officially opened the Chill and Spill in Carrickfergus College. The purpose of the Chill and Spill is to offer pupils in Year 8 at Carrickfergus College the opportunity to have access to local service providers in a place they feel comfortable. This will provide them with the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns such as; Bullying, Making Friends, Stress over Exams, Concerns over moving to post primary school or issues arising from home or personal circumstances. Read more...
Chill and Spill Flyer
Chill and Spill Certificate
Chill and Spill Poster
Clockwise from left: Ann Godfrey (CYPSP); Deena Haydon (School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, QUB); Professor Paul Connolly (ICL); Dr Liam O'Hare (ICL); Maureen Piggot (Mencap); Pauline Leeson (CiNI)
Integrated Outcomes Based Planning to Improve Children's Lives in Northern Ireland: Event 2 - Enjoying, Learning and Achieving
September 2012
Over 70 delegates from government, policy, integrated planning and academia recently attended the second in a series of six training seminars based on the six high level outcomes of the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2006-2016). The event was held in The Canada Room/Council Chamber at Queen’s on the morning of 19 September 2012. This second seminar focused on the ‘Enjoying, Learning and Achieving’ outcome.
Read More ….To see webcasts of the event click here...
Dying 15 Years Early - What can Traveller men and relevant agencies do?
September 2012
A new DVD has been launched reporting on the findings from a piece of research entitled “Dying fifteen years early- what can Traveller men and relevant agencies do?” The research was carried out by Fergal O’Brien, Manager of the Promoting Wellbeing Team in the Southern Trust. It covers information on the background of participants, lifestyle, and mental health, causes of early mortality, access to GP services and people with traditional cures, sources of health information and groups that would interest Traveller men.
Click here to see the DVD
Family Fun and Information Day
August 2012
Local children, young people and their families took part in a family fun and information day highlighting the range of services/organisations that are available to them. The free event was organised by Armagh Children service’s planning Locality Group located in the Southern area.
For more information and to see photos of the event click hereConsultation - Regional Sub-Groups - Improving outcomes for children and young people.
July 2012
Your views are being sought about how to improve outcomes for specific groups of children and young people and their families across Northern Ireland. Regional sub-groups with membership from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors have been set up by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership. These Groups are consulting about the most concerning issues affecting specific children, young people and their families. The responses received from this consultation will inform the actions plans for each group as part of the Northern Ireland Children and Young People’s Plan. Click to download each plan:-
Young CarersChildren and Young People with Disabilities
Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Disabilities
Final Version - Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan 2011-2014
July 2012
The Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership has now considered the results of the consultation on the draft Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan 2011-2014, and has now agreed the final version of the Plan. The analysis of the results of the consultation is contained within the following 3 documents
CYPSP - recommendations for change to CYPPConsultation Response Document
Record of Constructive Responses
Peer Review: Early Intervention and prevention in family support
June 2012
Leading children's experts from across Europe met in Belfast last week to participate in a high level seminar on improving the quality of life of children and young people. The three day seminar on Early Intervention and Prevention in Family Support was organised by Eurochild in the context of its thematic working group on family and parenting support and inspired by the EC model of peer reviewing the social protection and inclusion strategy. Four member organisations participated in the review - Children in Northern Ireland, which hosted the event, National Network for Children, Bulgaria, Nobody’s Children Foundation, Poland and Action for Children, Wales, UK.
Read more...
Consultation on draft Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan 2011-2014
May 2012
The three documents linked below, have been developed and taken together, they detail the results of the consultation on the draft Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan 2011-2014. They show what has happened in relation to the consultation, which is also reflected in the final Northern Ireland Children and Young People's Plan, which will be released shortly.
CYPSP - recommendations for change to CYPPConsultation Response Document
Record of Constructive Responses
Sectors Join Forces To Deliver Training On Integrated Outcomes Based Planning To Improve Children's Lives In Northern Ireland
October 2012
Representatives from government, policy, integrated planning and academia came together recently (Friday 4 May 2012) at Queen’s University Belfast in the first of a series of six training seminars which will be based on each of the six high level outcomes of the Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland. The purpose of the training programme is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practice in Northern Ireland on integrated outcomes based planning for children and young people.
Read more...MLA Launches Private Member’S Bill To Improve Outcomes For Children
April 2012
North Down Green Party MLA Steven Agnew today launched his Private Member’s Bill calling for the introduction of a Statutory Duty to Co-operate on Children’s Services.
Speaking at the event held in the Long Gallery in Stormont, the Green Party Leader said: “Children are one of our society’s most valuable assets and a joined up strategy of co-operation between Executive departments when it comes to planning, commissioning and delivery of children’s services will pay dividends in the future.
Armagh Locality Planning Group Intergenerational Project
April 2012
Armagh Locality Planning Group had an Intergenerational project Presentation evening on Thursday the 19th April. The intergenerational projects included flower arranging, making vegetable boxes, hanging baskets, story telling, cooking and a meal out together. The younger and older generations received a certificate from the Mayor of Armagh, made cup cakes together and had supper together. This project was very successful and we are hoping to run it again in 2012.
Read more...Banbridge LPG confirmed!
March 2012
The introductory meeting for the development of a Banbridge Locality Planning Group took place on Thursday 15 March 2012 at Banbridge Enterprise Centre. Attendees were informed about the background to CYPSP and were asked if a Children's Services Planning Locality Group could be taken forward in this area. Attendees responded positively and so the Locality Planning Group is now established from March 2012.
Children In Northern Ireland Advocacy Directory
March 2012
The Advocacy Directory provides information on organisations and services who work as advocates with or on behalf of children and young people. It can be accessed through the A - Z Directory.
You can include your organisations details on the Directory by clicking on the registration form and filling in your details.
CYPSP Website launch
March 2012
Members of the CYPSP welcomed the launch of their new website www.cypsp.org at their meeting on Wednesday 21 March at Antrim Civic Centre.
Read more...Carrickfergus Youth Fair
February 2012
The Carrickfergus Raising Attainment Group and the Local Children Services Planning Partnership hosted a Youth Fair at the Oakfield Community Centre in Carrickfergus on Tuesday, 7 February. It was attended by over 400 pupils aged 14-15 from Carrick College, Carrickfergus Grammar, Downshire and Ulidia .
Read more...
Projects in Armagh City
January 2012
Armagh Locality planning group applied for money from Children Services Planning and received £3000 to carry out an Intergenerational Project in Armagh City. Five different community/youth clubs are taking part, they include, Callan Street Community- Hanging baskets, Spring Trust Ltd- Flower arranging, Lisanally and Alexander Project- Cooking, Barnardo’s Youth Engagement – Story telling and dinner and a Safe and Well- Making flowers boxes and trip
Read more...Consultation – CYPSP Outcomes Groups - Improving outcomes for children, young people and their families
January 2012
Your views are being sought about how to improve outcomes for children and young people and their families across Northern Ireland. Five new multi-agency groups with membership from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors have been set up by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership. These Outcomes Groups are consulting about the most concerning issues affecting children, young people and their families in each of the five areas. The responses received from this consultation will inform the actions plans for each area as part of the Northern Ireland Children and Young People’s Plan. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will end on 11 April 2012.
Larne Locality Planning Group were commended for their work with children and young people in Larne at NICCY Participation Awards 2011/12
November 2011
The Larne Locality Planning Group was awarded a commendation for ‘Larne Young People Have Your Say’ event in November 2011. This event enabled children and young people living in the Larne area to join in and get involved in planning at a local level. Children and young people expressed their views about service needs, gaps and what works well in their area. Their participation contributed to the Larne Locality Planning Group Action Plan.
Re-opening of the DEN
November 2011
Bushmills Children and Young People’s Planning Group and young people from Bushmills celebrated the reopening of the Den on Friday 18th November 2011. Extensive renovations have been carried out on the facility, which have made it much more comfortable and welcoming for the young people who use it. Jack Gault, Chair of the Bushmills Children and Young People’s Planning Group said “The DEN has always been about people rather than buildings but the refurbishments demonstrate our on-going commitment to the young people of Bushmills.” One of the young people who regularly attend the Den said that “[the Den] is a great place to go to hang out with my friends” The Den is open on Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6.30pm-9.30pm and Friday afternoon 2pm-5pm. If any young people aged 14-18 are interested they can just drop-in.
New partnership to plan services for children and young people
February 2011
A new partnership has been formerly established to plan services for children and young people across Northern Ireland. The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) has been set up to improve the wellbeing and the realisation of rights of children and young people across the province.
Read more...
Interactive Maps
Outcome Monitoring Reports
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