Early Intervention/Parenting Support

The Trust is committed to supporting the best start and opportunities in life for children and young people to promote future wellbeing, relationships, educational attainment and capacity to engage in the world of work.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has invested in the promotion and development of a number of evidence based programmes for parents and young people to support improved outcomes for children and families and prevent poor health and wellbeing.

The Promoting Wellbeing Division provides support and capacity for the development of a range of evidence based programmes across the age spectrum (pre-birth-18 years) in the Southern Trust area.

Programmes available to Southern Trust Families

For further information on the range of evidence based parenting programme (pre-birth-18 years) available to families of children and young people in the Southern Trust Area please visit our parenting webpage

Parent Support – Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) (hscni.net)

Early Years and School Age programmes

Mellow Bumps’

A six-week online programme to improving wellbeing in pregnancy and promote social interaction and bonding between parent and baby before and after birth.

Mellow Bumps-for Mums to be 20 + weeks gestation x 6 weeks

For further information:

For additional information on referral pathway please visit the CYPSP parenting page

Parent Support – Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) (hscni.net)

Email Mellow.Parenting@southerntrust.hscni.net

Incredible Years

The Incredible Years series of parenting programmes cover the age range birth-12 years. They are highly evidence based programmes and are aimed at improving parent-child interactions, building positive relationships and attachment.

The programme suite includes:

Incredible Years Baby –Parent and Baby (Birth-1 years) x 8 weeks
Incredible Years Toddler-Parents ((1-3 years) x 12 weeks
Incredible Years Pre School-Parents (3-6/8) x 14 weeks
Incredible Years Autism & Speech and Language Delay Programme (2-6 years) x 14 weeks
Incredible Years School Age-Parents (5-12 years) x 12 weeks

For further information:

Interventions for Parents, Teachers, Children | Incredible Years

The Incredible Years NI IYNI Training and Support Calendar 2023/24 lists the support and training available to existing Incredible Years parenting programme group leaders and their managers. You can also find out more about support for those interested in bringing the programme into their setting.

Roots of Empathy programme

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom programme that has been shown to reduce levels of aggression among school children, while also improving social and emotional competence and increasing empathy. Significantly, it provides an effective approach to reducing the risk factors that cause violence.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) are currently engaged with a range of primary schools to deliver Roots of Empathy.

For further information:

Jacqueline.Masterson@southerntrust.hscni.net

Tel: 028 37564489 & Mob 07867208352

Northern Ireland – Roots of Empathy

Gimme 5

Gimme 5 training is delivered in partnership with SHSCT and EA Youth Service

The aim is to support Youth Workers, Teachers and those working with young people to promoting positive wellbeing by:

Raising awareness of the Take 5 Ways to Wellbeing and how these support good Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Provides a range of activities to help young people explore and develop their personal strengths and resilience
Explore easy and simple ways that each of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing can be implemented into everyday life

For more information on training dates for Gimme 5 contact Jacqueline on: Jacqueline.Masterson@southerntrust.hscni.net

Teen programmes

Parenting NI – Odyssey Parenting Your Teen

For parents of teenage children. This programme was developed by Parenting Ni for help improve communication and relationships between parents and their young people. The programme which runs for 8 weeks covers a range of themes including teen development, self-esteem, rules & consequences, dealing with conflict, and problem solving.

For further information:

Odyssey Parenting Your Teen Programme | Odyssey Parenting

Parents Plus

The Parents Plus programmes aim to help parents develop positive communication skills with their children, illustrating ways to encourage good social skills and address behaviour challenges. The Adolescent series include the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme (for parents of teens) Working Things Out (Teen programme) and The Parents Plus Special Needs Programme for parents and carers of teens with special needs.

For further information:

ParentsPlus | Evidence-based Parenting and Mental Health Programmes

Solihull Understanding Your Childs Behaviour

Family relationship training for all parents of children from birth-18 years with low to moderate needs. The programme aims to help parents to reflect on their child’s behaviour and their relationship with the child using the process of containment, reciprocity and behaviour management.

For further information:

Parent Groups – Solihull Approach | Parenting (solihullapproachparenting.com)