Help Kids Talk Dummy Bitesize Session

The bitesize session is comprised of a short 4 minute video (including a clip of a little one playing with and without his dummy in) and two supporting leaflets – one leaflet provides top tips/guidelines for dummy use (including practical tips from parents about how to get rid of the dummy) and the other leaflet provides information about the impact of the dummy on speech sounds and teeth.

The Help Kids Talk Dummy Bitesize can be accessed via the following link à https://setrust-hscni.pagetiger.com/helpkidstalkdummybitesize

 

Infant Mental Health Week 2023 (12-18 June)

Today marks the beginning of Infant Mental Health Week. This year’s theme, Bonding Before Birth focuses on pregnancy, and how what happens during this time can impact a baby’s future mental health and well-being.

Practitioners from services and disciplines across the statutory, voluntary and community sector in the Southern Trust area have produced a series of short videos for parents/parents to be and those working to support families relating to the theme of Infant Mental Health Week. A sample of videos will be highlighted across Southern Trust Social Media platforms throughout this week.

All videos can be viewed through the following link https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8WVc2H7O1ASo1A6u-hFZZqKIWGoITZ69 

Download Flyer

A regional online half day event for practitioners relating to the theme of Infant Mental Health Week will take place on Thursday 12th October and the keynote speakers are Sally Hogg and Suzanne Zeedyke.

More information to follow. If you would like to register interest, please contact Paula Carson Lewis at The National Children’s Bureau. pcarson-lewis@ncb.org.uk

 

Sure Start Parental Survey 2023/24

Calling all registered Sure Start Parents!  The Regional Parental Survey is now open.

The aim of this Survey is to gain feedback from parents in terms of how Sure Start has supported families and is a great opportunity for families to share their SureStart experience.

Simply scan the QR code below to take part.

World Immunisation Week (24th- 30th April 2023)

World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

The ultimate goal of World Immunisation Week is for more people – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

During World Immunisation Week the Public Health Agency (PHA) are reminding everyone that getting vaccinated is the single most important thing we can do to protect our health.

Vaccination starts before birth with pregnant women being offered vaccines to protect them and their unborn babies and continues after the baby is born though their pre-school years, teenage years and then as an older adult.

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way of protecting against serious diseases. Many childhood diseases that were common in the UK prior to the introduction of vaccination have been dramatically reduced or have disappeared altogether. However, once a disease fades from prominence, it is easy to forget how serious they could be. Unfortunately, unless vaccine uptake remains high in Northern Ireland, many deadly diseases will return from parts of the world where they still occur.

It is only when people continue to get their children and themselves vaccinated in large numbers that we can prevent these diseases, and the possible deaths, so it is vitally important that we don’t take our health and that of our children for granted. Not only that, but getting children vaccinated also helps protect those who aren’t yet eligible for vaccination, such as tiny babies.

In Northern Ireland everyone at some point in their lifetime will be eligible for free vaccination either as part of the childhood immunisation programme or as an  adult.
Find out at NI Direct what vaccines you or your child are eligible for.

Are your child’s vaccines up to date

Protecting your child through immunisation is one of the most effective ways to protect against infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 4-5 million childhood deaths are prevented through childhood vaccination every year as well as avoiding serious health complications. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions.

Vaccination rates have decreased slightly in Northern Ireland over recent years. It is important that vaccination coverage is improved as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as diphtheria, measles and polio.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) strongly recommends that babies and children are vaccinated according to the routine childhood immunisation schedule, and are urging parents to check their child/children’s red book to see if their vaccinations are up to date or speak to their health visitor or GP. 

If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they are protected against serious infections. 

For more information please see:  

Also view Why the MMR Vaccine is important for you and your family at https://vimeo.com/797645270