It is sometimes difficult to identify all the connections between different services—especially if you’re a newcomer trying to make sense of the landscape of family and children’s support in Northern Ireland. The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) helps bring clarity to this complexity.
What is CYPSP?
CYPSP is a multiagency strategic partnership made up of senior leaders from key organisations across:
- Statutory bodies
- Community sectors
- Voluntary services
It is supported by the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) within the Department of Health, with the goal of coordinating Children’s Services Planning (CSP). A central priority is early intervention, aiming to provide support before difficulties escalate.
Here’s how CYPSP structure works to connect and support services:
Regional CYPSP – Oversees strategy and provides leadership across Northern Ireland
Sub Groups & Task Groups – Address cross-cutting issues and focus on early intervention
5 Outcomes Groups – Aligned with Trust areas; coordinate planning based on local needs
25 Locality Planning Groups – Engage communities; discuss and address specific needs at local levels
29 Family Support Hubs – Ensure full regional coverage; support families who don’t meet statutory thresholds
Each Family Support Hub is operated by a lead agency that coordinates access to services—filling critical gaps for families who may not qualify for formal child protection but still need help.
Please click below to access more information on:
Family Support Hubs – an overview (including referral criteria)
Local Family Support Hub Contact Information (including contact details of each hub’s coordinator)
Some translated leaflets (ARABIC, MANDARIN, POLISH, SOMALI)
NOTE: The whole website is accessible and leaflets can be translated into other languages on site by ReachDeck toolbar at the top of the page.
- For further information contact Bronwyn Campbell, Regional Lead for Family Support Hubs, SPPG/DoH: bronwyn.campbell@hscni.net
