The Classic Bike Fest, located in Bishopscourt, has always complemented its motorcycle related activities with a generous side of festival entertainment – and this year is no different. This major motorcycling event takes place between the 7th to the 9th of August and is hallmarked by classic bike racing, live music, and camping. This year, […]
What to Expect at This Year’s Classic Bike Fest Read More »
When a household separates in Northern Ireland, the aftermath often brings a complicated mix of emotional and practical challenges. Divorce applications remain common across the UK, reflecting the frequency of this life transition. The process of untangling shared lives involves navigating legal frameworks that continue to change with recent reforms. For Northern Irish families facing
Life After Separation in Northern Ireland Households Read More »
North Belfast childcare specialists Wee Chicks are celebrating 10 years serving the local community by inviting the community together for a fun-packed afternoon at their Autumn Craft & Wellbeing Fair. The creche and afterschool care social enterprise and charity moved on to the site of Currie Primary at the bottom of the Limestone Road earlier
North Belfast Childcare Charity Celebrates 10 Years With Family Fun Day Read More »
Getting your child’s education to the next stage by going to university is one of those major milestones, but it can bring a wealth of challenges, not just for the child but for the parent. While many make the assumption they know what’s involved in getting their child up to speed, there are a number
Getting Our Children Ready for Uni: The Things We Forget About Read More »
It can definitely be agreed that classrooms are great for teaching the big stuff, like how to solve for x, when Henry VIII lost his head (or made someone else lose theirs), and what happens when vinegar meets baking soda. Oh, and don’t forget all the homework too, that technically teaches kids as well. But
New Childline data reveals that the service delivered more than 4,500 counselling sessions to young people across the UK experiencing loneliness in 2024/25. During last July and August, numbers of counselling sessions on the topic were above monthly average. Childline reminds young people that they are always available if they need a safe and confidential
A full day of entertainment, colour and celebration is set to take place at Belfast City Hall and Royal Avenue today (12th July) as Orangefest returns with a packed schedule of family-friendly activities and cultural tradition. Running from 10am to 3.30pm, this year’s Orangefest will once again complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle
Orangefest Brings Family Fun and Culture to Belfast City Hall Read More »
A new illustrated chapter book titled The Blue Dog and the White Horse: The Best of Friends, written by Haven Lindsey and illustrated by Emily Pritchett, will be released on 8 July 2025 by Brandylane Publishers. The book is intended for readers aged 7 to 10 and tells a true story of friendship between Gracie
New Children’s Book Explores Unlikely Animal Friendship Through True Stories Read More »
Two thirds of parents (64 percent) hope the financial relationship with their adult children will shift by the time their child turns 30, with many looking forward to no longer providing regular support and instead being treated by their children in return. The research, commissioned by digital wealth manager Moneyfarm, found that parents would like
Parents Hope to Stop Financial Support by Age 30 and Be Treated to a Holiday by 36 Read More »
The internet can be a tremendous boon for children, affording them access to a whole universe of life-improving tools, toys, and information. But it can also be a source of considerable danger. While the government is taking action to make sure that the online world is as safe as possible, the most effective measures are
A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Their Children Online Read More »
One minute, you’re tying their shoelaces. The next, they’re thinking about getting driving lessons and debating student loans. Helping your teen transition into adulthood can feel like handing them the controls to a high-speed train. You want to make sure you do everything in your power to usher them toward a life of accomplishment and
A Belfast doula has launched a free ebook aimed at helping women improve their fertility following pregnancy loss. Nicola Morgan, a birth and postnatal specialist, has released Optimising Fertility After Loss: The Ultimate Guide, which offers practical nutritional advice and lifestyle tips to support women on their journey to conception after experiencing the heartbreak of
It would be a mistake for anyone to think that learning is solely limited to the institutions that we all formally take part in at some point of our lives. A school education is certainly about learning, and often there’s sincere effort put behind helping children grow and develop, but this is hardly the only
To What Extent Can Parents Nurture A Passion For Learning? Read More »
By Nicola Morgan In today’s world, we are fortunate to have access to remarkable medical advancements. From the discovery of penicillin to the development of X-rays and MRIs, these innovations have transformed healthcare, saving countless lives. Hospitals and doctors are invaluable when medical emergencies arise, but should childbirth be treated as a medical event? Is
Expectant Mums Urged to Reclaim Power Over Their Birth Experience Read More »
September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents
NSPCC Northern Ireland is calling on sports and activity groups across Northern Ireland to take part in this year’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign. The annual campaign, run by the charity’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), raises awareness of safeguarding practices in sports and activities across the UK and aims to help
NSPCC Northern Ireland Promotes Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Campaign Read More »
Establishing and running a small business in the UK is no small task, especially when you’re also raising a family. But according to new research*, the UK is home to cities that not only support independent business owners, but also offer excellent childcare options and family-friendly activities. Looking into 11 different factors, including monthly rent
Belfast Amongst Top Cities In The UK For Small Business Owners With Growing Families Read More »
Rehearsals for Belfast School of Performing Arts summer youth project are in full swing, and after the huge success of the junior project, Little Mermaid Jnr, which gained standing ovations from audiences in July, hopes are high for the senior students who are excited to be performing the Northern Ireland Premiere of the much loved
Performing Arts Students Creating Sweetest Summer Youth Project Of The Year Read More »
Your salary impacts your decision to have children more today than it did 20 years ago The influence of salary on a person’s decision whether to have children is stronger today than it was two decades ago, collaborative research from the Netherlands and Bocconi University has found. The study, undertaken by Daniël van Wijk, a
Your Salary Impacts Your Decision To Have Children More Today Than It Did 20 Years Ago Read More »
Childline is anticipating an August spike in contacts from children struggling with body image issues and eating disorders. New data from the NSPCC service reveals it delivered 4,229 counselling sessions to young people across the UK from April 2023 to March 2024 about these problems. Support from Childline about body image issues and eating disorders
Childline Anticipates August Spike In Contacts About Body Image And Eating Disorders Read More »
Belfast’s Grand Opera House has announced the cast and creative team for its high-flying 2024 pantomime, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Guaranteed to be a Christmas treat for all ages, Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime has already sold a record number of 50,000 tickets. Audiences can expect a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before with
Children in Northern Ireland can identify unhealthy food brands before they can say their ABCs, says Safefood, as they launch a new public health campaign to tackle overweight and obesity and protect children’s health. Safefood – the public body responsible for the promotion of food safety and healthy eating – is spearheading a five-year campaign
Last year, Childline delivered more than 2,700 counselling sessions to children and young people from Northern Ireland dealing with a range of worries. Across the UK, the NSPCC service is delivering, on average, more than 500 counselling sessions a day to children and young people, with mental health, family relationships and friendship issues being the
With 240.7 million posts for the hashtag ‘garden ideas’ on TikTok, and a further 121.2 million views for the hashtag ‘family garden’*, it certainly seems as though people are keen to make the most of their outdoor space as the warmer months roll in. As the weather continues to brighten up, Stone Superstore has partnered with parenting
Parenting Expert Shares Five Tips For A Safe Yet Enjoyable Garden Space For Kids Read More »
NSPCC Northern Ireland has announced the first annual NI Talk PANTS Fortnight, which will run from 6 – 17 May 2024. The Talk PANTS campaign aims to empower parents, carers and professionals to have simple age-appropriate conversations with children aged 3-11 years old, to help them recognise their rights to their own bodies and to say no
NSPCC Northern Ireland Launches First Annual NI ‘Talk PANTS’ Fortnight Read More »
With the current A-Levels and GCSEs in full swing, many parents of children approaching the next stage of their children’s education journey will be looking to what comes next for their children to help them reach their full potential. Whether they need to look for the right university place, which can significantly impact their future
4 Tips for Parents To Support Their Child’s Education Read More »
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed the results of research undertaken in partnership with local councils, into children’s meals served in restaurants in Northern Ireland. Key findings of the report, which is titled What’s on the Children’s Menu include:  Choice was limited on children’s menus and few healthy options were available. The most popular
Food Standards Agency Report Shows Children’s Menus Need Improvement Read More »
NSPCC Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency have launched Handle with Care, a social media-focused campaign to support new parents and carers and help reduce the number of accidental and non-accidental injuries to babies and young children. Handle with Care aims to provide new parents and NI families expecting a baby with coping techniques,
NSPCC Northern Ireland Launches Handle With Care Campaign To Help New Parents Read More »
Speaking on the day that a motion on a high quality, affordable childcare strategy was debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alan Lowry, NI Policy Chair from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “As the first item of Private Members’ Business in the restored Assembly, a motion on childcare is most welcome. “FSB has been
Belfast School of Performing Arts is thrilled to unwrap this year’s upcoming summer youth project, once again a NI premier, which promises a deliciously magical journey into the enchanting world of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Just as Willy Wonka creates the most amazing and delicious treats, Director Peter Corry, who brought us
A family bake-off poll by Camp Coffee has taken place to definitively answer the much-debated question of who claims the star baker apron in the family. And the winner is… our cherished mums with nearly a quarter of the votes (24%). The poll which highlights the nation’s love for baking, popularised by shows like The Great
Bake-Off Poll Sees Mums Triumph As Nation’s Top Bakers In The Family Read More »
A groundbreaking study has revealed that increased sedentary time from childhood to young adulthood significantly raises cholesterol levels. However, light physical activity (LPA) may effectively reverse this adverse effect. The study, a collaborative effort by the University of Bristol, the University of Exeter, and the University of Eastern Finland, was published in the Journal of
Light Physical Activity From Childhood May Combat Cholesterol Risks, Study Finds Read More »
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan, has unlocked the door to Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount where Santa and his elves will reside until Christmas Eve. With a variety of scenes to visit on the magical journey through the grotto before meeting Santa, children can take a memorable enchanted walk along the winter
Santa Takes Up Residence At Hillmount Nursery For Festive Season Read More »
Childline has revealed over the past year the service has delivered 14,080 counselling sessions to children and young people about sexual, physical, domestic, emotional abuse and neglect – an average of 38 a day. The service, which is run by the NSPCC, is also highlighting that of those counselling sessions, 31% (4,321) had a child
Thousands Of Children Contact Childline For Support With Abuse And Neglect Read More »
As a parent, you probably have lots of responsibility to take care of plenty of stress going on in your mind. This is completely normal because it’s up to you to ensure you put food on the table and keep your kids safe. You never really get a day off because you constantly have something
Ways To Monitor Your Child’s Safety Amidst Work Demands Read More »
This year, take your little ones on the ‘Christmas Express’ – Santa’s magical flying train, with a personalised NSPCC Letter from Santa. In return for a donation, Santa will write a personalised Christmas letter to your little one featuring enchanting stories and illustrations, and lots of details that only Santa could know – such as
All Aboard The Christmas Express With A Personalised NSPCC Letter From Santa Read More »
As plans are underway for the 18th Belfast Christmas Market, Market Place Europe (operators of the market) are excited to be working closely with the Lord Mayor of Belfast’s chosen charity, Kids Together Belfast, in order to raise awareness and support them in the work they do for children with moderate to severe disabilities. This
New figures from the NSPCC reveal that in the past year, 55% of all Childline counselling sessions where the child stated that they were in Northern Ireland, focused on mental and emotional health and wellbeing. In 2022/23, Childline delivered 4,038 counselling sessions to children in Northern Ireland, 2,219 (55%) of which focused on all mental
The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) enjoyed a resounding fundraising success with its annual ‘Walk to Scotland’ fundraising event, which took place on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Over 100 enthusiastic fundraisers participated, collectively raising over £14,000. These funds will play a crucial role in supporting this year’s Lapland trip, meticulously coordinated by the charity and
