Families invited to free Community Kids Wellbeing Day in Ballymoney

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is working in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to bring a special community wellbeing event to the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney.

Taking place on Thursday 9 April from 2pm – 4pm, the free event is aimed at families in the Northern Trust area with a child aged 2–12 who has a disability, medical condition or any developmental concern.

Health information, advice and support will all be available to parents and carers in a relaxed setting while children enjoy activities including inclusive cycling, drumming, arts, crafts and sensory play.

Alongside a range of health professionals and community organisations, there’ll also be workshops on the day covering sleep, emotion and behaviour support, continence and toileting and fussy eating.

Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive of the Mae Murray Foundation, said: “We are really excited about our first joint community wellbeing event and hope families across the area will find it both enjoyable and beneficial.

“Our aim is to create an afternoon filled with support, connection and fun. We want parents to feel comfortable asking questions and accessing advice, while children take part in activities designed just for them. We would love to see as many families as possible joining us on the day.”

Northern Trust Assistant Director Jill Bradley added: “Sometimes having someone to talk to can make all the difference and our aim is to make it easier for families to access the right information at the right time.

“If you have a child with any disability or developmental concern, this is a great chance to meet with a range of health and social care services, ask questions and enjoy a positive afternoon together.”

During the afternoon families will have a chance to speak with professionals from:

• Physiotherapy – advice and practical, low-cost activity ideas to support your child’s movement, play and physical development.
• Paediatric autism service – guidance for families of children with or awaiting autism assessment, including advice on behaviour, communication, emotional regulation and sensory strategies.
• Paediatric continence nurse specialist – information and practical tips on common toileting issues such as bedwetting, constipation and daytime wetting.
• Speech and language therapy – advice and resources to support speech, language, communication, eating and drinking skills.
• Paediatric Occupational Therapy – practical advice and strategies to promote independence and to support your child’s emotional and sensory regulation.
• Paediatric dietitian – support and advice on nutrition, growth and feeding concerns.
• Public health dietitians – practical, evidence-based guidance on healthy eating, meal planning and understanding food labels.
• Public health nursing team – practical advice on home and farm safety, health and wellbeing support and mini health checks for parents.
• Children’s learning disability therapeutic service – information on online resources and advice on understanding and supporting behaviour.
• RISE NI – advice on speech and language development, motor skills, physical activity, resilience and self-esteem.
• Social workers from GP Multidisciplinary Teams – offering support and signposting on a range of issues including emotional needs, school attendance and family pressures.

Community organisations in attendance on the day will include Sense, Compass Advocacy Network, Homestart, Libraries NI, Family Fund and Sensory Kids.

A Changing Places toilet will be available at the venue and refreshments will be provided.

To register your place go to https://www.maemurrayfoundation.org/events/

Please note, attendance will not affect your place on any waiting list and is not a replacement for an appointment.

26th March 2026