Latest News
Understanding Self Harm
Heaney Homeplace Bellaghy
Wednesday 23rd October 2025
9.30am – 1 pm
This workshop examines the behaviour of self-harm in terms of what circumstances may have started the behaviour, how those situations make the person feel and how the feelings manifest in self-harming behaviour. It will also look at the impact of alcohol use on self-harming and suicidal behaviours.
To register please email register@cwsan.org
Suicide Prevention Changemakers Event Stormont 8th September 2025
Suicide Prevention Development Officers across the Northern locality including CWSAN SPDO were delighted to be represented at the ‘Changemakers: Suicide Prevention’ Event in Stormont, hosted by The All Party Group for Suicide Prevention.
This event was organised to bring together organisations working to prevent suicide and support mental health across Northern Ireland.
An excellent opportunity to highlight grass roots work within the Northern Locality,with MLA’S and decision makers.
Mid Ulster District Council PEACEPLUS Health and Wellbeing Programme
Launch of New PEACEPLUS Health and Wellbeing Programme across Mid Ulster
A new Mid Ulster based programme working with local Youth, people with Disability and with Men’s and Women’s Sheds was launched on Friday 29th August in The Hill of O’Neill/Ranfurly House. The three-year Health and Wellbeing Programme is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is being delivered on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council under its 1.1 Co-Designed Local PEACEPLUS Action Plans, within the theme ‘Thriving and Peaceful Communities’.
Cookstown & Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN) and its Delivery Partners announced the launch of the initiative which will engage 750 beneficiaries from across the district, with a strong focus on disadvantaged and marginalised groups. The programme aims to promote social inclusion while improving mental, emotional, and overall wellbeing.
Rosaleen Hanna, Chairperson of CWSAN, commented:
“As CWSAN enters its 30th year of operation, the delivery of this programme across Mid Ulster perfectly aligns with our ethos and commitment to supporting local communities. We are delighted to work with the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership on a Health and Well-being initiative which reflects our ongoing drive to connect and collaborate with key community partners and statutory agencies providing local support to communities across the district.
We would encourage those groups with a focus on Men’s and Women’s Sheds, Disability and/or Youth Resilience to get in contact with the programme. Contact Conor at Healthandwellbeing@cwsan.org
Councillor John McNamee, Chairperson of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership noted that:
“This is the first of our Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS projects off the ground; projects that will deliver real change to Mid Ulster residents. The project, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) will result in better health and well-being outcomes and help to address the complex causes of social isolation and feelings of loneliness that impact on poor mental and physical health, especially in rural districts like Mid Ulster.”
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton has also welcomed the launch of the first Mid Ulster project, saying:
“The Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Community Action Plan has huge potential has huge potential in supporting the development of Mid Ulster as one that is equitable, diverse and inclusive. The projects delivered over the next three years are designed to take the opportunities presented by Peace, delivering on addressing key needs in our rural and urban areas, enhancing social, economic and environmental regeneration for generations to come.”
The Programme is designed to
- Combat Isolation and Loneliness through Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
- Support skills development, social networking and civic participation through a Disability Engagement Programme
- Address key concerns including mental health, healthy relationships, and personal safety through our Youth Resilience Programme.
Through various designed activities the programme will strengthen the capacity of cross-community groups, build leadership and skills, increase volunteering opportunities, create sustainable networks and promote diversity and inclusion.
The key Delivery Partners who will pioneer the programme over the next three years are CWSAN, the Mid Ulster Disability Forum and Shopmobility Mid Ulster along with Fresh Minds Education Ltd. These Partners bring extensive experience and expertise to this programme, having successfully delivered initiatives such as the Peace IV Engaging Rural Communities project. Having developed a strong collaboration ethos and an understanding of the issues on the ground a robust project management schedule is being put in place to achieve Programme success.
Rural Support Networks Showcase the Power of Collaboration at Stormont Event
Local Rural Support Networks (RSNs) gathered at the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings on Monday afternoon for their “Collaborating for the Future” event, celebrating the crucial role these networks have played in supporting rural communities across Northern Ireland since the 1990s. The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between RSNs, local community groups, key stakeholders, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), as well as government departments.
Established in the early 1990s, the eight RSNs operating across Northern Ireland have employed a community development approach to bring rural communities together. Through voluntary cooperation, these independent networks have maximized local and sub-regional collaborative action.
Conor Corr, Manager of the Cookstown & Western Shores RSN in Mid-Ulster, shared a key achievement: “One of our proudest moments was securing the partnership and support of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to the development of the Rural Community Development Support Service through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) programme. This Service has been vital in supporting our vision to sustain and develop rural communities and foster a strong sense of belonging.”
The Rural Community Development Support Service provides vital financial assistance to Rural Support Networks, ensuring that a robust rural community development infrastructure exists to support over 3,000 voluntary and community organisations linked to the networks. In 2024/2025, the Service will receive £935,000, bringing the total investment by DAERA since the introduction of the new TRPSI framework in 2015/2016 to over £7.6 million.
Minister for DAERA, Andrew Muir, attended the event and emphasized the impact of this support: “I am very aware of the role and significant support from my Department to the Support Service in supporting the Rural Support Networks. Rural voluntary and community organisations are, in so many cases, the glue that bonds and sustains rural people and communities and makes them areas where people want to live, work, and be proud to ’call home’. Without a robust voluntary and community sector our rural communities would be much worse off. Therefore, I am grateful to the Rural Support Networks for their role in providing much needed support and assistance to these rural voluntary and community organisations right across Northern Ireland”.
Briege Conway, Manager of the Northern Area Community Network, concluded by underscoring the importance of collaboration: “By pooling resources and expertise, we’ve proven that working together has a greater impact. Nearly 30 years of successful partnerships have shown that collaboration within the Rural Support Networks—across sectors and with government—is crucial for achieving sustainable, positive change in rural communities.”
The event was opened by host Colm Gildernew MLA and also addressed by Co- host Deborah Erskine MLA . Also in attendance was Mike Nesbitt, Minister for Health and around twenty other MLA’s took time out of their busy schedules to meet Community representatives alongside Departmental officials from the Department for Communities, (DfC), The Executive Office (TEO) and DAERA. Presentations by County Down RSN Manager Nicholas McCrickard, focused on the community-driven development efforts led by RSNs, the breadth of partnerships supporting rural areas, and the results of recent surveys conducted with local communities to determine future needs and priorities.
At the event, Minister Muir also took the opportunity to announce the opening of Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme 2024/2025 Tranche 2. Minister Muir noted “Since the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme was introduced in 2015, grant aid totalling £6.1m has been invested in 4,717 projects. The impact that a small amount of grant aid, available through this Scheme makes to a rural organisation is fantastic and I encourage others to avail of the current RMCG, which is now open for applications until 5 December 2024.
Apply online:
Local Rural Support Networks are assisting my Department with the promotion and delivery of the Scheme and so I would encourage all rural organisations to make contact with their local Network.”
The “Collaborating for the Future” event served as a reminder of the power of partnership in Rural Development and the continued commitment of Rural Support Networks, Government Departments and local organisations in strengthening the future of Northern Ireland’s rural communities.
Recent Newsletters
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CWSAN Newsletter December 2023
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CWSAN Newsletter September 2022
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CWSAN Newsletter – September 2021
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CWSAN Newsletter – June 2021
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Help stop the spread of covid 19 – PHA guidance update – 29..03.21
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Check our CWSAN Latest Facebook Posts
It’s National Non-Speaking/Non-Verbal Awareness Day!!![]()
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Celebrated annually on September 30th to raise awareness about nonverbal individuals and promote understanding, inclusion, and accessible communication methods like Makaton, symbol-based systems, and communication boards. ![]()
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The day highlights the challenges nonverbal people face, emphasising that communication encompasses more than just speech, and advocates for respect for their rights and voices.![]()
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#nonverbal #nonspeaking #nonverbalawarenessday #sen #send #learning #support #school #college #education #youngpeople
Learning a new skill or trying something new can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.![]()
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Find out more about how to prioritise workplace mental health using the ‘Take 5 steps to Wellbeing’ at www.MindingYourHead.info
Understanding Self Harm Workshop with Conor Mc Cafferty![]()
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Heaney Centre Bellaghy 23rd October 9.30 – 1.00 p.m![]()
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To book denise@cwsan.org / 07540 969623
ComKit is an empathetic communications toolkit to support families, communities, organisations, reporters and political representatives in what to do and say at a time of heightened suicide concern.![]()
To find out more click on the link below![]()
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www.mindingyourhead.info/comkit?fbclid=IwY2xjawNDo2pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBQWjNrSlE4S05nMmlLek0z...
www.mindingyourhead.info
ComKit is an empathetic communications toolkit to support families, communities, organisations, reporters and political representatives in what to do and say at a time of heightened suicide concern.
Disability Sport NIs Wheelie active clubs![]()
Wheelie Active multi skills clubs, providing active recreation opportunities for children with physical impairments, alongside their brothers and sisters and friends. ![]()
The weekly sessions are open to ages 4-12 years old![]()
Wednesday from 5-5.45pm Maghera Leisure Centre![]()
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Disability Sport NI![]()
Cwsan MidUlster![]()
Kilronan School![]()
Friends Of Kilronan
Mid Ulster District Council PEACEPLUS Health and Wellbeing Programme
Mid Ulster District Council PEACEPLUS Health and Wellbeing Programme
Launch of New PEACEPLUS Health and Wellbeing Programme across Mid Ulster
A new Mid Ulster based programme working with local Youth, people with Disability and with Men’s and Women’s Sheds was launched on Friday 29th August in The Hill of O’Neill/Ranfurly House. The three-year Health and Wellbeing Programme is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is being delivered on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council under its 1.1 Co-Designed Local PEACEPLUS Action Plans, within the theme ‘Thriving and Peaceful Communities’.
Cookstown & Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN) and its Delivery Partners announced the launch of the initiative which will engage 750 beneficiaries from across the district, with a strong focus on disadvantaged and marginalised groups. The programme aims to promote social inclusion while improving mental, emotional, and overall wellbeing.
Rosaleen Hanna, Chairperson of CWSAN, commented:
“As CWSAN enters its 30th year of operation, the delivery of this programme across Mid Ulster perfectly aligns with our ethos and commitment to supporting local communities. We are delighted to work with the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership on a Health and Well-being initiative which reflects our ongoing drive to connect and collaborate with key community partners and statutory agencies providing local support to communities across the district.
We would encourage those groups with a focus on Men’s and Women’s Sheds, Disability and/or Youth Resilience to get in contact with the programme. Contact Conor at Healthandwellbeing@cwsan.org
Councillor John McNamee, Chairperson of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership noted that:
“This is the first of our Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS projects off the ground; projects that will deliver real change to Mid Ulster residents. The project, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) will result in better health and well-being outcomes and help to address the complex causes of social isolation and feelings of loneliness that impact on poor mental and physical health, especially in rural districts like Mid Ulster.”
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton has also welcomed the launch of the first Mid Ulster project, saying:
“The Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Co-Designed Local Community Action Plan has huge potential has huge potential in supporting the development of Mid Ulster as one that is equitable, diverse and inclusive. The projects delivered over the next three years are designed to take the opportunities presented by Peace, delivering on addressing key needs in our rural and urban areas, enhancing social, economic and environmental regeneration for generations to come.”
The Programme is designed to
- Combat Isolation and Loneliness through Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
- Support skills development, social networking and civic participation through a Disability Engagement Programme
- Address key concerns including mental health, healthy relationships, and personal safety through our Youth Resilience Programme.
Through various designed activities the programme will strengthen the capacity of cross-community groups, build leadership and skills, increase volunteering opportunities, create sustainable networks and promote diversity and inclusion.
The key Delivery Partners who will pioneer the programme over the next three years are CWSAN, the Mid Ulster Disability Forum and Shopmobility Mid Ulster along with Fresh Minds Education Ltd. These Partners bring extensive experience and expertise to this programme, having successfully delivered initiatives such as the Peace IV Engaging Rural Communities project. Having developed a strong collaboration ethos and an understanding of the issues on the ground a robust project management schedule is being put in place to achieve Programme success.
Contact Information Email: healthandwellbeing@cwsan.org Phone: 028 877 738845
Charity Commission Annual Returns Workshop 24/10/2024 @ 7 pm
Charities Commission Reporting/Annual Returns – Thurs 24th Oct 2024 @7.00pm
CWSAN is holding this Charities Commission reporting workshop to ensure your groups compliance with the charities commission NI annual accounting requirements & annual returns. The workshop will be held on Zoom, To register email info@cwsan.org
CWSAN Newsletter May 2024
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***Community Networks Showcase Evaluation and Outcomes Based Approach of Commissioned PHA Projects***
Community Networks in the Northern Locality including @crun, @cwsan, @impact and @nacn hosted a showcasing event in partnership with @pha, commissioners for the NICHI(Networks Involving Communities in Health Improvement) and Suicide Prevention Projects to highlight the work and support for these projects over the 15 years.
We were delighted Minister for Health Robin Swann MLA, Aidan Dawson (PHA Chief Executive) and Colin Coffey (PHA Chairman) alongside other senior members of PHA Health Improvement Team North were keynote speakers and attendees at the event. A number of community organisations from across the Northern Locality were also present and we thank the groups who took part in the discussion panel and assisted in compering the event.
We would like to thank Dr. Helga Sneddon for her evaluation and OBA support to the Networks on measuring the impact and outcomes of the
community development approaches to promoting health and wellbeing and preventing suicide in the Northern locality.
CWSAN AGM Notice 2022
COOKSTOWN & WESTERN SHORES AREA NETWORK (CWSAN)
Will hold its
Annual General Meeting
via Zoom
On Thursday 17th November 2022 at 7.30 pm
to register email info@cwsan.org
Looking After Your Mental Health At Home Booklet
NORTHERN AREA SUICIDE PREVENTION DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS(SPDO’S) have devised the following toolkit and wellbeing resource
–Looking After Your Mental Health while you Stay at Home – Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing Ideas & Activities –