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 29^th 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:

https://digitalapps2.daera-ni.gov.uk/RMCGS/StartPage

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.

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Check our CWSAN Latest Facebook Posts

Cwsan MidUlster

2 days ago

Online Tai Chi & Wellness Classes With Ann & PaulaMondays in Feb-Mar | 11:00 am – 12:15 pm (via Zoom)Join us for 4 weeks of gentle Tai Chi and wellness practices designed to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.• 🕚 Zoom opens: 11:00 am• 🧘‍♀️ Class time: 11:15 am – 12:15 pmSuitable for all abilities!You don’t need to attend every session — but the more you join, the more you’ll benefit.💫 The course includes:• Self-care and wellbeing techniques• Gentle Tai Chi movements• Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping)• Breath work and relaxation• Acupressure for balance and calm• Finger holds to help manage emotions💬 Participants have reported increased flexibility, reduced anxiety and stress, and better coping skills.📞 To register and get the Zoom link:Contact Anita at 075 1549 1899 or email midulster.seniorsnetwork@gmail.comKindly supported by the Public Health Agency, managed by Cwsan MidUlster through Winter Wellbeing Programme for Older People. Nb. If you have access to a suitable room or venue with internet and a projector, you’re welcome to invite others to join — especially those who may not have digital access. This helps reduce isolation, promote community connection, and make the sessions more accessible to all.#CapacityBuilding#capacitarwellnesspractices#wellbeing@followers ... See MoreSee Less

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#haveyoursay #YourVoiceMatters The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published a consultation on the draft Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy and we are seeking your views. Details on how to view the consultation and respond can be found below.How to RespondThe consultation launched on the 15th January and will run for 12 weeks until the 8th April. You can access the consultation via the DAERA website www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/rethinking-our-resources-northern-ireland-resources-and-waste-m... or by using this QR code below. ... See MoreSee Less

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Cwsan MidUlster

2 days ago

#friendlyfebruaruAction for Happiness ... See MoreSee Less

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Cwsan MidUlster

4 days ago

Nutrition & Diet Resources Take a look at the new resources developed with the generous support from specialist dietitians from NHS Scotland and HSCNI using the link belowwww.ndr-uk.org/browse/c-New-and-recently-updated-96/Visit the website to view all ranges and learn about NDR Prescribe.www.ndr-uk.org/www.ndr-uk.org/about-resources/prescribable-electronic-resource-libraryPreview, order and/or email directly to your patients using the digital platform, NDR Prescribe. Practical guide to assist people to make lifestyle change that will reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It focuses on key risk factors and promotes healthy eating and lifestyle approaches through self-directed behaviour change. www.ndr-uk.org/item/245/PublicHealth/Reduce-Your-Type-2-Diabetes-Risk.htmlA comprehensive guide for adults with type 2 diabetes to help them make diet and lifestyle choices to support long-term management for their good health. Updates and replaces titles from the adult type 2 diabetes range.www.ndr-uk.org/item/393/Newandrecentlyupdated/Healthy-Living-with-Type-2-Diabetes.htmlFor more info Email: info@ndr-uk.org#healthierchoices #healthylifestyle #healthyeatingtips #diabetesawareness Diabetes NI ... See MoreSee Less

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Cwsan MidUlster

5 days ago

If you’re experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety or bipolar, ➡️ Visit aware-ni.org/lets-talkAWARE support groups operate across Northern Ireland, are free to attend, have no waiting list, and you do not need an official diagnosis to attend.Feel like you can’t talk about how you’re feeling? We believe you can. 💛You’re not alone and you don’t have to carry it by yourself. AWARE NI is here to listen, support and provide a safe space for you to talk about how you feel. If you’re experiencing low mood, depression, anxiety or bipolar, we’re here.➡️ Visit aware-ni.org/lets-talkOur support groups operate across Northern Ireland, are free to attend, have no waiting list, and you do not need an official diagnosis to attend.#AWARENI #MentalHealthSupport #Depression #Anxiety #Bipolar ... See MoreSee Less

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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

Rosaleen Hanna, Chairperson of CWSAN, commented:

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:

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton has also welcomed the launch of the first Mid Ulster project, saying:

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.

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 October 2024

CWSAN Newsletter October_2024

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.