Northern Trust invites families to free inclusive kids wellbeing event
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Families across the Ballymena and wider Northern Trust area are being offered something rare — direct access to expert advice, practical support and inclusive activities, all in one place and completely free.
A Community Kids Wellbeing Day will take place at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney on Thursday 9 April from 2pm to 4pm, bringing together health professionals and community organisations for an afternoon designed around the needs of children and their families.
The event is being delivered by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and is aimed at families with children aged 2–12 who have a disability, medical condition or developmental concern.
Support, advice and fun — all under one roof
This isn’t a typical information event. It’s designed to feel relaxed, welcoming and genuinely useful — giving families the chance to ask questions, explore support options and let children enjoy themselves in a safe, inclusive space.
Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive of the Mae Murray Foundation, said:
“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.”
What families can expect on the day
Organisers have brought together a wide range of services and activities to ensure there’s something meaningful for every family attending:
Activities for children
Inclusive cycling sessions
Drumming and music activities
Arts and crafts
Sensory play experiences
Advice and support for parents and carers
Speak directly with health and social care professionals
Ask questions in an informal, pressure-free setting
Get practical, real-life advice you can use at home
Specialist services available
Physiotherapy — movement, play and physical development
Paediatric autism service — behaviour, communication and sensory strategies
Speech and language therapy — communication, eating and drinking support
Occupational therapy — independence and emotional regulation
Paediatric continence nurse — toileting and bladder/bowel issues
Dietitians — nutrition, feeding and growth advice
Public health nursing — wellbeing, safety and mini health checks
Social workers — support with emotional needs, school attendance and family pressures
Workshops and guidance sessions
Sleep support
Emotional and behavioural guidance
Continence and toileting
Fussy eating
Community organisations उपस्थित
Sense
Compass Advocacy Network
Homestart
Libraries NI
Family Fund
Sensory Kids
Additional support on the day
Changing Places toilet available
Refreshments provided
Friendly, accessible environment for all families
Making support easier to access
Jill Bradley, Assistant Director with the Northern Trust, said the event is about removing barriers and helping families feel supported.
“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.”
Importantly, attending the event will not affect any waiting lists or replace formal appointments — instead, it offers an opportunity to get early guidance, reassurance and practical help.
How to attend
The event is free, but families are encouraged to register in advance via the Mae Murray Foundation website:
At a glance
Free Community Kids Wellbeing Day in Ballymoney
Thursday 9 April, 2pm–4pm
Hosted at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre
For families with children aged 2–12 with additional needs
Activities, advice and workshops all in one place
Access to a wide range of health professionals
Community organisations offering ongoing support
No impact on waiting lists or existing appointments
Free entry, registration recommended