NSPCC Northern Ireland

26/07/2026

We had an amazing day at belfastpride yesterday and loved seeing the crowds out supporting the day.

Thank you to all the volunteers who came along to walk with us and to everyone who cheered us on. We were privileged to be a part of such wonderful event and are proud to be there for every child, every day.

03/07/2026

As part of our pledge to End Violence Against Women and Girls, NSPCC Northern Ireland staff and volunteers were privileged to receive specialist training this week from Nexus in our Foyle and Belfast hubs.

The training topics included what violence against women and girls is, the root causes of harmful behaviours and attitudes, the impact on individuals, workplaces and societies and how to challenge inappropriate and harmful behaviours safely.

Thanks again to Nexus for the hugely beneficial session

23/06/2026

Young Witness Service volunteers in final of BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026!
We are so proud and delighted that two of our amazing volunteers have been announced as finalists in these prestigious awards which are run by BBC local radio, across the UK, to celebrate everyday heroes and unsung champions in local communities.
Sebastian, our Court Therapy Dog is a finalist in the The Animal Award category and we are delighted that he has been recognised for his remarkable and vital support to children and young people who give evidence in criminal court. Known as the “Professional Cuddler”, for obvious reasons, the 3 year old St Bernard x Bernese Mountain Dog helps children feel relaxed and safe during a stressful time. He is pictured with his owner and Young Witness staff member, Megan when they both visited BBC Northern Ireland recently.
We are equally thrilled that Barbara Walker has been selected as a finalist in The Volunteer Award category. Barbara has recently retired after an amazing 18 years with the Service and over this time has helped and supported countless young witnesses navigate the complex court system.
The award winners will be announced on a special broadcast of The Vinny & Cate Show on BBC Radio Ulster in September and we wish them both all the luck in the world 💚

19/06/2026

We were delighted to attend the annual Queen's University Belfast Student’s Union Insight Conference this week.

It was a fantastic event, where we explored using social prescribing and volunteering as key tools for connecting people to activities, groups and support that improve health and wellbeing.

We heard from some great speakers about the current scene of social prescribing in Northern Ireland and explored how organisations can improve volunteer experiences and build stronger, more effective teams. Thanks to Queens SU for inviting us.

To find out more about volunteering for NSPCC Northern Ireland, visit nspcc.org.uk/volunteer

15/06/2026

Louise Frazer, Team Manager at NSPCC NI, recently attended an infant mental health conference, organised by Western Health and Social Care Trust as part of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week. The keynote speaker was Sally Hogg, a former staff member from NSPCC. It was a great event and we were happy to promote our Pregnancy in Mind, Look,Say, Sing, Play and Handle with Care services💚

08/06/2026

Huge and heartfelt thanks and many congratulations to NSPCC’s Omagh and District Committee who have raised an incredible total of £29,000 from their Bluebell Walks which have taken place since 2012.
This long- established and hard-working group held the 2026 Walk recently in the stunning setting of Baronscourt Estate. It was a fabulous day of sunshine, fun, delicious afternoon teas and of course, bluebells!
We are so grateful to the Committee for their wonderful work and dedication. Thanks to this ongoing support we can continue to help children and families across Northern Ireland with our vital work 💚

The annual event, organised by NSPCC’s Omagh and District Committee, drew around 560 people from across Tyrone and beyond

05/06/2026

As we come to the end of another Volunteers’ Week, the team at NSPCC Northern Ireland want to say a HUGE thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t exist without your support.

We always need more volunteers to allow us to be there for children and young people, and there are roles to suit everyone. Maybe you could help children and their families through the court system with our Young Witness Service? Or volunteer to lead keeping safe workshops in primary schools with our Speak out, Stay safe programme. You could talk to children and young people online and over the phone for our Childline service, giving them a voice when no one else is listening. If you can’t commit to regular volunteering, you could even help at one of our events – or run a fundraising event of your own.

If you’re feeling inspired this Volunteers’ Week you can find out more at nspcc.org.uk/volunteer or search ‘NSPCC volunteering’ to see the range of roles available.

02/06/2026

The Belfast Area Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership has re-launched an important app designed to help tackle abuse across the Belfast area.

01/06/2026

Today, the Equal Protection Working Group has shared its ‘deep disappointment’ that the equal protection of children from physical violence, in the same way as adults, will not be debated as part of the Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill.

Read the joint statement from the coalition’s members from children’s rights organisations, health professional bodies, charities, and community and voluntary sector groups.

Visit: www.niccy.org/articles 💙🩷🧡💚❤️

EPWG members and supporters
Chris Quinn, NSPCC Northern Ireland, Include Youth, Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland, VOYPIC, Action for Children Northern Ireland, Barnardo's Northern Ireland, BASW, Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI), Children's Law Centre, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Mencap, Stronger from the Start Alliance, Michelle Guy MLA .

18/05/2026

It’s been a week since we handed over our open letter at Stormont calling on the Assembly to act and remove the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ and give children in Northern Ireland the same protection from assault as adults.

At NSPCC, we don’t think physical punishment is ever acceptable, and we also know that the majority of adults here want legal reform. But we still need your help to do that.

Visit https://shorturl.at/gILON to sign our petition and show your support.