The Health Improvement Department recognises the rapid growth of the digital world and how these advances in technology can impact on the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people. Such advances provide many opportunities for our communities including:

  • Connecting
  • Sharing information
  • Learning

However, it also presents us with challenges:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Grooming
  • Sexting
  • Oversharing of information
  • Conduct when using social media

To support the population of the Western Trust area the Health Improvement Department have established the Western E-safety Steering Group. This multi-agency group uses a collaborative approach to increase awareness and local knowledge regarding e safety to the population we serve.  It also ac

ts as the single point of contact that can direct

children and young people, vulnerable adults, parents and professionals in the West to e-safety advice or resources and training.

Support and report

If you need immediate help Ring 999 or contact local police in your area in the first instance otherwise you can report any concerns via the button here:

CEOP internet safety training for trainers is aimed at practitioners whose roles directly or indirectly involve the protection of children and young people (teachers, police officers, social workers, youth workers etc.). The course enables practitioners to directly deliver CEOP’s Thinkuknow programme. The training will increase their understanding of many of the most popular applications young people are using in the online and mobile environment.

The course covers many issues that children and young people face online and signposts to initiatives and organisations for help and support.

CEOP Thinkuknow training is FREE to attend. However, in order to be eligible to attend any training session for CEOP’s Thinkuknow programme you MUST be able to produce the following:

  • Access NI certificate or equivalent
  • A letter on headed notepaper from your organisation stating your role, duration in the organisation and the use of CEOP training in relation to your role
  • A form of photographic identification i.e. passport or driving licence
  • Be willing to deliver at least one course for your organisation by 31 March 2015

Other sources of support and advice include:

  • Childline is a 24 hour confidential helpline for children and young people www.childline.org.uk
  • Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Ring 0808 808 8000 or go to www.lifelinehelpline.info
  • NSPCC has joined forces with O2 to set up a helpline for parents.  You can get advice about anything you’re not sure about from how to adjust privacy settings to concerns about your child’s online activity. Helpline 0808 800 5002

The Health Improvement Department provide a range of free information leaflets and training opportunities.

To view our catalogue of resources click here.

To view our Training Brochure for activites click here.