19/10/2026
The Western Trust has launched a new animation designed to inspire individuals, organisations and communities to play their part in supporting children, young people and families at the earliest opportunity.
The animation, launched as part of the Trust’s Early Intervention Programme, carries the key message: “Early Intervention Begins Best with YOU”, highlighting the important role that everyone can play in helping families access support before challenges escalate.
The launch events which took place in Eglington Community Hall, Eglington and in Strule Art Centre, Omagh kindly funded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, forms part of a wider commitment to building a culture of Early Intervention across the Western Trust area, recognising that timely support can significantly improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
Evidence consistently shows that the earlier support is provided, the better the outcomes. By identifying concerns early, listening to families and connecting them with the right services at the right time, professionals, community organisations and local people can all help make a positive difference.
Speaking at the opening of the launch, Mr Kevin Duffy, Executive Director of Social Work and Director of Children and Families Directorate said:
“Early Intervention is everyone’s business. Every day, across our communities, there are opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.”
“This animation highlights a simple but powerful message: we can all play a role. Whether it is through a conversation, signposting a family to support, working collaboratively with partners or simply taking the time to listen, small actions can have a lasting impact.”
The animation was developed to help raise awareness of the importance of Early Intervention and to encourage a shared understanding across statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations.
Donna Downey, Principal Social Worker with the Western Trust, said:
“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes. We know that children, young people and families achieve the best outcomes when support is available at the right time and in the right place.
“This animation aims to encourage everyone to think about the role they can play in helping families thrive. Early Intervention begins with relationships, partnership working and recognising that every interaction is an opportunity to offer support.”
The launch coincides with Anti-Poverty Week and provides an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by many children and families across the Western Trust area. Poverty and adversity can have a significant impact on outcomes for children and young people, and early support can help reduce these impacts and improve long-term wellbeing.
The animation also showcases the strong partnership working already taking place across the Western Trust, with statutory services, community and voluntary organisations working together to ensure families receive support sooner.
Representing the community and voluntary sector on the guest panel at the Ebrington event, Louise Kearney, Children’s Services Manager with Action for Children described how the animation will positively support families;
“We have the privilege of entering the journey of children, young people and families, and it is within our gift to make a real difference. This animation will help families understand the importance of seeking support early and the difference the right support can make.
Be the right person at the right time, bring the right support and change the course of a journey. That difference could last a lifetime.”
Guest panel at the Omagh event, Kerrie Flood, Chief Executive Officer, Fermanagh and Omagh Women’s Aid defined the importance of early intervention:
“There are moments in life when the road ahead can change because someone cared enough to notice, to listen, or help. We may never know the difference we made, but for the person standing at that crossroads or carrying too much, it could mean everything. That is what early intervention means to me and why this conversation is so important.”
Attendees at the launch event were invited to make a personal pledge about how they will support Early Intervention in their own role, reinforcing the campaign’s core message that everyone can contribute to improving outcomes.
The animation can be viewed below and via the Western Trust’s digital channels and will be shared widely with partner organisations, community groups and professionals working with children, young people and families.