Take 5 Seconds launched to support parents and carers
On Wednesday 22 October 2025, during Parenting Week 2025, Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) and NSPCC Northern Ireland officially launched their new joint campaign, “Take 5 Seconds,” at an event hosted in the Shankill Women’s Centre, Belfast.
The campaign aims to support parents and carers to pause, breathe, and stay calm during challenging parenting moments, recognising that every parent faces difficulties, and that small pauses can make a big difference in how children experience love, boundaries, and security.
Attendees included professionals from across the children and young people’s sector, who gathered to hear about the campaign’s resources and its role in promoting positive parenting across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA addressed the event, offering his full support to the initiative. He emphasised the importance of helping parents to manage the pressures of family life and to respond to children’s emotions with calm and connection.
Developed by NSPCC NI in partnership with Parentline NI, a CiNI service, the campaign includes practical resources such as a booklet, trifold leaflet, pocket-sized “z-card”, and interactive parent workshops to be delivered across Northern Ireland. Each resource offers straightforward strategies to help parents manage stress, connect with their children, and model positive coping techniques.
Speaking at the event, Natalie Whelehan, Chief Executive of CiNI, highlighted how the campaign reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to early intervention and family wellbeing:
“The Take 5 Seconds campaign gives parents reassurance that it’s okay to take a breath and reset, because staying calm isn’t just good for parents, it’s essential for children’s wellbeing. Through Parentline NI, we see every day how even small moments of connection can transform family life.”
The launch brought together leaders from across the children’s sector to celebrate collaboration and reinforce the message that supporting parents means strengthening families. By equipping parents with positive, evidence-based tools, the campaign seeks to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and foster secure, nurturing home environments.
You can find out more about the campaign and access materials here.
Take 5 Seconds workshops
Interactive parent workshops will take place during November:
- Monday 24th November, 11.30am – 1pm, Ethos Family Support Hub, Derry
- Monday 24th November, 7pm – 8pm, online
- Tuesday 25th November, 10:15am – 11:15am, Lisburn Home Start
- Wednesday 26th November, 10am – 11:30am, The Parent Rooms, Belfast
- Thursday 27th November, 11am – 12:30pm, Kilkeel Sure Start
- Friday 28th November, 10am – 11:30am, Ballymena Sure Start
You can register for one upcoming workshops here.
Parents and carers can contact Parentline NI for free, confidential support on 0808 802 0400 — open Monday to Thursday, 9am–9pm, Friday, 9am–5pm, and Saturday, 9am–1pm.
Take 5 Seconds launched to support parents and carers
On Wednesday 22 October 2025, during Parenting Week 2025, Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) and NSPCC Northern Ireland officially launched their new joint campaign, “Take 5 Seconds,” at an event hosted in the Shankill Women’s Centre, Belfast.
The campaign aims to support parents and carers to pause, breathe, and stay calm during challenging parenting moments, recognising that every parent faces difficulties, and that small pauses can make a big difference in how children experience love, boundaries, and security.
Attendees included professionals from across the children and young people’s sector, who gathered to hear about the campaign’s resources and its role in promoting positive parenting across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA addressed the event, offering his full support to the initiative. He emphasised the importance of helping parents to manage the pressures of family life and to respond to children’s emotions with calm and connection.
Developed by NSPCC NI in partnership with Parentline NI, a CiNI service, the campaign includes practical resources such as a booklet, trifold leaflet, pocket-sized “z-card”, and interactive parent workshops to be delivered across Northern Ireland. Each resource offers straightforward strategies to help parents manage stress, connect with their children, and model positive coping techniques.
Speaking at the event, Natalie Whelehan, Chief Executive of CiNI, highlighted how the campaign reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to early intervention and family wellbeing:
“The Take 5 Seconds campaign gives parents reassurance that it’s okay to take a breath and reset, because staying calm isn’t just good for parents, it’s essential for children’s wellbeing. Through Parentline NI, we see every day how even small moments of connection can transform family life.”
The launch brought together leaders from across the children’s sector to celebrate collaboration and reinforce the message that supporting parents means strengthening families. By equipping parents with positive, evidence-based tools, the campaign seeks to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and foster secure, nurturing home environments.
You can find out more about the campaign and access materials here.
Take 5 Seconds workshops
Interactive parent workshops will take place during November:
- Monday 24th November, 11.30am – 1pm, Ethos Family Support Hub, Derry
- Monday 24th November, 7pm – 8pm, online
- Tuesday 25th November, 10:15am – 11:15am, Lisburn Home Start
- Wednesday 26th November, 10am – 11:30am, The Parent Rooms, Belfast
- Thursday 27th November, 11am – 12:30pm, Kilkeel Sure Start
- Friday 28th November, 10am – 11:30am, Ballymena Sure Start
You can register for one upcoming workshops here.
Parents and carers can contact Parentline NI for free, confidential support on 0808 802 0400 — open Monday to Thursday, 9am–9pm, Friday, 9am–5pm, and Saturday, 9am–1pm.
