@EmmaHitchen17 profile picture
Emma Hitchen @EmmaHitchen17

Senior Participation and Research Officer @ParentingNI

Joined February 2022
  • Tweets 43
  • Following 191
  • Followers 62
1 Photos and videos
Emma Hitchen retweeted
Education NI
@Education_NI
25 Oct 2024
It is #ParentingWeek 2024 and this year aims to celebrate what makes each family uniquely special. Our schools and teachers really value your support in helping your children to learn and we encourage you to keep playing that role in supporting your children to be Happy, Learning and Succeeding. A message to parents from Education Minister @paulgivan:
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
EastSide Early Learning Community@EastsideELC
25 Oct 2024
Parents/caregivers need an early years system that effectively works together to offer the right support at the right time. We are working with a range of partners to ensure we have a joined-up approach for all families. #ParentingWeek #ForAllFamilies @ParentingFocus_
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Family Mediation NI@FamMediation_NI
25 Oct 2024
Are you looking for more resources on co-parenting after separation and family mediation? We’ve got you covered! Find out more at familymediationni.org.uk #ForEveryFamily #ParentingWeek @healthdpt @cypsp
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Family Support NI@familysupportni
25 Oct 2024
Working Parents ❗️During #ParentingWeek check out available Government Financial Assistance with #ChildcareCosts : bit.ly/3OqT5hH
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
PlayBoard NI@playboard_
25 Oct 2024
Play is the most natural way for children to learn, grow, develop, and make sense of the world and their place within it. As #ParentingWeek draws to a close, read about the power of play in our Play for Parents Guide, explaining why #PlayMatters. Go to playboard.org/resources/play…
Play for Parents Guide cover image of a child holding a colourful windmill against a blue sky

ALT Play for Parents Guide cover image of a child holding a colourful windmill against a blue sky
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Northern Ireland@DiscoverNI
25 Oct 2024
This Parenting Week, we’re celebrating all families with the theme #ForEveryFamily! We’ve collaborated with @parentingfocus_org to round up some of the best activities and locations for families of all interests! #embraceagiantspirit #parentingweek
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Huge shout out to all the parents and carers of deaf children and young people across NI during #ParentingWeek celebrating that every family is unique ❤️
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Chris Quinn@ChrisNICCY
18 Apr 2024
Brilliant to see @ShriekingGreek and feeling blessed to have heard the views of members of @ParentingFocus_ Dads Talk group. Looking forward to developing partnerships to hear the voices of parents. Big Parents Survey highlights so many important issues. Thank you 🙏
Chris Quinn (current commissioner for children and Young people) with his predecessor Koulla Yiasouma with parenting focus survey

ALT Chris Quinn (current commissioner for children and Young people) with his predecessor Koulla Yiasouma with parenting focus survey

Chris with members of the Dads talk group, Koulla Yiosuma (interim parenting focus CEO) and Emma Hitchen Senior Participation and Research Officer all holding parenting focus survey

ALT Chris with members of the Dads talk group, Koulla Yiosuma (interim parenting focus CEO) and Emma Hitchen Senior Participation and Research Officer all holding parenting focus survey

Chris with two members of the dads talk group

ALT Chris with two members of the dads talk group

Text saying: the commissioner shall have due regard in particular to the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child or young person. Furthermore, the Commissioner shall have regard to the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing and development of their children and relevant provisions of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child

ALT Text saying: the commissioner shall have due regard in particular to the ascertainable wishes and feelings of the child or young person. Furthermore, the Commissioner shall have regard to the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing and development of their children and relevant provisions of the United Nations convention on the rights of the child

NI Commissioner for Children and Young People@nichildcom
18 Apr 2024
A statement from Commissioner @ChrisNICCY on the @ParentingFocus_ Big Parenting Survey 2023/24. Full Report & Executive Summary ➡ parentingfocus.org/news/two-…
As Commissioner, my job is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people. In doing so, I believe strongly in early intervention and support, which includes recognising the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing and development of their children. I want to be accessible to children, parents and carers, and I have worked hard to listen to their views. The real-life experiences parents have shared with me are reflected strongly in this report. Parents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, feel they do not get enough support. Parents tell me that they are worried and that there is absence of hope in their lives. This report highlights the cumulative effect of years of austerity and the continuing cost-of-living crisis which has had negative impacts on many families. It is, therefore, imperative that the NI Executive prioritises an Anti-poverty Strategy.

ALT As Commissioner, my job is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people. In doing so, I believe strongly in early intervention and support, which includes recognising the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing and development of their children. I want to be accessible to children, parents and carers, and I have worked hard to listen to their views. The real-life experiences parents have shared with me are reflected strongly in this report. Parents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, feel they do not get enough support. Parents tell me that they are worried and that there is absence of hope in their lives. This report highlights the cumulative effect of years of austerity and the continuing cost-of-living crisis which has had negative impacts on many families. It is, therefore, imperative that the NI Executive prioritises an Anti-poverty Strategy.

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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Sheena McMullen@mcmullen_sheena
22 Feb 2024
62,000 children's life chances, health prospects, educational outcomes, social & emotional wellbeing & development at risk. Adding to evidence that we need Anti-Poverty legislation to be prioritised both in London & Belfast. Designing systems that reduce inequality = priority 🙏
Action for Children NI@Actn4ChildrenNI
22 Feb 2024
Today we release research into how many NI children are impacted by poverty because their families face barriers to work. These barriers include: already working maximum hours available, managing caring responsibilities, or dealing with long-term health-condition/disability
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Commissioner @ChrisNICCY met @ParentingFocus_'s @charlene_brooks & @EmmaHitchen17 today. Chris highlighted the importance of listening to and supporting parents in order to achieve the best outcomes for children.
NICCY Commissioner Chris Quinn and Parenting NI CEO Charlene Brooks holding a research paper.

ALT NICCY Commissioner Chris Quinn and Parenting NI CEO Charlene Brooks holding a research paper.

NICCY Commissioner Chris Quinn and Parenting NI Senior Participation and Research Officer Emma Hitchen holding a research paper.

ALT NICCY Commissioner Chris Quinn and Parenting NI Senior Participation and Research Officer Emma Hitchen holding a research paper.

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Emma Hitchen retweeted
BBC The View@bbctheview
11 Feb 2024
"We are at a crisis point... Childcare is unaffordable. We need a long-term strategy & immediate supports." @HamiltonAoife @EFCCG #SundayPolitics | @MarkCarruthers7
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Kevin Duggan@kevinduggan1981
5 Feb 2024
Smart investments by a new NI Executive are no brainers: - Childcare - SureStart - Parenting Support programmes - After school play provision Get the early years right = gets everything right overtime. Invest for longer term outcomes, not quick fixes or photo opportunities!

ALT Worth Every Penny The Rock GIF

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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Action for Children NI@Actn4ChildrenNI
9 Nov 2023
If you want to #reimagine what the children’s social care services could look like in Northern Ireland then it’s important that you let your voice be heard! Click here to respond to the consultation by 1st December tinyurl.com/4vfrcrez
Image shows 9 people standing on steps at Stormont parliament buildings, each holding a report booklet

ALT Image shows 9 people standing on steps at Stormont parliament buildings, each holding a report booklet
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Great to attend the summit yesterday and hear from young people, parents and governing bodies about the challenges around attendance and how we can solve them. Parental participation in children’s education was a huge factor and something we @ParentingNI are so passionate about!
Education NI
@Education_NI
25 Oct 2023
DE will today hold an Attendance Summit to discuss the increasing challenges to managing pupil attendance. The summit will bring together representatives from across the education sector, including Governing Bodies, schools, and young people. Read more: education-ni.gov.uk/news/sum…
Mark Browne opening the Attendance Summit

ALT Mark Browne opening the Attendance Summit

Attendance Summit delegates

ALT Attendance Summit delegates

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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Education NI
@Education_NI
20 Oct 2023
It’s #ParentingWeek2023 and the theme is the #PositivityofParenting. DE recognises that as their child’s first teacher, parents have an essential role in helping children do well in school and improve their life chances. Our message to parents: Full video: vimeo.com/876397781/299f97c5…
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Ending #parentingweek in the most lovely way. My daughter’s school show this morning and now catching up on the bake off with my girls and my #positivitea 💜#positivityofparenting
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Charlene Brooks@charlene_brooks
20 Oct 2023
Great to have such a strong advocate for parents @profsiobhanon - If we empower and support parents it will lead to better outcomes for children and young people
Siobhán O'Neill (she/her)@profsiobhanon
20 Oct 2023
Parenting support ➡️ better mental health outcomes. Thanks @ParentingNI for meeting me yesterday & for the #SOLUS research study showing the impact of cost of living crisis on parents' (& childrens') mental health. #ParentingWeek
Charlene, Emma and myself on Teams

ALT Charlene, Emma and myself on Teams

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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Action for Children NI@Actn4ChildrenNI
20 Oct 2023
We've loved following along with @ParentingNI #ParentingWeek2023 focusing on Positivity of Parenting & celebrating strength, resilience & dedication of parents. They've shared some great insights, including some parenting tips on their channels this week - check them out!
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
BBC Question Time
@bbcquestiontime
19 Oct 2023
“Our job is to stand for election and do a job… if you don’t want to do the job get out the way” The Alliance Party’s Sorcha Eastwood says the DUP’s boycott of Stormont needs to come to an end #bbcqt bbc.in/3M7jEYK
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Emma Hitchen retweeted
Action for Children NI@Actn4ChildrenNI
19 Oct 2023
We believe all children have a right to education and the uncapped cost of school uniforms and PE kits should not present a barrier for any child @SCUKNI
Save the Children Northern Ireland@SCUKNI
18 Oct 2023
🚨 We’ve written this letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education, which has been co-signed by a host of other NI charities. It’s urging specific action on school uniform policies. Have a read & share if it lands with you. 📝📚📊
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