FamilyFX: The Family Reset System
Local support in Belfast

SEN support in Belfast: education, assessment and family help

Belfast families use regional Education Authority processes and Belfast Trust health services, alongside school and community support.

Sources checked 14 August 2026Next review 14 August 2027
An illustrated Belfast riverscape with bridges, red-brick and modern buildings and Cave Hill behind the city.
Stylised illustration representing the area's character, not an exact photograph of a landmark or service location.

How support is organised in Belfast

In Belfast, several useful services may be close together but still belong to different systems. The school is responsible for support in the school day. The Education Authority manages statutory SEN processes, while the Belfast Trust provides health assessment and support.

Begin with the change the child needs. Clear instructions, a quieter working place, help with attendance or a planned transition can be discussed before anyone reaches a conclusion about diagnosis or a statement.

The Education Authority is the regional body for SEN services, statutory assessment and statements. Belfast City Council does not run that process. Its relevance is in local facilities, leisure, community programmes and access to public places.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust publishes separate information for child and adolescent autism services, community paediatrics and other children's services. The correct route depends on the child's age, presentation and the service being considered, so use the live criteria rather than a contact copied from an old leaflet.

SENAC provides independent education advice. Family Support NI can help locate registered community and family services across the city.

FamilyFX local support signals

The local picture in Belfast

This section maps the current health bodies serving this area and, where a comparable official measure is available, presents it alongside the national figure. It is not a rating of the area or the quality of an individual service.

Health

Health and Social Care trusts for Belfast

Health and Social Care trusts deliver many local health and social care services in Northern Ireland. Some services are organised regionally, so the organisation listed is a starting point rather than a promise that every pathway is based locally.

Belfast Health and Social Care TrustCovers Belfast Trust areaVisit trust website

Urgent help

Lifeline crisis support

Lifeline provides confidential crisis support in Northern Ireland. Call 999 if life is at immediate risk.

Visit Lifeline crisis support

Local organisations and advice

Belfast City Council

Covers Belfast

Council leisure, facilities and community services.

Visit website

Education Authority

Covers Northern Ireland

The Education Authority manages regional SEN services and statutory processes.

Visit website

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Covers Belfast Trust area

The Belfast Trust publishes current child and adolescent autism information.

Visit website

SENAC

Covers Northern Ireland

SENAC provides independent education advice and advocacy.

Visit website

Family Support NI

Covers Northern Ireland

Family Support NI lists registered family and community services.

Visit website

Services and local pathways

Education Authority SEN information

Education Authority

Current Education Authority SEN information and online routes.

Who it is for: Children and young people in Northern Ireland who have or may have special educational needs.

How to access it: Begin with the school for current support. Use the Education Authority guidance and online services for statutory processes.

Check current details

Belfast Trust child and adolescent autism service

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Belfast Trust child and adolescent autism assessment and support information.

Who it is for: The service is for children and young people up to 18 where concerns about autism have been identified.

How to access it: Use the Trust page for the current contact and speak to the named professional about referral.

Check current details

Family Support NI directory

Family Support NI

Searchable regional directory of registered family support.

Who it is for: Each listed service has its own location, age and eligibility criteria.

How to access it: Search by area and need, then confirm current details directly with the provider.

Check current details

HSC service finder and trust contacts

HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group

Use the official finder when the correct HSC trust or service is unclear.

Who it is for: Open to anyone looking for current HSC service or trust information in Northern Ireland.

How to access it: Search by service or place. If the trust is unclear, check a current HSC letter or ask the referring professional.

Check current details

SENAC education advice

SENAC

Independent SEN education advice and advocacy.

Who it is for: Parents and carers of children with special educational needs in Northern Ireland.

How to access it: Check SENAC’s current advice and contact arrangements online.

Check current details

Practical next steps

Ask the school to explain what it has observed, what support is active and how the child's view will be included. If an EA process is underway, record the case reference and the next expected action without allowing ordinary school support to drift.

For autism or developmental concerns, use the Belfast Trust service page and speak to the GP, health visitor or other professional named in the referral route. Ask where evidence from home and school should be sent.

Search community support by postcode and check practical details directly. In a city-wide listing, a service described as Belfast may still use a smaller catchment, age range or referral threshold.

Related FamilyFX help

Library articleSchool Support Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUse the Northern Ireland SEN framework and the correct regional education route.Library articleSend Rights Scotland Wales Northern IrelandUnderstand statements, rights and the Northern Ireland system.Library articleKeeping A Record For School And Gp MeetingsKeep school and health actions clear without creating an unmanageable file.
Help us strengthen this directory

Do you support SEND families in Belfast?

If you are part of a charity, parent group, advice service, inclusive activity or another organisation supporting SEND families in Belfast, we would like to hear from you. Send us your website, the area you cover, who the service is for and how families can get in touch. We check submissions before deciding whether to add them.

Send us your details

Sources and checking dates

Local services change. We check the sources below and review any substantive change before altering the page.