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Children’s Mental Health Week NI 2026: Building Stronger Foundations
Join us in February 2026 for our first large-scale event dedicated to children and young people’s mental health. Hosted by MindWise in partnership with Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, Agnew Group, and AJ Toys, this week-long programme of events, training, and talks will bring professionals, educators, and communities together to build stronger foundations for a mentally healthier future.
Don't miss out!
Book your space here!
11–13 February 2026
Ulster University, York Street Campus, Belfast
Ulster University, Belfast Campus
York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED
About the Event
Stronger Foundations is a three-day professional learning event exploring emotional wellbeing, early intervention, and LEGO-Based Therapy — hosted by MindWise in partnership with Ulster University for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. Led by Dr. Daniel LeGoff, creator of LEGO-Based Therapy, this event features practical training, research, lived experience, and expert discussion on strengthening mental health supports for children and young people across Northern Ireland. Key Highlights include:
- Hear directly from the creator of LEGO-Based Therapy Dr Daniel Le Goff
- Learn practical tools for real-world application
- Connect with professionals, researchers, and young people
- Networking during shared meals and break times
- Celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week in a powerful and meaningful way
🎟️ Dates, Schedule & Tickets 🎟️
Introductory Training
- Foundations of LEGO-Based Therapy
- Theory, structure & delivery
- Lunch included
Evening Conference: Stronger Foundations
- Welcome & buffet
- Speakers and panel discussion
- Lived experience insights
- Q&A and keynote from Dr. LeGoff
- Cake, coffee & networking
Advanced Training (Full Package Holders Only)
- Session design & adaptation
- Working with diverse needs
- Advanced delivery strategies
- Certification awarded upon completion
- Morning coffee, lunch, and afternoon tea both days
Tickets go on sale 3 November 2025 at 8:00am for those who signed up for early access.
General release opens 12 noon the same day.
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Introductory Training – £100
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Evening Conference– £15
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Full Advanced Training Package (3 days)– £750
(Includes Intro, Evening Conference + 2-day Advanced Training)
Spaces are limited. Book Your Ticket TODAY! MindWise Stronger Foundations Conference | MindWise
🎤 The Voices Helping to Build Stronger Foundations! 🎤
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Dr. Daniel LeGoff
Neuropsychologist & Creator of LEGO®-Based Therapy
Dr. LeGoff is an internationally recognised neuropsychologist and the pioneer of LEGO®-Based Therapy — an evidence-based approach now used in over 50 countries to support social and emotional development in children. With more than 25 years’ experience, he is a respected author, speaker, and trainer. Dr. LeGoff will deliver the keynote address and lead both the Introductory and Advanced Training sessions during the event. -
Dr. Honor Carroll
Head of Student Counselling, Munster Technological University
Dr. Carroll is a psychotherapist and drama therapist whose doctoral research explores the long-term impact of childhood neglect. She brings a powerful voice on student resilience, adult recovery, and the links between early adversity and lifelong wellbeing. -
Dr. Mary Lavelle
Lecturer, School of Psychology – Queen’s University Belfast
A researcher in social cognition, youth mental health, and community-based therapy. Dr. Lavelle’s academic and applied work supports improved emotional wellbeing outcomes for young people through innovative models of group interaction. -
Chris Stothers
Former PSNI Officer & PTSD Advocate
With over 20 years of service in conflict resolution and counter-terrorism within the PSNI, Chris now shares his lived experience of trauma and recovery. A strong advocate for PTSD awareness and mental health support in high-pressure roles, he offers personal insight and practical strategies for resilience and emotional strength. -
Professor Nicola Doherty
Regional Trauma Network & Visiting Professor, Ulster University
With over 30 years’ experience in psychology, Professor Doherty focuses on early trauma, infant mental health, and system-wide prevention. A passionate advocate for early intervention, her work bridges research and frontline practice across health and education sectors in Northern Ireland. -
Also Featuring:
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Amy Stothers, MindWise
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Young people with lived experience
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Panel discussion with educators, researchers, and mental health professionals
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⭐Important Information⭐
🚙 Parking & Transport
- Train: Short walk from Yorkgate and Lanyon Place Stations
- Bus: Multiple stops nearby on York Street and Donegall Street
- Car: Nearby paid parking at:
- Frederick Street Car Park
- St. Anne’s Square Q-Park
- Castle Court Car Park
♿ Accessibility
Ulster University Belfast Campus is a fully accessible venue with lifts, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets throughout.
Please let us know in your booking form if you have any specific access needs so we can support you.
🍽️ Food & Refreshments
All tickets include light refreshments, with the full package and training tickets also including lunch.
Evening Conference attendees can sign up to attend a buffet welcome from 5.30 and interval cake and coffee is included for all.
Please indicate dietary needs when booking your ticket.
❗Refund Policy
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person by contacting us in advance.
📩 Contact
Amy Stothers - amy.stothers@mindwisenv.org for further information and booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not for the introductory session or evening event. The advanced training is for those with existing knowledge and who attend the full 3-day package.
Yes. The Introductory Training includes a certificate of attendance. The Advanced Training includes a Certificate in Advanced LEGO®-Based Therapy, personally delivered and signed by Dr. Daniel LeGoff. To receive this certificate, participants must attend all three training sessions: Introductory Training (Wednesday) Stronger Foundations Evening Conference (Wednesday evening) Advanced Training (Thursday & Friday) This certificate recognises structured, in-depth training and reflects an advanced level of delivery and understanding of LEGO®-Based Therapy.
Yes. the evening conference is open to all ticket holders and can be attended separately from the training sessions. Please note, spaces are limited.
Yes. please contact us directly at amy.stothers@mindwisenv.org for group or organisational booking options.
Yes. tickets are transferable within the same ticket type. Please email amy.stothers@mindwisenv.org at least 48 hours in advance to update attendee details.
Yes. you're welcome to attend multiple sessions. The Full Package ticket includes all three days. If booking separately, you may purchase individual tickets for the Introductory Training and the Evening Event (subject to availability). However, you cannot attend the Advanced Training Sessions without attending the Introductory Training session.
While not formally CPD-accredited, all training sessions provide certificates and may be used as evidence of continuing professional development, depending on your organisation’s CPD policy.
For queries about the event or booking contact : Amy Stothers 📧 amy.stothers@mindwisenv.org
LEGO® is a trade mark of the Lego Group of Companies, Beyond Bricks and any related programmes are not licensed, endorsed, approved by nor otherwise affiliated with the Lego group.
