pARENT AND CARER INFORMATION
Learning Group Leaders (LGLs) have a key role in providing wellbeing support for the learners in their learning group and are the initial point of contact for learners and parents/carers. The Cohort Leaders (CL) provide an additional layer of support for learners in their Cohort. To contact the relevant LGL or CL please click the relevant cohort link, where names, pictures and email addresses can be found.
General mental health advice & support for parents
CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
https://www.nelft.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n15362.docx&ver=27891
Any young person, concerned parent, care giver or a responsible adult of a young person can access the SET CAMHS by either making an appointment to see their young person’s GP with them, or accessing our services for information by calling the central SET CAMHS phone number 0800 953 0222 and speaking to someone from the SET CAMHS team of healthcare professionals.
This May Help
This May Help is a website that has been created to support parents and carers with concerns about their child’s mental health. The subjects covered on this website have been chosen by families and young people who have gone through their own mental health challenges. What helped them may also help you.
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline-and-webchat/
Call the Parents Helpline 0808 20802 5544 for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25.
NHS Website
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/
The NHS website has information on many different challenges faced by young people. Find advice and support for parents who have children or teenagers with mental health problems.
Anna Freud
https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/child-in-mind/
Anna Freud Centre produced a series of expert podcasts to help parents understand and manage child and family mental health problems. The series, Child in Mind, is presented by BBC Radio 4 presenter Claudia Hammond. In each 20-minute episode, she discusses an important issue in child and family mental health with an expert and a young person or parent.
Self-harm/ suicide advice & support for parents
Papyrus
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/supporting-your-child/
This guide has been created following discussions with parents who have experience of supporting a young person struggling with their mental health. The aim of this guide is to provide information and guidance and to help parents cope with a young person who is struggling with thoughts of suicide. To reassure them that they are not alone.
Oxford health
This guide was developed from talking to parents and carers of young people and is aimed at helping parents, carers, other family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming. It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available
Sending time with your teen advice for parents
Ministry of Parenting
It can be difficult to find ways to give teens positive attention. Now that they’ve outgrown a lot of childhood activities, it may be more difficult to find family activities they're interested in. Here are 10 ways to create quality time to spend with your teen, even if it's just a few minutes each day.
Exam stress advice for parents
Family Lives
http://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/teenagers/school-learning/exam-stress
Exam time can be very stressful for everyone in the family as your teen may be feeling anxious and under pressure, this 8-minute read talks you through some ways parents can support.
LGBTQ+ advice for parents
All Sorts Youth
https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/what-we-do/faq-for-parents-carers
Allsorts Family Support Service emerged in 2013 in response to the need for parents/carers of children and young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+), to connect and provide each other with support, community and friendship. They also have a FAQs for Parents/Carers to access help, advice and gain understanding and insight.
ASD & ADHD advice for parents
You Tube series by Oxford Health:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKw7kjGJdcXCiene7r3m8qYSN2T8Vxb1K
This animated series is for parents of neurodiverse children and young people. The experiences portrayed in the animations reflect the real-life experiences of children, young people and families who use the service. Real-life practical strategies are mentioned in an animated story format to help parents of children with ADHD or autism manage common experiences they face at home.
Autism Anglia:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk
An independent charity that provides support to autistic children, adults and families in east Anglia.
SNAP
A voluntary organisation based in Brentwood offering support to parents and carers of children with any special need or disability
The Maze Group
Based in Ipswich this support group offers courses to help parents understand their child’s diagnosis and their additional needs
Bereavement advice for parents
Yo-Yo Project
https://www.farleighhospice.org/advice-support/bereavement-support/yo-yo
Yo-Yo is a community bereavement service for children and young people aged 4 to 18, which offers a range of support options including: 1 to 1 support, counselling, music, art and play therapy.
Childhood bereavement network
Resources that may help you or your family with a bereavement.
Winstons Wish
https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/supporting-a-bereaved-child/
Winston’s Wish offers a bereavement service by way of advice, guidance and bereavement support to children, young people, and families before and after the death of a parent, sibling or other important person. On their website you will find guidance on topics including, support for grief and loss.
Recommended books
Helping Your Anxious Child – Ronald Rapee
Breaking Free from OCD: A CBT Guide for Young People and Their Families – Jo Derisley
Parenting a Child with Emotional Behavioural Difficulties – Daniel Hughes
Depression: A Teen’s Guide to Survive and Thrive – Jacqueline Toner & Claire Freeland