At the Royal Free Hospital Children’s school, supporting the wellbeing of parents and carers is integral to our ethos and practice. We have recently developed our online parents group, a bespoke programme of one hour zoom sessions, twice a term, individually tailored to suit the needs of parents.  The sessions are a safe space where parents are able to express themselves and talk through some of the emotional challenges they experience whilst supporting young people with a variety of complex needs.

They are led by Siobhan Aubergé, Sendco, and Shaida Amin from admin who team up with various professionals including Alison Cantle from CAMHS, Justine Garside-Martin, dramatherapist and Miriam Ashwell, lead governor. We will continue to collaborate with practitioners from different areas of expertise to ensure the sessions are diverse, engaging and cover a wide range of suitable topics, all of which provide helpful discussion points for the group.

Previous themes have included anxiety post-covid and transitions around starting or moving on from our school. We always reach out to parents and carers before the sessions to find out if there is anything particular they would like to explore, as this can fluctuate depending on the time of the year. Parents also benefit from being able to talk between each other, sharing some of the difficulties they face as well as providing each other with empathetic and supportive advice.

For more information please contact:

siobhan.auberge@royalfree.camden.sch.uk

shaida.amin@royalfree.camden.sch.uk

http://www.wellatschool.org/

A range of advice on supporting pupils with medical and mental health conditions in school.

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_parents/parent_helpline

The YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline offers free confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25

 http://www.friendshipworks.org.uk

Free mentoring support services for children aged 5-16 in the London boroughs of Islington and Camden.

http://www2.elfridacamden.org.uk/

Elfrida Rathbone Camden (ERC) has been making a difference for children, young people and adults in London for more than 30 years, helping them achieve their potential and aspirations.

Amongst those we have helped are:

• Young disabled people –  wanting greater independence and involvement in their community
• Families  – needing additional support
• Parents and families – needing help to understand and get the help they need from education and social services