Parents and carers sometimes tell us they feel alone in supporting their child. You aren’t alone: support is available for you! Here are some resources we often recommend.
Websites
Care for the Family - support for new parents, single parents, fostering etc.
Doc Ready - help your child prepare for their GP appointment by helping them build their checklist
Helplines
Young Minds Parents Helpline - 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri 9.30am–4pm)
Parent/Carer Groups
Parent Carer Groups - a comprehensive list of all support groups for parents/carers of children with additional needs, ADHD, ASC (autistic spectrum condition), Down’s syndrome, and other disabilities.
Allsorts Parent Group - for parents/carers of transgender and gender questioning children and young people.
Support Guides
All these support guides were created by the YMCA Right Here project, with input from young volunteers aged 16-25 and from parents themselves:
Parent/Carer Guide - for parents of 5-10 year olds.
Parent/Carer Guide - for parents of 11-25 year olds.
Talking about Self-Harm - to support anyone affected by self-harm.
Recommended Books
Overcoming Your Child’s Fears and Worries - Creswell & Willets
Hold On to Your Kids - Neufeld & Gabor
The Whole Brain Child - Siegal & Payne Bryson
Books to support your Children’s Wellbeing - a book list compiled by SENCOs, health professionals and librarians to help support children through challenging times. Most of these books can be found in your local library.
Family Support
YMCA Talk It Over Family Mediation - a safe space for 14-25 year-olds and their parents/family to share how they are feeling with a trained mediator to support the process.
Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project - practical support, education, advice and more to the unemployed and families in poor living conditions.
Family Information Service (FIS) - a wide range of information and advice on childcare and services that can support families.
Family Service Directory - links to other services around Brighton & Hove.