Children's Mental Health & Well-being
Keeping children physically and mentally well is every parent’s first priority but every child faces challenges an experiences difficulties from time to time. You can find more information about helping your child to stay mentally well here. Seeing their child in distress can be difficult for parents but there is a lot that parents can do to help. You can find advice for supporting your child’s wellbeing here:
Schools - North Staffs Mind (nsmind.org.uk)
The Stay Well Service provides mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 5 – 18 years through groups and peer support. Parents can refer their children to this service and there are new groups starting approximately every 4 weeks. You can find more information about the groups, refer your child and access other support materials for your child here:
Stay Well CYP services for children & young people in Stoke-on-Trent (changes.org.uk)
Parents are only able to help their child to be mentally well if they are mentally well themselves. Changes offer wellbeing support and peer groups for adults. You can read more information here:
Adult peer-support groups / meetings across Staffordshire (changes.org.uk)
If your child is unable to share their worries with you or a trusted adult at school, they might want to use the instant messaging service at Speak up Space to message an adult who can help.
Speak Up Space - North Staffs Mind (nsmind.org.uk)
The Dove Service offers advice and support to families and counselling for children who are suffering because of loss, bereavement and grief. You can read more information, get advice and make a referral for your child here:
Children & Young People | The Dove Service - Bereavement Counselling
Parent Talk by Action for Children offers free advice for parents and carers of children 0-19 in the UK. Advice and support covers a wide range of parenting and SEND challenges including mental health and wellbeing, behaviour, stages and development, additional needs and disabilities, education, parenting and relationships, sleep, eating and activities. There are lots of articles that give tips and advice and you can talk to a parenting coach using the chat service.