Parents & Carers
Being a parent or carer is one of the most rewarding jobs there is, but no one said it would be easy and it can also be one of the most challenging.
The information on this page is designed to provide help, guidance and top tips, to support parents and carers as you consider the wellbeing of the children and young people in your care.
Local support
In Cornwall we are fortunate to have some outstanding mental health services for young people. These services provide young people and their support networks with a variety of support and information, including live chat platforms, self care advice and resources suited to young people with differing needs. Below are links to these platforms which you may wish to explore:
Mind Your Way was developed by the Cornwall CAMHS Young People’s board, with the aim of providing a safe, reliable source of information and advice about mental health. It is designed by young people, for young people but content and links will also be useful to parents and carers.
Together for Families offer support and advice for parents and carers and run a variety of courses and workshops across topics including "Being Passionate About the Teenage Brain". (Courses are currently running online). In addition, they have a series of parenting podcasts, Early Help parenting advice line and a host of top tips, ideas and resources, together with the contact details of the Early Help parenting support hubs across the County.
HeadStart Kernow has been working to produce a programme intended for all parents called SPACE - Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally. It aims to explain the Trauma Informed Approach adopted by many Cornish schools and provides information, raising awareness of trauma and how that can affect both children’s and adult’s emotional behaviour.
National support
MindEd for Families has advice and information from trusted experts, written with parents, which will help you understand what problems occur, what you can do to best support your family and also how to take care of yourself. You don't need to register to use the resources.
Family Lives is a collaboration of several charities to produce a dedicated organisation supporting parents. They bring a wealth of experience and advice to support families.
Young Minds provides information and offers support around young people's mental wellbeing including a parent's survival guide.
Nip in the Bud has a useful parent page offering advice for anyone concerned about returning to school.
Parent Zone is a trusted source of internet expertise containing pages for parents and carers.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists - Provides a terrific range of leaflets about emotional wellbeing and mental health for teachers, young people and parent/carers.
Take a look at the resources at our Children and Young People's page for ideas to support those in your care. If you have a particular topic in mind, visit our Resources pages for further information.
Apps
Chill Panda is not a medical device, but the techniques used in the app are drawn from a broad spectrum of scientific studies and evidence. Designed to help children under 8 learn to recognise and manage their feelings of anxiety.
MeeTwo appears like social media but it's not. It provides a safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives. Users can anonymously get advice from experts or other teenagers going through similar experiences, in areas such as mental health concerns, self-harming, relationships and friendships.
Concerned about your own mental health?
NHS One You Mental Health - There are times when we feel stressed, low or anxious, or have trouble sleeping. But there are things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing. Get expert advice, practical tips and a personalised action plan via the website and Every Mind Matters campaign.
Cornwall Council provides support for anyone with concerns about their mental health including how to put in place a safety plan.
Don't forget to document your emotional wellbeing work as part of your Healthy Schools Award