Parents, carers, and families

Here you will find more information about support available to parents, carers, and families in Suffolk.

hand drawn graphic of two adults and two children

We have compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and carers to utilise who are interested in our service and/or families who are awaiting our support. We invite professionals who are supporting families within Suffolk to signpost to our webpages and also welcome the wider use of the resources listed here.

For more information about anything detailed on our webpages, including how education professionals can make a referral, please email the Psychology and Therapeutic Services team at psychology&therapeuticservices@suffolk.gov.uk.

The Inclusion Facilitation team offer a range of free resources which are available for you to download, use, and share. These can be found on the Inclusion Facilitator's free resources page. Of particular relevance to Suffolk's parents, carers, and families are our Five Tips for Families. These leaflets cover a variety of topics and have been co-produced with the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum (SPCF).

Video Interaction Guidance

This is an attachment based coaching approach which has been shown to be highly effective for parents and young people. It focuses on recognising and building upon strength to develop and strengthen key relationships. The approach supports children, young people and their parents/carers to understand positive aspects of behaviour and to improve communication skills through positive shared experiences. See more information here: VIG factsheet

The Overcoming Programme

The Overcoming Programme is a guided self-help Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programme for parents of anxious children. The aim of the programme is for parents to become anxiety management experts by providing strategies that parents can work though at home to support their child. Techniques are discussed with parents in a collaborative way, asking for their opinion as to how each strategy might work for their child given what they know about them. Time is spent on reflecting on what works best for the family and guiding the parents, as well as providing opportunity for practice.

Systemic Family Therapy and Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)

Family and systemic psychotherapy (also known as family therapy) can help those in close relationships to better understand and support each other. NVR is an innovative form of systemic family intervention, which has been developed for aggressive, violent, controlling, and self-destructive behaviour in young people. See more information here: Systemic Family Therapy and NVR P&TS

Human Givens Therapy (individual)

This short video gives a brief overview of the Human Givens therapeutic approach, which can be adapted for children, young people and adults alike.

Human Givens therapy (group) – known as Just What We Need

There are two videos about the Just What We Need group intervention, the first one, below, is shorter and gives a general overview of what the Just What We Need group might be like if you are thinking of attending.

This next, longer video is for those who would like to know a bit more detail. You might be thinking of attending, or you might be thinking of commissioning the intervention for a group of people in your setting.

Colleagues from across P&TS are working closely with NHS psychologists and staff across many services in order to provide a wide range of support and materials that support the mental health and wellbeing of families.

These resources can be found on the Wellbeing in Education page. The page includes the following topics:

Other sources of support include:

Autism

Autism (also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition) describes a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how someone communicates and experiences the world. Below are some useful links and resources for caregivers.

Ambitious About Autism – What is Autism?

Ambitious About Autism- Know Your Normal Toolkit

Ambitious About Autism- Parent Toolkit (Early Years)

Spectrum Gaming- Information for Parents

Autistic Girls Network- Autism and Girls Keeping It All Inside

Autism Educational Trust – Parents

The Curly Hair Project

Be Kind to My Mind – Help with Autism

Autism Central – Resources

FASD

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term which describes complex physical and/or neurological difficulties resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Below are some useful resources for caregivers of those with FASD.

FASD UK Alliance- United Together for Social Change

National Organisation for FASD: Getting a Diagnosis

National Organisation for FASD: After a Diagnosis

Adoption UK: FASD GUIDE FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS/FOSTER CARERS

Adoption UK: FASD Guide for Kinship Carers

Sleep Scotland and Adoption UK: FASD and Sleep

Adoption UK: Transitions in Education- Top 10 Tips for Parents and Carers

National Organisation for FASD: All Shapes of Families

National Organisation for FASD: Caregiver Wellbeing

National Organisation for FASD: Parenting Tips

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and is an umbrella term that can describe a range of differences in how information is processed and understood. The three main characteristics include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The below shows some helpful resources for young people and their caregivers.

ADHD Foundation – Supporting and Understanding My Child’s ADHD

ADHD Foundation - A Teenager’s Guide to ADHD- Information guide and workbook for teenagers living with ADHD

ADHD Foundation – The ADHD Hero Activity Book

Be Kind to My Mind – Help with ADHD

UK ADHD Partnership – Support Groups

EPIC- Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of ADHD: A Guide For Parents

Neuro-Inclusion website

EPIC- Understanding the Strengths and Difficulties of Neurodivergent Children: A Guide for Parents

Local Offer and Information

Suffolk InfoLink | Beans at Access Community Trust

NDD Supporting Your Neurodivergent child (suffolklocaloffer.org.uk)

Family Action- West Suffolk Neurodevelopmental Support Service (Early Years)

East & West Suffolk - Neurodevelopmental Referral Pathway

Suffolk Local Offer - Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child (written for parents, by parents)

Autism - Suffolk County Council

Members of our team have compiled a list of our most recommended resources for parents, carers and families here:

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Anxiety Management for Young People by Kate Collins-Donnelly
Attachment & Trauma | Ed Psych Insight (epinsight.com)
Emotion Coaching Resources for Professionals (emotioncoachinguk.com)
Self-esteem leaflet for parents - Elsa Support (elsa-support.co.uk)
5 a day for wellbeing leaflet for parents - Elsa Support (elsa-support.co.uk)
Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries- A self-help guide for parents by Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts

Sleep is essential for life and development. In our modern society, sleep can be limited or disrupted. This can have serious consequences at all ages and stages.

Often, teens may find it difficult to fall asleep. The Children's Sleep Charity has tips on how to improve your quality of sleep.

The MindMate website contains useful information on the importance of sleep and how to get a better night's sleep.

You can work out how many hours of sleep you need by using the Sleep Calculator.

Test yourself- are you a morning lark or a night owl?

Sleep advice from The Source Website for young people