Support or advice for parents and carers

We understand that family life isn’t always easy. If you are facing challenges or feel that you need extra support, the services and organisations below may be able to help.

Support through school or college

If your child is attending a school or college, a good first step is to speak with:

the Special Educational Needs and Disability Co‑ordinator (SENDCo), or
the school’s mental health lead

They can talk with you about the support available and the reasonable adjustments the school can make to meet your child’s needs.

You may also find it helpful to read about Ordinarily Available Provision, which sets out the support that schools are expected to offer most children and young people.

Supporting a child or young person with SEND

Information and support can be found for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Visiting the health page on the SEND Local Offer section of our website

Behavioural and sleep issues

For support relating to behavioural challenges:

Discuss with the Family Support Worker or Pastoral staff at the school setting
Family Intervention Resources and Support Team (FIRST)
If your child is autistic (or waiting assessment) behavioural support is also available through ASSIST (Autism Spectrum Service for Information Support and Training) or Parenting Special Children.

Early mental health and emotional wellbeing support

The services below offer early support for children and young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, such as feeling worried, low or anxious.

Mental Health Support Team (MHST)

The MHST works with schools across Berkshire to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
They support children and young people who attend school or college.
Access to the MHST is usually through a child’s school.

Further information can be found on the BHFT website.

CAMHS Getting Help Service

Available to children and young people who do not attend an MHST supported school
Support is available up to the age of 18.

Further information can be found on the BHFT website.

Free learning for wellbeing and relationships

Togetherness offers free online learning to help parents and carers:

understand feelings and behaviour
develop practical tools for everyday family life
build positive relationships at home

National advice and resources

Anna Freud - mental and emotional wellbeing resources for children, young people, families and professionals
Hub of Hope – directory of local and national mental wellbeing services
MIND for young people, parents/carers and professionals
Mental Health Foundation information and learning about children’s mental health
Young Minds parents’ helpline for concerns about a child or young person’s mental health

Help for parent and carers

You can visit our ask for family support page to find out what help we may be able to offer. A worker can talk with you to understand your situation and help identify what support may best meet your family’s needs.

You can also visit or contact one of our Best Start Family Hubs or Children’s Centres for further guidance and support.

You matter too

Caring for a child’s mental health can be challenging, and support is available to help parents and carers look after their own wellbeing too.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, low mood, or stress, Talking Therapies offer confidential support. You can self‑refer directly without needing to see your GP.

Recovery College provides free courses, workshops and support groups focused on mental health and wellbeing, offering a supportive space to learn alongside others.

You can find further sources of support on our emotional and mental health page, including:

Samaritans are available 24/7 to listen, even if you just need someone to listen whilst you offload, they don't have to provide advice unless you ask for it, they also have an app SAM, which can provide you with some tools to help you. Call 116 123 or emailed on jo@samaritans.org
Shout, a text-based service for when you’re struggling to cope and need to talk, available 24/7. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
Mental Health Foundation - parenting and mental health information