Advice for parents and carers

Emotional wellbeing information and resources to help children and young people in Hertfordshire.

Need help right now?

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000
If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.

If you need help for a mental health crisis

Just Talk Week

Check out the resources for parents and carers from Just Talk Week 2023, "Back to basics" including guidance on what to do if your child tells you they're NOT OK.

Check out the resources for parents and carers from Just Talk Week 2022 - "Look beneath the surface."

These resources can help all year round.

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Supporting young people's mental health

Hertfordshire's mental health support services at a glance:
Some of the services that can help, without a professional referral

Help young people feel positive about their body:
Useful tips and advice for managing body image and mental health from Just Talk's Real Bodies in Herts campaign

Supporting your mental health

HPFT NHS Talking Therapies it is important for parents and carers not to put off asking for help for their own emotional wellbeing if they need it, HPFT Talking therapies provide free support to adults in Hertfordshire.

Regardless of what is bothering you, Hertfordshire have a multitude of services in place to provide guidance, advice and support. From finances to bereavement, you can find out more here Advice and support for your mental wellbeing

As a carer, it is important to look after your own wellbeing, particularly if you are caring for others with mental health concerns. This resource provide a lot of support and guidance that you might find useful FINAL CARERS RESOURCE - Supporting Someone following a Suicide Attempt Resource Pack v11

Find out more information about Mental health and wellbeing

First Steps ED
Free online workshops for Hertfordshire parents, carers & older siblings who are supporting a young person with their body image, disordered eating and/or eating disorders.

Our top tips for parents (PDF 45kb)
How you can make it easier for your child to talk about mental health, and seek help when it's needed.

Herts Mind Network
Training and workshops, including 'Spot the Signs' and emotional wellbeing.

Talking to young people about drugs and alcohol (PDF 45Kb)

A useful guide for parents, carers, teachers and anyone looking out for a child or young person.

MindEd For Families
Worried about your child? Get advice from trusted experts on how to support your family and yourself when problems occur.

YoungMinds
Call the parents' helpline to talk to trained advisers, or take a look at their A-Z support guide.

"When you're feeling low yourself, how do you communicate about that with your children?" (PDF 542kb)
Iain Lee, Twitch presenter, talks to us about mental health.

Chat Health is a texting service where parents/carers can ask for advice on supporting children and young people's health and wellbeing.

ChatHealth is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm excluding bank holidays:

Text the health visiting service on 07480 635164 for parents and caregivers of 0-5 year olds.
Text a school nurse on 07312 263002 for parents and caregivers of 5-19 year olds.

Helping children and young people who are worried about going to school

YoungMinds - Supporting your child with school anxiety and refusal How you can support them and work with your school.

Find more advice and guidance if your child is avoiding school due to anxiety here.

Education and learning

BBC Bitesize
Daily lessons for every year group.

Picture books
A selection of picture books available from Hertfordshire Library Service that reflect and celebrate the diverse families that make up our communities. Stories with LGBTQ+ families and themes.

Healthy weight
Advice for parents on healthy eating as well as healthy lunchbox recipes.

Supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Local Offer
What you can do if you think your child may have special educational needs? Visit the Local Offer website which includes information for parents and young people about special educational needs and disabilities services available in Hertfordshire.

SENDIASS
Support for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disability and their parents on issues relating to SEND.

ADD-Vance
A range of services throughout Hertfordshire aimed at helping parents and carers to understand and support these complex conditions.

Neurodiversity Support Hub information

A hub to support parents, carers and professionals with signposting and guidance around Special Educational Needs and mental health.

This includes a helpline, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm:

01727 833963