This page will outline everything HeadStart offers to parents

From various courses and workshops to resources and helpful articles to answer any questions.

Only just heard about HeadStart? Did your child talk to you about us and you’d like to know more? Follow this link to find some answers

PEER PARENTING COURSE

It is clear that this pandemic is having an impact on us beyond 2021. As we continue to adjust and readjust, parents have found it helpful to come to a safe space to share strategies to build resilience.

We are ready to begin recruiting for our online Being a Parent group this Autumn 2021. The flyer can be found here, and we will be running four groups (2x virtual and 2x in a community setting) one of which will be delivered in Urdu, poster here

The Being a Parent Group is a weekly space for parents with children aged 9-16 to come together sharing experiences and learning tried and tested approaches that can help us navigate this difficult time. Many parents have already benefited from this course, and we want to reach as many parents (and grandparents, aunts, uncles, carers too) as possible.

You can make a referral or the parent can self-refer:

All parents will need to register for a place as the group has limited capacity. Parents can sign up via the link on the flyer or here https://www.headstartnewham.co.uk/get-involved/sign-up-to-headstart/

We have a short video about our groups which can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAV-db8TJVA&feature=youtu.be

VIRTUAL COFFEE AND CHAT SESSIONS

We have created a virtual space for parents and carers to connect and learn. It is an opportunity to discuss the high and lows of being a parent in lockdown. We will share wellbeing tips and a toolkit for self-care. As things are changing month to month, we can continue the conversation and work together to encourage each other.

2021 dates now available here.

Parenting Befriending Service

A bespoke parenting befriending service for parents/ carers of children and young people aged 0-16 years who need a space to talk and think through the ways that they are coping in the circumstances and practical suggestions to manage challenges such as their young person’s behaviour, anxiety and worries, family relationship challenges and a young person’s screen time.

Befrienders are either training children centre staff or Newham Parent Peer Facilitators
30-60 mins session per week
1-8 weeks with a clear transition process put in place for when the contact ends
Group sessions will be developed where this would be helpful and appropriate
Virtual Coffee Mornings early years/primary and secondary
Signposting and referrals to other support and services as and when appropriate

To find out more about parenting support offered in Newham, visit and complete a referral for befriending support.

Parent Pathways Training

This course is for parents interested in developing their skills to support other parents in their community.

By the term ‘parents’ we mean, mothers, fathers, grandparents and carers who have experienced carrying out a parenting role.

This course will equip you to:

Identify your strengths in supporting parents
Learn about what your community needs
Gain skills in befriending and volunteering parents

To find out course details, please click here.

To sign up, please visit here.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

You can also find out more about what is available to young people by going on this page on our website.

If you are concerned about a young person’s mental health there is FREE counselling available online from Kooth. They also have discussion forums and daily journals. For more information and to access, please click

here

Helplines and external resources for parents can be found

here

BounceBack online is a great website divided into steps with activities you can work together with a young person. There is no set way of going through them, click on what interest or is more relevant to you