Parent Support

How to Talk to a Young Person About Accessing YES

It is not always easy talking to a young person about how they are feeling in day to day life. Sometimes talking to a family member can be uncomfortable for a young person, they may prefer to talk to friends or someone outside their inner circle.

If you believe a young person would benefit from the services YES offer, it might be helpful to provide them with information about YES.
This can be done by giving them our website details, a leaflet or a contact number.

If you have concerns please contact YES directly.

Some tips on how to talk to your child:

• Make time to listen in a safe space with no distractions.
• Let them know you want to support them.
• Ask open questions, for example ‘Can you describe how you feel to me?’, ‘What is on your mind?’, ‘I’m here to listen and help, would you share what happened?’
• Don’t focus on a solution straightaway, just listen to them talk, give empathy and try not to put pressure on them by asking lots of questions all at once. Have the conversation at their pace.
• Have some useful resources to hand, leaflets or contact numbers of agencies that can help.
• You may feel a mix of emotions depending on what they tell you, but try to not make any judgments or put blame onto your child. The important thing in the moment is that they have taken the courage to share their thoughts and feelings with you.

Recommended Resources

Parentscope

Parentscope is a local, free and regular drop-in session where all parents and carers of children aged between 3-16 years of age have access to a range of qualified professionals to discuss any worries or concerns you may have about your child.

What concerns can I talk about?

Almost any concern that does not require medical treatment. These may include:

• Managing difficult behaviours
• Sleep/bedtime routines
• School or education matters
• Child’s well-being
• Child’s online safety
• Safety on the streets
• Child’s general health matters
• The relationship you have with your child(ren)
• Home routines and school attendance

Parentscope Consultation Lines 

Open Wednesdays 12:30-3:30pm

Education Psychology line: Open to parents and professionals – 07797 913411

Well-being Facilitators Line: Open to parents and professionals – 07797 916879

Recommended Resources

Children and Families Hub

The Children and Families Hub provides information, advice and support for families and young people.

Their aim is make sure families get the right help, at the right time. This could be some advice on the telephone or a one-to-one consultation. They can also put you in touch with any services that can help you.

The hub will also respond to any safeguarding concerns you may have for a child or young person.

Areas they can help with or provide information on:

• Health and well being of children and young people
• Concerns that a child is being abused or at risk of harm
• Advice and guidance on behaviour concerns
• Information around support options available

Opening times:

Monday – Thursday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Fridays 8:30am to 4:30pm

Tel: 01534 519000

Recommended Resources

Milli's Separated Families Centre

Milli’s is a charity that provides a child contact centre for families.

A child contact centre is a meeting place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with the non-resident parent and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment when there is no viable alternative.

When parents’ divorce or separate it is often difficult for the child(ren) to keep in touch with both parents or other family members. It is especially difficult for them to spend time with the parent with whom they no longer live.

Recommended Resources