NSFT's parent workshops extended – with new neurodivergent series
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is hosting a new series of online workshops to support parents and carers of neurodivergent children.
These workshops aim to equip families with valuable insights into the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and provide practical advice on how to assist and support them.
Developed by the Trust’s Psychology in Schools Team, the workshops offer a safe and inclusive space for parents and carers to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, share their experiences, and receive expert advice.
The success of the existing online workshop programme, which has aided parents and carers in supporting young people with mental health challenges, inspired the creation of this dedicated series.
Dr Beth Mosley MBE, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to launch the series, stating: "Around 40,000 people have participated in our parent workshops since their launch in 2020 and there have been lots of requests for content to specifically address the needs of neurodivergent children. Over 1,100 families joined the first two workshops, which delved into childhood neurodiversity and strategies for managing big feelings, and we have responded to this interest with a new dedicated series."
Attendees of the initial sessions provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of respondents in a post-session survey recommending the workshops to others.
The upcoming workshops in the series are:
- Tuesday 8 August at 6pm: How the Brain Develops
- Thursday 7 September at 1pm: Understanding and Managing Behaviour
In response to the high levels of interest, additional sessions focusing on stress and supporting children dealing with challenges related to eating, sleeping, communication, and sensory processing are in the works and will be announced on the Trust’s website soon.
Dr Annie Bryant, Clinical Psychologist with NSFT’s Psychology in Schools Team, emphasised the importance of these workshops, saying: "We are pleased to offer parents and carers of neurodivergent children valuable information and advice through these dedicated workshops. The insights gained from the first two sessions have helped shape the content of our upcoming series, making them even more impactful."
These workshops have been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with various NSFT services, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services, Special Education Services, and the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum.
Parents and carers can reserve a place for these free workshops via www.nsft.uk/workshops.
Previous sessions can also be accessed via www.nsft.nhs.uk/parent-workshops
This programme is another way the Trust is continuing to transform the way mental health and wellbeing support is provided across Norfolk and Suffolk.