You're Not Alone: Parenting Support Returns This Autumn

Written By Paul Heming

At a Glance

Headspace is launching a new free six-week Parenting Support Programme following the success of our earlier pilot.

Who is it for? Parents and carers of children and young people experiencing anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), neurodiversity, emotional regulation difficulties or other mental health challenges.

Choose from three programmes:

  • Daytime (Face-to-Face): Mondays, 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm

  • Evening (Face-to-Face): Tuesdays, 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm

  • Online: Wednesdays (and one Thursday), 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm

When? September to December.

Where? Face-to-face sessions take place at Headspace Unit 7, Old Station Yard, Bourton Industrial Estate, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2RZ. An online option is also available.

Cost? Completely free.

Who is leading the sessions? Experienced parenting practitioner Sam Stocken, founder of For the Child, working alongside the Headspace team.

Important: Parents and carers must register before the programme begins (sign up link at the bottom of this article) and attend the same group throughout the six-week programme.

Following the success of our first Parenting Support Programme earlier this year, Headspace is delighted to launch an expanded programme this autumn for parents and carers across the North Cotswolds.

Our original pilot was developed to support families navigating challenges such as anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), neurodiversity and young people's mental health. The response exceeded our expectations. Parents told us they felt more confident, better informed and reassured that they were not facing these challenges alone.

One of the biggest successes of the programme, however, was something we hadn't anticipated.

As the weeks progressed, parents began to build trust with one another, sharing experiences, offering encouragement and realising they were not alone. What started as a series of parenting sessions became a supportive community where parents felt safe to talk openly, learn from one another and leave feeling more hopeful.

It is this sense of connection that we want to preserve as we expand the programme.

Led by an Experienced Parenting Practitioner

We're delighted to once again be working with Sam Stocken, founder of For the Child, who will be leading the sessions alongside the Headspace team.

Sam has many years of experience supporting families and is passionate about helping parents build stronger relationships with their children. His approach is practical, compassionate and centred on understanding children's behaviour, strengthening connection and giving parents realistic strategies they can use every day.

Together, Sam and the Headspace team will create a welcoming, supportive environment where parents can learn, ask questions and gain confidence alongside others facing similar challenges.

Three Ways to Take Part

This autumn, Headspace will be delivering 18 parenting support sessions, split across three separate six-week programmes. Each programme covers the same content, allowing parents and carers to choose the option that best suits their circumstances.

One of the key lessons from our pilot was that the greatest benefits came from parents progressing through the programme together. As trust developed within each group, conversations became more open and supportive, creating an environment where parents felt comfortable sharing experiences and learning from one another.

For this reason, parents and carers are asked to register before the programme begins and attend the same group throughout all six sessions. Unfortunately, it won't be possible to join once a programme has started.

Programme Dates

Daytime Programme (Face-to-Face)

Mondays | 1.00 pm – 2.30 pm

  • Monday 14 September

  • Monday 28 September

  • Monday 12 October

  • Monday 9 November

  • Monday 23 November

  • Monday 7 December

Evening Programme (Face-to-Face)

Tuesdays | 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm

  • Tuesday 15 September

  • Tuesday 29 September

  • Tuesday 13 October

  • Tuesday 10 November

  • Tuesday 24 November

  • Tuesday 8 December

Online Programme

6.30 pm – 7.30 pm

  • Wednesday 23 September

  • Wednesday 7 October

  • Thursday 22 October

  • Wednesday 18 November

  • Wednesday 2 December

  • Wednesday 16 December

What Will We Cover?

Across the six sessions, parents and carers will explore practical approaches to supporting their child's emotional wellbeing, including:

  • Understanding anxiety and emotional wellbeing.

  • Supporting children experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).

  • Strengthening relationships through connection rather than conflict.

  • Practical communication and co-regulation strategies.

  • Encouraging resilience, confidence and independence.

  • Looking after your own wellbeing whilst supporting your child.

The sessions are practical, welcoming and non-judgemental. There is no expectation to have all the answers. Instead, they provide a safe space where parents can ask questions, share experiences and gain confidence alongside others who understand the realities of supporting a young person through emotional or mental health challenges.

Book Your Place

All sessions are completely free.

Places are limited and advance registration is essential. Parents and carers are invited to choose the programme that best suits their availability and commit to attending all six sessions, ensuring each group can build the trust and supportive relationships that made our pilot such a success.

At Headspace, we know that supporting a young person means supporting the whole family. By investing in parents and carers, we can help build stronger relationships, greater confidence and better outcomes for young people across our communities.

We look forward to welcoming both returning and new families this September.

Paul Heming
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Thank You to the Summerfield Charitable Trust