Our work with parents and carers

Our work with parents and carers

Being a parent can be a joy. It should be a joy. And it often is.

But when your child is suffering, parenthood can be a tough, lonely and frightening place. And when the cause of that suffering is hard to understand, as is so often the case with mental health, it becomes more difficult still.

At Charlie Waller, we understand that. In part, this is because the experts who lead our rapidly expanding Parent and Carer Programme are also parents who have experienced it themselves.

We understand how hard it is, but we also know that there is a great deal that you can do to help. Our programme of information and support is underpinned by four principles. As a parent or carer:

• Look after your own wellbeing. This is vital. If you don’t, you will be far less able to look after your child’s.
• Educate yourself about your child’s mental health difficulties – it makes a big difference. It will help you to cope yourself, and it will better enable you to understand and support your child.
• There is hope. Remember this. There are practical tools and treatments that work and our knowledge of children’s and young people’s mental health is advancing all the time. Holding onto hope yourself, and offering hope to your child, is the most important thing you can do.
• You are not alone, despite how it may sometimes feel. There are many, many families going through similar difficulties, and help is available.

Parent Carer Peer Support Course

We are delighted to announce that applications for our PCPS courses starting January 2024 are open. The training is open to those working as parent carer peer support workers, or parents and carers who would like to train to become a PCPS worker. We also provide training for their supervisors. If you would like to hear more about the application process please come to one of our FAQ sessions. 

Learn more and apply

If you would like to hear more about the application process please come to one of our FAQ or drop in sessions. 

FAQ Sessions

Thursday 2 November 1pm-2pm  Book now

Monday 6 November 9.30am- 10.30am  Book now 

Please note: Your link to join these event will be included in the Eventbrite confirmation email. Please scroll to the bottom of the confirmation email to locate your link and join us via Zoom. 

Drop in sessions

If you have specific questions about the application process, we are also running drop-in sessions led by professionals and lived experienced leads. 

Meet with Kathryn Pugh, our Strategic Consultant

Friday 3 November between 9:00 and 11:00   Book a slot

Monday 20 November between 11:30 and 16:00  Book a slot 

Monday 4 December between 10:00-12:00  Book a slot

Meet with Nikki Chapman, our Lived Experience Lead

Monday 4 December between 10:00-12:00  Book a slot