Are you caring for a young person who is struggling with their mental health?
At OTR we believe the support of parents and carers is invaluable to the wellness of young people. In the same way you have to put on your own life jacket before helping someone with theirs, we believe it is the same with mental health. We aim to provide spaces and resources to support you with the challenges of navigating young person’s mental health whilst focusing on your needs and exploring how best to support you.
Parents and carers often report feeling judged, isolated, not sure where to turn to for help and desperate to see their young person in a better place. The complexity of emotions and lack of direction can feel like a lonely road to travel.
In the Parent Pack (linked below), we aim to provide you with an list of resources where you can develop your knowledge and understanding of mental health, specific issues that young people face and the pathways for getting support.
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OTR is accessible by self-referral, which means young people don’t need an adult to get support. But please don’t let that stop you getting involved with OTR if you are worried about someone you know, or just want some advice.
Although we will need at some stage to speak to any young person accessing us, it’s great if you can help them sign-up if they’re feeling anxious about it. Please do not sign up a young person if they do not know you are doing so.
You can always call us free on 0808 808 9120 (Mon-Fri, 2-5pm).
We also recommend Bristol’s SEND Local Offer – this website is full of information and support for parents and carers of children and young people ages 0–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You can find out about:
- Local support groups
- Accessible activities and short breaks
- EHC plans
- Education and training options
- Support available at school
Other helpful places
- CMH Workshops – Children’s Mental Health
- Parental Minds
- Carers Support Centre
- Charlie Waller Trust
- CAMHS Advice and Guidance
- Youth Matters – Supportive Parents Newsletter
- Happy Maps
- The Young Minds website (including a parent section and a parent helpline) can be especially helpful on how to understand better and cope with self-harm or anger, for example.
