This masterclass is designed for primary school staff to better understand the mental health challenges that parents and carers may face and how to support them in a compassionate, proactive, and effective way. The masterclass highlights the importance of recognising when parents or carers might be experiencing their own mental health difficulties and offers strategies for creating a school ethos of safety, community, and belonging. Participants will learn how to foster a supportive environment for parents and carers, including creating safe spaces where they feel welcome, understood, and empowered to seek the help they need. By the end of the masterclass, staff will have a clearer understanding of how to connect parents and carers with the appropriate resources and services to support their mental health.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognise Mental Health Difficulties in Parents and Carers
- Understand the signs and symptoms of mental health issues that parents and carers may experience, and how these difficulties can affect their interactions with their children and the school.
- Create an Ethos of Safety, Community, and Belonging
- Learn how to cultivate an environment that promotes emotional safety and a sense of belonging for both parents, carers, and students.
- Understand the importance of inclusivity and fostering positive relationships within the school community.
- Develop Safe Spaces for Parents and Carers
- Learn how to create and maintain physical and emotional safe spaces where parents and carers feel comfortable seeking support without fear of stigma or judgment.
- Guide Parents and Carers to Access Appropriate Help
- Gain knowledge of local services, resources, and referral pathways to help parents and carers access mental health support.
- Understand how to sensitively approach and guide parents and carers in accessing professional support, ensuring they feel empowered and informed.
- Build a Collaborative Support Network
- Develop skills to collaborate with other community services and professionals to offer holistic support to families facing mental health challenges.
