BE PROGRAMME
WHAT IS THE BE PROGRAMME?
Parenting Mental Health is excited to announce The Be Programme, a new 8-week course designed specifically to support parents of children struggling with poor mental health. This course aims to enhance your self-confidence, strengthen your connection with yourself and equip you with practical self-care tools to navigate the challenges of parenting in these extraordinary circumstances.
The Be Programme is designed to reduce anxiety, foster a sense of belonging, and address common issues such as stress and burnout. You will engage in reflective practices like journaling and creative exercises, requiring no prior creative skills. The course also explores self-compassion, the dual roles of being a parent and a carer, and delves into topics like PTSD, trauma, and nervous system regulation.
We are currently offering 50 free places for the pilot version of this course - and you can apply now. we ask anyone wanting to take part to consider whether they can:
- Commit to attending all 8 sessions, either live or within a week of their release - starting on 3rd October
- Actively engage during the sessions
- Complete a series of surveys before and after the course. These surveys help us measure the course's impact, refine it for future participants, and demonstrate its value in order to gain funding.
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAMME ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2024 - dates will be announced for 2025 across our social media channels.
THE COURSE - WEEK BY WEEK
Introduction
Introduction to the programme, course leaders (Suzanne Alderson and Tanja Sharp). The principals of Mind, Body, Feelings and Intuition (MBFI).
Date: October 3 | Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
Self-compassion
What is compassion? We look at how compassion impacts our nervous system. The importance of compassion to ourselves and others.
Date: Week commencing - October 7 | Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
Parental anxiety/stress
What is parental anxiety and stress? Exploring topics including PTSD, fear, grief, anger and helplessness.
Date: Week commencing - October 14 | Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
From parent to carer
What does it mean to become a carer? We explore the impacts of caring on our wellbeing, the strengths and skills needed to cope and the real impacts of burnout.
Date: Week commencing - October 21 | Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
Stepping into power
What does it mean to build confidence and autonomy? In this session we review how we deal with topics such as being silenced and shamed, dealing with conflict and how to step into our own confidence.
Date: Week commencing - October 28 |
Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
Parent/carer trauma
This session explores trauma including PTSD, secondary trauma, vicarious trauma - we look at triggers and symptoms and look at how to heal when demands are relentless.
Date: Week commencing - November 4 | Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
People & relationships
This week we explore your needs as people, how to set boundaries in compassionate and clear ways and explore the ideas behind Love Languages.
Date: Week commencing - November 11 |
Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
Your self-care map
Our final week explores making a self-care plan which is practical and possible for you to achieve covering all aspects of wellbeing: emotional, intellectual, spiritual, psychological and physical perspectives
Date: Week commencing - November 18 |
Format: Live class, workbook, video catch-up, support via PMH Wellbeing group
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My child has a particular diagnosis - is it suitable for me?
Yes! This course is about you, not your child, so their diagnosis doesn't impact your participation.
My child is an adult - is it suitable for me?
Yes! This course is about you, not your child, so their age doesn't matter.
I've previously attended Partnering not Parenting is this the same?
No - The Be Programme is a completely new course and although the facilitators might be familiar, the course won't be, so please feel free to apply.
I don't live in the UK - Can I attend?
Yes - As long as the timezone suits you or you watch the content on catch up, it doesn't matter where you live.
Can I use this course instead of having counselling/therapy?
This course is in no way meant to replace any counselling or therapy you may need/wish to have.
I can't commit to the timings - will you run this course again?
If the pilot is successful we will aim to run more courses next year.
Will everyone get a place?
Unfortunately for this pilot phase we can only provide 50 places all of which are free of charge. Everyone who applies will receive notification about their application, whether successful or not by Mid-September.
When do applications close?
The application process closes on 31st August at midnight.
I have more questions which are not covered here, who can I ask?
If you have any more questions please email us info@parentingmentalhealth.org
How do I get a place?
To be considered for a place you need to complete a short application form telling us a little more about you, where you live and your home life. Your replies will be kept in the strictest of confidence and used to select participants only.
THE BE PROGRAMME FUNDING
Building new programmes such as BE is a huge undertaking for a small charity. We would like to send special thanks to the following Trusts all of whom have contributed to this project. Without their support, we could not do the work we do - thank you:
- National Lottery Funding
- Stockwell Cliffe Trust
- GIL Charitable Trust
- RS Brownless Charitable Trust
- HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust
- Awards for All
- Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust
- Brian Shaw Memorial Trust
- Filton Trust
- Goodenough Charitable Trust
- Pilkington's Charitable Fund
- Medicash Fund
- Eveson Trust
