21 May 2018
Summer workshops will take place for the first time this year to help support parents and young poeple. The events during the holidays are designed to help mums, dads and carers to learn new skills that will help with parenting and family life. There will also be a ‘pop-up’ stand with information about mental health issues.
The workshops are free and open to all and can be booked online through Eventbrite (see below). They are:
Supporting anxious children and young people
Anxiety is a normal and even helpful emotion that keeps us safe and performing at our best. However, it can be very worrying for a parent if their child is anxious and they may overcompensate and try to help in a way that prevents their child from learning how to cope. This workshop explores the delicate balance and gives families some useful strategies to take home.
Exploring Mindful self-compassion (Fitting your own oxygen mask)
Most people are more compassionate towards other people than themselves, especially if they are busy parents. However, looking after oneself ultimately helps us to look after others better. This is called ‘self-compassion’ and it is linked with better wellbeing, less depression, less stress and reduced anxiety. This workshop introduced the concept through short exercises and meditations.
Pop-up stand: Mental health of children and young people
The Primary Mental Health team from the Education Department and young people from Youthful Minds, Mind Jersey's youth participation group, will be in the Library to help anyone who has concerns about themselves or family members.
- Tuesday 31 July 10.30am to 12pm
- Tuesday 14 August 10.30am to 12pm
- Tuesday 28 August 10.30am to 12pm
Michelle Vaughan, head of psychology and wellbeing at the Education Department said: “We often associate summer holidays with the needs of children and young people but this time can also mean extra pressure for parents and families, so it’s the perfect opportunity to provide a little extra support in a friendly, informal environment. These workshops and the pop-up stand are being run as pilot projects this year so we will also be asking for feedback and adapting what we offer in the future to support families and young people in ways that are meaningful to them.”
The Education Department’s family Support Workers will be on hand in the Library after the workshops for anyone who needs extra help or advice. They can also signpost parents to the new Triple P Positive Parenting workshops being run by schools throughout the island.
Principal Librarian Ed Jewell said: “The Library has been promoting wellbeing in a number of ways and is the perfect venue for these workshops because it’s central, informal and welcoming. We will be running the Summer Reading Scheme as usual so many families use the Library during the summer and it makes perfect sense for us to offer something useful for parents as well.”
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