What we do: Counselling

Little Hiccups offers a variety of services to help support the family. A few years ago, actually pre-Covid, we noticed a need for Counselling services amongst the parent/carers of our families. Throw in Covid and the unprecedented times we are living in, stress levels have reached unbelievable levels, especially amongst SEND parents.

Side of a block of flats with artwork on the side saying "How are you, really?"

A 5000-participant study by Oxford University revealed that the parents of children with SEN/ND are experiencing higher levels of stress than any others, across all areas other than work.

The vast majority of respondents whose children previously received support – whether for mental health, emotional or behavioural difficulties, and from social services or educational support – stated that the support had now been stopped or postponed, including for over 80% of those with SEN/ND children.

Experts have warned that SEN/ND children who rely on school for more than education are at risk without complex care, leaving little respite for parents.

Professor Cathy Creswell of the Departments of Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford said, “Our results are showing some hotspots of concern, particularly for parents of children with special education needs and neurodevelopmental disorders.”

So what can we do to help?

Unfortunately, as much as we would love to, we can’t pop round to your house and help you out with childcare or by making your dinner for one night.

But what we can do is offer emotional support.

Little Hiccups offers free Counselling services to any of our families that have been active members of Little Hiccups and registered with us for at least 6 months. We ask for this, because, again as much as we would love to help and support everyone that asks for it, our funds can only stretch so far.

We have two lovely counsellors: Diane Whitehead and Maggie Bishop, both with different styles and approaches as we understand that it is not one size fits all.

Two people sat talking at a table over a cup of coffee

You may also have seen Diane as she occasionally pops down to our Stay n Play sessions at Leeds Mencap (where we often put her to work making the coffees!) This is again for those families that may not feel that they need the full 6 weeks counselling but maybe 10 minutes just talking about their day to day difficulties. It is as always relaxed and there is no obligation to do this. Diane is also good at small talk. 😉

But if counselling is for you and you fit the criteria, then it is just time to off load to professionals who understand. Who do not judge. And can support and guide you through these hard times. Because it is hard. We totally get it. And we’re here to help.

You can find out more about our Counselling services and our eligibility criteria on our website.

If you would like to find out more, please email info@littlehiccups.co.uk to enquire. All emails will be treated confidentially.

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