For parents/carers living in Bristol, North Somerset, South Glos and BaNES

About this group

A 6week course and discussion group designed to help you understand and support your child with anxiety and masking issues. No diagnosis is required to join this group.

Each week will begin with a presentation from facilitators on key topics. The rest of the session is an opportunity to get to know each other, ask questions and share experiences. The group will give you in depth information about the underlying causes of anxiety and masking and how you can help your child.

When

The group will meet online using zoom on Thursday's starting on 2nd October 2025 from 12 pm- 2pm for 6 weeks. Places are limited and attendees are expected to attend all sessions.

Sessions will be held on

2nd October 2025 - Introduction
9th October - What is Masking
16th October - How to help your child with masking
23rd October - Sensory processing and anxiety
6th November - Social anxiety
13th November - Supporting your child with anxiety

Where

The group will be held online via Zoom. Details will be sent out nearer to the time. If you have never used Zoom before please see our BAS Zoom guide

Feedback from previous attendees

" The group has given me confidence and knowledge about why a child masks, what effect it has on the child and strategies most importantly"

" Varied content and lived experience of the providers - so valuable"

" It was brilliant I learned a lot and got lots of tips to help my son. Thank you BAS!"

Facilitators

Saira Stringer and Melissa Allen

Saira Stringer is a wrap around coordinator who also runs our Easton coffee mornings.Saira has two children and is Bristol based. Saira previously worked in autism in a mainstream school as an SEN LSA before moving to a specialist school in the same role.

Melissa Allen is a mum to a young autistic adult

This group is made possible thanks to funding from the NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board.

6 Week Support Block - Anxiety & Masking