What is sleep and why does it matter? What are some of the issues experienced by children, young people and families? What is sleep hygiene and what interventions can help? Where can I go to find support?

Join us for this Coffee and Chat on Thursday 21 September, 12.00-1.30pm on Zoom as we explore these questions and open up the conversation around the importance of sleep. During the session we will have the opportunity to break into network groups to delve a little deeper into specific themes, please see below for further information on these:

Sleep Assessment and Sleep Pathway:

Supporting sleep management conversations with children and families can be complex and challenging for parents and professionals. This is an opportunity to discuss experiences and best practice to support sleep issues with parents, children, and young people using a sleep assessment tool. During this network group, we will also share the Children and Family Health Surrey sleep pathway including Surrey-wide and national resources and support available for all children.

Sleep and Additional Needs (incl. neurodiversity, sensory needs)

Sleep problems can be common with neurodiverse children and young people, and can often be extremely complex. This can be daunting when supporting and helping families. In this network group we will focus on improving sleep for neurodiverse children and young people and discuss and share tips and techniques with one another that can help support families.

Sleep and anxiety / EWMH:

Anxiety is frequently connected to sleeping problems. Prolonged and excessive worries can make it hard to fall asleep and then stay asleep through the night. Poor sleep can then worsen anxiety, maintaining a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and increased worrying. In this network group we will discuss specific approaches to reduce late-night worrying and how to break the cycle.

Sleep and Complex Physical and Learning Disabilities:

What does sleep hygiene look like for children and young people with complex physical and learning disabilities? Join us in this network group as we explore a wide range of aspects of sleep, including sleep quality and quantity, behaviour, pain, posture and risks-assessment, to help inform safe and appropriate interventions for this cohort of children and young people.

Delivered with the support of Central Surrey Health (CSH), YMCA East Surrey, Surrey Heartlands and Public Health.

Coffee and Chats are informal lunchtime sessions open to everyone working with children, young people and their families. We typically invite our charity and/or public sector colleagues to come and share their experiences in a particular area, before opening up to Q&A and discussion.

Coffee and Chat - Sleep