Life can be a constant juggling act. Many of us continually try to function on an ‘empty tank’ attempting to be there for everyone else, while not giving ourselves the space and time to reboot. This is especially true for families of children with extra needs.

Zara Simmonds is a certified Relax Kids and Just Relax Coach, teaching children and young people how to help themselves feel calm, focused and relaxed in a fun and engaging way. This Just Relax session aims to give stressed and over-stretched parents and carers a much needed boost. Using the Relax Kids 7-Steps as a backbone, we’ll look at some methods to manage anxiety and stress, and work through some techniques that can be put into practice at home, and even shared with your children.

Linda Campbell-Arthur is a Clinical Psychologist and mum of a SEND child, with a special interest in anxiety management in both adults and children. She will be giving strategies on self-care for parents - looking at the typical pitfalls and dilemmas for parents of children with additional needs, and practical tips to put in place.

The session will be physical and interactive.

A free lunch is provided.

Family Matters run workshops and drop-in sessions at the Disability Action & Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road Teddington TW11 8HT every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10am-1.0 except for school holidays. RUILS staff, including Sian Austin and Linda Campbell-Arthur from Family Matters, Alex Hardy from Independent Support & Sue Robson from the Sitting & Befriending service, are on hand to answer your questions.

Family Matters offers 1:1 support for parents and carers of children with extra needs. We can work with you to focus on areas of family life that are causing concern and identify steps to address them. We can provide information, support and advocacy services. If we can’t find an answer, we will find someone who can.