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Category: Counselling Children, Adolescents and Families

  • Working Things Out in North Sommerset

    Working Things Out in North Sommerset

    The Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme provides professionals with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to equip young people with coping skills, helpful thinking strategies, improved conflict resolution and communication skills, and reduced stress levels.

    This evidence-based programme builds on young people’s strengths and positive relationships with their families, peers, schools, and communities. The programme can be used by professionals as a preventative mental health measure to promote positive coping or as an intervention for young people with identified mental health problems.

    Below is the experience of North Somerset Family Support Worker, Leanne Pugh, of running the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme:

    “My name is Leanne Pugh and I am a Family Support Worker in North Somerset. So far, I have experience of running and co-facilitating one Parents Plus Working Things Out programme.

    We ran this programme for eight weeks, in-person and the feedback has been incredible. We have witnessed the young people flourish. The biggest impact appears to be the relationship the young people have developed with their parents. We ran the programme alongside the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme, and it was a really successful way of doing it.

    Here are some of the things we heard from the programme attendees:

    “My mum came and sat in my room last night to chat”

    “We actually went for a family walk”

    “My sister stole my makeup again and I didn’t react instead, I told my mum” 

    The parents on the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme all gave positive feedback too:

    “I’ve been using the pause button and it really helps”

    “We played a game together at the weekend”

    “She has grown so much in her confidence”

    “Parent Plus programmes are really straightforward and easy to deliver. You get all the information you need to deliver the course, and from the very first session there are tips and ideas for the families to try at home. 

    “Parents Plus offer ongoing support and deliver their training in a fun way. If you get the chance to deliver the Parents Plus Adolescent Programme alongside Working Things Out, I would highly recommend it.”

    Studies have shown that young people who complete the Working Things Out programme report improved coping skills, reduced behavioural and emotional problems, improved family communication, and significant gains on personal goals. Parents Plus provides a comprehensive package of pre and post-training supports to professionals and managers, including implementation support, individual and group supervision sessions, advanced training workshops, extra resources to facilitate delivery, support to promote and market your Parents Plus courses, and advice and guidance on evaluating and monitoring outcomes in your agency.

    Completing the two-day Working Things Out Programme training will license you to co-deliver the programme under supervision in both group and one-to-one sessions with parents. For facilitators who want to take their practice to a higher level, Parents Plus also offers an established accreditation process to refine their facilitation skills and professional practice and reach a high standard of delivery.

    The Working Things Out Programme offers a comprehensive, evidence-based solution for professionals to equip young people with positive coping mechanisms and a healthy mental health outlook. With the right skills and knowledge, professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of young people experiencing mental health concerns, difficulties, and conflict.

    Learn More About This Programme

  • The Benefits of Training in the Working Things Out Programme

    The Benefits of Training in the Working Things Out Programme

    As a professional working with adolescents, The Working Things Out Programme is a comprehensive training programme which will give you the tools to support teenagers experiencing social, emotional and behavioural challenges.

    This CBT Coping Skills-based programme provides practitioners with strategies to enhance engagement, supporting young people with problem-solving skills, communication techniques, and resilience.

    In the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme training, you will learn how to empower teenagers to improve communication with their parents. Indeed, teenagers are as eager to learn how to get on with their parents just as much as parents are keen to get on with them.

    Below, we will explore some benefits professionals can gain from training in the Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme.

    Strengthened Family and Peer Relationships:

    The Working Things Out Programme provides professionals with a comprehensive understanding of conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques to work with young people and their families. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies and practical tools to help children, young people, and families effectively manage and resolve conflicts. The training covers topics such as active listening, assertiveness, negotiation and understanding different perspectives. Conflict within families and among peers can significantly impact a person’s well-being and development. By training in the Working Things Out Programme, professionals gain insights into helping young people cope with family dynamics and peer relationships and promote resilience.

    Skill Development for Effective Communication:

    Effective communication is at the heart of building strong relationships. Through the Working Things Out Programme, professionals gain valuable skills in fostering open and respectful communication, encouraging active listening, and facilitating constructive conversations. These skills enable professionals to support children, young people, and families in expressing their needs, understanding others’ viewpoints, and finding workable solutions.

    Supporting Problem-Solving:

    Problem-solving is a vital life skill that contributes to personal growth and success. The Working Things Out Programme training encompasses a range of problem-solving techniques and strategies. Guiding young people through the steps of problem-solving, to identify and evaluate options, make informed decisions, and implement effective solutions.

    Ongoing Support and Networking:

    Parents Plus ensures that professionals who complete the Working Things Out Programme have access to ongoing support and resources. Practitioners become part of a professional network where they can connect with colleagues from other services, share experiences, and continue their learning journey. They also gain access to a range of resources, including additional training materials and research articles.

    The next Parents Plus Working Things Out Programme training is on the 17th, 18th & 19th September 2024 (9.15am-1.30pm) and will take place online, via Zoom

    Book Today

    If you would like to train in one of our programmes, learn about our group discounts or discover how we can support you to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and families, please contact our Impact Lead, Vicki Byrne, Vicki@parentsplus.ie 

    We also deliver onsite training and supervision of teams (15 or more), and/or tailored support in the roll-out and evaluation of our programmes to ensure effective community-wide delivery.   

  • Shape tomorrow’s youth by strengthening parent partnerships today.

    Shape tomorrow’s youth by strengthening parent partnerships today.

    The Parents Plus Children’s Programme is a practical and solution-focused course designed to support professionals in enhancing family and child welfare.

    This training is ideal for a wide range of professionals working across health, education and community services, including psychologists, social workers, primary school teachers, and others involved in child and family care. It’s particularly suitable for those who work with children aged 6-11, including those with additional needs​​.

    By joining our training, you’ll gain skills in managing children’s behaviour and emotional problems, building self-esteem and confidence in children, and strengthening family relationships. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about equipping you with the tools to empower parents and create positive change in their lives​​.

    Our upcoming training which starts on the 17th of April will cover key areas like positive parenting, problem-solving, group work skills, and engaging parents effectively​​.

    Completing this programme benefits the families you work with, as studies have shown increased positive social behaviour and reduced emotional problems in children and enhances your professional development. We provide a comprehensive package of pre and post-training supports, including implementation support, supervision sessions, and additional resources to ensure effective programme delivery within your agency​​.

    Below, we explore some of the key benefits of attending this Programme Training –

    Firstly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can enhance your skills as a professional. The programme provides evidence-based strategies for supporting children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, which can be applied in a range of settings, including schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations. By attending the programme, you can learn new skills and techniques that can help you to better support the children and families that you work with.

    Secondly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can improve your confidence in working with families. By learning evidence-based strategies for supporting children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, you can feel more confident in your ability to support families effectively. This increased confidence can lead to improved outcomes for the children and families that you work with, as well as enhance your professional reputation.

    Thirdly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can provide an opportunity for networking with other professionals. The programme training attracts a range of professionals, including teachers, social workers, and healthcare professionals, providing an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues from a range of settings. This networking can lead to new opportunities for collaboration and partnership working, which can enhance the effectiveness of the services that you provide.

    Finally, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can be personally rewarding. The programme Training provides an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, which can be extremely rewarding. By supporting families to improve their children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, you can make a lasting impact on their lives.

    The Children’s Programme facilitator training is suitable for a range of professionals, including:

    • HSE Primary Care Teams such as Psychologists, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Public Health Nurses
    • Family Resource Centres
    • Children and Young People’s Services Committees
    • Home School Liaison Officers (HSCL), TESS
    • Primary School Teachers. 
    • TUSLA Parenting Support Champions Project
    • TUSLA Child and Family Agency Teams  
    • Regional Parent support networks such as Parenting Monaghan, Parent Hub Donegal and Parenting Limerick 
    • Area Based Childhood Programme (ABC) such as Supporting Parents & Early Childhood Services (SPECS), Bray 
    • HSE Sláintecare Healthy Communities 

    In conclusion, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can offer a range of benefits for professionals who work with children and families. From enhancing your skills and confidence to providing networking opportunities and personal rewards, the programme training provides a valuable opportunity for professional development. If you work with children and families, consider attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training to enhance your practice and make a positive difference in the lives of those you work with.

    Use the buttons below to contact our impact lead Vicki Byrne or to book your place on our programme training today.

    Contact Vicki Byrne
    Book Your Place on Our April Training
  • The Parenting Network Pre-Budget 2024 Submission

    The Parenting Network Pre-Budget 2024 Submission

    The Parenting Network is an all-island network of organisations, academics and policy managers committed to improving family well-being through Parenting Support. Parenting Support refers to a range of information, support, education, training and counselling. There are also other measures or services that focus on influencing how parents understand and carry out their parenting role.


    The Parenting Network aims to ensure that all those who parent in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are proactively supported and valued in their parenting role to achieve better outcomes for children, parents, families and the wider society. We recognise the significant challenges facing parents at present across a range of different fronts, whether in terms of increased costs of living, homelessness, the cost of education, raised levels of childhood anxiety and broader mental health challenges facing young people. We firmly advocate that all those involved in parenting need to be reached by national policy and subsequent supports, not just those identified by professionals as having specific needs. As services cannot reach families and parents they are unaware of, now more than ever progressive universalism needs to be inherent to the design, funding and implementation of parenting supports.


    The Parenting Network also recognises the significantly progressive effort undertaken by the Government and statutory agencies in recent years in the critical area of parenting support. There is a very strong policy platform which creates a roadmap for information and services aimed at increasing a parent’s knowledge, confidence and skills to best support their children and families.


    The Parenting Network asks:

    In Budget 2024, the Parenting Network calls on Government to allocate the necessary funding to give effect to the policy commitments set out in the National Model of Parenting Support Services and Tulsa’s Parenting support Strategy 2022 – 2027, and to realise the objectives of the newly established Child Poverty and Well-Being Programme Office. In a context where the Exchequer is running a significant budget surplus, Budget 2024 should be the Budget where an appropriate and ring-fenced allocation of funding is directed specifically to supporting parents.

    How this would look on the ground:

    1. Supporting all parents to be confident and capable in their parenting role: Funding must be directed towards increased parenting support programmes (particularly those dealing with managing anxiety in young people) regardless of family context or circumstance, additional resources for organisations directly supporting parents in the community, training and counselling. It should also be used to provide support for communicating services and supports to parents to increase awareness and uptake of available supports.
    2. Applying a whole-of-government approach to supporting parents: The parenting focus and recommendations in all relevant national policy initiatives (Sláintecare, First 5, successor to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, Sharing the Vision etc.) need to be resourced.Planned and quantifiable cross-departmental co-operation would enable resource leveraging and shared accountability for meeting national targets for parental support.
    3. Clarifying prevention and early intervention structures: While parenting is the common point of intervention for both Tusla and the HSE, there is ambiguity around how funding is allocated to and used by both for prevention and early intervention. The preventive potential and return on parenting support must be recognised through clear and accessible structures such as Prevention, Parenting and Family Support (Tusla) and HSE community- based supports, such as child developmental checks, breastfeeding support clinics etc.
    1. Allocating €30m per annum for three years to adequately and sustainably resource parenting support: Based on similarly proportional investment in Sure Start in Northern Ireland, Family Hubs in the UK , and on-line parenting education and mental health support in Australia , this multi-annual funding would facilitate existing and additional parenting supports to address rapidly increasing needs such as disabilities and mental health, and extend beyond current geographical limitations. In order to increase and maximise its reach, this investment must include staffing costs and pay parity for services in the Community and Voluntary sector.

    Budget 2024 needs to address the current national narrative around parental pressure and support deficits by ensuring that PARENTING SUPPORT is funded multi-annually, prioritised and planned nationally, and delivered locally.

  • Are You Passionate About Building Strong and Resilient Children?

    Are You Passionate About Building Strong and Resilient Children?

    Building Resilient Families and Children: Empower Yourself and Your Service with the Parents Plus Children’s Programme.

    Enhance your ability to support families with the evidence-based Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training.
    The Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training is an evidence-based parenting programme designed to support parents in the effective management of their child’s behaviour and emotional well-being. The programme is suitable for parents with children aged between 6 and 11 years old and has been shown to be effective in a range of settings.
    This professional development opportunity provides a holistic approach to supporting children’s behaviour and emotional well-being. Build your skills, confidence, and professional network, while making a positive impact on the lives of families in your community. For professionals who work with children and families, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can offer a range of benefits.

    Below, we explore some of the key benefits of attending this Programme Training –

    Firstly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can enhance your skills as a professional. The programme provides evidence-based strategies for supporting children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, which can be applied in a range of settings, including schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations. By attending the programme, you can learn new skills and techniques that can help you to better support the children and families that you work with.

    Secondly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can improve your confidence in working with families. By learning evidence-based strategies for supporting children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, you can feel more confident in your ability to support families effectively. This increased confidence can lead to improved outcomes for the children and families that you work with, as well as enhance your professional reputation.

    Thirdly, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can provide an opportunity for networking with other professionals. The programme training attracts a range of professionals, including teachers, social workers, and healthcare professionals, providing an opportunity to build relationships with colleagues from a range of settings. This networking can lead to new opportunities for collaboration and partnership working, which can enhance the effectiveness of the services that you provide.

    Finally, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can be personally rewarding. The programme Training provides an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, which can be extremely rewarding. By supporting families to improve their children’s behaviour and emotional well-being, you can make a lasting impact on their lives.

    In conclusion, attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training can offer a range of benefits for professionals who work with children and families. From enhancing your skills and confidence to providing networking opportunities and personal rewards, the programme training provides a valuable opportunity for professional development. If you work with children and families, consider attending the Parents Plus Children’s Programme Training to enhance your practice and make a positive difference in the lives of those you work with.

    Learn more about this programme training by visiting our website at www.parentsplus.ie or book your place on our programme training today via the button below.

    BOOK TODAY
  • Rates of anxiety and depression among young people are at unprecedented levels, but there is hope.

    Rates of anxiety and depression among young people are at unprecedented levels, but there is hope.

    overcome mental health problems

    The Working Things Out Programme offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training for professionals to equip young people with coping skills, helpful thinking strategies, improved conflict resolution and communication skills, and reduced stress levels.

    This evidence-based programme builds on young people’s strengths and positive relationships with their families, peers, schools, and communities. The programme can be used as a preventative mental health measure to promote positive coping or as an intervention for young people with identified mental health problems.

    The two-day training focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of the Working Things Out Programme and CBT principles, learning how to deliver the programme to groups and individuals, opportunities to observe and practice the skills necessary to become an effective facilitator, building on young people’s present strengths and empowering them to move towards more positive thinking patterns and behaviours, and strengthening relationships between adolescents and their families, peers, schools, and communities.

    The Working Things Out Programme is suitable for all professionals and managers who want to improve outcomes for young people experiencing difficulties, conflict, or mental health concerns. A wide variety of education, mental health, and community professionals already use this solution-focused programme successfully in a variety of school, community, health, disability, and mental health settings.

    Studies have shown that young people who complete the Working Things Out programme report improved coping skills, reduced behavioural and emotional problems, improved family communication, and significant gains on personal goals. Parents Plus provides a comprehensive package of pre and post-training supports to professionals and managers, including implementation support, individual and group supervision sessions, advanced training workshops, extra resources to facilitate delivery, support to promote and market your Parents Plus courses, and advice and guidance on evaluating and monitoring outcomes in your agency.

    Completing the two-day Working Things Out Programme training will license you to co-deliver the programme under supervision in both group and one-to-one sessions with parents. For facilitators who want to take their practice to a higher level, Parents Plus also offers an established accreditation process to refine their facilitation skills and professional practice and reach a high standard of delivery.

    The Working Things Out Programme offers a comprehensive, evidence-based solution for professionals to equip young people with positive coping mechanisms and a healthy mental health outlook. With the right skills and knowledge, professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of young people experiencing mental health concerns, difficulties, and conflict.

    Learn More About This Programme