Wellbeing Workshops
The idea of wellbeing workshops, arose from my own personal circumstances and talking to others both pre & post diagnosis. We all shared similar experiences. In our case, we waited over four years, for my daughter to be assessed for autism. It was a difficult time. I could see my child’s mental health being eroded in front of my eyes. Yet it was like we were stranded, unable to get anyone to help. The toll, on our whole family wellbeing was huge. I am not afraid to admit, I have reached breaking point on numerous times. I was working as a wellbeing development officer for a charity, when I realised I wanted to use my skills to help other families in similar circumstances, feel less alone, able to talk in a safe space, to explore their wellbeing, and pick up tips and techniques to maintain and improve it.
lynne baulch – founder
What will we cover?
The wellbeing workshops have been written especially for parents of neurodivergent children. Based on lived experience, and rooted in an evidence approach. The content broadly will cover – stress, resilience, self care, self compassion, and how to improve and maintain wellbeing.
Potential key benefits
* Connection and a sense of belonging * A non judgmental environment to share experiences * a chance to take stock of challenges, but also to celebrate our wins * tools and strategies to maintain and improve wellbeing
Why wellbeing workshops?
So we know that being a parent or carer of children with neurodivergence is hard. With the demands of your child, but also fighting for services, and managing the logistics of day to day life.
The university of Winconsin-Madison, conducted a study that showed parents of autistic teens, encounter similar levels of stress to that of a combat soldier.
A discussion paper by the Parent carer trauma working group, found that parents/ carers of SEND or disabled children to be at high risk of anxiety, depression, increased suicidality (four times greater than the general population) and physical health issues (with chronic stress being cited as causing lower immunity and reduced cognitive processing.)
I know from my experience, that parenting a neurodivergent/SEND child is tough. Being a parent to any child comes with its own challenges. But parenting a child with neurodiversity, also means I have to fight for services; diffuse crisis; break down stigma; be resilient to criticism; challenge judgment; be focused on preemptive strategy; manage relationships and triggers we may encounter; keep both my children safe; whilst still managing to work; and run a house. Sometimes I feel like I’m running on empty, like I’ve climbed a mountain before 9am, but you just have to keep going. The wellbeing workshops, are a chance to stop, and to talk to other people who will understand, to pay attention to ourselves, and what we need to do to look after our own needs.
Lynne Baulch – founder
connect, share, support, explore.