Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme)
This set of interventions was developed at the University of Queensland, Australia, by Professor
Matt Sanders, a clinical psychologist, and is now run worldwide. There are a variety of different
group and individual programmes varying according to need, from universal (information and
advice), through to support with common issues in children and young people, to group
programmes and 1:1 work (both face to face and by phone).
Strengthening Families Programme
An evidence based programme from Oxford Brookes University for parents and young people
aged between 10 and 14 years. This is a DVD and activity based programme, which supports
families to have a positive outlook as young people approach their teenage years.
Parents aim to improve their nurturing and support skills while considering effective discipline and
guidance strategies. Young people build skills for resisting peer pressure and dealing with stress.
During the sessions the families work together to reflect on the strengths of their family.
This programme has been proved to be effective in preventing alcohol and substance misuse
amongst young people.
Parents are People
A series of workshops designed to give struggling parents an opportunity to develop their own
sense of self-worth as individual people, rather than to concentrate solely on their seeming failure
to cope as a parent. To look at their strengths and talents, to encourage them to see themselves
as likeable, capable individuals and to reflect back to the aspirations they had before they became
parents and see how these can be realised in their everyday lives. To encourage them to be good
role models for their children.
The workshops have been developed to complement Parenting Programmes such as Triple P,
Strengthening Families and also to encourage individuals to participate more positively in their
interactions with schools, social services and other organisations involved in their lives. Whilst the
focus is on the individual, we concentrate on the family as a whole.
Freedom Programme
This is a nationally-established 12 week programme for women who have experienced domestic
abuse. The course provides women with an opportunity to share their experiences of domestic
abuse in confidence and without judgement, and helps them to make positive choices to protect
themselves and their children. The Freedom Programme examines ‘the dominator’ (an abusive
person) and the tactics they use to manipulate and control. It also looks at healthy relationships,
and how a non-abusive person behaves. The course is women-only and is run by trained female
facilitators.
Living with Children/Living with Teenagers
These courses are offered as part of the Suffolk Community Learning Adult Education Programme
and are accredited with the Open College Network. The course is open to any parent or guardian
of a child or teenager who would like to develop their skills and knowledge. Parents can enrol
themselves or agencies can make referrals on their behalf.
The course offers parents a chance to develop their skills and learn some new ideas. The course
covers understanding children’s needs and parent’s needs, recognising different styles of
parenting, developing skills in a positive communication style, listening skills and ways to support
children’s self-esteem, positive strategies for managing behaviour and setting limits. Participants
will also be able to receive information about other learning opportunities they may wish to go on
to.
Caring Dads
Developed in Canada, Caring Dads is an intervention programme for fathers (including biological,
step, common-law) who have physically abused, emotionally abused or neglected their children,
exposed their children to domestic violence or who are deemed to be at high-risk for these
behaviours.
It consists of a 17-week, empirically-based group parenting intervention for fathers, systematic
outreach to mothers to ensure safety and freedom from coercion, and on-going, collaborative case
management of fathers with referrers and other professionals.
The group component of Caring Dads combines elements of parenting, fathering and child
protection practice to enhance the safety and well-being of children. Programme principles
emphasize the need to enhance men’s motivation, promote child-centred fathering, address men’s
ability to engage in respectful, non-abusive co-parenting with children’s mothers and recognize
that children’s experience of trauma will impact the rate of possible change.
The programme helps fathers learn how to work collaboratively with other service providers to
ensure that children benefit (and are not unintentionally harmed) as a result of father’s participation
in intervention. Run by team of male and female facilitators.
And much more! - See below for contact details and more info
For programmes in your area contact:
Carole.Williams@ipswich.gov.uk
Ipswich Senior Parenting Officer – Ipswich Borough Council, 07921 941620
Judith.moore@suffolk.gov.uk
County Parenting Co-ordinator – Suffolk County Council, 07515 188522
Kay.witchalls@suffolk.gov.uk
Ipswich & Coastal – Area Parenting Co-ordinator, 07540 671191
Gill.black@suffolk.gov.uk
South Suffolk – Area Parenting Co-ordinator; 07540 671192
Frances.desborough@suffolk.gov.uk
Lowestoft, Waveney and Central Suffolk – Area Parenting Co-ordinator; 07540 671193
Frances.mcginn@suffolk.gov.uk
West Suffolk – Area Parenting Co-ordinator, 07734 848938
www.suffolk.gov.uk/theparenthub
Autism Suffolk
Autism Suffolk is an advice/support/information service for families of children who have a diagnosis of ASD.
Offers support to families from the point of diagnosis up to the child’s 14th birthday.
Tel 01473 632700
www.autism.org.uk/autismsuffolk
autism.suffolk@nas.org.uk