Join us for children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing workshops

We’re partnering with David Lloyd Colchester to offer members of the public the chance to hear professional advice and guidance on how to understand children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

We’ve teamed up with David Lloyd Colchester to offer these family-focussed sessions, led by our Therapeutic Lead and Social Worker, Anji Wilks. The workshops are open to all and will cover topics including ‘supporting children to understand their emotions’, ‘supporting children with challenging behaviour – when children get angry’, and ‘happy families – reducing stress in the home’.

Conceived as part of David Lloyd’s programme of networking events, workshops and community projects, the sessions will be a chance for people to learn more about professional approaches to children’s mental health, whilst also hearing practical ways to support young people.

Anji Wilks explains: “The topics we’ll be discussing are those that are experienced by every family, but are very rarely openly discussed.

“Understanding children’s mental health and wellbeing is complex, but the more we talk about the issues involved, and seek to understand how our young people feel and act, the better we can support them and avoid conflict and trauma.

“Our work at CF Group is based on the needs of young people, whatever situation they find themselves in, and the subjects we’ll be talking about form the basis of how we work with our young people to support them towards positive outcomes.

“There is so much we can learn from these conversations, not just from professionals but also from sharing with each other as parents and caregivers, so I hope lots of people will come along. It’s an informal, friendly and welcoming environment where all will be welcomed.”

Anton Clark, Director of Children’s Services at CF Group said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with David Lloyd Club Colchester in a joint effort to empower parents with vital knowledge and understanding on mental health and emotional wellbeing for children.

“Collaborating closely with Sarah and the dedicated team at David Lloyd, it became evident that our shared values align seamlessly. At CF, we are excited to embark on this journey together, championing the wellbeing of families and children alike.”

The workshops will take place on the following dates and times:

• Tues 12^th March, 7.30pm – ‘Anxiety in Children
• Thurs 23^rd May, 7.30pm - ‘Supporting children to understand their emotions’
• Tues 9^th July, 7.30pm, 7.30pm – ‘Supporting children with challenging behaviour – when children get angry’
• Tues 10^th Sept, 7.30pm – ‘Happy families – reducing stress in the home’

The events are free of charge for David Lloyd members and £5 for non-members. To book a place, contact David Lloyd Colchester on 01206 756960.