23rd August 2022
Sanctuary
Starting primary or secondary school will be a less anxious time for hundreds of children in Banbury this September thanks to a project supported by Sanctuary.
Standing in the Gap, an early intervention child mental health charity, has been running sessions for youngsters and the parents of those either starting or moving on from primary school.
More than 500 children and their parents have had practical advice and guidance. From understanding what is normal for that age to managing change, the face-to-face and online sessions have helped prepare families for this important life step.
Parents of those starting school have been to ‘Understanding your four-year-old’ workshops. Topics looked at include separation anxiety, getting to know your child, and therapeutic touch – a relaxing ‘massage’ session based on a story of making a pizza!
Children going to secondary school have been able to attend sessions with a parent. These covered understanding and managing feelings; brain development; temperament; getting enough sleep; and the top concerns – bullying, making friends, getting lost and homework. Parents also got practical tips on communicating with schools.
Sam Game, founder and clinical director of Standing in the Gap, said: “Evidence shows that starting school and the transition from primary school to secondary school are among the most crucial events in a child’s life, and that parental attitudes and experience can have a big impact on this period.
“This project aims to educate and inform both parents and children around starting school or transitioning to secondary school, and to prevent the build-up of anxiety.”
Sanctuary also supports Standing in the Gap to deliver year-round sessions on managing anxiety in children.
“We work with families before they hit crisis,” explained Sam. “A lot of people have anxiety in families but have no idea what to do about it.
“The aim is to raise emotional wellbeing in the child. We’re designed to have physiological and emotional responses to things and we can’t stop them, but we don’t want to be overwhelmed. We work in partnership with families to give them the tools they need.”
Charlie Heritage, Neighbourhood Partnerships Manager for Sanctuary, added: “We all hear about the issues surrounding the mental health of children, so it is good to be supporting this project which steps in at an early stage and helps children understand and manage their feelings. “
