(formerly Parenting Wiltshire Service)
The ask Parenting Service is an independent project set up to support parents and carers of 8-17 year olds faced with the challenges that pre-teens and adolescents can bring.
Did anyone ever tell you
that becoming a parent is probably the hardest job you will ever undertake and no training is offered with it? No-one is perfect and it can be hard to ask for help. We will help you to build on the skills you already have and support and encourage you to develop new ones through our FREE parenting groups.
What is the Parenting Programme?
The ask Parenting Service runs a 9-week programme called 'Making the Most of Teenagers'. It runs each term in a variety of locations around the county. Each session is 2 hours long and covers issues including:
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managing aggressive confrontations;
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handling emotions and coping with stress;
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understanding the changing needs and insecurities associated with adolescence;
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negotiating boundaries;
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building self-esteem;
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knowing and accepting each day is different.
What if my child has a Special Educational Need?
We run an 9-week 'Bus Stop Programme' specifically for parents of children with SEN. Each session is 2 hours long and the programme is supported by contact with the ask Parenting Partnership Service (formerly SENSS), which is the statutory Parent Partnership service for Wiltshire. You have the choice of attending our standard course if you prefer.
When will you be running a group in my area?
Or groups start in January, May and September each year and are often based in Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury and Trowbridge. They are well advertised but please contact us and we'll be pleased to advise you of the details. For details of forthcoming groups please click here.
Are the groups just for Mums?
We welcome anyone who is in a parent/carer role. Many couples come and build their skills together.
What parents from our groups have said...
"I realise that I am not on my own and things can get better."
"A ray of light breaks through and you can almost feel an instant weight being lifted."
"I am now far more aware of my role as a parent."
"I am now able to cope much better."
"When I started I thought it should be my teenager going on a course but now I feel I've gained a lot too; he should still go on one though!"
For more information
Contact ask to talk about your particular issue and we will call you back to advise you on the options available to you.
LoCall Helpline 08457 585072
Email: helpline@askwiltshire.org
Maurice Clay is the Strategy Manager of the team and works closely with other providers to support the development of Wiltshire's Parenting Strategy so that parents have the right provision to meet their needs.
Michelle Morris is the Operations Manager of the team and keeps an overview of all casework.
Julie Woodland is the Senior Practitioner of the team and she also has a small Area Development Worker caseload covering the community areas around Westbury and Warminster.
Our other Area Development Workers (ADWs) and their community areas are:
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Ian Hibberd - Malmesbury, Wootton Bassett, Chippenham, Corsham, Bradford on Avon, Melksham and Trowbridge;
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Michelle Conroy-Purbrick - Calne, Devizes, Marlborough, Pewsey and Tidworth;
- Leeanne Swift - Amesbury, Salisbury, Downton, Tisbury Wilton and Mere;
- Caroline Williams - Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster, Tisbury and Wilton.
Our administrators are Lesley Thomas and Tracy Wilkinson.
