Resources
for schools & parents
Our Resources:
Top Tips on how to support a friend who is being bullied by Alicia Drummond, BACP Accredited Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
In this video BACP Accredited Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub, Alicia Drummond, gives her top tips for supporting a friend who is being bullied.
What to do about bullying by Alicia Drummond, BACP Accredited Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
In this blog BACP Accredited Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub, Alicia Drummond, explores what parents can do to support children and young people who may be experiencing bullying.
How are children accessing gambling? by Patrick Foster, Founder and Director of GAM-Ed and Author of ‘Might Bite’
Gambling may not be something that as a parent or carer you have thought of as a threat to your child, but the line between gambling and gaming has become ever more blurred and many young people are gambling without being aware that they are.
Young people who use self-harming behaviours: a podcast with Fiona Yassin, Internationally registered psychotherapist and Founder and Clinical Director at The Wave Clinic, Malaysia
Fiona talks to us about her experience with young people who use self-harming behaviours. She covers why young people engage in self-harming behaviours and who are the most vulnerable and at risk groups. She also discusses the different types of self-harming behaviours, how to spot the signs and how to support and approach the subject with young people who may be engaging in these behaviours.
Supporting young people in an uncertain world by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
The past few years have taken their toll on the wellbeing of so many people. Amongst children and young people anxiety levels are high, and many are feeling frightened as they grapple with ongoing negativity in the news. We share our top tips on how to support young people through uncertain times.
Supporting children with dyslexia by Emilia Orviss, Play Champion at Dr Gummer’s The Good Play Guide
Our friends at The Good Play Guide explain how early intervention and support can significantly improve a dyslexic child’s abilities.
Overcoming Homesickness: Tips to help you settle at boarding school by Alicia Drummond, BACP Accred. Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
It is normal to feel a little homesick when you first start boarding school. Read our top tips to help you settle.
Top tips for GCSE results day by Alicia Drummond, BACP Accred. Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
GCSE results day can be stressful for young people – read our top tips to help support your child on GCSE results day.
Building Emotional Resilience in Children by Dr Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
This blog on the topic of resilience explores why it is important to create environments which build self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-awareness, and self-management if we are to prevent mental health crashes and build emotional resilience in our young people. We also explore what we can do as parents and carers to build these skills.
Cost-effective ways to enjoy Father’s Day together as a family by Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide
With Father’s Day on the horizon, people are starting to think about how they can make the day special for the father figures in their life and show them that they are appreciated. But remember, the most important thing about the day is the time spent together, and it is possible to create a memorable and enjoyable day without spending a fortune.
What you need to know about BeReal by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
Be Real is the new and fast-growing social media platform that is piquing the interest of young people across the world. The terms and conditions of this app state the minimum age of use is 13 years old. Read about what you need to know about the app here.
Stop and breathe: tips for reducing anxiety by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub discusses top tips for reducing anxiety and staying calm.
The power of kindness by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub discusses why kindness matters and the small actions we can take everyday to be kinder to ourselves and others.
ADHD and girls by Elizabeth Swan, Specialist Coach for neurodivergent children and young people
Elizabeth Swan, Specialist Coach for neurodivergent children and young people, shares her advice for parents and carers on how ADHD symptoms present in girls and her top tips for raising girls with ADHD.
Eating Disorders with Alicia Drummond
With an estimated 1.25 million people living with an eating disorder in the UK it is helpful to know what we can do in terms of prevention and support. We discuss what an eating disorder is, how to spot the signs, and how to prevent your child from suffering with an eating disorder.
The growing concern over Chat GPT by Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
With an ability to generate realistic responses within seconds, from writing computer code to writing a news article about itself, there are growing concerns amongst staff that students may be using the website to write their work for them. We discuss the concerns and what you can do to ensure your child to ensure they get the benefits that Chat GPT offers whilst making sure they are aware of the potential risks.
Child-on-child abuse and coercion with Adele Eastman, Senior Counsel in Farrer and Co’s safeguarding unit and a board member for The Centre for Social Justice
We talk to Adele Eastman about child-on-child abuse and coercion. Adele defines child-on-child abuse and explains the issue of child sexual exploitation (CSE), and child criminal exploitation (CCE). Additionally, we cover key updates on contextual safeguarding, intersectionality and adultification, and address the issue of harmful sexual behaviour, including the impact on children and young people watching pornography. Finally, Adele shares her solutions for preventative interventions.
Peer Pressure & Social Media by Karl Hopwood, Independent Online Safety Expert
Ofcom research published in 2022 found that 24% of three and four-year-olds have their own social media profiles, and this rises to 60% of the eight-to eleven-year-olds. Karl Hopwood, an independent online safety expert, discusses the online pressures children and young people face and offers parents and carers practical advice on how to help them think critically about what they are viewing online.
Cyberbullying For Parents And Young People By Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder Of The Wellbeing Hub
Cyberbullying is a prevalent form of bullying that occurs online and can take many forms which affects young people adversely. We discuss different methods to prevent your child from being cyberbullied and the importance of seeking help if they are being bullied.
Advice On Street Safety For Young People with Aran Dharmeratnam, International Specialist In Personal Safety
We invited Aran Dharmeratnam, an internationally known security consultant who specialises in personal safety, mind body training and resilience coaching, to discuss the risks currently facing young people on the streets, both at home and abroad. We discuss the issue of gang culture and how to avoid it, as well as how to avoid street aggression, extremism, drug culture, and more. Aran shares his advice on what to do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation when abroad, and what do to if it goes wrong. This is a great one for young people who are about to go travelling.
How To Help Young People Cope With Bereavement by Alicia Drummond
Children and young people grieve just as much as adults, but they may show it in different ways. So, here are some of our top tips to help them during this difficult time.
What To Do About Bullying by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
Being bullied can be devastating but why do people bully others and who gets bullied? Alicia looks at bullying from all angles and gives you strategies to help if your child or pupil is either being bullied or bullying.
Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with Leading Doctors From The Evalina London Children’s Hospital
We talk to Dr Tammy Hedderley, the lead Consultant Paediatric Neurologist in the Tics and Neurodevelopmental Movements Service (TANDEM) at The Evalina London Children’s Hospital, Dr Tamsin Owen, the Lead Educational Psychologist at TANDEM, and Claire Gross, a clinical nurse specialist at TANDEM, about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and how it impacts the lives of young people with the condition. Dr Owen, Dr Hedderley, and Dr Gross share their practical tips and advice for parents, carers, and practitioners on how to support individuals with FND.
Journaling For Trauma & Self-development With Dr Gillie Bolton, Author & Researcher On Therapeutic Writing
We talk to Dr Gillie Bolton about the benefits of therapeutic writing. Gillie has written numerous books, including The Therapeutic Potential of Creative Writing, Write Yourself, The Writers Key and Writing Cures, all of which address the potential of writing to help us manage our emotions. Gillie shares her knowledge and experience of therapeutic writing in this honest, thought-provoking discussion.
What Parents Need To Know About Omegle by Alicia Drummond, Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
We have been informed by several schools that there are increasing concerns surrounding the growing popularity of Omegle. In response to the rise in safeguarding concerns about this site, we’ve created this blog to help spread awareness and provide you with practical tools and advice on how to talk to your child/ren about it.
How To Check Your Chest: Resource To Share With Your Child/ren
Whatever your age or gender, knowing your body and being aware of the symptoms of breast cancer is really important. CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity, have created this handy video to show you how it’s done. Feel free to share this resource with your child/ren to mark Breast Cancer Awareness!
Have you heard of nicotine pouches & are they the latest teen craze? by Alicia Drummond, founder of Teen Tips & The Wellbeing Hub
Being in contact with so many schools we are kept abreast of emerging trends (thank you), and it seems that nicotine pouches are the new thing on the block. They are the fastest growing nicotine delivery product in the US and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Alicia shares information on this new trend so you know what signs to look out for at home.
Parental Mental Illness with Dympna Cunnane, Psychologist & Chief Executive of The Our Time Charity
We invited Dympna Cunnane, a psychologist and the Chief Executive of the Our Time Charity, to discuss parental mental illness and how to support families in need. Dympna shares her advice for parents with poor mental health on how to talk to their children about their illness. We also discuss the challenges faced by children, how schools can help, and finally, what support parents and children need.
Andrew Tate: The Problematic World of Online Hate by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of Teen Tips & The Wellbeing Hub
Have you heard of Andrew Tate? If not, it is time to wise up, especially if you have boys and young men in your household. As parents we need to be aware of what they are being exposed to. We need to talk to our children, to explore their views and feelings, and educate them so that they can have the happy, healthy relationships they deserve. Alicia Drummond shares her tips on how to have these conversations with young people.
Transition To Secondary/Senior School – What Parents Need To Know by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of Teen Tips & The Wellbeing Hub
The purpose of this blog is to give you a few pointers to help you support your child in the more adult environment of senior/secondary school.
Parenting After Parting: Advice For Parents Wishing To Take Their Children On Holiday by Annabel Andreou, Solicitor In The Family & Divorce Team at Debenhams Ottaway
While many families will be looking forward to their first holiday abroad in three years, parents who are recently separated or divorced might be feeling anxious about holidaying as a single parent. Parents who are divorced or separated must take certain steps to ensure that their trip is in line with the law. Annabel Andreou shares her advice for recently separated parents and carers wishing to take their child on holiday.
Using Screens For Good This Summer by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
School is done, but some of us are still working, and the prospect of six weeks trying to entertain your offspring all summer may already be causing you nightmares. We share our tips on how to encourage your teen to balance their screen time and use their time online for good.
Prospective Memory & Decision Making by Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
Prospective memory develops during childhood and adolescence through to our mid-twenties, but during the teenage years other factors come into play which make it less reliable in certain circumstances. Teenagers need to become increasingly independent in preparation for leaving home and prospective memory plays an important role in helping them achieve this goal. Alicia explains the relationship between prospective memory, alcohol and decision making, and shares tips on how to prevent lapses of prospective memory.
Radicalisation: What Every Parent Needs To Know with DCI Tiffany Chapman from Counter Terrorism Policing
We talk to DCI Tiffany Chapman, Safeguarding Lead in the Counter Terrorism Police (CTP), about radicalisation in children and young people. We discuss what radicalisation is, how to tell if a young person is being radicalised, who the targets are, how to support children and young people, and finally, how to prevent this happening to your child.
How To Counter Eco-Anxiety by Katrina Judge, Founder & Director of Young Climate Warriors
We are delighted to share this blog written by Katrina Judge from Young Climate Warriors on how to counter eco-anxiety and support your child/ren. This resource is also available in The Wellbeing Hub for parents, pupils and staff.
Support Girls Around The World To Claim Their Right To An Education
We know that the power of education can be life changing. But in countries like Sierra Leone, girls are being held back. There are many problems forcing girls to drop out of school, the pandemic being one of them. If we act now, being denied an education doesn’t have to be the reality for this generation of girls. In this podcast, we are joined by a young woman who has been part of a Restless Development programme supporting young girls to go to school and complete their studies.
Understanding Tourette Syndrome with Lucy Toghill & Ione Georgakis from Tourettes Action
We talk to Lucy Toghill and Ione Georgakis from Tourettes Action, the leading support and research charity for people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and their families, about TS and how it manifests in children and young people. TS is often misunderstood, so the purpose of this podcast is to dispel the myths associated with the condition and to help spread awareness to enable parents, carers and teachers to support young people with TS. We discuss what TS is, how it manifests, what makes tics better or worse, co-occurring conditions, and TS and sibling relationships.
Managing Negative Thought Patterns by Clare Nicholas, School Counsellor at Pipers Corner
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, we thought we’d share this blog written by Clare Nicholas on negative thought patterns. Clare shares her advice on how to manage negative thought patterns, practise self-care, and notice your positive attributes. This is a great one to share with your child/pupils.
Understanding ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitits) CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) by Alicia Drummond, Parenting Expert & Therapist
It is hard living with ME/CFS, patients feel really unwell and miss out on day-to-day life because they simply don’t have the energy to participate. People with ME/CFS often have to make major lifestyle changes to manage their illness, and all of this can make them more susceptible to developing mental health issues, such as depression. Alicia discusses what ME/CFS is, and gives practical tips for parents with children with ME/CFS.
Journaling for Wellbeing & Stress Reduction with Francesca Geens, The Happy Self Journal
To mark Stress Awareness Month, we invited Francesca Geens, creator of The Happy Self Journal, an organisation that creates daily award-winning journals for children, teens and grown-ups. The journals use scientifically proven methods to reduce stress, promote happiness, develop healthy habits for life and nurture curiosity. We discuss the benefits of journaling for wellbeing, the different types of journaling, how to engage young people with journaling, and how journaling reduces stress and contributes to a growth mindset.
Eating Disorders with Alicia Drummond, Therapist & Founder of The Wellbeing Hub
This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week and with an estimated 1.25 million people living with an eating disorder in the UK it is helpful to know what we can do in terms of prevention and support. We discuss what an eating disorder is, how to spot the signs, and how to prevent your child from suffering with an eating disorder.
My Journey as a Transgender Man – Xavier Singer-Kingsmith
To celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, we invited Xavier Singer-Kingsmith, an artist, filmmaker, and illustrator to share his story of being a trans man and the factors that helped him love and accept his identity. Whether you want to expand your understanding of the experiences of people in the LGBTQIA+ community, or whether you’re questioning your identity, this podcast is for you.
Revision & Mocks: Advice for Parents by Lizzie Mitchell, University Lecturer & Tutor
January will have been a busy time for those sitting mocks in preparation for the summer. Some will have been reassured when they received their results, while others may have felt disappointed. As parents it can be difficult to know how best to help. So, what can we do? Lizzie Mitchell, an experienced tutor and university lecturer, shares her top tips and advice for parents.
Mental Health Campaigner Lottie Leach on Children’s Mental Health
To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, we invited Lottie Leach, a mental health campaigner and a winner of the celebrated Diana Legacy Award, to share her story of struggling with a mental illness. We discuss the shame and stigma surrounding mental health problems, and how important it is for young people to access support before they reach crisis point.
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Alicia Drummond
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health problem which affects two in every one hundred people. It is a complex disorder which can be difficult to understand for both the sufferer and their family and friends. You often hear people joking about being a bit OCD when you see their immaculate laundry cupboard or categorised book collection, but those who suffer from OCD know it is absolutely no joke. So what is it?
The Importance Of Hugs For Self-Esteem & Wellbeing In Adolescents with Alicia Drummond
As our children enter adolescence, they will start to reject things which seem childish to them, and that may include our gestures of affection. As parents we generally accept their rejection of childhood toys and interests but struggle when we are in the firing line. It is a sad day when a previously affectionate child pulls away from a hug or shuts down your expressions of love. For parents, the loss of intimacy can feel devastating, but what we sometimes fail to appreciate is that even though they are the ones doing the rejecting, they will experience a sense of loss too. In celebration of National Hugging Day, we discuss the importance of hugs for the self-esteem and wellbeing of young people.
Coping with Omicron Uncertainty with Alicia Drummond
The past twenty months have taken their toll on the wellbeing of so many people and the last thing we all needed was more uncertainty and drama, but here we are, Omicron is with us, and life has become unpredictable once more. We share our tips on how to support your children and cope with the uncertainty of life with the new Omicron variant.
How To Support Your Child’s Mental Health During Lockdown
We are starting to see an increase in Covid restrictions again and the cracks are showing. Parents are telling us that they are not ok and many are concerned about the mental health of their children, both young ones and teenagers. We are in a period of collective mourning with many of us grieving our loss of certainty, of social interaction, of familiar habits and routines. We want our old lives back and we want it now. We share our tips on how to support your child’s mental health during these uncertain times.
The Role Of Play In The Development Of Children & Young People
With Christmas around the corner, we thought it would be a brilliant time to talk to the wonderful Dr Amanda Gummer, a neuropsychologist, author, and the founder of The Good Play Guide. We discuss the role of play in the emotional, cognitive and social development of children and young people, and how it acts as a preventative tool for mental ill-health. Finally, Amanda gives us some helpful tips from The Good Play Guide, just in time for the Christmas break.
My Career In The Food Industry, Thomasina Miers, Winner of MasterChef 2005
We talk to Thomasina Miers, winner of MasterChef 2005 and the co-founder of Wahaca and the Chefs in Schools programme, about the ups and downs of her career and her struggles with mental health. Thomasina shares her tips on how to bounce back from ‘failure’, nurturing resilience, and what sparked her love for sustainability in the food industry. This is a great one for when you’re needing a little career inspiration or perhaps some motivation.
Gender-Based Violence with Natasha Eeles, Bold Voices
This podcast came about because of the recent publicity around ‘Everyone’s Invited’ and the topic of consent and harassment. We thought it would be a good time to talk to Natasha and hear her thoughts on how we can approach these issues, as well as how we can facilitate healthy conversations about consent & gender-based violence with young people.
Alicia on Times Radio
We’re delighted to announce that Alicia was interviewed by Kate Borsay on Times Radio on Friday. They discussed the impact that lockdown has had on the social and mental health of children and young people. Alicia also shares her thoughts on what support is needed to reacclimatise them with school.
Empowering Advice For Teenage Girls with ITV Presenter, Suzanne Virdee
We were delighted to record a podcast with ITV presenter, Suzanne Virdee on all things teenage life, specifically for girls. We cover topics like sexism, female empowerment, resilience and self-confidence, as well as how we can help teenage girls thrive through adolescence and beyond.
In Conversation with Helen Burns of Papyrus – Suicide Prevention
In our latest podcast, Alicia speaks to Helen Burns, Suicide Prevention Adviser for charity, Papyrus on how to talk to and support young people, the signs to look out for and what we can do as adults to prevent young people from taking their own lives.
In conversation with Emma-Jane Taylor On Teens & Mental Health
Alicia went onto the Emma-Jane Show’s podcast to discuss all things teens and mental health. This is a very open and honest conversation about recovery, resilience and Alicia’s journey to where she is today.
In Conversation With Ben Williams – Find Your Edge
Alicia speaks to Ben Williams of Find Your Edge in a podcast about resilience. A truly eye-opening and inspiring conversation on Ben’s teenage years of drugs and brushes with the law, to a decade in the Marines, shaping who he is today.
Family Meals
In this blog, we consider the advantages of eating together as a family – something we have all apparently been managing to do more often since lockdown.
Talking About Race And Ethnicity With Children & Teens
Following the horrific death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, we have been asked for advice on how to talk to children and teenagers about racism.
In The Press [The Sunday Times Magazine 24.5.20]
We’re so pleased to have collaborated in Lorraine Candy’s article in The Sunday Times Magazine 24.5.20 – ‘Family: teenagers who break lockdown rules need support not condemnation’.
In The Press [Interview With The Daily Telegraph]
Alicia was delighted to collaborate with Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, and the Daily Telegraph in this short film about the long term impact of Covid-19 on children.
In The Press [Interview In The Guardian / Observer]
Alicia was so pleased to have contributed to this article in The Observer on conflict in families as a result of lockdown.
In The Press [Interview on BBC Radio 5 Live]
Incase you missed it, here’s Alicia’s recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, about children and teenagers’ mental health and wellbeing, plus parenting during lockdown.
Talking Teenagers [A Coronavirus Conversation]
We were delighted to collaborate again with James Shone and James Sertin on their Talking To Teenagers series.
Online Grooming & Radicalisation [how to spot the signs and what to do]
With young people online more than ever, those who would seek to influence, radicalise or groom them via social media and gaming will be busy. Find out how to support your child and help them stay safe.
Free Listening Sessions For Teens In Particular Need Of Support
We are working with some wonderful therapists across the country and some are offering two free, half hour emergency sessions to teenagers who might be particularly struggling.
How To Talk To Your Child About Coronavirus
A pandemic can be a scary time for parents and children alike. So here are some pointers for keeping young people calm and holding a panic-free conversation about Coronavirus.
Talking Teenagers – Parenting Tips
Alicia shares some of her parenting gems with James Shone and James Sertin from Talking Teenagers, to help promote strong self-esteem and emotional resilience.
