Parenting service
Our 10 week parenting programmes have now been running for several years, and have been well received by parents who find their children difficult to cope with.
After coming on our courses, nine out of ten parents report that their children’s behaviour has improved significantly.
Our parent groups meet once a week for a two hour session and the service is completely free and confidential.
We offer a friendly atmosphere and we’ll help with bus fares and child care costs if you need it. You can also bring a partner, relative, friend or neighbour with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good thing if both me and my partner come to the parenting groups?
We encourage parents to bring their partner or a close relative because it’s helpful to talk to someone else about the advice that’s offered. We’ve had mothers, fathers, step-parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours coming to our courses, however there are many people who come on their own.
It’s really difficult for us as I work shifts and my wife has a part time job. Can you help us?
As our groups run in both the evenings and the mornings, it’s possible for one parent to attend a morning group one week and then to switch to the evening group the following week. You will find that both groups are covering the same material.
I’m really desperate for help. When do these courses start?
We run a 10 week course that starts at the beginning of each term, i.e. January, May and September. We also have a four week taster course that runs after each half term during March, June and November.
I’m worried about what happens when I discuss my problems in the group. Do you tell others like the social services?
We are not part of the social services and we will not pass on anything that you say to anyone else like a doctor, social worker or teacher unless you ask us to. You have a right for your information to remain confidential and we will respect that. However, if there is an issue where there is a risk that a child will be harmed then we have a duty to pass this information on. If this happens we will make every effort to discuss this with you first.
Do I have to get my GP to refer me to one of your parenting groups?
No. You don’t have to talk to anyone else about your youngster - you can ring us directly on 01639-620771 and we’ll take the information over the phone, or you can just come into the office at 19-20 London Road, Neath.
Are these groups just for bad parents?
We don’t believe in the idea of bad parents. Every parent has done things that they have probably wished they hadn’t. All of us have needed help in bringing up our children and the courses we run give you tips and advice that really work.
We have all sorts of parents attending - people who are employed, unemployed, fathers, grandparents, middle class and working class. Some parents have come to get advice before their youngster reaches a different period, like adolescence.
