BARNARDOS - FAMILY LINX

We provide support for parents and carers with children up to the end of year 7. Your child will to have a diagnosis of Autism or be on the Autism Spectrum Disorder pathway for diagnosis.

What support we offer

• Cygnet and Teen Life Parenting programme
• Peer Support group
• Accessible consultations
• Targeted individual support
• Sleep support

How can families access the service?

Families are asked to register with the service themselves by contacting Barnardo's Priory Family Centre in person or by telephone.

Professionals can signpost parents and carers to the Family Linx Service or support families in completing the registration form.

How do these services work?

The Peer Support Group is led by parents and takes place every Friday morning between 10am and 11.15am excluding bank holidays. The group is held in the Rainbow Room at Priory Family Centre, Priory Campus.

Parents and carers can 

• Meet others in a similar situation
• Share feelings and experiences
• Make new friends
• Learn new ways of coping with difficulties
• Gain emotional support
• Have time out
• Celebrate the positives with new families who understand

Consultation Appointments

If parents needs specific support and require private discussions, consultations are available with a member of the Family Linx team. (Parents can book these in advance to guarantee an appointment by ringing the centre.)

Targeted Individual Support

A block of session can be offered to parents needing tailored support. These can support parents and carers who are:

• Feeling isolated
• Feeling anxious, stressed or worried
• Struggling to understand their child's behaviour and emotions
• Need to access the Cygnet programme online

Sleep Support

Sessions are offered to parents needing individual support. Group workshops are available during the year. This area of support can help parents and carers who are:

• Struggling to encourage their children to and remain asleep
• Struggling to manage bedtime routines

Cygnet and Teen Life Parenting Programme

Cygnet and Teen Life are 6 week parenting programmes which takes place on Wednesday mornings between 9.30am and 11.30am. Groups take place throughout the year.

They are theory-based programmes that aims to help parents and carers to:

• Understand their child's behaviour
• Understand their child's emotions
• Support their child's communication needs
• Identify and manage their child's sensory needs
• Learn new ways of coping with difficulties
• Make new friends

For more information, please contact us.