A new teenager behaviour course, ‘Growing Your Teenager’, which has recently been piloted in Horsham has been rated as a great success by the parents and carers who attended.
Horsham District Council, in partnership with West Sussex County Council and Sussex Police, developed the course with the aim of increasing parents’ knowledge about the types of issues their young people may face as they transition from primary to secondary school.
Developed as a pilot, the initial course was delivered at Horsham’s Tanbridge House School.
The course content covered potential issues such as anxiety, stress, drugs and alcohol, low self- esteem and staying safe online, amongst other topics.
A mixture of presentations and interactive discussions resulted in very informative sessions for attendees.
Additionally, a ‘marketplace’ of partner organisations providing support services for young people and their parents was also on hand.
Commenting on the pilot course Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing Cllr Sam Raby said:
“I am delighted that the feedback we have received from this initial course was so positive and that as a result, we will now roll the programme out to additional secondary schools in the District.
“We do understand how challenging it can sometimes be as a parent with teenage children, and are pleased that this course provides so many useful tools to help people understand the changes their young person is going through at this time in their lives.
“Rest assured that help is at hand and there is a broad range of professionals available to support the best outcomes for both parents and young people entering adolescence. Look out for new ‘Grow Your Teenager’ programme in the New Year.”
Mark Sheridan, Headteacher Tanbridge House School said:
“The ‘Growing Your Teenager’ course was fantastic opportunity to support parents and carers at the point of their children transitioning from primary to secondary school.
“We were delighted to be working collaboratively with Horsham District Council, sharing advice with parents and carers on ways to help support their children through this transition and signpost where they can receive further help."
All three sessions were well attended with many positive comments from those who attended. Using feedback from parents and carers, the Council is looking forward to building on the success of this project and running it again next year.
One attendee commented:
“It was brilliant. It was extremely reassuring to know there are local professional services out there to support parents and teens. Getting advice on communication with them and being aware of the main dangers to look out for going forward was really good. Really worthwhile, thank you.”