Free on line resources supporting emotional health and wellbeing for children and families

Residents across Wokingham Borough can now access a range of free online resources to support emotional health and wellbeing for children and families. 

A funded licence for Togetherness, an online learning platform offering NHS-informed wellbeing support, means local people can use the online learning package at no cost.  

The resources include evidence-based guidance to help people better understand big feelings, children’s development and the importance of nurturing of relationships in supporting children to thrive. 

The offer is focused on supporting children, young people and family mental health and wellbeing, with advice and support for families and practitioners. There is something for everyone. The free online resources include: 

• Antenatal courses  

• Postnatal learning, including specialist support for NICU parents  

• Support to understand your child from toddler to teenager, including a tailored advice for children with additional needs  

• Support to understand adolescence, for both parents and young people  

• Adult mental health resources, including trauma information and relationship support  

All pathways have been written by NHS psychologists, psychotherapists and health practitioners. 

To get started, residents can create a free account and use the access code: bwfamilies 

Emma Cockerell, executive director of children’s services, said: “We all know family life can be busy and sometimes overwhelming and all of us need support or advice at one time or another in navigating being a parent.  

“That’s why it’s so important that people can access trusted support in their own time and in a way that suits them.” 

Dr Rebecca Johnson, consultant clinical psychologist and Togetherness development manager, said:  “We believe that relationships and togetherness can have a transformational impact on wellbeing and mental health. For children, healthy relationships can protect them from mental illness and make a real difference to behaviour.  “The online learning offer is for all parents and anyone interested in learning more about wellbeing, behaviour and raising thriving children.” 

More than 330,000 learners have already used Togetherness, with satisfaction rates consistently above 90 per cent. Research also shows the courses can help improve closeness in parent-child relationships, reduce conflict and can help to build parents’ confidence.