Children's wellbeing is closely bound to their parents' wellbeing. Well being is more than just your physical health- it involves your emotional, social and mental health too. It’s the overall satisfaction you feel about yourself and your life – which can go up and down depending on what’s happening in your life.

Good wellbeing can include:

• Feeling able to cope with daily stresses
• Having a sense of purpose and generally enjoying life
• Feeling able to manage negative emotions
• Feeling connected to your community
• Having supportive relationships
• Being able to do and enjoy things that are important to you

Take small steps to improve your wellbeing

Looking after yourself doesn’t need to take up a lot of time or involve big changes.

You could:

• Plan time for yourself
• Avoid expecting too much of yourself
• Take any opportunity to get some rest
• Do things that you enjoy or find relaxing
• Don't compare yourself to other parents or your child to their children
• Socialise-join a parent support group (i.e. Oaklands coffee mornings, LAS meetings)
• Say 'Yes' when someone offers you support
• Remember that tough phases pass
• Celebrate each small step your child makes
• Ask for help, you don't have to do it alone

There are many people who are happy to talk to you at Oaklands or in the wider community, for advice, support or just to share experiences:

Oaklands' Family Support Worker- Dhrupti Champaneri 07842601349

Leicestershire Autistic Society (LAS) Jenny Cornwell - 07775777524 or email leicestershireautisticsociety@gmail.com 

Come and join our LAS Meetings at Oaklands 10-11.30am every 2nd Tuesday of the month

Citizen advice- 0300 330 1025

Salvation Army - 0116 262 1834 (food bank) 

Samaritans -  Free from any phone -  116 123 (listening service) 

Turning point - 0330 3036000