Parent Support Worker
My name is Hayley Stephens and I am a mother of 3 young children who also go to a Church of England Primary School. I have worked for many years running self-esteem and confidence workshops for children and have supported many families through various capacities in my job roles over the years.

I am passionate about supporting parents/carers from all walks of life and helping to equip and enable them to feel more capable and positive about everyday life challenges. I am looking forward to getting know as many parents as I can and making sure I provide you the very best support.
I would love to find out more about what you would like support with. If you have any questions, support needs and ideas going forward, please feel free to email, call or drop a note into the parent support box at reception or join me at one of the Cuppa & Cake mornings!

Do you need Financial help?
Since the pandemic, many families through no fault of their own are struggling financially.
We have put together a page of information with links to organisations that may be able to help.
Click Here for Financial Help.
Local Community Support – Newsletter

1-1 Meetups
Monday afternoons either virtually, or in person in school
I am always happy to meet with you in person to discuss any challenges you might be having. Life can get so busy and consuming sometimes, that we just need someone to share what we are going through, so you feel listened to and understood.
I will always try to offer helpful coping strategies.

Trickbox Courses
I will be running Trickbox courses during the year for ALL parents/Carers.
Each course helps you to be the best version of you and provides helpful parenting strategies so you can have a happier and healthier family life.
Click HERE for more information on ALL Trickbox courses running this year.
Encouraging feedback received from Tracey who attended a Trickbox course:
The course has provided me with some great tools in helping to have the confidence to deal with various situations, not just with my children, but in life situations too. Even taking the time out to do the course and hear from other people who have similar feelings and/or similar situations has proved incredibly useful and productive.
I think sometimes the act of taking time out to think and share ideas helps you feel as though something is changing already and committing to the course has helped me follow this on. By committing to making things better using tools from the course I feel that things at home and work have improved already and I am working on this with my husband also.
Please email if you would like to book a place:
h.stephens@st-johns.bournemouth.sch.uk
Useful Leaflets from BCP
Building Positive Relationships
Parenting Journey Leaflet
Reading with CARE – Autism Leaflet
Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit
Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme Leaflet
Volunteering
Who’s in Charge? – Parenting Programme
Every child is different, and everyone develops at a different pace. Some children need extra support at school or in day-to-day life.
Many children struggled because of the disruption around the Covid-19 pandemic, and it can be hard to know if your child is still affected by that, or they need longer term support.
You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for support, but it can often help your child to get one.
The articles on our site can help you to best support your child. If you need someone to talk to directly, you can speak to one of our qualified parent coaches on our live chat service.
Hope Programme for Parents of Autistic Children
Click the link for details of the Hope Programme and dates for courses

Umbrella Group Autism Talks and Workshops
The Umbrella Group supports parents and carers of children on the autistic spectrum.
Check out the latest programme of events from February to March 2023 below.

Programmes Run by BCP Council
Click on the link below to see what Programmes are being offered by BCP council to support parents of children 5 – 11 years.

Support for Young Carers and Siblings of Disabled People – Sense
Sometimes, we all need space to relax and share our experiences with people who understand us. That’s why we offer support and activities to young carers and siblings of people with disabilities.

Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Mental Health?
Young Minds provide a Parent Helpline and Webchat from 9:30am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday.

What can I do if my child has a meltdown?
Meltdowns are an involuntary emotional response to the senses being overloaded. They’re different from tantrums, which usually have a purpose, and are a response to not getting or being able to do what they want.
When having a meltdown, your child will be looking to you to help them regain control of their feelings.

How can I deal with an autistic meltdown?
If your child has autism, meltdowns may be stronger and more frequent. Your child may also need more recovery time. Some of the usual calming strategies may not work, but you can learn to help your child.

What can I do if my child is being violent?
If your child has autism, meltdowns may be stronger and more frequent. Your child may also need more recovery time. Some of the usual calming strategies may not work, but you can learn to help your child.
If your child has autism, meltdowns may be stronger and more frequent. Your child may also need more recovery time. Some of the usual calming strategies may not work, but you can learn to help your child.

Anger management for teens or tweens
If your child is being angry or aggressive, it’s important to realise that these aren’t necessarily the emotions your child is trying to show you. Read our tips for helping them manage their emotions.
Reading with Extra-CARE for Young Children with Autism and Language Delays
by Caroline Webster Stratton, PhD
BCP Inclusion HAF Activities
(Holiday Activities and Food Programme)
If you meet the following criteria you can register with our Inclusion HAF Programme.
- A Resident of Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole
- Children aged between 5 – 16yrs
- A family eligible and in receipt of benefits related free school meals
- Registered as meeting the criteria for Special Educational Need (SEN) or have a disability
Registering will ensure that we can keep you up to date with all the activities on offer and enable you to book your places.