Supporting Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

Dr Alison Prowle is a senior lecturer at the University of Worcester, where she specialises in teaching and research connected to trauma-aware practice and children’s adverse life experiences. Prior to joining the university, Alison worked extensively in schools, third-sector organisations and local authorities. Alison completed her doctoral studies at Cardiff University where her research focused on multi-agency and community support to forced migrant families in Wales. Alison has also undertaken extensive research with care experienced families, families with a disabled child and families in ‘left behind’ communities. She is passionate about equipping the children and family’s workforce to use strength-based, democratic and compassionate approaches to support children and families to achieve positive outcomes and realise their aspirations.Nicola Stobbs was a senior lecturer and course leader for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood in Society at the University of Worcester. The degree was underpinned by Social Pedagogy, a human-rights based approach focusing on ethics, relationship-based practice and empowerment. She has undertaken considerable research with groups experiencing adversity and marginalisation, for example kinship children and carers, children and families in areas of deprivation and Roma, Gypsy Travellers. Before working at the university, Nicola was a primary school teacher and the manager of a pre-school. Nicola is also the chair of Play Worcester, a charity committed to ensuring children have opportunities to play outside more often in their communities.

• Preface. 1.An Introduction to Working Therapeutically with Children and Families. 2.Understanding Adversity. 3.Supporting the Holistic Needs of Children and Families. 4.The Importance of Play. 5.The Role of Creativity in Supporting Those Who Have Experienced Adversity. 6.The Great Outdoors. 7.A Mindful Approach. 8.Talking Therapies. 9.The Power of Stories. 10.The Attuned Practitioner. 11.Supporting Our Own Wellbeing. 12.Bringing it all Together and Next Steps.