Your Mental Health Matters
Receiving your child's diagnosis can be an emotional rollercoaster for the whole family. At Choice Wellbeing Service CIC, we're here to help you navigate that journey. As parent carers ourselves, we understand firsthand the challenges you face. We offer a holistic support system, providing practical advice, signposting to relevant services, and a safe space to simply be heard. When life feels overwhelming, our in-house counselling service offers 8-10 sessions of structured support. We've been there, we understand, and we're here to walk alongside you. Our therapy spaces, located within a vibrant family hub, offer a nurturing and supportive environment. We believe in building trust and empowering you, because you are the expert of your own experience.
Holistic Support Service
Being a parent carer can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to navigate appointments, education, health services, benefits, and everyday family life. You don't have to do it alone.
Our Holistic Support Service has been created by parent carers, for parent carers. It offers personalised, solution-focused support to help you feel informed, empowered, and better equipped to navigate your family's SEND journey.
Whether your child has recently received a diagnosis, you're waiting for answers, or you've been navigating the system for years, we're here to support you. There is no "right time" to ask for help.
Every family is different, which is why our support is tailored to your individual needs. Your dedicated Wellbeing Practitioner will work alongside you to explore the challenges you're facing, celebrate your strengths, and help you identify practical solutions that work for your family.
What our service can offer
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One-to-one support from a dedicated Wellbeing Practitioner
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Flexible appointments that work around your family's needs
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Emotional wellbeing and mental health support
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Guidance through education, health and social care processes
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Help understanding services, pathways and available support
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Signposting and referrals to specialist organisations where appropriate
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Support to set realistic, achievable goals
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Access to financial wellbeing advice, including benefit guidance, to help ensure you're receiving the support you're entitled to
Our aim is simple: to help you feel less alone, more confident, and better supported throughout your journey.
This service is available to parent carers aged 18 and over.
Ready to take the next step?
You can refer yourself, or someone else (with their consent), by completing the referral form below. We look forward to supporting you.
Counselling
Being a parent carer can be emotionally demanding. Many parent carers spend so much time supporting others that they rarely have the opportunity to focus on themselves.
Our counselling service provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a qualified counsellor. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with your mental health, or simply need someone to listen, we're here to support you.
Counselling is typically offered over 8–12 sessions, although this may vary depending on your individual needs.
Our counsellors primarily work from a person-centred approach, allowing you to explore what matters most to you at your own pace. Where appropriate, they may also incorporate Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help you develop practical strategies and achieve your personal goals.
All counselling takes place in a comfortable, welcoming and confidential environment, where you'll be supported by a compassionate and experienced member of our counselling team.
Every one of our counsellors:
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Holds recognised counselling qualifications.
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Is fully insured for both your safety and theirs.
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Is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works within its Ethical Framework.
Together, you and your counsellor will work towards a therapeutic goal, helping you explore your experiences, understand your emotions, develop coping strategies, and move towards improved emotional wellbeing.
Counselling may be helpful if you are experiencing:
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Anxiety or excessive worry
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Low mood or depression
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Stress or burnout
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Bereavement, grief or feelings of loss
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Loss of identity following your caring role
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Low self-esteem or confidence
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Anger, frustration or emotional overwhelm
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Major life changes or transitions
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Difficulties in relationships, work or family life
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The emotional impact of caring for a child with additional needs
Who can access this service?
Our counselling service is available to parent carers aged 18 and over who live in the North East of England.
How do I make a referral?
You can refer yourself by completing the referral form below.
Once we've received your referral, a member of our team will aim to contact you within two weeks to discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and explain the next steps.
