Free To Be Me Wakefield
Free To Be Me is a holistic youth offer in Wakefield, working with all aspects of a child’s life to help support their understanding of their identity and who they are.
Changing our Direction Wakefield
A supportive small group course for families whose young people are at risk of self-harm.
Who's it for?
Families of young people aged 11 – 16 who are at risk of self-harm in the Wakefield area
When does it run?
Course dates vary
How much does it cost?
Free
How to access the service
Contact us using the form below
About this service
Changing Our Direction (COD) has been set up to support families who have young people who present with self-harm behaviours.
KIDS work with parents, carers and young people to help families better understand self-harm, improve communication and develop strategies to support young people safely within the family environment.
Changing Our Direction is delivered by the KIDS Changing Our Direction (COD) team, who have received intensive training with the Ministry of Parenting to deliver the FLASH programme.
The service supports families through a range of programmes and workshops, including our FLASH parent/carer programme, Teen FLASH and SHIP workshops.
What is FLASH?
FLASH is designed to support families where a young person is presenting with self-harm behaviours. It provides parents and carers with an opportunity to explore self-harm, understand what may be behind the behaviour and develop practical skills to support their young person.
The programme aims to create better communication and stronger personal relationships between parents/carers and young people.
FLASH allows parents and carers the opportunity to discuss their concerns with other people who understand, share experiences and learn how to manage concerns within the home.
Who delivers FLASH?
The FLASH programme is delivered by the KIDS Changing Our Direction (COD) team.
Members of the COD team have undertaken intensive training with the Ministry of Parenting, giving them specialist preparation to deliver the FLASH programme and support families needing support around self-harm.
Who is the service for?
Changing Our Direction supports families who have young people who present with self-harm behaviours.
Our programmes provide opportunities for:
- Parents and carers to develop their understanding of self-harm.
- Young people to explore their experiences in a supportive environment.
- Families to develop better communication and relationships.
- Parents and carers to develop practical coping and support strategies.
- Families to connect with others who have similar experiences.
Our programmes
The FLASH parent/carer programme is a 10-week group programme delivered alongside other families.
What does the programme cover?
The programme includes:
- Exploring what self-harm is.
- Understanding the risks associated with self-harm.
- Exploring the function of self-harm and why a young person may use self-harm as a coping strategy.
- Developing listening and self-esteem enabling skills.
- Managing self-harm within the family environment.
- Understanding how self-harm can impact on parenting.
- Exploring ways to manage stressful circumstances within the family.
- Developing coping strategies for parents and carers.
- Improving communication and relationships between parents/carers and young people.
The group format provides parents and carers with an opportunity to learn alongside other families, share experiences and develop supportive strategies in a safe and understanding environment.
Duration: 10 weeks
Who is this for: Parents and carers of young people who present with self-harm behaviours
Teen FLASH is a 4-week, in-person programme designed to work directly with young people who present with self-harm behaviours.
The programme provides young people with an opportunity to explore self-harm in a supportive environment, develop their understanding of their own experiences and build strategies that can help them manage difficult emotions and situations.
Teen FLASH complements the parent/carer FLASH programme by giving young people their own space to explore relevant issues, while parents and carers develop their own understanding and skills through the wider Changing Our Direction offer.
Duration: 4 weeks
Delivery: In person
Who is if for: Young people who present with self-harm behaviours
SHIP is delivered as a 2-hour workshop (both in person and online) as part of the Changing Our Direction offer.
The workshop provides an opportunity for families and professionals to increase their understanding of self-harm, explore the experiences and needs of young people and consider how best to respond and provide support.
The workshop can be used as an accessible introduction to understanding self-harm and the principles that underpin the wider Changing Our Direction and FLASH programmes.
Duration: 2 hours
Further Information and Referrals
If you would like more information about Changing Our Direction, FLASH, Teen FLASH or SHIP, please contact the Changing Our Direction team on 01924 926263.
Alternatively, complete the referral form below and a member of the team will be in touch.
Contact this service
For questions or general information about the service please use the contact form below. Alternatively, you can reach us by phone or email.
Phone: 01924 683 890
Email: Changing.ourdirection@kids.org.uk
Other services in Wakefield
Wakefield Early Behaviour Support Service
WEBSS provides early support for behaviour that challenges to families in Wakefield with children aged 4–10.
Wakefield Awareness Support Project
WASP supports the emotional well-being of children and young autistic or otherwise neurodiverse people in Wakefield.