Parents and carers of children waiting for mental health support in Oxfordshire can now access extra help thanks to a new service called Supportive Steps.

Run by Oxfordshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Supportive Steps offers short-term online workshops designed to give families practical tools and advice while they wait for further assessment or treatment.

The service became part of CAMHS’ Getting Help package following a successful year-long pilot involving more than 60 parents.

Nicole Wareing, clinical lead for the service, said:

“Parents or carers are usually the first to notice when things aren’t quite right, so it makes sense to give them the information they need to support young people. The pilot showed Supportive Steps really makes a difference, especially for families dealing with mild anxiety or early signs of depression.”

The workshops, held at lunchtime or in the evening, cover topics such as low mood, anxiety, and early depression. Parents also have the chance to share experiences with others in similar situations and learn practical tips from mental health professionals.

Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive:

“It felt reassuring to have a team who know what they are talking about and have lots of ways to help and support us,” said one parent. Another added: “Information was clear and relevant, and it was great to be able to ask questions and feel listened to.”

Supportive Steps is available to parents and carers of young people referred to CAMHS’ Getting Help or Getting More Help services. Additional resources include online workshops on specific mental health needs, one-to-one sessions with clinicians, and in-person groups for young people awaiting assessment.

For parents and carers of young people up to age 25, CAMHS also runs We Are With You. This is a parent-led support group offering informal sessions across Oxfordshire and online. They do not need active referral to Getting Help or Getting more help

For details of all available courses, visit the the Supportive Steps webpage or call 01865 902 515.