Mental Health UK’s theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10th October is something simple yet so powerful: “Everyone is encouraged to think of the number one thing they can do to support their mental health.”

So many of us start every day with a head full of commitments – an ever growing to do list of family obligations, deadlines at work and household chores to name a few. How often do we ask ourselves – how can I take care of my mental health today?

We are all on our own journey with mental health. If anxiety levels are increasing, make time to have a check in with yourself. Take time out from whatever you are doing and observe what is going on. What is it that you can do to help yourself? What is within your circle of control? When you start to unpick a situation that is causing anxiety you can see where you might be able to change aspects so it becomes less stress-inducing and more comfortable.

If you haven’t come across the circle of control before it is a really helpful visual tool that you can use throughout your day, applying it to home life, work situations and so on. It will help you identify aspects that you have control, influence, and power over [Conceptualised by Stephen Covey, 1989]. https://learningloop.io/glossary/circles-of-influence#:~:text=The%20Circle%20of%20Control%20includes,the%20weather%20or%20global%20politics. This tool can encourage you to become proactive and make change and be more accepting of other areas where your influence is minimal. It will help you to focus on what you can start, stop, continue, or change within your circle of control that would have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

If it’s your child, get them to paint, take part in outside play, or just play with sensory toys. We can all find ways to look after our mental health.

This World Mental Health Day join with Mental Health UK and put your mental health first. Make it not only your personal priority but a priority in every setting. Prioritising mental health isn’t just a powerful theme to promote on the 10th October – it should be an ever-present theme in everyone’s life.

The Impact of ADHD on Families and How Grace House Can Help

Victoria Brown says “As the CEO of Grace House, I have seen first-hand the profound impact that Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have on families. ADHD is more than just a diagnosis—it’s a daily reality that affects the entire family, influencing everything from school performance and social relationships to family dynamics and emotional well-being. At Grace House, we are committed to supporting families on this journey by providing a compassionate, holistic approach to care”.

Understanding the Challenges of ADHD for Families

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can present unique challenges for children, but they also extend to the entire family. Parents often face a multitude of emotional and practical challenges, including managing disruptive behaviours, advocating for appropriate support in educational settings, and finding time to maintain their own well-being.

For many families, daily routines can become overwhelming. Simple tasks like getting ready for school, completing homework, or sitting down for a family meal can turn into stressful situations. Siblings may feel overlooked as parents focus their attention on the child with ADHD, leading to feelings of resentment or misunderstanding. Marital relationships can also be strained as parents cope with differing views on managing ADHD, further complicating family dynamics.

These challenges can create an environment of stress and tension, making it difficult for families to function harmoniously. However, with the right support, families can learn to navigate these complexities more effectively and create a nurturing environment where every member can thrive.

How Grace House Supports Families

At Grace House, we understand that every family’s experience with ADHD is unique. That’s why we provide tailored support that addresses the specific needs of each family member. Our goal is to empower families by offering a range of services that help them build resilience, enhance communication, and foster stronger relationships.

1. Family-Centred Support: Our approach at Grace House is holistic, focusing not only on the individual with ADHD but also on the entire family. We provide counselling and therapy sessions that help parents and siblings understand ADHD and learn strategies to cope with the associated challenges. By using open communication and empathy, we help families reduce tension and create a more supportive environment at home.
2. Community Support: At Grace House, we believe in the power of community. We connect families with others who are facing similar challenges, creating a network of support and understanding. Our peer support groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, offering advice, and finding comfort in knowing you are not alone.
3. Youth Activities: providing young disabled people with safe environments to share experiences and just have fun with their mates. We also provide sibling groups where brothers and sisters can come in and share the experiences.

At Grace House, we see the potential in every child and family. ADHD presents its challenges, but it also comes with unique strengths. Our mission is to help families recognise these strengths, provide the help they need to thrive, and build a brighter, more hopeful future together. If you or someone who needs our help, please contact [email protected] or check out www.gracehouse.co.uk

The Benefits of Volunteering: Building Skills for Employment

Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the community while also gaining valuable skills, especially for those just starting their careers. It provides a platform to develop both personal and professional abilities that can enhance your employability.

For starters, volunteering helps you build transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. Whether you are organising events, helping with administrative tasks, or assisting people in need, these experiences mirror many situations you’ll encounter in the workplace.

In addition, volunteering gives you a chance to develop specialised skills related to the industry you’re interested in. For example, volunteering at a charity that focuses on marketing can teach you about campaign management, social media, or fundraising—skills directly relevant to a marketing role.

Beyond skills, volunteering also shows potential employers your commitment, initiative, and ability to work with others, which are highly valued traits. It demonstrates that you are willing to go above and beyond to gain experience and make a difference.

In summary, volunteering not only benefits the community but also serves as a stepping stone to building a strong foundation for your career, giving you the experience and skills you need to stand out in the job market.

At Grace House we provide a one-to-one supported work experience programme for young people with disabilities. We believe and feedback has illustrated, that tailored initiatives such as ours go beyond job training; they build confidence, enhance skills, foster independence, and ultimately improve employability prospects.

For many young people with disabilities, navigating the world of work can be daunting. Traditional work environments may feel overwhelming due to physical, social, or cognitive challenges. The journey towards independence can also be particularly challenging for young people with disabilities. This is where our one-to-one supported work experience makes a difference, empowering disabled young people from the outset, to take charge of their professional and personal growth.

At Grace House we provide a one-to-one supported work experience programme for young people with disabilities. We believe and feedback has illustrated, that tailored initiatives such as ours go beyond job training; they build confidence, enhance skills, foster independence, and ultimately improve employability prospects.

For many young people with disabilities, navigating the world of work can be daunting. Traditional work environments may feel overwhelming due to physical, social, or cognitive challenges. The journey towards independence can also be particularly challenging for young people with disabilities. This is where our one-to-one supported work experience makes a difference, empowering disabled young people from the outset, to take charge of their professional and personal growth.

With personalised support, participants gain the confidence to tackle tasks and challenges they might have otherwise deemed insurmountable. Our work experience mentor will adapt training methods to align with the participants preferred ways of learning. Whether it’s breaking tasks into manageable steps, using assistive technologies, or employing alternative communication methods, the flexibility of one-to-one support ensures that learning is effective and enjoyable. The reassuring presence of a mentor who understands their unique needs and potential encourages them to step out of their comfort zones. Over time, they begin to see their own capabilities more clearly, leading to a significant boost in self-esteem.

This personalised approach not only enhances skill acquisition but also reinforces the participants ability to apply these skills in real-world settings, whether that be the working environment of Grace House or at one of our outside partner venues. Our supportive workplace environments help our work experience participants to navigate the workplace confidently, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Our program also promotes inclusion and diversity in the workplace, offering businesses access to a rich talent pool while fostering a culture of empathy. The mentor-mentee relationship is mutually rewarding, providing insights and growth opportunities for both parties.

Ultimately, one-to-one supported work experience is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, creating inclusive workplaces, and transforming lives. Investing in these programs paves the way for a more equitable and empowered future.

Ross comments about his experience:“I didn’t know what to expect but it worked well for me. I was welcomed and felt like part of the team. I experienced a new work environment and learned new skills.”

Youth Mental Health Day, an opportunity to recognise the unique challenges that young people face, and the positive impact support can bring.

Grace House offer free, confidential counselling and mental health support for disabled children and their siblings aged 04-25 who live, work or study in in the North-East.

Every year, we support these young people through counselling, workshops, employment support and access to resources.

We currently have a team of 11 Psychotherapists and Counsellors supporting disabled children and their siblings here at Grace House.  We know it’s brave to ask for help so we make sure to offer a wide range of support and access/entry points in the hope that it means young people can ask for what they need more quickly.

Disabled children and their siblings tell us that seeing others like them who have asked for help, and have a story of recovery, helps them feel better able to ask for help.

We believe supporting disabled young people and their siblings to understand themselves, and their mental health, allows them to take charge of their wellbeing and gives them confidence to ask for help. This is all part of being brave.

Disabled children and their siblings tell us that counselling, and taking part in our workshops and other Grace House activities helps them to feel more confident and braver. Recent feedback includes:

“Counselling has been so beneficial for C to help him process his thoughts and feelings.  It was really important to C to feel heard and believed, and the counsellor was brilliant supporting C so that he felt this.  The counsellor also proactively liaised with school to support C with his difficulties.”

“O seems happier in himself and able to cope better with his stress.  He has learned coping strategies for times he feels overwhelmed, it has been noticeable that he doesn’t bang his head off ‘anything’ to deal with frustration.”

“The therapeutic service has been good. I have seen a noticeable and positive change in my daughter’s wellbeing and behaviour. My daughter has gained in confidence and self-esteem. My daughter has developed strategies to help with bullies. My intention was for her to be happier in life, and she is!”

Step into a world of 80s elegance and sparkle at The Glitterball, hosted at Sunderland Live (Formerly Rainton Arena) on Saturday 19^th October, all in support of Grace House North East.

Dress to impress in your finest 80s attire and get ready to dance the night away. The evening will be hosted by Alfie Joey and we will be joined by The Reflex 80s Band and magician Andy Larmouth. Tickets are just £60pp which includes a 3 course meal, welcome drink and night of amazing entertainment.

Grace House North East is supports disabled children, young people, and their families through a wide range of services, including counselling, work experience, youth groups, parent support groups, and more. Your attendance at The Glitterball directly contributes to our mission, helping provide these essential services that make a significant impact on many lives.

This event has kindly been sponsored by FM4U Limited, without their support. Events like this wouldn’t be possible.

We would also like to thank Richard Reed Solicitors for sponsoring a table meaning that some of our families can attend the night for free!

Book your tickets now by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01914352088