Welsh mum praises Parent Talk free parental advice service

As Action for Children marks Mental Health Awareness Week, a Welsh mother has praised the charity’s new Parent Talk Cymru online support service for help she’s accessed for her 3-year-old child, who is being assessed for Autistic Syndrome Disorder (ASD).

Describing the service as ‘like a crutch,’ Catrin, from Porthcawl, has recommended the service to friends facing similar issues.

Launched in December last year, Parent Talk Cymru connects parents and carers with trained parenting coaches via its confidential one-to-one online chat service in English and Welsh which gives parents somewhere to turn for free, practical advice and emotional support.  In the first quarter of 2021, there have been nearly 5000 contacts in Wales with the vast majority relating to behaviour, mental health and wellbeing.

Catrin said: ‘As a single mum with a young child showing symptoms of ASD, I felt very isolated and my health visitor referred me to Action for Children who provided me with a series of supportive sessions that really helped.  When that ended, the support worker flagged up Parent Talk Cymru as an extra support tool and it’s excellent.

‘There is so much useful information on there but sometimes with the complex issues suspected ASD can present, you need to speak to a human being.  It’s brilliant that option is there through the online chat service.  The only consistent support I’ve had has been from Action for Children, and Parent Talk really is like a crutch.  I’ve recommended it to friends in a similar boat to me and they’ve also found it very useful.’

Bethan Watts is Action for Children’s programme team lead for Parent Talk in Wales.  She said: “This is such an important and innovative service for parents and families.  The pandemic has created all sorts of extra pressure and demands, especially for mums like Catrin who have to deal with really challenging issues every single day.’

‘She has felt very alone at times and it’s great to know we’ve been able to help her in a very practical way as well as provide on going support and a safety net in Parent Talk.  The reassurance of knowing someone is there to answer problems that can often come out of the blue cannot be underestimated.  We’re very proud to be offering this service that makes a genuine and positive impact on the lives of Welsh parents.  I urge any parent in Wales to go to http://www.parent-talk.org.uk/wales if they need help, advice or support.’