Free access to NHS-backed support and emotional wellbeing programme for parents and families

Residents across Reading are being offered free access to an NHS-backed support and emotional wellbeing programme, which contains a suite of online learning resources designed for parents, families, young people and children.

Developed by NHS psychologists, psychotherapists and health practitioners, ‘Togetherness’ uses videos and interactive resources to guide learners through a wide variety of topics. Subjects include online antenatal and postnatal support, understanding your child from toddler to teenager, support with common parenting topics such as anxiety, sleep and toileting and understanding adolescence, and adult mental health, including trauma information and relationship support.

Access has been made available by the public health team at Reading Borough Council and residents can create a free account at togetherness.co.uk/berkshire-west/ using the access code: BWFAMILIES

Dr Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health for Reading Borough Council, said:

“Relationships within the family can have a big impact on people’s emotional wellbeing, for both young and old, and make a real difference to people’s behaviour. The Togetherness programme is very much in line with our public health priority of giving children the best start in life. There is a wealth of learning within this online resource, and we are delighted to be making it available to local families for free.”

All learning is self-paced and available on any internet-connected device. Personal data is kept secure and never shared.

More than 330,000 learners across the country have already used Togetherness, with satisfaction consistently above 90 per cent. Research has shown that completing the courses improves closeness and reduces conflict in parent-child relationships and increases parental confidence.

Press contact: Alenka@bluelozenge.co.uk