Training for talk needed

Social services, health and education staff should receive more
training and resources to help them work with parents who have
difficulty talking about family problems, according to helpline
ParentingPlus.

The charity has revealed that eight out of 10 callers do not
know how to open discussions about family problems.

It also said one in five callers had attempted to access help
through social services, but were frustrated at being misunderstood
and unsupported. Other callers had sought help through their doctor
or psychologists.

“Parents were often unable to access the help they needed as
they felt unable to express their needs,” said a spokesperson.

On Monday, the charity launched Talking Families Week to
encourage families to communicate and access help when needed.

www.parentlineplus.org.uk