Stories
By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can put an end to the myths and assumptions around parental mental illness. If you want to share your own story and help others find out more about parental mental illness, you can submit your blog or your vlog online through the Our Time website.
Response to the Children’s Commissioner’s Report in the Guardian October 2017
I read the report of the argument between Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner, and Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, in the Guardian on Saturday, with dismay.
World Mental Health Day – Stories of survival
I now spend much of my working day thinking about a hidden issue, but one that has enormous implications for society, and particularly children and young people.
Back to school: Respite, relief or reason to worry?
We speak to our CEO, Dympna about the reality faced by many young people returning to school in 2020.
KidsTime Workshop in action
The day was excellent. The sessions are just getting better and better. We are getting to know each other and people are more comfortable and being themselves.
Ambeya on winning ‘Young Student Volunteer’ at the Westminster Community Awards
I do not do what I do for appreciation or recognition, but when I found myself being celebrated at an award ceremony, where the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the director of communities and chief executives, were congratulating me for the time and dedication I give to Our Time, it made me realise that it isn’t officials or leaders who create change.
A young carer’s experience of living with a parent with mental illness
My name is Matthew, I am 14 years old and I live with my mum, dad and little sister. I am in Year 10 and I like school, but I find it hard to make friends because I don’t have time to do things with them, and I don’t want to bring friends home because my house is very messy and my dad is a bit unpredictable.
Helping children of parental mental illness to thrive in schools
Being a young carer or coping with a parent with a mental illness will have a significant impact on a young person’s school life – both the academic and the social aspects.
What’s the point of drama in KidsTime Workshops?
The core philosophy of KidsTime Workshops is that children’s resilience to parental mental illness is improved and vulnerability lessened when they: have an understanding of their parent’s mental illness can discuss it with a sympathetic adult feel their experiences are validated by the group The workshop does this in several ways.
A teacher’s perspective
Meet the teacher who, as an NQT, met a young girl when she was in real need of support. Find out how she supported her to build resilience.
The impact of ‘Who Cares?’ in schools
Through the ‘Who Cares?’ project in school, I now recognise myself as a young carer, and that there are others like me. My peers in class now understand what my life is like, and why I am sometimes worried. I used to think that I was nobody, but it’s like ‘Who Cares?’ has given me a voice.
