Where can we access support if my child is being bullied, or if they need mental health support?

Sadly, many children experience bullying and teasing related to their stammer. We're working to change that. While our work continues, we know that there will be many children out there in need of support. 

These days, children may experience bullying in-person or online. These experiences can have a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing. In this article, we signpost to some helpful organisations and suggest things you might like to consider if your child is experiencing bullying. 

1. Ask about school support

   Speaking with your child's teacher is a useful first step as there might be programmes already running in school that aim to prevent bullying and improve peer relationships. You can ask your school’s SENCo or other staff members who lead on wellbeing support, for example confidence-building, positive mental health and wellbeing or anti-bullying initiatives that are already in place.
   
   If your child is experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety and you are concerned that they might need professional support, you can speak with their GP, Speech and Language Therapist or school SENCo/pastoral support and ask them to make a referral to a mental health professional.

2. Contact a helpline. 

   The charities below provide wellbeing information and support as well as specific help for bullying. 

• Mental Health: Advice for Parents, Young Minds
• Bullying: Parents Guide to Support, Young Minds
• Online Bullying, Childnet
• Protecting children online, CEOP Education Programme
• Click here if your child needs urgent help: Get Urgent Help & Support If You're Struggling, YoungMinds

YoungMinds and Childline both offer free helplines that include the option to receive support through typing messages, if your child would prefer not to speak on the phone.

Access support via the Stammering Community

Action for Stammering Children exists to make sure that every child and young person who stammers has the support, respect and confidence to live the life they want to lead. We know from the work that we do with young people, that one of the most powerful ways of building confidence, self-esteem and resilience is by meeting others who know what it's like to stammer. 

Here are some of the ways that you and your child can access the power of community through ASC:

1. Join the ASC community & meet other young people

   Many young people who stammer have said they’ve felt empowered by meeting others who share their experiences, and that it has boosted their confidence and reduced their feelings of isolation. We fund a number of programmes that bring young people together - arming them with the space, tools and experiences to build connections and confidence. 

   Contact our Support Hub Advisor to find out about ASC programmes that bring young people together - and how your child can access them. We're here to help - join our community. 

2. Promote stammering awareness in your school. 

   We are working to improve understanding of stammering in society - starting with schools. Better understanding of childhood stammering can reduce negative attitudes and bullying. We can work with you and your school to promote acceptance and empower senior leadership teams with the knowledge and resources they need to improve the classroom experience for students.
   
   Some young people who stammer might decide they’d like to lead a talk or presentation about stammering in their school, perhaps during a lesson or school assembly. This is something you could ask your child’s teacher, Speech and Language Therapist or SENCo about. We can offer your school support with this, too, so do get in touch!

Useful links

• What support does ASC offer adolescents?

• Where can I access support if I am being bullied, or if I need mental health support?