The ISPCC has introduced two free online programmes aimed at children aged 6 to 18 and their families, offering evidence-based CBT tools to manage ADHD-related challenges amid high demand for mental health support.
The ISPCC has expanded its online mental health offer with two free programmes aimed at children and families affected by ADHD, as the charity says demand for practical support remains high. The new services are designed for young people aged 16 to 18 who are living with ADHD or ADHD-related difficulties, and for parents and carers of children aged six to 12, whether or not there is a formal diagnosis. According to the ISPCC, the aim is to give families evidence-based tools they can use at home, at a time when many are struggling to manage day-to-day pressures.
The programmes are built around cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, a talking-therapy approach that focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. ISPCC says the courses can be accessed online at any time and are supported by members of its Childline team, who check in with participants throughout the 12-week guided version. The charity says a diagnosis is not required for either ADHD programme, which means parents and young people can seek help while awaiting assessment or before they reach specialist services.
For young people, the course is intended to improve understanding of how ADHD affects daily life and to help them build habits around planning, attention and self-confidence. For parents and carers, the focus is on behaviour, routines, emotional regulation and communication. ISPCC says children do not need to take part for a parent to use the family programme, and that the service is open to self-referrals as well as referrals from GPs, guidance counsellors and family support workers. The charity says the format is designed to be private, convenient and easy to use.
The launch sits within a wider expansion of ISPCC’s digital support work. The charity already offers other free guided online programmes for parents of children dealing with anxiety, as well as support for teenagers with low to moderate anxiety. In material on its website, ISPCC says the digital courses are meant to be available around the clock and to combine practical help with human support. The organisation’s annual reports have also said the programmes have helped reduce psychological distress linked to anxiety and have attracted growing use. One volunteer, Áine, said: “Supporting young people and their parents through challenging times is definitely a privilege. It has truly been inspirational to see how young people and their parents make such an effort to progress towards their wellbeing goals during busy times. It has been lovely to be there to listen, check in, motivate and make a difference in their journey.” Another volunteer, Kate, said: “You realise that even a small piece of encouragement can make a difference, and I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve had the privilege of supporting.”
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
