Excellence Cluster has a rolling programme of courses to help parents enjoy parenting and family life more.  Parents can choose from:

• Parenting Survival Courses (for parents of children aged under 10 years) – This is the “Incredible Years” programme developed by Carolyn  Webster-Stratton and runs for 8 sessions.
• Parents Surviving Teenagers (for parents of children aged 11 to 17 years) – this is the STOP programme developed by the Youth Offending Centre in Chelmsford and North Essex Mental Health Partnership.  The course runs for 9 sessions.
• “Coping with stress and enjoying family life more!” This is a 6 week course developed by Hastings & St Leonards Excellence Cluster. Hastings and St Leonards NHS PCT has funded a number of these courses which look at different aspects of confidence building, depression and making positive changes to family life.

What do parents say?

"Before any of these courses I just thought mums and dads were the only ones who got stressed and angry. I didn’t know that children/teenagers can [too]... Talking and listening to my children is much easier than I thought."

“I recommend the STOP course because you do not feel like you’re a failing parent who cannot cope… we all go through problems however old our children are."

“Attending the course has helped me to have more confidence as a parent and has helped to have a happier atmosphere at home ... Also there were lots of good tips and funny stories from the group. It turned out to be a good laugh and I would recommend it to anyone..."

“Some of the small changes I have been able to make have improved communication within the family and drastically reduced my stress levels.  I feel I have a few tricks up my sleeve in times of crisis!”

Courses throughout Hastings and St Leonards
In 2006, the Excellence Cluster has run courses at Hillcrest School, Filsham Valley School, Hollington Playlink, Robsack Playlink, Elphinstone Family Centre, Salvation Army Centre at St Andrew’s Square and Thomas Peacocke in Rye.  Our next series of parenting courses will take place at William Parker Sports College, The Bridge in Ore, Robsack Community Centre and other local schools.

More information?
Telephone Anne Todd at Excellence Cluster on 01424 439340 or email her (todd_anne@hotmail.com) for more information about Excellence Cluster courses in Hastings and St Leonards.  You can also check out venues, dates and general parenting matters on www.parentingmatters.org.uk.