Welcome to our website where you can access information about Early Years Alliance activities and services in Lewisham and beyond:
- We run parenting programmes for parents/carers of children with ADHD, ASC and conduct disorder or other behaviour challenges -see our Parenting Support page for more details about these and other parenting support available.
- You can join one of our free online family learning sessions – see information on our Parenting Support page.
Our Programmes
Incredible Years®
Building Strong Relationships Through Positive Parenting
The Incredible Years programme is an internationally recognised, evidence-based parenting intervention that supports parents to strengthen their relationship with their child and develop effective strategies for promoting positive behaviour.
The programme focuses on helping parents understand the reasons behind behaviour, build emotional connections, and develop practical skills for responding to challenging situations calmly and consistently.
Parents attending the programme have the opportunity to learn alongside others facing similar experiences, creating a supportive environment where ideas, challenges, and successes can be shared.
Topics include:
- Strengthening parent-child relationships
- Encouraging positive behaviour through praise and play
- Developing effective routines and boundaries
- Managing difficult behaviour calmly and consistently
- Supporting children’s emotional regulation
- Building children’s social and problem-solving skills
Who is the programme for?
Parents and carers of children experiencing behavioural, emotional, or relationship difficulties.
Delivery:
- Group-based intervention
- Weekly sessions
- Typically 12–14 weeks
- Delivered by accredited practitioners
Outcomes:
Families often report increased confidence, improved relationships, reduced conflict, and greater enjoyment of family life.
💬 Why does Incredible Years work?
The programme is based on decades of international research.
Rather than focusing on punishment, it helps parents:
- notice positive behaviour
- strengthen attachment
- coach emotions
- use praise effectively
- set consistent boundaries
- solve problems together
Parents practise skills each week and gradually build confidence.
Parent Tip
Children are much more likely to repeat behaviours that receive positive attention.
Even five minutes of uninterrupted play each day can strengthen your relationship.
📖 Learn More
The programme is based on principles of:
- attachment
- social learning theory
- child development
- emotional coaching
Incredible Years Autism (ASC)
Supporting Parents of Neurodivergent Children
The Incredible Years Autism Spectrum and Language Delays programme has been specifically adapted for parents of autistic children and children with social communication differences.
The programme recognises the unique strengths and needs of neurodivergent children and supports parents to better understand communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour.
Parents are provided with practical strategies that can be tailored to their child’s individual profile while connecting with other families who share similar experiences.
Topics include:
- Understanding autism and communication differences
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Promoting social interaction and play
- Developing routines and transitions
- Managing sensory needs
- Encouraging independence and daily living skills
Who is the programme for?
Parents and carers of autistic children or children with social communication needs.
Delivery:
- Group-based intervention
- Weekly sessions
- Approximately 14 weeks
- Delivered by trained facilitators
Outcomes:
Parents often report feeling more confident, less isolated, and better equipped to support their child’s development.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Autistic children experience the world differently.
The programme recognises that behaviour often communicates:
- sensory overload
- anxiety
- communication needs
- uncertainty
- fatigue
Rather than asking
“Why is my child behaving like this?”
parents learn to ask
“What is my child communicating?”
💡 Pop-up: What is sensory regulation?
Many autistic children experience the world more intensely.
Sounds, Lights, Textures, Busy environments, Unexpected changes may all affect how a child feels and behaves.
Understanding sensory needs often reduces distress.
Personalised Individual Parent Therapy (PIPT)
Understanding Relationships to Create Change
PIPT provides a safe, reflective therapeutic space for parents to explore their relationships, experiences, and parenting journey.
Sometimes past experiences, stress, trauma, or difficult life events can affect family relationships. PIPT supports parents to understand these experiences and consider how they may influence current parenting and family dynamics.
The intervention is tailored to each family’s needs and delivered in a compassionate, non-judgemental way.
Areas of support may include:
- Parent-child relationships
- Attachment and bonding
- Emotional wellbeing
- Loss, trauma, or difficult life experiences
- Understanding patterns in relationships
- Building parental confidence
Who is the programme for?
Parents requiring more intensive, therapeutic, or individualised support.
Delivery:
- One-to-one sessions
- Flexible delivery
- Tailored to family needs
Outcomes:
Families often report improved relationships, increased insight, and greater emotional wellbeing.
Why Relationships Matter
Children learn about relationships from their caregivers.
Sometimes our own childhood experiences influence how we respond to stress, conflict or behaviour.
PIPT offers a safe space to reflect without judgement.
The aim isn’t to blame parents.
It’s to understand patterns and build healthier relationships.
Guided Self-Help (GSH)
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Guided Self-Help is a structured, evidence-informed intervention that supports parents experiencing mild to moderate emotional or parenting difficulties.
Working alongside a practitioner, parents are supported to identify goals, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in managing challenges.
The intervention is practical, goal-focused, and designed to empower families to develop sustainable solutions.
Areas covered may include:
- Stress management
- Anxiety and low mood
- Problem solving
- Building resilience
- Parenting confidence
- Goal setting and action planning
Who is the programme for?
Parents experiencing mild to moderate difficulties who would benefit from short-term support.
Delivery:
- Individual sessions
- Typically 6–8 sessions
- Structured and goal-oriented
Outcomes:
Parents often report increased confidence, improved wellbeing, and greater ability to manage everyday challenges.
Why parental wellbeing matters
Parents cannot always pour from an empty cup.
Looking after your own wellbeing benefits your child too.
All programmes are delivered by trained practitioners using evidence-based approaches.
- Improve communication and reduce entrenched conflict.
- Understand patterns that may be impacting relationships.
- Strengthen attachment and emotional connection.
- Navigate trauma, loss, separation, and life transitions.
- Support children and young people experiencing emotional or behavioural distress.
- Improved emotional wellbeing for children and parents.
- Reduced behavioural difficulties and family breakdown.
- Better engagement with education and services.
- Increased resilience and long-term relational stability.
Finding Support in Parenting: Join Our Groups and Explore Our New Video Resources
Parenting can be one of the most rewarding journeys in life, yet it can also be incredibly challenging. Every parent has moments when they feel they’re facing issues no one else understands. Maybe you’ve wondered, “Am I the only one struggling with this?” or “Could a support group really help me?”
For many parents, the idea of joining a group might initially feel intimidating. Thoughts like, “Will they understand my child’s unique challenges?” or “What if everyone else seems to have it all together?” are common worries. Yet, the experience of taking part in a supportive parenting group often exceeds expectations. When parents attend our groups, they frequently share how surprised they are by the instant feeling of connection, understanding, and support they gain. Suddenly, they’re surrounded by other caregivers who understand their struggles, share their fears, and genuinely celebrate every little win together.
We offer a range of support options to meet the different needs of caregivers. In line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, we prioritise group support, recognising the benefits of shared learning, peer connection, and a safe, non-judgmental space to explore parenting challenges. Alongside our parenting groups, we also offer video resources and additional support to help you build confidence and strengthen your relationship with your child.
Depending on your family’s needs, we offer several evidence-based programmes and support options. Whether you’re looking for the shared experience of a group, tailored one-to-one support, or the flexibility of learning at your own pace, there’s an option to suit you.
- Incredible Years Group: Specifically designed for caregivers of children who may be facing severe difficulties or are suspected of or diagnosed with ADHD or Oppositional Defiant Condition (ODC). This programme fosters social and emotional development, guides you on effective strategies, and supports you in understanding your child’s unique needs.
- Personalised Individual Parenting Therapy (PIPT): Delivered one-on-one with both parent and child, this programme allows for highly individualised support that strengthens the parent-child bond through coaching sessions.
- Guided Self-Help (GSH): A more flexible option that focuses solely on the parent. This provides effective, practical strategies you can learn at a pace that suits your schedule. We also welcome grandparents, foster carers, or other caregivers who play a significant role in a child’s life. The children in the families we work with, need to be aged 4-11 and reside in the London Borough of Lewisham.
As one parent shared after attending a group: “I went in not sure what to expect but left with more confidence and a group of parents I can talk to about anything.” So, if you’re considering joining a group, or simply exploring options for support, reach out to us. We are here to help, and we would love for you to experience the difference a supportive community can make.
For more information on any of the programmes we offer, or to make a referral, contact
Children’s Centres have now amalgamated with Family Hubs and are run by Lewisham Council directly. For further information, see https://lewishamfamilyhubs.org.uk/