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, ASD and conduct disorder or other behaviour challenges -see our Parenting Support page for more details about these and other parenting support available. For information on other key issues such as housing, SEND, Child Safety and Wellbeing, see our Support and Advice page.
- You can join one of our SEND play sessions across Lewisham – see our SEND Support page for more details.
- Find information about support available to help with the cost of living rises, including links to websites, information sheets and blog posts on our Cost of Living page.
- You can join one of our free online family learning sessions – see information on our Parenting Support page. For information about our mobile creche and play service – see information on our Creche and Play Service page.
- We have Blog Posts on a wide range of subjects to support families. Use the search box above to read these.
While washing pods and capsules can make doing the laundry much easier, they can do serious damage to children’s insides, skin and eyes if they burst them or bite into them.
That’s why we’ve created a brand-new information page explaining the risks and the simple things we can all do to keep children safe.
Please read and share with your communities to help raise awareness.
Free resources to help spread the word
Animation
Our short animation illustrates the dangers of laundry capsules and why small children find them so appealing
Bitrex Taste Tests
Break the ice at any group event with a Bitrex Taste Test. It’s a chance for parents to taste the bitterest substance on earth, then eat milk chocolate, all in aid of poisoning prevention.
Fact sheet
Share our bite-sized facts and safety tips
Session plan
Our cleaning products session plan supports you to run engaging group discussions with parents
Translated fact sheets
Our helpful fact sheet has been translated into five community languages (Arabic, Bengali, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu)
Children’s Centres have now amalgamated with Family Hubs and are run by Lewisham Council directly. For further information, see https://lewishamfamilyhubs.org.uk/
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 are thrilled to offer several support options tailored to meet the diverse needs of caregivers. As recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we prioritise group interventions first, recognising their powerful ability to build networks, encourage shared learning, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for parents. Alongside these, we provide:
- 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.
Exciting News! Starting in January 2025, we’ll be launching a pilot programme specifically for parents and caregivers of children with communication and language delays or suspected or diagnosed Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This is a new step in our commitment to providing specialised support that meets the growing needs of our families.
In addition to our in-person groups, we are currently developing a suite of video shorts to enhance your experience. These videos will be short, engaging, and filled with practical tips and insights to help you in your journey as a parent. Stay tuned for updates!
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
Home is where the start is:
a world of possibilities
An online festival of fun and learning for the whole family!
Sessions run online between Thursday 13 February and Saturday 15 February 2025
Free for all attendees (spaces must be pre-booked)
