Systemic influences on parent carer mental health and co-creation of resources to inform service improvement
This webinar shared findings from the SPaCE Project (Supporting Parent Carers in England), a co-produced research programme exploring the mental health of parent carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Drawing on national survey and clinical data, interviews, and workshops with parent carers and professionals, the project highlighted that parent carers experience significantly higher rates of mental health difficulties than other parents, alongside substantial barriers to accessing support or treatment.
Through a collaboratively developed system map and lived-experience insights, the session explored how systemic pressures, inequalities, and service navigation challenges shape parent carer wellbeing. The webinar also introduced practical outputs co-created with parent carers, including an interactive website, an animation, and free training for professionals designed to foster more compassionate, trauma-aware, and relational practice and to support meaningful system change.
Watch the webinar recording on YouTube
Additional project resources:
- The SPaCE Project (Support for Parent Carers in England): Parent Carer Journey animation
- Webinar Slides
Speakers: Gretchen Bjornstad, Kath Wilkinson, Flora Hemming, Bel McDonald, and Sharon Foxwell.