Aspire Psychological Services Ltd

16/09/2025

By Professor Keith Moultrie Most children who are the subject of a special guardianship order (SGO) or are adopted do well, with families able to promote their children’s wellbeing, emotional development and achievement with or without support from professionals. However, this is not always the ca...

15/09/2025

Words Worth Holding Onto is a gentle collection of quotes, reminders and affirmations for children and young people navigating big feelings. Sometimes, the right words at the right time can make all the difference.

The topic for the next 14 days is MISUNDERSTOOD DEFIANCE: the Vulnerable Child.
We have released a toolkit. Link in comments/bio.

10/09/2025

💛🌍 Supporting a Young Person with Suicidal Thoughts 🌍💛

If your child or a young person you care for is struggling, it can feel overwhelming — but your presence and support truly make a difference. Here are some gentle tips:

👂 Listen without judgement – allow them to share how they feel, even if it’s hard to hear.

💬 Take them seriously – never dismiss their feelings as “attention-seeking” or “a phase.”

🤝 Stay calm + present – your steady presence can help them feel safer.

📖 Encourage expression – writing, drawing, or using creative outlets can help them communicate.

🌱 Make a safety plan together – include trusted contacts, coping tools, and safe spaces.

🔑 Seek professional help – reach out to your GP, school, or local mental health services.

📞 In the UK:

Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)

YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544

Text SHOUT to 85258 for urgent support

💡 You don’t need to have all the answers — showing up, listening, and helping them find support can save a life.

***dePreventionDay

10/09/2025

💛🌍 Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 🌍💛

We know that for many traumatised and neurodiverse families, life can feel overwhelming at times. Today is a reminder that you are not alone — and that hope, support, and connection are always possible.

Here are some gentle steps you can try when suicidal thoughts feel heavy:

✨ Pause + Ground – notice 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear.

✨ Reach Out – call someone you trust or a support line. Speaking those thoughts can ease the weight.

✨ Create Comfort – wrap up in a blanket, listen to calming sounds, or hold a favourite object.

✨ Delay the Urge – give yourself 10 minutes. Then 10 more. Small pauses can make a big difference.

📞 In the UK:

Call Samaritans at 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support

💡 Trauma and neurodiversity can make navigating the world harder — but your life has value, your voice matters, and your presence makes a difference. Together, we can build safer, kinder spaces for all families.

***dePreventionDay

10/09/2025

This ***dePreventionDay, We sharing an important message from : if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. 💚

To find out how, visit

Every year, on 10 September, organisations around the world get together to raise awareness about su***de prevention.

10/09/2025

The way we greet children after school sets the tone for the whole afternoon

After holding it together all day, they need calm connection, not a flood of questions.

Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to make pick-up smoother for everyone.

OUR TOPIC for 14 days is AFTER SCHOOL RESTRAINT COLLAPSE
NOW AVAILABLE - only £3.25 until 15 September 2025.
Introducing the After School Restraint Collapse Toolkit for Parents & Educators - link in comments.

10/09/2025

💛🌍 Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 🌍💛

This day is about raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and reminding each other that hope and support are always possible.

🕊 Su***de prevention starts with small, powerful acts: listening without judgement, checking in on someone, and showing kindness.

If you’re finding things hard, please know you are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Support is available:

📞 Call Samaritans at 116 123 – free, day or night.

📱 Or text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support.

Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 💛

***dePreventionDay

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

Reach out if you need support this World Su***de Prevention Day 💙

Please share this so people know where to go for help.

09/09/2025

She looks focused. She follows the rules. She smiles at the right moments.
But could you spot her?

Some young people become so skilled at masking that their struggles are hidden in plain sight.
They work tirelessly to blend in, to keep it together — until the school day ends.

NOTE I have used a female in this instance but boys can 'mask', although it is typically seen more in girls.

AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE STORE

MASKING, the TOOLKIT for PARENTS & EDUCATORS

Let’s lift the mask — together.

Masking can be exhausting for children and young people. It often goes unnoticed, leaving their needs misunderstood or unmet. That’s why we’ve created Masking: The Toolkit — a comprehensive 75-page electronic download designed to support understanding, identification, and intervention.

Inside, you’ll find:
Clear, accessible information sheets on what masking is, why it happens, and how it affects everyday life
Targeted checklists covering:
• Sensory processing
• Executive function
• Social skills
• Emotional regulation
• Masking behaviours
in order to build a profile of the individual, identify triggers which can inform strategy identification and inform education establishments. We recommend these are shared with your child's school.
A range of Parent Education sheets relating to emotional regulation and school-based anxiety.
Engaging activities including:
• My Social Battery
• Who Am I?
• The Coke Bottle
• Before and After School Visual Planners
• What I Want My Teacher to Know
Real-life examples of use for families, schools, and practitioners.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or professional, this toolkit gives you practical tools to better understand, identify triggers and support a child who masks. Suitable for ages 5-16yrs.

Available now as a downloadable resource from The Contented Child at https://thecontentedchild.co.uk/product/masking-the-toolkit/

09/09/2025

Last week our awesome Art Psychotherapist Paul did an L&D slot with the team
We were encouraged to think about our past safe relationships; a parent, teacher, grandparent and to focus on what it was about them that made us feel safe, contained and grounded. Then we were let loose on a whole table full of art materials to create our safety box!!
A fabulous opportunity for the team to learn more about art in therapy and about ourselves!
Thank you Paul!!