Parents of Rose, age 16
“When you don’t know what to do as a parent, Youth Talk gives you somewhere to turn.”
When your child is struggling, you’re meant to have the answers.
But what happens when you don’t?
For Rose’s parents, it was a time of confusion, huge anxiety and not knowing how best to support their daughter – until Youth Talk stepped in.
What was life feeling like for you as parents at the time?
We found ourselves in a place no parent is ever prepared for.
Our daughter was struggling with her mental health and she ended up in hospital. Terrified, shocked, and overwhelmed, we felt like we’d somehow let her down.
At the same time, there was this constant pressure – as parents, you’re supposed to have the answers. You’re supposed to fix things.
But when you can’t, it creates a crushing mix of anxiety, doubt and frustration. It feels like you’re stuck in a situation you don’t know how to get out of.
What support were you able to access at that point?
Our daughter was referred to Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for support by Watford hospital, and even thought she was Tier 3, the wait for ongoing help stretched to over a year.
That year was one of the hardest our family has ever been through.
We were desperate. We were scared for her safety and heartbroken for what she was going through. And we didn’t know how best to help her.
How did you come to Youth Talk?
CAMHS then recommended Youth Talk and the difference was immediate. It was life-changing.
She was seen within two weeks, at a point when she really needed someone outside the family to talk to.
What did Youth Talk provide that was different?
They gave her something we couldn’t.
A safe, confidential space where she could talk freely, without worrying about how it might affect us as parents.
They let her take ownership of her feelings, without judgement and without imposing the added ‘advice’ that worried parents tend to offer.
And for us, it felt like having a trusted, knowledgeable support alongside us – someone we could turn to when we didn’t know what to do next.
Did you see a change?
Yes – and it was significant.
She connected naturally with her counsellor, and for the first time we felt she was truly being heard.
Over time, things started to shift.
Where are things now?
Two years on, the transformation is remarkable.
She’s thriving. She’s studying for her A levels, taking part in school plays, and has found her confidence and sense of self again.
Youth Talk played a huge part in that journey – not just for her, but for us as parents too.
What would you say to another parent?
When your child is struggling and you don’t know what to do, having somewhere to turn makes all the difference.
Youth Talk gives young people space to be heard, a framework for young people to build confidence – and gives parents reassurance that they’re not facing it alone.
We will always be incredibly grateful for the care, compassion and support they gave our family – and for the vital work they continue to do for so many young people who simply cannot afford to wait.
We would urge any parent or friend to encourage a young person to get in touch with Youth Talk. They make a difference.