Families
Together for safer families
We are here to support you, and help improve relationships within your family.
At Capa First Response CIC, we understand the challenges that come with child-to-parent aggression and harmful behaviours. We know that families often feel isolated, judged, and misunderstood. That’s why we offer FREE specialist, tailored support for parents and carers of children—including neurodiverse young people up to 25yrs.
All our support is available online regardless of your location. You can join us on our weekly drop-in sessions immediately.
Online drop-in sessions
This virtual lunchtime drop-in session is a safe space for parents/caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn strategies from our experienced practitioners. We can support you with managing challenging behaviours and understanding the potential cause of the harmful and aggressive behaviour, along with a live Q&A session.
These sessions occur weekly on Wednesdays from 12.30-13.30. Places are free but you must book your space via Eventbrite.
Whether you’re seeking guidance or simply want to chat with others who understand, this event is for you. The sessions take place on Zoom – and you are welcome to keep your camera off.
Advice and support sessions
Up to three advice and support sessions with a specialist practitioner.
Receive support and strategies to change what is happening in the home.
We take a whole-family approach grounded in evidence-based frameworks, including Attachment Theory, Neuroscience, Pro-Social Modelling, and Solution-Focused methods.
Group work
After our advice and support sessions some parents want to meet other parents in the same situation and have the opportunity to embed the strategies they have learnt.
We offer a 6 week group during the day or evening. Each group is 2 hours. We continue on the theme of bespoke and tailored support but with the added opportunity to receive peer support
Intensive 121 support
For some families group work is not an option, and they prefer one-to-one intensive support.
This support offers an opportunity to really embed the strategies and ideas we discuss in the advice and support sessions. We also look at barriers to change and how our past influences and traditional family values impact our parenting today.
What families say about us:
Feedback from a parent we supported
“Matt reassured me that it is indeed difficult to change the way we have reacted all our lives (over generations in fact) and it is really a matter of practice. Sometimes I was very discouraged, but then I would attend another session and feel encouraged to try again. It was good that Matt always reminded us parents to think about the successful moments (however small)… Thank you very much for your amazing work”
What to do if your child is being aggressive?
Talking too much to anyone who is in a heightened emotional state won't work; they are unlikely to be able to listen and respond in a calm way.
Don't try to reason at this point with your child or demand they stop.
If it is safe to do so stay with your child and validate their feelings.
"I can see you are angry and you are allowed to be angry, but it is not okay to hit me/damage things".
Stay present (if safe) and use few words to let your child know you are there. Continue to validate feelings, or if this escalates remain quiet.
If you are in danger or fear for anyone in the home call the police.
Make sure you have your phone with you so you can contact the police or a friend for help and support.
Finding Connection with Your Teen During GCSE’s
In the coming months, thousands of teenagers across the UK will sit their GCSEs. It’s the culmination of years of schoolwork and, for many, a gateway to the next stage of life. But for some young people, it doesn’t feel like that at all. Instead, exam season can bring fear, anxiety, pressure, and conflict—especially at home.
Many parents are finding themselves in daily battles. Conversations about revision turn into shouting matches. Doors slammed. Tears shed. Some young people may even tip into behaviour that feels unacceptable or unsafe—verbal and physical aggression, or complete withdrawal.
At Capa First Response, we work with families every day who are walking this exact path. And we want you to know this: there is nothing wrong with your parenting. This is hard. For all of you.
Eliza Fricker #CapaCommunityConnections
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