Beacon Family Services

04/06/2026

After all the sunshine, the rain can feel like a bit of a shock.

Back to school, back to routines… it’s easy to find ourselves hurrying from one place to the next, heads down, trying to stay dry.

On the way to or from school, you might feel playful for a moment…
Which one shall we jump in or over?
Shall we go for the biggest one?
Can we make the loudest splash?

You may race each other to the next puddle or take turns to choose where to jump

These little moments of play help us connect. Transitions back into school can bring big feelings even when things seem “fine” on the surface.

And play is one of the simplest, most powerful ways children can release that tension and find their way back to feeling settled.

For more ideas about play and how it helps build and stregthen relationships visit our blog.

02/06/2026

I'm looking forward to sharing the work we're doing.

📣 New Presenter Announcement! Join Al Coates MBE CF at The NVR Global Conference on the 19th June 2026. Two-thirds of adoptive parents describe living with challenging and aggressive behaviour from their adopted children, a cohort with a high level of exposure to early adversity, as well as a hig...

02/06/2026

Do you ever feel at a loss for what to do when your child is overwhelmed?

We’ve all been there trying to say the right thing. We’ve all asked our children to tell us what they need so we can help.

But that requires thinking and when feelings are overwhelming, thinking is the hardest thing to access.

Before words, children experience the world through feeling, movement, and connection.

It’s something we recognise in silent films like Charlie Chaplin’s where meaning is felt as much as it is seen.

Before we reach for solutions or reassurance, they need us to slow down, notice, and stay alongside them. Emotional regulation begins with feeling safe, feeling seen, and feeling understood.

Read more about how we can create that space so our children begin to make sense of what is happening inside.

https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/emotional-regulation/

31/05/2026

This time of year often brings talk of new teachers, new classes, and for some, a whole new school.

On paper, it’s a simple step forward.

But if you’re parenting a child who has experienced early trauma — especially within adoptive or kinship care — you’ll know these transitions can feel anything but simple.

A change in teacher, classroom, or environment can unsettle even the most settled child. When school already feels hard, these changes can bring uncertainty, anxiety, and behaviours that don’t always make sense on the surface.

This recorded workshop with clinical psychologist Dr Naomi Fisher offers a compassionate, reassuring lens on what might really be going on when children struggle with school, particularly during times of change.

She explores:
• What children may be communicating through behaviour and attendance
• Why some commonly suggested school approaches can unintentionally make things harder
• What a more supportive, trauma-informed response can look like

If you’re looking for understanding and reassurance as you approach these upcoming changes, this could be a really helpful place to start.

You can donate and download it here:
https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/my-child-is-not-fine-at-school-download-video-adoptive-parents/

Adopted parents can register for a MY CHILD IS NOT FINE AT SCHOOL webinar recording to watch in their own time featuring Dr. Naomi Fisher.

12/05/2026

“My child is now open to sharing her feelings with me.”

We love hearing the positive feedback we get from parents and kids at our Sutton Coldfield groups, workshops and therapeutic interventions designed to help children’s mental health by using play to build and strengthen relationships with parents.

Through Theraplay®, children needing extra support with social and emotional development can feel safe to explore, connect, and try new things – while parents are given the confidence to deepen their understanding of their child’s needs and support their own wellbeing too.

This year we’re celebrating 100% positive outcomes!

Families can find out more here - https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/families/

Professionals looking to commission support for families in their care can find out more here - https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/professionals-and-organisations/

Our thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, who have provided generous 3-year funding for our Connect for Kids and Connect for Parents programmes.

01/05/2026

18/04/2026

👣“Do we HAVE to go for a walk?”

We know getting out the door isn’t always easy. But walks can be magic for body, soul, and connection (even when there’s a bit of moaning at the start).

We love spotting bluebells and other spring flowers. What will you notice together outdoors? Secret paths, jumping puddles, or a quick game of Follow the Leader? Many Theraplay® activities work beautifully outside, where movement, laughter, and connection come naturally.

Read about the benefits of outdoor play in our blog - https://www.beaconservices.org.uk/outdoor-play-for-connection-between-parent-and-child/

09/04/2026

Another chance to listen! A big thank you to the wonderful Pondering play and therapy for hosting our CEO Charlotte! 🎧

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ponderingplay

09/04/2026

Peer support is often seen as a cheap option or a stopgap while the real support comes.

Well, no.

Peer support can offer something that other forms of support cannot, it can build a scaffold around parents and carers that is unique, immediate and effective. Drawing on those that have walked your path, have navigated similar challenges can validate and illuminate your experience. Likewise, helping someone a few steps behind you or helping them avoid pitfalls can be a boost to your self confidence.

If you're an adoptive parent you can ready about our peer community here.

Walking with Families

07/04/2026

We're pleased to share that Grow Family Services (SEND Support) have some wonderful community and wellbeing events coming up in Sutton Coldfield for parents and carers of children with additional needs.

You can find out more and register on their events page - https://www.growfamilyservices.org/wellbeing