Signalong Parent/Carer Group
Signalong is a keyword signing system used to support speech, language and communication skills. Our Speech and Language Therapist is a certified Signalong Tutor who provides monthly Signalong Sessions targeting different topics to support families of children who have communication difficulties or differences. Contact your local Speech and Language Therapist to find out more and how to book your space.
Our NHS Lothian Speech and Language Therapists have created many videos demonstrating Signalong. Click on the link below to view them:
https://vimeo.com/channels/1635003
For further information regarding Signalong, please visit their website through the link below:
Boardmaker in Libraries
Every library in West Lothian has Boardmaker which can be accessed by parents/carers. You can create visuals specific to your child or young person. Our West Lothian Speech and Language Therapy service also offer drop-in sessions throughout the year. We post Boardmaker in Library drop-in information on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/NHSLothianSLT
KidzEco/Kidz n Kin
Kidz Eco is based at The Centre in Livingston and offers a soft play, imaginative play space and a community room which hosts community groups and classes. You can find their Facebook page here:
Let’s Rock the Spectrum
Let’s Rock the Spectrum is located in Armadale and is a fully inclusive play space dedicated to allowing every child the opportunity to play. All children are welcome, however, it has been created for babies to children aged 7 years old with additional support needs. They also have lots of groups and classes including autism specific groups. Find out more and book your visit here:
Big Hearts Little Minds
Big Hearts Little Minds is a non-profit organisation who provide classes, groups and workshops in settings across West Lothian and focus on mental health and well-being. You can find out more here:
Bookbug
Bookbug sessions are free, fun-filled songs and rhymes sessions that run in selected library across Edinburgh and the Lothians for parents and children aged 0 – 4 years. There is no need to book; you can turn up to any of these sessions and join in with your child.
In West Lothian go to the Bookbug Facebook page or West Lothian Council website for more information.
Incredible Years
Incredible Years is a parenting programme which aims to help strengthen parent-child interaction and encourage positive behaviour. There are separate parent programmes for babies (0-1 years), toddlers (1-3 years), preschoolers (3-6 years) and school age children (6-12 years).
It runs over 12-18 weeks and gives parents effective techniques for managing behaviours such as aggression, tantrums, shouting, answering back and refusing to follow rules. The programme is free and is available across Edinburgh and the Lothians. In West Lothian, Incredible Years information can be found by going to the Parenting West Lothian website.
https://westlothianhscp.org.uk/article/42054/Parenting-West-Lothian
Peep Learning Together Programme
Peep groups are held in various venues across the Edinburgh and the Lothians. They are free and open to families with children aged 0 – 5years. You can bring your child to a Peep session, where you can take part in group activities, nursery rhymes, games, songs and stories. They are informal, comfortable, welcoming and supportive and offer opportunities to chat about what’s great and what’s difficult about being a parent. In West Lothian, further information on local Peep groups can be found by going to the Parenting West Lothian website or asking your local nursery for details.
Triple P
Triple P groups are available in Edinburgh and West Lothian for parents and carers of children aged 3-6 years who are displaying difficult behaviours. They take place over 9 weeks and can help you to have stronger relationships with your child and promote positive behaviour in your family. Triple P is also available in West Lothian. For further information, contact the Children & Young People Team on 01506 282948 or by email cypt@westlothian.gov.uk
Getting Through the Day
Getting through the Day is an 8 week “course” for parents in West Lothian, and can be tailored for all ages. It aims to:
- Give parents opportunities to meet other parents so they can support each other and make parenting less of a thing that parents do all by themselves. Parenting is hard work, and it can be important to get support at times.
- Look at how children grow and how parents can help children in that growth.
- To be better able to enjoy our children, to listen to them, and expand their world through play.
- To build an “internal toolkit” –something we have in our heads that we can use for managing behaviour with less hassle.
- To help parents feel more confident in themselves and as parents.
For more information on courses available in West Lothian, contact the Children & Young People Team on 01506 282948 or email cypt@westlothian.gov.uk