This week we're talking all things worry - what it is, what it isn’t, and why understanding the difference between worry and anxiety really matters for children (and for us as adults).
We explore what the brain is trying to do when we worry, why some common responses accidentally make anxiety worse, and how to help children feel less frightened by their thoughts. We also share why we don’t use “worry monsters,” how to guide a healthy worry conversation, and simple ways to support problem-solving when a child feels overwhelmed.
It’s our usual blend of lived experience, child development insight and practical strategies for parents, carers and professionals supporting children’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and self-regulation.
Welcome to the Bridge the Gap Podcast, real conversations about children’s emotions, behaviour and development, without the jargon or judgement. We talk openly about what’s going on for children and for the adults around them, from anxiety and anger to friendships, boundaries and belonging.
We blend lived experience with professional, emotional literacy and evidence-informed practice, to help you feel more confident supporting the children in your world. You can access exclusive content and information from us at Bridge the Gap through our website and digital offering.
#childanger #childmentalhealth #parentingpodcasts #parentingteens #childanxiety
Connecting With Our Teens (Even When They Feel Like Strangers Overnight)In this episode we talk honestly about the emotional shift that happens when our children hit those in-between years, from year 7 in secondary school, sudden changes in identity, friendships, attitude, and how hard it can be for parents to let go of the version of them we knew while learning who they are becoming.We explore:What makes connection feel harder in the early teen yearsThe grief and wobble parents sometimes feel when our child changesSimple, doable ways to “show up” even when they push us away“The Power of Ten”, small daily moments that build trust over timeSafe, respectful touches and why they still matter even for big kidsOur own lived experiences as parents, the mistakes, the surprises, and the winsIt’s a gentle, real-life conversation about staying connected while giving them space to grow and giving ourselves compassion as we adapt with them.PODCAST WITH JENNIFER WYMAN AND NIKKI WEBSTER directors of Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C.Join us to discuss all things mental health, parenting & supporting children.
Welcome to the Bridge the Gap Podcast, real conversations about children’s emotions, behaviour and development, without the jargon or judgement. We talk openly about what’s going on for children and for the adults around them, from anxiety and anger to friendships, boundaries and belonging.
We blend lived experience with professional, emotional literacy and evidence-informed practice, to help you feel more confident supporting the children in your world.You can access exclusive content and information from us at Bridge the Gap through our website and digital offering.https://www.jwbridgethegap.com/https://bridgethegap-onlinecourses.th...#childanger #childmentalhealth #parentingpodcasts #parentingteens #childanxiety
Welcome to the Bridge the Gap Podcast, real conversations about children’s emotions, behaviour and development, without the jargon or judgement. We talk openly about what’s going on for children and for the adults around them, from anxiety and anger to friendships, boundaries and belonging.
We blend lived experience, emotional literacy and evidence-informed practice to help you feel more confident supporting the children in your world.
In this episode we’re talking about anger, not as “bad behaviour”, but as a signal.
We’ll chat through the stages of anger in children, what’s happening beneath the surface, and why the goal isn’t to shut anger down but to safely guide children through it. Expect practical ideas, honest discussion, and a gentle reminder that anger nearly always has a story underneath it.
You can access exclusive content and information from us at Bridge the Gap through our website and digital offering...Responding to Your Child's Anger | Bridge the GapBridge the Gap - Online Courses#childanger #childmentalhealth #parentingpodcasts
For World Mental Health Day this year we sat down with our associate, Dr. Erbes from Psychology for Wellbeing to talk about mental health but how that links to behaviour and presentation in schools. We touch a lot on anger and anxiety and give practical tools and ideas as to how to support a child who is struggling with their emotions in some capacity.
This episode was recorded live and it was a fantastic and informative discussion. Please show your support to the podcast and share with friends and family - these important conversations can make a big difference.
****Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. are based in Derby and work across the U.K. delivering training that makes a difference to children as well as offering various support to children living within the city as well as offering safe emotional support in a 1:1 capacity or in small groups. They create and share many free resources and have an extensive online whole school mental health portal.
https://www.youtube.com/@bridgethegapchildmentalhea3914
https://www.jwbridgethegap.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jwbridgethegap/
https://www.instagram.com/bridgethegap_cmh/
#childmentalhealth #emotionalliteracy #actuallyautistic #emotions #mentalhealth #communitywork #derbycity #derbyshire
What a pleasure it was to be joined by the lovely Sophie from Bright Emotions C.I.C.
Bright emotions are based in Bedfordshire and they offer creative emotional literacy sessions for children to attend, both by themselves, or with their parents. Sophie has lived experience of struggling with her emotions and mental health as a child and young person and she discusses how a diagnosis of ADHD and autism as an adult helped her to understand why she found certain situations difficult, as well as helping her to create others to find that sense if understanding of themselves sooner. Bright Emotions CIC Bright Emotions CIC (@brightemotions_) • Instagram photos and videos
We hope you enjoy! As always do show some love to our guests on their socials, as well as on ours please :) and remember this - you matter, you are loved and you are not alone...
Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. are based in Derby and work across the U.K. delivering training that makes a difference to children as well as offering various support to children living within the city. Child Mental Health Support |Bridge the Gap| Derby England | Emotional Literacy (jwbridgethegap.com) BTG | Child Mental Health (@bridgethegap_cmh) • Instagram photos and videos (18) Facebook Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health - YouTube
#childmentalhealth #emotionalliteracy #actuallyautistic #emotions #mentalhealth #communitywork #derbycity #derbyshire
TRIGGER WARNING
This episode discusses the following topics:
If you feel these topics might make you feel unsafe in any way then please don't listen - we will welcome you back on another episode.
A powerful talk with the amazing Rory Green from Enlighten the Shadows.
Enlighten The Shadows - A Place For Blokes To Be Heard!
This world mental health day we wanted to share a very real and raw conversation we had with Rory, there is so much to take away from this episode but the main message is that situations change, things can and do get better. It's not easy and life is challenging but safe relationships and reaching out changes lives, including our own.
If you are struggling please stay and take some time to click on the links below. You matter, you are loved, you are not alone...
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listenStaying Safe
Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
Baby loss information and support | Tommy's (tommys.org)
c72ecf_dac5ce0748884bea878e556f6efc88e6.pdf (jwbridgethegap.com) Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. are a community interest company based in Derby, find out more...
Child Mental Health Support |Bridge the Gap| Derby England | Emotional Literacy (jwbridgethegap.com)
#worldmentalhealthday
This week Jennifer and Nikki talk to the fantastic Shelley Smith, an Integrative Psychotherapist (MBACP) and Managing Director of Sunrise Wellbeing C.I.C.
Shelley is passionate about offering a therapeutic service to help people of all ages with their presenting issues, to support their mental health and wellbeing and to provide them with strategies and skills that can prevent their troubles from escalating. We are all just trying our best in this busy world but sometimes need a little support along the way, especially in times of difficulty. This is why it was always Shelley’s dream to be able to offer a hub of therapeutic and holistic support to all.
In this interesting conversation Jennifer and Nikki found out more about Shelley's recent ADHD diagnosis and what drives her to work to try and make a change in the world.
Full of reflection points that helps us all to think about how we manage our own mental health as well as how we nurture our children's. Let us know what you think and don't forget to connect with us on social media, let's carry on the conversation. Enjoy the episode!
Jennifer and Nikki are Directors of Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. Bridge the Gap are an Emotional Literacy based service, helping children to explore and understand their emotions, how they feel in their body, why they might be feeling different emotions, learn different ways of how to respond to different emotions, and putting it into action.
Bridge the Gap are a non-clinical service and operate as a 'Relationship Focused Model'. This means we work to build safe relationships with children and young people, as well as those important to them; working longer-term with a child or young person for the best long-term outcomes. We nurture children's authentic resilience, self-esteem and growth mindset so that they can live a fulfilling life.
Bridge the Gap want every child to know that they matter, they are loved and they are not alone..
#ADHD #SEND #CHILDMENTALHEALTH #EMOTIONALLITERACY #PARENTING #ANXIETYSUPPORT #ANXIETY
WELCOME BACK!
Jennifer and Nikki return with a series of episodes that are centered around interesting conversations with people doing incredible things in the field of mental health. Thought provoking, challenging and important chats that help us to advocating around the importance of proactive emotional literacy and early intervention; as well as being honest about the changes that need to happen in order to combat the current mental health crisis.
This episode Jen and Nik talked to Jackie Wilson and Claire Clements about their C.I.C Positively Empowered Kids - Home - Positively Empowered Kids.
What drives them to do the work they do and what difference do they want to see in the world? This conversation covers lots of aspects of mental health and wellbeing, including joining the dots, authentic self-esteem, the impact of trauma and parent guilt, as well as the difference they would like to see in the world. It needs to happen.
We also talk about their upcoming festival, it's FREE to attend and you can register for your ticket using the link here Positively Empowered Kids Festival 2022! - Positively Empowered Kids.
Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. are an Emotional Literacy based service, helping children to explore and understand their emotions, how they feel in their body, why they might be feeling different emotions, learn different ways of how to respond to different emotions, and putting it into action. We are a non-clinical service and operate as a 'Relationship Focused Model'. This means we work to build safe relationships with children and young people, as well as those important to them; working longer-term with a child or young person for the best long-term outcomes. We want every child to know that they matter, they are loved and they are not alone...
#childmentalhealth #wellbeing #emotionalliteracy #parenting
This week Nikki and Jennifer talk about teacher wellbeing and the importance of staff supervision to create a kindness culture in schools, alongside how reflective parenting can make a big difference to children's long-term outcomes.
Jennifer Wyman and Nikki Webster are Directors of Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. an organisation committed to improving children's mental health in the U.K.
Bridge the Gap have a multi disciplinary team supporting children with a relationship focused approach but who are the directors behind this incredible organisation? Each week Jennifer and Nikki will be chatting through various topics relating to child mental health covering everything from parenting, behaviour, sleep and their own experiences - sharing their 'why'.
You can visit Bridge the Gap|Child Mental Health|Derby |Emotional Literacy (jwbridgethegap.com) for free resources and information on our service. We also have an active YouTube channel with original video content Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health - YouTube.
Read the latest blogpost on Emotional Literacy in schools here:
Emotional Literacy and Engagement in the Classroom (jwbridgethegap.com)
#childmentalhealth #emotionalliteracy #teacherwellbeing #parenting #reflectiveparenting
Jennifer Wyman and Nikki Webster are Directors of Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. an organisation committed to improving children's mental health in the U.K.
Bridge the Gap have a multi disciplinary team supporting children with a relationship focused approach but who are the directors behind this incredible organisation? Each week Jennifer and Nikki will be chatting through various topics relating to child mental health covering everything from parenting, behaviour, sleep and their own experiences - sharing their 'why'.
This focuses on Jennifer's need for a digital detox, a catch up from Nikki's week off and how children need the city they live in to care about them and make a difference. The usual mental health chats mixed with laughter and random conversation from potatoes to MARVEL...enjoy!
WE ARE BACK!
Season two of the Bridge the Gap Podcast has an updated look and a fresh new approach. Nikki and Jennifer will be chatting with you all about their lives and what shows up in their busy weeks, alongside sharing information around Child Mental Health and what's happening in their local city of Derby and beyond.
Look out for collaborations and interviews but for this week lets sit back and hear all about what the ladies have planned for Valentines Day, why laughter has shifted the energy, how Nikki has a been a little bit of a 'snappy cow' (her words not ours!) and the size of Jennifer's hands (don't ask just listen).
Grab a cuppa and join the ladies on their weekly catch up.
Don't forget to get in touch, send you messages or questions and if you've enjoyed the episode then give us a review...sending love from all of the team at Bridge the Gap.
You matter, you are loved, you are not alone...
This week's episode was recorded LIVE on Facebook, so we were able to answer real life questions in real time. Jennifer and Nikki talk through the importance of proactive education, modelling emotional language and how those emotions feel for us physically. A chatty episode that covers lots of different thoughts around mental health and the stigma that still exists in 2022.
You can connect with Dr. Victoria Erbes on Facebook and Twitter.
You can also continue to follow all things Bridge the Gap on our social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram) and by visiting the website - why not subscribe to the newsletter whilst you are there? Oh, and a large selection of our brilliant resources that are spoken about can be downloaded for FREE on their as well. Grab a cuppa and have a peruse.
If you have enjoyed the podcast please rate it for us on whatever platform you are listening on, follow the channel and share it with your friends too.
Sending you all lots of love.
The Bridge the Gap Team
This weeks episode features a very special guest, Education Psychologist Dr. Victoria Erbes from Psychology for Wellbeing. Jennifer and Nikki chat with Victoria about how the work she does with families supports and empowers as well as touching on the systems we lean on and learn from as parents. They talked about the importance (and the power of) play and how by bringing it back to basics and trusting our parental instinct we can support our child's long-term outcomes and mental health.
You can connect with Dr. Victoria Erbes on Facebook and Twitter.
You can also continue to follow all things Bridge the Gap on our social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram) and by visiting the website - why not subscribe to the newsletter whilst you are there? Oh, and a large selection of our brilliant resources that are spoken about can be downloaded for FREE on their as well. Grab a cuppa and have a peruse.
If you have enjoyed the podcast please rate it for us on whatever platform you are listening on, follow the channel and share it with your friends too.
Sending you all lots of love.
The Bridge the Gap Team
This week Jennifer and Nikki talk about the power of connection and how it makes a true difference to children's outcomes - and ours. If in doubt simplify things and bring it back to how we are connecting with our child and how they are feeling that connection, in the busyness of life it is easy to lose that connection.
They also talk about what they mean by being a 'relationship focused organisation'.
Visit Bridge the Gap's website for information and ideas on how to support your child's mental health.
Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C are committed to improving children's mental health and improving family wellbeing through non-judgmental safe relationships, mentorship and quality emotional education.
Jennifer Wyman and Nikki Webster are Directors of Bridge the Gap Child Mental Health C.I.C. an organisation committed to improving children's mental health in the U.K.
Bridge the Gap have a multi disciplinary team supporting children with a relationship focused approach but who are the directors behind this incredible organisation? Each week Jennifer and Nikki will be chatting through various topics relating to child mental health covering everything from parenting, behaviour, sleep and their own experiences - sharing their 'why'.
This first episode is a raw chat as an introduction and an opportunity for you to find out more about the faces of Bridge the Gap.