Caring for a child or young person can be incredibly rewarding – but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about their emotional wellbeing or safety. If you’re an unpaid carer in Ealing supporting a young person, you’re not alone, and there is local support available for you.
This spring, a new free online training opportunity is available for parents and unpaid carers in Ealing, designed to build confidence, understanding and hope when supporting young people who may be struggling.
Free Online Training: SPOT – Parents and Carers
PAPYRUS, the national charity for the prevention of young suicide, has been funded by Ealing Council to deliver SPOT: Parents and Carers – Connecting with Life and Creating Hope.
This training is specifically designed to support parents and unpaid carers to feel more confident in helping young people stay safe.
The sessions focus on:
- Recognising signs that a child or young person may be struggling or experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Developing confidence to talk openly and safely about suicide
- Learning how to support safety planning alongside a young person
- Understanding helpful language and common challenges in these conversations
- Knowing where and how to access further support
The overall aim is to help carers feel better equipped to create safer spaces for young people and to strengthen connection, hope and understanding .
Online Training Dates
The SPOT sessions are delivered online, making them easier to attend around caring responsibilities. You can choose the date and time that works best for you:
- 12 March 2026 – 7:00pm to 8:30pm
- 18 March 2026 – 6:30pm to 8:00pm
- 26 March 2026 – 1:00pm to 2:30pm
The sessions are free to attend, but booking is required.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: Ealing Carers Partnership
Alongside training opportunities like SPOT, unpaid carers in Ealing can access ongoing help through the Ealing Carers Partnership.
The partnership brings together local organisations to support unpaid carers of all ages, including parents and carers of children and young people. Support can include:
- Information and advice
- Emotional support and listening spaces
- Help navigating services
- Peer support and carer groups
- Training and workshops to build skills and confidence
If you’re caring for someone without pay, whether that’s a child, young person, partner, friend or family member – you are recognised as an unpaid carer, and you are entitled to support.
The Ealing Carers Partnership works to make sure carers are seen, heard and supported across the borough, and can help you find the right service at the right time.
https://www.ealingcarerspartnership.org/
Building Confidence, Together
Many carers tell us that one of the hardest parts of supporting a young person is not knowing what to say, or worrying about saying the “wrong” thing. Training like SPOT is not about having all the answers, it’s about building confidence, understanding and connection.
If you are supporting a young person in Ealing and would like to strengthen your confidence, we strongly encourage you to take up this opportunity and to connect with the wider support available through the Ealing Carers Partnership.
If you have questions, need help accessing support, or would like to know more about what’s available for unpaid carers locally, please reach out on the link below
A Caring Mind 