Evolve - Integrated Wellbeing Services

Christmas can be a mixed time.
For some, it brings connection and rest; for others it can stir up loneliness, grief, pressure or old memories.

If this season feels heavy, please know you’re not weak or failing you’re human and support is available.

If you find yourself struggling over the Christmas period you don’t have to cope alone.

Help is available even when services are reduced:

NHS 111 (England) call 111 and select the mental health option to be directed to your local crisis team

Samaritans call 116 123, free, 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to listen

Shout text 85258 for free confidential text support, 24/7

In an emergency or if you’re at immediate risk of harm please call 999 or attend your nearest A&E

If you’re supporting someone else listening without trying to “fix” things and encouraging them to reach out can make a real difference.

Be gentle with yourself over Christmas. You don’t have to feel festive, productive or okay.

Getting through the day is enough.

Wishing you moments of rest, warmth, and care however this season looks for you.

A recent Cerebra report reveals what so many parent-carers have been feeling for years: navigating healthcare, education, and social services can create real systems-generated trauma.

Families report impacts on mental and physical health, financial strain and disruptions to children’s education and the stress is often worse than other major life events.

In our latest blog, we break down the main findings, share insights from a trauma-informed counselling perspective and explore practical ways to cope, including advocacy and linking with local support networks.

Read more and join the discussion
https://www.evolvewellbeingservicestyneandwear.co.uk/post/systems-generated-trauma-what-we-can-learn-from-recent-research

Systems-Generated Trauma: What We Can Learn From Recent Research. A new report from Cerebra (Systems Generated Trauma - Cerebra 18 November 2025) explores something many parent-carers and families have experienced but struggled to name: systems-generated trauma. Rather than focusing solely on day-to-day caregiving the research highlights the impact of interacting....

The Working Mind exploring undiagnosed Neurodivergence and workplace stress for .

Invisible Threads: Understanding Undiagnosed Neurodivergence and Stress in the Modern Workplace. In many UK workplaces, wellbeing has become a central focus. Yet one group remains largely invisible: adults who are neurodivergent but undiagnosed. As we approach National Stress Awareness Week 2025 (3–7 November), with its theme “Optimising Employee Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Managemen...

The attack yesterday has left many shaken. Whether you were directly affected, supporting someone who was, or feeling the emotional ripple effects—your response is valid. We stand with you in solidarity.

Trauma doesn’t follow a script. It can show up as shock, shutdown, overwhelm, or anger. For neurodivergent individuals, it may also amplify sensory sensitivities or disrupt routines. These responses deserve compassion too.

Here are 3 ways to support yourself or others;
- Regulate: Use grounding tools—deep breaths, sensory aids, movement, or quiet time. -Connect: Reach out to safe people. You don’t need the right words—just presence.
- Protect your space: Limit distressing media. Choose when and how you engage.

Talking to Children About Trauma;
- Keep it simple and honest: “Something very sad happened. People were hurt. Helpers are making things safe.”
- Offer safety and reassurance: Let them know they’re safe and cared for.
- Let them ask and feel: Answer questions calmly. Validate their emotions—there’s no wrong way to feel.

Support Organisations;
If you or someone you know has been affected by this attack, there are free, confidential services available. Here’s where to get help:

1. Victim Support (Crime, Not Terrorism)

Phone: 0808 168 9111 (24/7)

Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

What they do: Free, confidential support for victims of crime — including assault, robbery, or traumatic incidents.

Support includes: Emotional support, practical help, advice on reporting crimes, safety planning, and navigating the criminal justice system.

2. NHS & Mental Health Support

Violent incidents can cause trauma, anxiety, or PTSD. Options include:

GP / NHS Mental Health Services: Your GP can refer you to talking therapies (Counselling, CBT, trauma-informed therapy).

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT): Free NHS service for anxiety, depression, trauma. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-psychological-therapies-service

Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support if you are struggling. Phone 116 123, https://www.samaritans.org

3. Counselling & Trauma-Focused Organisations

BACP Registered Counsellors: Find trauma-informed counselling. https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists

NCPS Members / Therapists: Another option for professional counselling. https://www.ncps.co.uk

Mind: Support for mental health after traumatic events. https://www.mind.org.uk

4. Charities Supporting Victims of Violent Crime

Love & Loss: Support for families of violent crime victims. https://www.loveandloss.org.uk

5. Criminal Injuries Compensation

Even if it’s not terrorism, victims of violent crime in the UK may still claim compensation:

CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority)

Phone: 0300 003 3601

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority

Healing isn’t linear. Be gentle. You are not alone.

Home - Victim Support Victim Support is the independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.

Happy to be an Accedited Registrant with the NCPS.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on some new services to support children and families. My website is currently 'under construction' as its updated with the details. These won’t fully launch until later this year, but I wanted to start sharing what’s coming — and open up a waitlist for anyone who’d like to be the first to know when booking opens.

The new services are designed to identify different levels of SEND need. Each tier includesa detailed developmental history and report:

Quick Screening: a focused overview to highlight key strengths, areas to support, and possible next steps.

Detailed Intervention Planning: in-depth profiling to guide targeted strategies at home and in school.

Comprehensive Assessment: a full picture across communication, learning, social-emotional, and sensory needs, to support referrals and planning.

Alongside these I’ll also be sharing some brand new free and low-cost resources on the website soon so that families can access support no matter where they are in their journey.

If you’d like to join the waitlist to access these services — you can email me [email protected]

Thank you for being here as I take this next step.

Your support means a lot,

Louise.

♾️⭐️SPACES AVAILABLE ⭐️♾️

We are very pleased to be able to open up a couple of spaces for our new group (made possible by The National Lottery Community Fund).

Our Neurothentic Together sessions happen every Tuesday between 12pm and 2pm in Pelaw and are an opportunity for a small number of families to come together to learn, play, create and connect in a neuro-affirming, child-led environment.

These sessions run during term time and throughout school holidays, providing a familiar safe space for those who attend when everywhere else gets a bit too busy!

If you would like more information about the sessions before booking, please message the page 😊.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theneurothenticnetworkcic/1732868

Hello everyone 👋

I’m pleased to share that my business is evolving—literally! Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll notice some gentle updates to the page as we transition to our new name: Evolve Wellbeing & SEND Services.

This change reflects a growing demand for inclusive, family-centred support. Alongside my existing work as a BACP Counsellor, I’ll soon be launching a new SEND Screening Service for families and early years settings.

This service is not diagnostic—it’s a pre-screening pathway that supports:

Families exploring their child’s strengths and developmental profile.

Schools seeking early clarity around inclusion and planning.

Anyone considering EHCP applications or onward referrals for support or diagnostic pathway.

Each family will receive a compassionate, easy-to-understand report that outlines strengths, identified and observed areas of need across education, care and areas for further professional exploration.

This will include;

- Conducting observations and access to diverse range of early screening assessments.

- Comprehensive report detailing development history and screening breakdown.

To reflect this new service, my logo has been lovingly adapted to include two leaves—symbolising both Wellbeing and SEND Support growing together.

Thank you for your continued support as we grow into this next chapter.

♾️LAST CHANCE ♾️

Join our upcoming Cothù programme before we start this Monday!

Tyler Perry’s latest film, Straw, is more than just a gripping drama—it’s a raw and powerful reflection on the pressures of motherhood, systemic challenges, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Janiyah Wiltkinson’s journey, we see how stress, isolation, and survival mode can push someone to their absolute limits. But we also witness the power of community, self-compassion, and asking for help.

Themes We Can Take Away:
- The weight of unrelenting pressure and how it impacts mental health.
- The importance of support systems in times of crisis.
- The need for self-compassion when navigating overwhelming circumstances.

Three Coping Strategies Inspired by Straw;

1️⃣ Lean into Your Support System – Whether it’s family, friends or a trusted therapist, you don’t have to carry everything alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

2️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion – Janiyah’s story reminds us that we are doing the best we can with what we have. Speak to yourself with kindness, especially in moments of struggle.

3️⃣ Ground Yourself in the Present – When life feels overwhelming, pause and breathe. Small grounding techniques—like deep breathing, sensory mindfulness, or journaling—can help bring clarity in chaotic moments.

What resonated with you most from Janiyah’s journey? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

(Before watching Straw, please check the movie synopsis for trigger warnings, as Straw explores deeply emotional and sensitive themes.)

Tyler Perry’s STRAW | Official Trailer | Netflix A single mother (Taraji P. Henson) watches her desperate day spiral into chaos, becoming the prime suspect in a crime she never meant to commit—and suddenly,...

School-Induced Trauma, Anxiety & Burnout: We Must Do Better

This is something that is very close to my heart. We live this everyday.

For too long, the struggles of Neurodivergent children and young people in traditional school settings have been misunderstood, dismissed, or blamed on families. But the reality is clear: 92.1% of children experiencing school distress are Neurodivergent (https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/blog/emotionally-based-school-avoidance-in-neurodivergent-children-and-the-discriminatory-system-of-prosecution "1"). This isn’t about “school refusal” or avoidance—it’s about environments that fail to meet their needs.

Many children want to attend school. They are not refusing; they are struggling to process overwhelming sensory input, rigid expectations, and inaccessible learning environments. Yet, instead of adapting the system, the burden is placed on them to “cope” or “overcome” through interventions like graded exposure, which may exacerbate trauma rather than alleviating it.

We Need a Different Approach

Instead of blaming parents, carers, or children, we must shift the conversation toward neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, individualised support. Schools should be places where all children can thrive, not environments that push them into distress.

What Can We Do?
- Stop framing this as school refusal—acknowledge the systemic barriers causing distress.
- Move beyond methods like graded exposure and EBSA Plans —forcing children into environments that harm them is not a solution.
- Create sensory-friendly, flexible learning spaces—education should adapt to the child, not the other way around.

We can do better. We must do better. Thank you, Jade Farrington, for shining a light on these urgent issues. Here's Jade's post https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15QoaPBW3P/

Have you or your child experienced school-induced distress? Let’s talk about it.

Emotionally-Based School Avoidance in Neurodivergent Children and The Discriminatory System of Prosecution — Authentically Emily I was described as a child on the verge of school refusal. I ran away from school multiple times. I would hide in the toilets and have daily panic attacks. I would refuse to go to lessons, sitting in the library instead. The anxiety I felt every single day was monumental. It led to self-harm, depre