Helping your Child with Fears and Worries

This course introduces parents and carers to evidence-based techniques for supporting children aged 5–12 who experience common fears and worries. Grounded in the parent-led cognitive behavioural approach developed by Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts, the sessions focus on understanding how anxiety develops, how adult responses can influence children’s coping, and how to use gradual, practical strategies to build resilience. Participants leave with a clear set of tools they can continue using at home to help their child feel more confident and capable in everyday situations.

Who the course is not suitable for This course is not designed for families where: • The child’s anxiety is severe, complex or linked to significant trauma • The child is experiencing risk-related behaviours (e.g., self-harm, suicidal thoughts) • The child has a diagnosed mental health condition requiring specialist clinical support • The child is already receiving CAMHS or therapeutic intervention where different or more intensive approaches are recommended • The parent/carer feels unable to safely support gradual exposure tasks at home In these situations, families may benefit more from targeted mental health services or specialist support.

Site

Eastbourne

Level

Entry Level

Course Type

Adult

Courses

Options Course Code Starts Ends Days From To
61811-01 08/01/26 12/02/26 Thursday 10:00 12:00

What will I study?

The sessions focus on understanding how anxiety develops, how adult responses can influence children’s coping, and how to use gradual, practical strategies to build resilience. Participants leave with a clear set of tools they can continue using at home to help their child feel more confident and capable in everyday situations.

What qualification will I achieve?

There is no qualification for this course but you will receive a certificate of attendance if you complete the course.

What can I do after completing this course?

You can explore a variety of other courses within Community Learning or the adult college.

Are there any extra costs?

Learners are required to purchase the course textbook: 'Helping Your Child with Fears and Worries' by Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts This can be picked up second-hand for around £6 or purchased as an audio book.

This book forms the foundation of the programme and is used throughout the sessions. How to Purchase the Textbook The book is widely available in both physical and digital formats from: • Amazon • Audible (audiobook version) • Kindle (eBook) • World of Books/Awesome Books (used copies) • eBay (new and used copies)

Additional Info

Please note: learners are limited to taking part in a maximum of SIX community learning courses throughout the academic year.

Please contact the Community Learning team on 030 300 38212 or community.info@escg.ac.uk for more information about this course.