Creating Support for Parents in Crisis

Being a parent is hard at the best of times, but when your child is going through a mental health crisis, it can be hard not to blame yourself.In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hansa Raja, the inspiring founder of a charity in Sussex that supports parents and carers of children struggling with mental health issues. She shared how her personal experiences led her to create a safe space for parents to connect and support each other, emphasising that no parent should feel alone.Hansa’s charity, Holding Space, has supported over 1,500 parents in Sussex, offering one-to-one support, workshops, and webinars. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and peer support, especially when navigating the complexities of parenting a child with mental health challenges. We discussed the societal pressures parents face and the need for non-judgmental spaces where they can share their experiences without fear of blame.Our conversation also touched on the broader implications for workplace culture, highlighting the need for organisations to support parents and carers. Hansa’s passion for creating inclusive environments where parents can thrive both at home and work is truly commendable. I speak with many women who decide to do something themselves when they see a lack of support in the community or workplace. I hope this conversation inspires others to do what they believe in. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hansa Raja and Her Journey02:53 The Birth of Holding Space: Supporting Parents05:42 Navigating Workplace Challenges for Parents08:57 Creating Safe Spaces in Work Environments11:42 The Evolution of Parenting and Support Systems14:29 Encouraging Open Conversations About Mental Health17:19 Empowering Women in the Workplace20:38 Conclusion and Future AspirationsConnect with Hansa LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansa-raja/Website:https://www.holdingspace.org.uk/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit priyamohalcoaching.substack.com