Reflect and Relaunch
“We focus on the solution, not the problem”
R and R groups have been running at Chessbrook for almost a year and we have been delighted by the response we have had from students, parents and our secondary schools. Adapted from the Marlborough model, R and R is a multi-family support programme which brings families together to support, challenge and learn from each other. In order to be referred by their mainstream school, students need to have first worked with a member of the Chessbrook outreach team. Any student who is struggling at school in any way, though often with engagement and/or behaviour issues, will be considered for the programme.
Our R and R programme lasts for a minimum of six weeks, though this can be extended if necessary. Parents are required to attend one morning a week with their child; each child then attends a further morning a week without the parent. We offer a variety of activities, allowing parents and children to work both together and separately. This multi-family work ‘speeds up change’ as it creates an atmosphere of community and belonging where it is safe to challenge, support, explore and encourage each other through change. Students also have the opportunity to develop personal, social and life skills in various ways, including group work with an experienced life coach, ‘Art for the Heart’ and ‘Good Mood Food’.
We are all very excited at the prospect of developing and extending our R and R work even further over the next year.