What Makes KidsTime Different? The Principles Behind Our Whole-Family Approach

When a parent experiences mental illness, the whole family is affected. Children may worry in silence, parents often struggle with guilt and stigma, and families can become isolated from the support they need. At Our Time, we believe that supporting children means supporting the whole family.

KidsTime is our evidence-informed, whole-family, multi-family, community-based model for families where a parent is experiencing mental illness. It is built on a simple belief: families have strengths as well as challenges, and by building on those strengths we can improve outcomes for both children and parents.

Unlike services that focus only on the individual, KidsTime takes a systemic approach. We recognise that children's wellbeing is shaped by the relationships and environments around them. By helping parents, carers, professionals and communities work together, we create the safe, nurturing and emotionally supportive environments that children need to thrive.

Families attend KidsTime together in local community settings, alongside other families with similar experiences. This multi-family approach reduces isolation and stigma, helping children and parents realise they are not alone. Sharing experiences with others who understand creates a powerful sense of belonging, hope and connection.

Our work is strengths-based, recognising families for their capabilities rather than defining them by illness. We help parents build confidence in their parenting, while supporting children and young people to develop resilience, self-worth and a stronger sense of agency. We want every child to know that mental illness is not their fault, that they matter, and that they have the right to be heard and supported.

Everything we do is rooted in trauma-informed practice. We understand that many families have experienced stress, adversity or uncertainty, so we create emotionally and psychologically safe spaces where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. KidsTime is also built through co-production, with children, young people and parents helping to shape both the programme and the way it is delivered.

The model draws on well-established psychological principles, including containment, helping families make sense of difficult emotions in a safe environment; attachment, strengthening relationships between children and their parents; interdependence, recognising that resilience grows through supportive relationships; and peer support, enabling families to learn from and encourage one another.

Above all, KidsTime is about creating a shame-free environment where families feel accepted, understood and valued. When children experience safety, connection and belonging, and when parents feel supported rather than judged, families are better able to navigate the challenges of parental mental illness together.

Because every child deserves to feel safe. Every parent deserves hope. And every family deserves the chance to thrive.

If you would like to support children and young people who are living with parental mental illness, please consider making a donation.

If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, there are people you can talk to for support. Shout provides free 24/7 mental health text support. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. You can also talk to the Samaritans for confidential, emotional support. Call 116 123 (UK & ROI) or email jo@samaritans.org (UK). Find out more about where to get help.

Media enquiries should be directed to office@ourtimecharity.org.uk