A mental health charity in Blackburn are opening the country's first and only drop-in centre for the parents and carers of children and adolescents who are struggling with their mental health.

On Monday, September 11, and for four consecutive Mondays, Lotus Mental Health will be running a drop-in clinic to offer help, education, and support for parents and carers to help them to help their children who struggle with mental health.

Director of the charity Lotus Mental Health, Carla Whittaker, said: "With the rising number of children, adolescents, and young people who are needing referrals to mental health services, and increasing numbers of children receiving diagnoses in mental health conditions, it is of little surprise that it is starting to have an affect the wellbeing of their parents, carers, and wider families too.

"Because of this, and the ever-increasing waiting lists for access to mental health services, because of the unfortunate huge demand, we feel as though something needs to be done to support those who are supporting others.

"Being the parent or carer of a child with a mental health disorder is horrendous. It is exhausting, upsetting, painful, it can leave you feeling hopeless, useless, and guilty for feeling the strain too.

"We understand that there is an abundance of information available online, which is fantastic, however, sometimes, you need to hear words of reassurance, or say how you are feeling out loud, and that is where our drop-in service comes in."  

The sessions will be run by professional, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, with no booking required, no waiting lists, and no need for a referral.

There will also be refreshments, coping strategies, and 'a listening ear'.

Carla continued: "We offer a safe space for people to talk openly about how they are feeling and being affected, without guilt, judgement, and they will have the opportunity to meet other people who are going through similar difficulties, and therefore building a support network that they may really need.

"Other local services believe that this is a much needed service, and we are still waiting to hear back about funding grants. However, due to the number of people and organisations that have shown strong encouragement, we have made the decision to self-fund the project, for those initial four weeks.

"If the drop-in centre is a success, and we can secure funding to keep it going, it will become a permanent fixture in the town, with the possibility of branching out into more towns and communities, should it be the success we believe it can be."

The sessions will be held at Mill Hill Community Centre, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.