How to help struggling friend?

[Stillnoidea]

One of my friends is struggling to cope at the moment with her son, who has just been diagnosed with ADHD. It's not just the impact on him, but on the whole family that is getting her down. Her school seem to be getting support in place for her son, but there's no support for her as far as I can tell (eg from GP or HV).

Can anyone here give me ideas of support groups or similar services which might make a difference to her? She feels that parental support groups would be of limited value as hearing about other people struggling would just be more depressing. Can anyone give me examples of how they have found them helpful? There must be some useful support out there for her...

[Stillnoidea]

I do keep plugging mumsnet! But are there any RL support services you could point her at too?

[Stillnoidea]

I don't know what sites she's looked at so thanks for the link.

I don't really know what would help her the most so any suggestions are good.

[Jerbil]

Be there and listen. Ask her what help he thinks she would like if any. It may just be a shoulder to cry on. Don't go official and seek help from authorities. That's what happened to us and it felt like my whole world blew apart!

[Jerbil]

Be there and listen. Ask her what help he thinks she would like if any. It may just be a shoulder to cry on. Don't go official and seek help from authorities. That's what happened to us and it felt like my whole world blew apart!

[MyFabulousBoys]

I went to a PPP parenting course for parents of children with ADHD. It was fantastic in that I met other parents, we had a bit of a laugh, shared stories and strategies, found out about carer passes and DLA, and found other people who acknowledged how bloody hard it all was. Can't remember any of the parenting stuff but the support at that time when I needed it was great.

I only went on it because CAMHS offered it so I thought it would be prudent to agree to go! I would not go on a general parenting course through as I think needs and strategies are quite specific.

I do feel now I would like a support group but they are few and far between and I feel a bit lost again.

[Stillnoidea]

Thanks both.

Don't worry jerbil I'm not going to wade in. I just thought I could come up with a list of suggestions and say this is what the lovely people of mumsnet have found useful.

fabboys where would I find details of a PPP course?

[Levantine]

I have found my local parent support group so helpful but I wasn't quite ready to go there when ds was first diagnosed. What helped me was friends who would just let me talk without minimising what I was saying. So be careful not to go down the "they all do that sometimes" route as it is very isolating when people say that.

fwiw support groups are helpful as people are at different stages so for everyone struggling to cope with a DX there is someone with an older child who is in a more robust place

[MyFabulousBoys]

CAMHS offered it but contact addiss they may be helpful.

[Stillnoidea]

Thanks all - will let her know about additude and addiss.

[2boysnamedR]

I find parent support groups great. The other kids don't have what ds has but just knowing we all have the same problems makes me feel less isolated. My group mostly have asd where as ds is dsypraxic but we have exactly the same issues with education, diet, sensory etc.

[Jerbil]

I know it's rare what happened to us, but hurtful all the same. No offence intended. Just very pleased you think so much of your friend. :-)

[Stillnoidea]

No offence taken jerbil! Useful to have your view as we have talked about whether SS could offer support but neither of us have any idea.

[Stillnoidea]

Thanks 2boys for your feedback - will pass it on. She knew of additude but hadn't come across addiss.