Family sessions will help youngsters become teenagers

A series of sessions aimed at helping families with children who are about to enter their teenage years will be held across Perth this month.

The council-run Strengthening Families project has been set up to provide support to 10 and 11-year-olds, and their parents or carers.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokeswoman explained how participants can benefit.

She said: “The programme focuses on improving family relationships and preventing potential issues faced by many young people: for example, managing peer pressure, recognising and managing stress and anxiety that can lead to poor emotional wellbeing, as well as the likelihood of them becoming involved in misusing substances, such as alcohol, as they grow older.

“The sessions are designed for young people and their parents and carers to attend together, and over the course of the programme families will develop their understanding of each other’s strengths and qualities.”

An evening meal will be provided at the sessions.

Free childcare and play activities for other siblings is also available while the events take place.

The evening sessions will last for two-and-a-half hours and will take place once a week for seven weeks at the following venues: Community School of Auchterarder on Mondays from April 23; Crieff Primary School on Tuesdays from April 24; Glenearn Community Campus on Wednesdays from April 25 and Balhousie Primary School on Thursdays from April 19.

To take part, visit the Strengthening Families page on the council’s website, or call 01738 477697.