Just Ask - promoting change for parents
About Just Ask
Parenting is probably the most important job any of us will ever do, but we get neither induction training nor on-the-job training.
Parentline Plus have launched the Just Ask campaign in a bid to remove the stigma associated with parents asking for and needing help.
The campaign also places an emphasis on the fact that parents should be entitled to support and information at key transition phases as their children grow up.
“All I want is someone to talk to who would not expect me to be a perfect parent and would not frown at me for making mistakes.” - Parent
Just Ask aims to:
- Reassure parents that asking for support is not a sign of failing as a parent, but rather a sign of strength, demonstrating that they want to do the best for their children.
- Promote the need for long term sustained investment in family support services so that parents can find information and support whenever they need it.
- Encourage those working with families to involve and work with parents, acknowledging that bringing up children is a parent's most important role.
“I don't want to ask for help, for many issues about being a parent, because of the fear of being labelled a bad parent. The Parentline [...] is invaluable for getting advice, or just generally having somewhere to get it all off my chest." - Parent
Just Ask communicates to parents, professionals working with parents, the media and policy makers the importance of parents asking for help whenever they need to and not to wait until things get really bad before they contact an organisation like Parentline Plus.
It communicates to parents the use of our services when they are worried or when they need reassurance and support at any point.
Just Ask also focuses on promoting the need for universal and targeted services to be readily available so that parents feel it is the norm, rather than the exception, to ask for information and support on parenting.
Celebrity support for Just Ask:
"I think the idea of the Just Ask campaign is great. Family life can be complicated, and bringing up children can feel difficult and lonely. It is so good to know that Parentline Plus is there for all parents and carers, whenever they need you." - Lynda Bellingham, actress.
More on Just Ask:
Just Ask – Information, advice and support - a wishlist from parents
This is the latest element of our Just Ask campaign. The campaign aims to persuade and encourage parents to use services when they need an extra helping hand.
“All I want is a fairy godmother who can step in with advice but one the children can’t see.” - Parent
Above all, the campaign message is that there is no stigma in talking about your family problems, rather it is a sign of strength, and that accessing information, advice and support - designed and delivered in partnerships and, where possible, parent for parent, really works. Read more on Just Ask - Information, advice and support - a wishlist from parents
Just Ask – moving on to secondary school
A key issue that parents tell us about is transition into secondary school and support for parents whose children start secondary school in September. Just Ask – moving on to secondary school highlights the issues parents and children face during this time and provides tips and strategies for parents about to embark on the process of applying to secondary schools.
