Community Parenting Group

Where We Start is a not-for-profit project built on a simple belief: a child's wellbeing is never separate from the people and environment around them. Too often, children's mental health is treated in isolation, the focus falls on the child, while the parents and carers holding everything together are left without support of their own

We want to change that. Our vision is to build a genuine network of support around children and families in Walthamstow, one that values lived experience as much as professional knowledge, and is shaped by the community it serves. We're starting with parents and carers, because they're the foundation a child depends on, and they deserve support too.

About our groups

These are not parenting classes. There's no curriculum and no a judgement. They're a space for parents and carers, particularly those whose children are experiencing or have experienced mental health difficulties, to come together and share your experiences and knowledge.

Each group is facilitated by experienced, qualified mental health professionals who are there to take part, sharing their own knowledge alongside everyone else's. We strongly believe that lived experience and professional knowledge sit side by side. Both are essential, and neither is enough on its own.

Raising a struggling child can be isolating. These groups are about changing that. They're about reducing isolation, building connection, and making sure no one has to face these challenges alone.

In association with The Mill’s Grow Your Idea initiative and The National Lottery Community Fund, we will be hosting our first 6 groups during July and August 2026.

Our first group will be:

10.30am - 11.30am starting Tuesday July 14th 2026

The Mill

7-11 Coppermill Lane
Walthamstow
London
E17 7HA

Cost: Pay What You Can via our Donations page

For more information about future dates and to register interest, please click the link below.