Free online parenting support launches for parents and carers in West Berkshire

From Monday 20 April, parents and carers across West Berkshire can access free online parenting support, offering practical help to understand and respond to children's needs at every stage of family life.

Togetherness is an NHS‑backed online learning programme designed to support everyday parenting. It helps parents and carers build confidence by understanding children's behaviour, emotions and development, from pregnancy and early years through to adolescence.

The programme offers short, self‑guided online pathways that families can complete at a pace that suits them. Topics include understanding children's feelings and brain development, managing behaviour, sleep and routines, building positive relationships, and supporting teenagers through change. The programme recognises the challenges parents face and focuses on practical insight rather than telling families what to do.

Togetherness aims to make reliable parenting support easy to access and non‑judgemental, helping parents and carers feel reassured and supported in their role. By strengthening parenting confidence and family relationships, the programme supports children's emotional wellbeing and long‑term development. Alongside support for parents and carers, Togetherness includes lessons for anyone who works with children and young people, including those in education, health and community settings.

Previously known as the Solihull Approach, Togetherness was developed by NHS psychologists and health professionals. It is rooted in psychological research and clinical practice and has been used by more than 330,000 parents and carers across the UK. Evidence shows the learning can improve parent‑child relationships, reduce conflict and increase parental confidence.

The launch supports West Berkshire Council's priorities around early help for families, giving children the best start in life and supporting residents to live healthy, independent lives.

Councillor Patrick Clark, Executive Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said:

"Supporting parents and carers raising children is a vital role for the council, which improves  the lives of those children and families. This NHS‑led resource offers accessible, evidence‑based learning to help families build stronger relationships, preventing issues from escalating."

Councillor Heather Codling, Executive Portfolio Holder for Children and Family Services, said:

"Parenting does not come with a handbook, and many families experience moments where they need reassurance or practical guidance. Togetherness gives parents and carers free, trusted support they can access in their own time, helping them better understand their children and feel more confident in everyday family life."

Anyone living in West Berkshire can explore the learning and choose the pathways most relevant to them by visiting Togetherness online.
To start learning, families can create a free account using the access code BWFAMILIES.