THE SPARK BLOG
How to teach kids good mental health at home
During Children’s Mental Health Week, it might be worth thinking about The World Health Organisation’s figures that “around 1 in 5 of the world's children and adolescents have a mental disorder” and that “about half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14”. In...
How to talk to young children about mental health
In part 2 of our Time to Talk Day series, we are continuing to look at how to talk to young children about mental health. Each year Time to Talk Day encourages adults to start conversations about mental health with friends, family and co-workers. This year, The Spark...
Talking to kids about emotions
Each year Time to Talk Day encourages us to open up and talk about our emotions and mental health. This year we are looking at how parents can talk to their kids about mental health. Specifically, tips for grown-ups on the tricky issue of talking to kids about...
Mental health counselling demand up by 26% last year
As 2020 gets into full swing a review by The Spark Counselling shows 2019 was another difficult year for individuals, couples and families in Scotland. Across all counselling services offered by the organisation, there has been a 26% year-on-year increase in demand as...
Aberdeen counselling services expand as The Spark moves location
The Spark is expanding its Aberdeen counselling services following a move to a brand new location. Marriage counselling, individual counselling and couples counselling services are all now being offered from our base at The Hub centre, in the north-west of the city....
The Spark wins big at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2019
The 2019 Social Enterprise Awards Scotland was a night of celebration for The Spark as the charity collected the prestigious ‘Social Impact Award’. Hosted at the Scottish Parliament, the awards are the country’s annual celebration of social enterprise. They recognise...
Helping children with emetophobia
Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting. We all have some degree of fear about vomiting or being in close proximity to someone who is. It isn’t the most pleasant experience for anyone after all! However, there are individuals panic-stricken by even the thought...
How to make a comfort box for an anxious child
Anxiety is a very unpleasant experience for your child and for you as their parent. Finding tools and techniques to help them combat anxiety is something every parent seeks to do. In this short article Children and Young People counsellor, Linda Smith looks at an...
High school leavers and workplace relationships
Starting work straight out of school is an exciting but nerve-wracking next step for many young people. On the one hand, earning your first pay packet and escaping school is a big attraction. On the other hand, it can be hard to imagine how you will fit in and build...
University guide: feeling isolated
Moving to a new area and starting at university is a hugely exciting step for young people. Finding a new social circle, sharing halls or living with new flatmates creates wonderful opportunities to enjoy new experiences and make lasting friendships. Many students...
“I have failed as a parent” – exploring common myths about youth counselling
The mental health of children and young people has become a hot topic in recent years. Society is slowly waking up to the importance of emotional and mental wellbeing services like counselling. Sadly, many misconceptions and myths about youth counselling...
Tips for first years transitioning to university
In February, UCAS reported that a record-breaking number of young people started university last September and this year is likely to be no different. Scotland is home to a total of 19 universities, welcoming students from around the world.Every university offers its...
The Spark opens new Inverness counselling centre
The Spark has supported the people of Scotland for over 50 years through counselling and support services and we are gearing up for the next 50 with plans for expansion. As Scotland's leading counselling service, we are proud to be opening our newest location in the...
How to help a child deal with parental separation and divorce
As a counselling and support charity, The Spark often works with couples trying to avoid parental separation. Sometimes, however, it is best for everyone involved that a relationship comes to an end. From time to time our counsellors are involved in helping couples...
Shielding children from struggles can harm their resilience
When humans become parents they develop many natural instincts. One of which is shielding children from struggles. In the earliest weeks and months of life, it is a purely physical function to protect from hunger, a lack of companionship and the cold. As the child...
Managing challenging behaviour in children
Managing challenging behaviour is one of the biggest tests any parent will face. From toddler tantrums to pre-teen arguments over clothes and mobile phones, no parent or carer ever gets a free pass. Maintaining safe boundaries for your child while instilling...
How to detox the negative body image triggers in your life
Negative body image triggers are seemingly inescapable. Beautiful bodies that are sculpted to perfection invade our smartphones, TV screens, magazines and more every hour of every day. This can leave many of us feeling oversized, inadequate and unhappy in our own...
Body image and social media: a toxic mix?
Imagine for a moment a smartphone app. The capabilities of this app are astonishing. After using it for a few weeks it has the power to give you body image issues. Would you download it? Probably not. What if I told you this app is so effective that it can convince...
Starting secondary school – tips for young people
Starting secondary school is a big step for young people. The transition from primary school to high school can be a breeze for some, a challenge for others and somewhere in between for most pre-teens. As thoughts turn to Primary 7’s beginning the move to high school...
Spotting the signs of emotional distress in children
Spotting the signs of emotional distress in children and young people is not always an easy task. For parents and carers, finding out how our kids are coping with the challenges of life can be as difficult as prizing them away from their smartphones. In this short...
Precious scars and the Japanese art of Kintsugi
This will probably be a familiar refrain to many of you: ‘Everything will be okay as long as I smile, think positively and forgive people who have done me wrong.’ Life can be very unfair and, when it is, suggestions to simply walk ‘on the sunny side of the street’...