About Holding Space
Our vision
It’s our ambition to make sure every parent and carer across East Sussex feels heard, supported, and confident when it comes to navigating their children’s emotional and mental health challenges, and to help prevent families reaching crisis point.
We envision a future where all families have equal access to mental health resources to improve the mental wellbeing of parents and their children when times are tough. Our vision includes creating a mental health and wellbeing hub for families—establishing a presence on your high street. Here, in your community, you’ll have the chance to connect with others over coffee, drop in to see our parent peer support team, attend workshops, and participate in interventions designed to support both you and your children.
Our Mission
The vision of Holding Space is a world where no parent feels that they need to support their child’s mental health alone. We provide parents/carers with a safe, non-judgmental space where they can share, connect, gain support and know that they are not alone. So that they are better able to provide the care that their children need, we build resilience to look after their own mental wellbeing and build confidence in their own parenting skills and coping strategies. We are building a community of families together who would otherwise feel isolated and alone. Parents and carers are at the heart of everything we do. The voice of the parent is paramount.
Your safe space
Hansa founded Holding Space after her daughter struggled with her mental health and the lack of support for both of them.
Hansa’s story
“I felt so alone and a failure. As a parent I was meant to protect my daughter and I felt I had let her down. When I sought help, the professionals made me feel that it was my fault.
In 2019, I set up a Facebook page, hoping there was one other person I could talk to who would understand. The response was incredible and parents started sharing their stories. I never expected that years later I would run a charity across East Sussex with so many parents in need.
One of the resounding things is that parents want to be heard; they want to be listened to. For professionals to understand the struggles their child is facing. And to be offered support.
My passion is that families, children & young people are offered early intervention and support before they reach crisis point.
I wish Holding Space existed when I needed it
Remember “you are not alone.”
How we can help
We are a registered charity offering a range of support sessions from face-to-face to 1:1 support. Our team have lived experience and understand this journey. We wish someone had been there for us when we needed it. Most importantly for you to know that you are not alone.
Can you help us to bring our vision to life?
Holding Space is proudly supported by
Thank you to our sponsors
