Welcome to your go-to space for supporting family mental wellbeing in East Ayrshire.

Fed up looking for reliable information about how to help your child improve their wellbeing and mental health!!!!!

Look no further, this site will give you access to recommended* information on wellbeing and the most common mental health issues experienced by children and young people in EA.

*Recommended by NHS A&A, Exchange Counselling, Children First, Kooth and EAC Education Staff.

Looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health. We all have mental health. It’s normal for it to go up and down – both for us and for our children – depending on what’s happening in our lives. Just like we encourage healthy eating and regular exercise, there are simple things we can do every day to support our mental wellbeing.

Small, everyday actions help build resilience and give us and our children the tools to cope with life’s ups and downs, helping us feel more confident, connected, and in control. On this site, you’ll find practical tips, self-help tools, and links to trusted local and national resources to support you and your family’s mental health and wellbeing.

10 simple ways to feel better every day

There are lots of things you and your family can do every day to support and improve your mental wellbeing.

You don’t need to do them all at once. Try one or two to start with and build up slowly in a way that works for you and your family. This will build resilience and help you cope with challenging times.

Eat well and drink sensibly – Try to eat meals together when you can. Let the children help with simple food prep or picking out fruit and veg. They’re more likely to eat it if they’ve helped make it!
Keep moving – Walk, scoot, or cycle to school. Put on your favourite playlist while tidying up and turn chores into a mini workout!
Get some sleep – A calm bedtime routine helps the whole family wind down. Try reading together or doing a quiet activity before bed.
Do something you enjoy – Make time for something that makes you smile, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Let the family see you enjoying your own hobbies and join in with theirs too.
Take a break – Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air or sit down with a cuppa. Encourage your kids to take quiet time too, maybe with a book, drawing, or just a cuddle.
Stay in touch – Call a friend or message someone you trust. Get the kids to draw a picture or write a note to send to a grandparent or neighbour.
Be kind to yourself – Remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Talk to your kids about mistakes being part of learning. Yours and theirs!
Look after others (and pets!) – Let children help feed the pet, water the plants, or make a card for someone. Helping others builds confidence and connection.
Talk about how you’re feeling – Share your feelings in simple ways like “I’m feeling a bit tired today”. Encouraging the whole family to do the same helps them learn that all feelings are okay.
Ask for help if you need it – Let your children see that it’s okay to ask for help from a friend, a teacher, or a support service. It teaches them that no one has to cope alone.