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.

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.”