In this section
Here at CAPS we know that being a parent or carer is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. But we also know that it can be very difficult at times too, especially if there are other things going on in your life.
It’s really normal to find some aspects of parenting difficult, or to find your child’s behaviour confusing and hard to manage.
The aim of CAPS is to support parents and carers to help their children to develop to their fullest potential. This includes supporting parents and carers with their children’s emotional and behavioural difficulties and to promote their school readiness.
Who we are
CAPS is a multi-agency team made up of Clinical Psychologists, Specialist Health Visitors, and Parent Group Leaders providing community-based psychological support to Manchester families with children under 5. The service is led by the NHS in partnership with Manchester City Council, Family Action, Barnardo’s, Big Life, and Manchester Home-Start.
What support we offer
Under 2s
Having a baby can be both an exciting and challenging time. At CAPS we recognise the importance of giving babies the best start in life for their emotional wellbeing, and this starts with supporting parents and carers. We offer a number of different types of support to parents and carers of under 2s and these interventions have been chosen due to their effectiveness:
Incredible Years Baby Parent Programme
We run Incredible Years Baby Parent Programme groups throughout the year and they are available for parents with babies aged between 2 and 4 months at the start of the programme. We also provide a free crèche for any other preschool children you might have. The programmes run weekly 2-hour sessions for 8 weeks in school term time. These groups support parents in the following:
- understanding how babies’ brains develop, and how to support this development
- understanding your baby and their own individual cues, and how to respond to these
- building the strongest relationship possible with your new baby
- feeling more confident as a parent of a new baby, and how to recognise and look after your own needs
More information about this course.
CAPS Preschool Psychology Clinic
We offer individual support to parents and carers in developing strong and secure bonds with their infant by using an intervention called Video Interaction Guidance. We also offer support to parents and carers whose children have gone through difficult times, and help them to understand the impact on the child’s wellbeing and behaviour. This includes supporting carers who have Special Guardianship Orders.
2-4 year olds
Incredible Years Preschool Parent Programme
We run Incredible Years Preschool Parent Programme groups throughout the year. The programme runs 2 hour weekly sessions for 14 weeks in school term time. We also provide a free crèche for any other preschool children you may have. These groups support parents and carers with the following:
- building their child’s language, academic, emotional and social skills to help them become ready for school
- supporting their child to develop independent behaviours and routines, such as mealtimes, bedtimes, getting dressed and following house rules
- managing behaviours such as tantrums, defiance and aggression
CAPS Preschool Psychology Clinic
We provide support to parents and carers of children from 2-4 in the following areas:
- building strength and security in the relationship between them and their child using Video Interaction Guidance
- supporting with specific difficulties with feeding, sleep and toileting
- supporting parents and carers of children with high levels of anxiety, including separation anxiety and specific phobias
- understanding behaviour in children with additional needs
- supporting children who have experience difficult early starts in life and understanding how this might impact their wellbeing and behaviour. This includes supporting carers who have Special Guardianship Orders.
For professionals
We also offer a telephone consultation service to Early Years professionals such as Health Visitors and Social Workers run by the Clinical Psychologists in CAPS, to discuss specific questions and potential referrals.
Where we work
CAPS aims to be flexible to families when offering support. We run groups and our Preschool Psychology Clinic in the Sure Start Children’s Centres across Manchester. We also offer appointments for our Preschool Psychology Clinic at Manchester CAMHS buildings, if this is more convenient. Home visits are also possible, depending on your situation, and the type of support offered.
How to access CAPS
Referrals to Incredible Years Parent Programmes
Referrals to our group programmes are made by telephone by Early Years Professionals to the Parent Group Leader in your area. Examples are your child’s Health Visitor, GP, Paediatrician, Social Worker or Outreach Worker. The Group Leader will then contact you to arrange a time to meet for an appointment.
Referrals to CAPS Preschool Psychology Clinic
Referrals to the Preschool Psychology Clinic are made by email or post by Early Years Professionals direct to the CAPS office. Examples are your child’s Health Visitor, GP, Paediatrician, Social Worker or Outreach Worker. You will receive a letter offering an appointment dated within 11 weeks of this referral.
Contact Details
North Manchester:
The Bridge
Unit C, Madison Place
Northampton Road
Moston
Manchester
M40 5BP
0161 203 3261
Central Manchester:
Millennium Powerhouse
140 Raby Street
Moss Side
Manchester
M14 4SL
0161 227 9960
South Manchester:
The Carol Kendrick Centre
Stratus House
Southmoor Rd
Wythenshawe
Manchester
M23 9XD
0161 902 3423