HELP is at hand for Marlow mum and dads from next month with the launch of a new course on surviving parenting.

The 10-week lunchtime course, run by charity South Bucks Counselling, starts on May 8 and is aimed at parents and children of all ages.

It will consider the emotional demands of loving, caring for and guiding children and will explore some of the key difficulties facing parents, including improving communication and the impact family history and experiences have on parenting.

South Bucks Counselling was set up over 30 years ago in Marlow by the community to provide affordable counselling in the area.

The charity HQ has since moved to High Wycombe but many of the staff, volunteers and clients live in Marlow.

Catherine Simmons, who runs the charity, said, “Marlow has great schools; lots of facilities; a friendly atmosphere and many parents move here to start or bring up their family.

"This is the first time we have run this course but we chose to come back to our roots and run it in Marlow to support the families here.

“It is a unique course that will allow parents to consider the myriad of emotional factors involved in raising children and how to survive the emotional and practical aspects of parenting."

The course is run by a qualified and experienced counsellor using some discussion and group work as well as practical exercises.

The Course Tutor, Dr Christine English, is Head of Counselling at South Bucks Counselling. She teaches at University College London and is a mother of two.

The cost of the course is £195 for 10 weeks, and runs on Thursday lunchtimes, 12 - 2pm.

To find out more contact catherine@southbuckscounselling.org or go to:www.southbuckscounselling.org/training/parenting