A new short peer support video has been created to support families of children and young people preparing for admission to a Tier 4 inpatient service.
The video was developed in response to feedback from parent/carer Experts by Experience (EbEs) and families supported through the Family Ambassador service. Many parents said that when their young person was first admitted, they felt unprepared and wished they had access to insight from other families who had already experienced inpatient care.
The video shares honest reflections and advice from four parent/carer EbEs who have supported their own child through inpatient treatment. It aims to offer reassurance, practical understanding and a sense of connection for families facing what can be a very daunting stage of the pathway.
Parents involved in the project spoke openly about the emotional impact of admission and the complex mix of fear, guilt and uncertainty that families often experience at this stage.
“I really hope the video gives some insight to mums and dads whose child is going through the Tier 4 admission process. Admission is a very distressing time for the whole family, and I hope that talking about my experience helps to settle some nerves and shed some light on what is to come.”
— Parent/Carer Expert by Experience
“Being part of the peer support video was important to me because I remember how overwhelming it felt when my daughter was admitted. Even though I knew she needed Tier 4 support, the guilt was immense. I want parents to understand that they have not failed and that looking after their own wellbeing during this time is so important.
"Going from daily care to not seeing your young person for a week or more at a time can be incredibly hard. Families should know they remain an important part of the care team and have a vital role in supporting their child’s recovery. Take one day at a time and look for the green shoots — the small steps in the right direction.”
— Parent/Carer Expert by Experience
Another parent reflected on how connecting with others who had already experienced inpatient care helped them make sense of what was happening during an overwhelming time.
“When my daughter was first admitted there was so much happening that I didn’t understand. It was the most stressful time of my life and I felt completely overwhelmed.
Speaking to other parents with lived experience helped me make sense of what was happening, both from a system perspective and emotionally. Having your child admitted to hospital is a truly terrifying experience for any parent, and I wanted to be part of making things better so that others can face it with clearer guidance and less fear than we did.”
— Parent/Carer Expert by Experience
Who is the video for?
The video is designed primarily for parents and carers whose child or young person is about to be admitted to a Tier 4 inpatient unit. It aims to help families feel more prepared and less isolated at the start of the inpatient journey.
How will it be used?
The video will be shared with families at the pre‑admission stage through the Family Ambassador service and included within information resources for families entering Tier 4 pathways. It can also be used by case managers and community teams supporting families preparing for admission.
Where can it be accessed?
Watch the video here:
By bringing lived experience into the conversation earlier, this co‑produced resource aims to help families feel more informed, reassured and supported as they approach admission, while strengthening the role of participation and lived experience across the provider collaborative.
