Not every child meets the criteria for formal support – but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it. Growing Minds work with children and young people who may be anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, yet fall below the usual “thresholds” for help.
We offer tailored support for children, young people and families navigating neurodevelopmental needs through Neurodevelopmental Profile, Support Sessions and Professional Counselling for Children. We offer schools in Norfolk and Suffolk Staff Training on ASD and Neurodevelopmental Needs, host free Coffee Mornings for Families and Referrals to External Therapists, ensuring the right support to help every child grow and thrive.
With years of experience and a strong belief that every child deserves to be understood, Growing Minds is here to help you and your family along the way.
Too often, support for children begins only when they reach a crisis point – or after a long wait for a diagnosis. At Growing Minds we are here to change that.
Our new service is built around a simple but powerful idea. To support children before they reach crisis point and offer help well beyond diagnosis.
Growing Minds offers a space built on empathy, understanding and respect for each young person’s individuality. If you’re seeking the right support for your child, you’ve come to the right place.
At the heart of what we do is a simple belief – Every child and every family deserves to be seen, heard and supported.
Find out more about Growing Minds and how we can help.
We understand how tough times can be for you and your child and how important it is to get answers when you need them. If you choose Growing Minds we promise we won’t let you or your child down. Every enquiry is a priority and we’ll respond as quickly as we can – keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our founder Francine Wilks brings over 15 years of experience working with children and families across a wide range of settings – from hospital wards and A&E departments to specialist provisions, mainstream schools, clinics and within the community across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Above all, we offer a safe, welcoming space to share experiences and connect with others who understand. Whether you’re looking for advice, connection, or simply a listening ear we can introduce you to other families keen to share and help each other.
Our team has both professional expertise and lived experiences so we understand how easily needs can be overlooked and the difference it makes when someone truly listens.
Growing Minds works with several professionals who are available to accept referrals to a range of complementary therapeutic services, including Play Specialists, Occupational Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Gardening Therapy and Behavioural management.
Francine, you are wonderful.
Thank you so much for all of this. There is so much that you’ve written that I know will help, and it explains all these little things that turn into big things.
For example, the same song on the way to school and the same breakfast. He already has the same breakfast every day and watches the same series on telly before school.
I’m really feeling so understood for the first time. Everyone has always just said, ‘he wears his heart on his sleeve,’ and I’ve always felt like, ‘no, it’s more than that,’ but never said it.
You understand him more than most of his family and teachers, and you haven’t even met him!
Very thankful for you being there for us, really. Thank you xxx
We are so thankful our son has found someone like Francine to help him and us.
I feel more positive because I felt like I had all the knowledge I needed in that moment. So a massive thank you to you for already teaching us so much and making us feel so prepared to deal with this. Really grateful to have you helping us.
Francine was amazing through the whole experience with my child; from the moment we met her, he felt at ease and her advice and support have been incredible.
Our sessions with Francine have been so valuable to us – our ten year old is having CBT once a week, Francine pours so much time and effort into making these sessions bespoke to our Son. She checks in regularly to keep us informed on what the session will include each week, and also to see what struggles there may have been through the week to focus on.
Our Son finds great comfort in seeing Francine, he has a very safe place to be honest and unmask, and often asks to see her. For that we are so grateful.
Francine is incredibly knowledgeable and has so much enthusiasm to help. Her compassion and devotion make for a very unique skill set that provides immeasurable support and advice.
We are forever grateful to Francine.
If you would like to find out more about our services or training, let us know and we can arrange a free consultation.
If you would like to find out more about our services or training, let us know and we can arrange a free consultation.
