Your Questions, Answered
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North Star works with parents, young people and organisations. Our work focuses on family life and the relationships within it, helping people understand what is happening and develop the skills to deal with it well.
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We bring professional experience and knowledge into the conversation rather than relying on self-direction. We may offer a different perspective, teach a useful concept or suggest something to try. Our work is developmental rather than clinical; it isn't psychotherapy, counselling or medical treatment.
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NORTH is the framework behind our work: North, Own, Relate, Talk, Hold. It gives us five areas to pay attention to when we want to understand ourselves and our relationships better. It is useful when something isn't working, but importantly, it also helps us build strong foundations before we need them
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North Star programmes are delivered by the founders, Liz and Katie. Our backgrounds include General Practice, adolescent mental health, military medicine, journalism and coaching. You can read more about our experience on the About page.
Whether you're considering support for your family or exploring what North Star could offer your organisation, here are some of the questions we're often asked.
For Organisations
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We offer workshops, Lunch and Learns and our longer NORTH Path programme for working parents. We also provide targeted programmes around particular stages of family life, including returning to work after parental leave.
Where an employee needs individual support, we can discuss whether one-to-one work would be appropriate.
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Our workplace programmes are primarily designed for working parents. Some sessions may also be relevant to managers or others with caring responsibilities, depending on the needs of the organisation.
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Yes, within the scope of our expertise. We start by understanding your workforce and what you already provide. From there, we can recommend an existing North Star programme or adapt the content where appropriate.
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North Star isn't intended to replace occupational health, counselling or existing employee benefits. We sit further upstream, helping working parents develop their understanding of family life and relationships before difficulties begin to affect their wellbeing or working life.
Families and young people
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You don't need to decide that before contacting us. Tell us what's happening and what you would like to be different. We'll be straightforward about whether we think North Star is the right fit and, if not, whether another kind of support would be more appropriate.
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All three, but this can vary depending on circumstances. Sometimes changing what happens around a young person is more useful than working directly with them. Sometimes a young person wants an independent mentoring space. Sometimes family work makes sense.
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Our work with young people is mainly focused on secondary-school age upwards, with most one-to-one mentoring involving older teenagers and young adults.
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No. In fact, much of our work isn't about a "problem" at all. A young person might be making decisions about A levels or university, working out what direction they want to take, or simply benefit from having an experienced adult outside home and school to talk things through with.
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We want young people to be able to speak openly with us, so we don't routinely report the content of sessions back to parents. We explain the limits of confidentiality clearly before work begins. If we become concerned about a young person's safety or welfare, we will act in line with our safeguarding responsibilities.
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North Star isn't a mental-health treatment service. We work with the ordinary challenges of adolescence and family life.
If someone's primary need is assessment or treatment for a mental-health condition, we will recommend appropriate clinical support. Our previous clinical experience informs our work, but North Star does not provide medical care.
Still have a question?
We’re happy to talk through whether North Star is the right fit.
About North Star
