The Stress Bucket

The stress bucket metaphor (developed from an idea by Brabban and Turkington (2002) is a helpful way to think about how we can try to control the build up of stress in our lives.

Imagine you have a bucket you carry round with you which gradually fills up when you experience different types of stress. We have created the following resource to use with children.

We’re making a difference

Abi is amazing and helped our family so much when we were having struggles with our daughter.

- Parent – August 2025

When I came to The Parachute Project I was really struggling and could not cope with school. I only was going to school about 3 days a week and now, after several sessions, I feel so much better about going to High School. I think the thing that helped me the most was breathing exercises so I can calm myself down.

- Young person, aged 13

I don't quite know where we would be if I hadn't called you! I can still remember where I was in the house when I realised you were different, you understood our struggles and made me believe you could help.

- Parent

Thank you for all the wonderful sessions and time you've spent with our son the last few months, it has really helped him understand his emotions.

- Parent

Thank you for being such an important person to our son, you clearly have so many special gifts to make him feel so comfortable and valued.

- Parent

Thank you for listening and making him feel so comfortable and safe, you give him time and space.

- Parent

My daughter calls Abi her angel - she couldn't have got through the last two years without her.

- Parent

When things seemed so dark for me and "J", you were there to guide and support....a year on, she's a completely different girl, she's got the shine back in her eyes. Never in a million years will I be able to thank you for all the work you've done.

- Parent

Huge thanks. What you do for K is so vital. So grateful.

- Parent of child receiving online sessions

My son enjoyed his session every fortnight. He benefitted from the skills/strategies which he was provided with. He was able to talk about himself and his emotions which was a big step forward for him.

- Parent

Sharon has been amazing to help him but has also taken time to talk to myself about how I can help at home too. I would, and do, recommend The Parachute Project to anyone whose child could do with a bit of extra support.

- Parent of young person

Our child has gone from going to school an hour a day to full weeks, being able to regulate their emotions and work through their thoughts.

- Mother of child aged 7

Thank you for making me feel I could talk about things I didn't know how to.

- Young person

To Abi, I can't put into words how much our sessions have helped me. I am so glad to be able to have them as I feel like it changed me so much, for the good.

- Young person

Lucy and Abi provided great support to my daughter helping her to understand her worries and stresses and navigate her responses to those. This also helped those around her to support her and comfort and guide her with them too.

- Parent

I like how Sharon helps me if I get angry and she teaches me new breathing techniques.

- Child

I feel more confident moving up to high school and I know what to do when I'm worried about something.

- Child, aged 11

I think I've learnt how to manage my emotion and understand my ADHD. I owe my recovery and mindset to you and I'll always be grateful.

- Young person, aged 16

Abi has given us so much support and really helped turn an absolutely horrid situation into something we can move on with. Such lovely support with no judgement . You will feel safe and happy with Abi.

- Parent

The Parachute Project have been an absolute lifeline for our family. Our daughter, who struggles with ASD and sensory difficulties, has flourished….. from the outset, Lucy demonstrated a remarkable understanding of our daughter's needs and continues to go above and beyond to accommodate her anxieties.

- Parent

I will be forever grateful to The Parachute Project for supporting us through a very difficult time with our teen, and helping her find her way back to herself.

- Parent

The Parachute Project has helped me so much. I understand my feelings and feel happier.

- Child, aged 10

The Parachute Project has been a life saver for us and even though Abi is working with our son she is also able to give us support as parents and give us a positive and friendly face in a stressful situation.

- Dominique Grant

Abi has been absolutely fantastic with our son. She was really able to make him feel at ease and gave him and us the reassurance for him to open up and talk about his emotions more.

- Amy Janes

Few months ago son wouldn’t have dreamed of walking into school by himself and his anxiety got in the way !

- Sarah Gibbs

I think you guys did an amazing job you make me feel like I can face my fears and I really enjoyed these last few days. I hope you keep doing what you are doing to help other kids.

- Young person, aged 11

It was really good I enjoyed it, it was fun and I learnt things at the same time. I feel more confident on moving up to high school and I know what to do when I’m worried about something.

- Young person

The children were fully engaged in the sessions and learned so much.

- Year 2 class teacher

As a school, we feel that the support that The Parachute Project have provided for our pupils has been invaluable and we are looking forward to being able to continue to work with them in the future.

- Sophie Stephens

Abi and Freddie were very keen to provide exactly what we felt each group needed and worked closely with us to form this package of support which ran over five weeks and ended in week six with an information and Q and A session for parents.

- Kirsten Stibbon

Abi has helped me so much - I understand why I felt like I did and can manage it better.

- LH age 10

She is now able to manage her emotions and is much less likely to worry about things she can’t control.

- Teacher of child age 7

We trust Abi completely to guide us all through what has been a significant mental health crisis when no one else could.

- Parent of child age 15

From the very first time our daughter met Abi she formed an instant bond of trust, very very rare for her.  The sessions are something she looks forward to at a time when life is hard.

- Parent of child age 16

Abi, my son is so positive about his sessions with you.

- Parent of child age 17

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